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Possiel J, Ammon HE, Guhlich M, Conradi LC, Ghadimi M, Wolff HA, Schirmer MA, Samel S, Mügge M, Rieken S, Leu M, Dröge LH. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Improves Outcomes in Definitive Radiochemotherapy for Anal Cancer Whilst Reducing Acute Toxicities and Increasing Treatment Compliance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112533. [PMID: 34064061 PMCID: PMC8196749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is the standard of care in definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for anal cancer. Only a limited number of studies have analyzed the clinical results with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy, the advanced form of IMRT). We conducted a retrospective study on patients treated at our institution. We compared the outcomes of VMAT-treated and 3DCRT (3D conformal radiotherapy)-treated patients. VMAT reduced acute toxicities (i.e., primarily dermatitis and enteritis) to a great extent. Additionally, VMAT relevantly improved treatment compliance (i.e., less CRT interruptions/delays, shorter overall treatment time, and higher absolute 5-fluorouracil dose applied). Finally, we found improved cancer-specific survival and distant control in VMAT-treated patients. The present study underlines the great progress that has been achieved with IMRT/VMAT in the CRT of anal cancer. Our study is the first to demonstrate an improvement in treatment compliance and outcomes with VMAT. Future studies could address whether VMAT is advantageous when compared to conventional IMRT. Abstract Background: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is the standard of care in chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for anal cancer. Until now, only a limited number of studies have analyzed the results with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy). We conducted a retrospective study on patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: We included patients who received curative CRT for anal cancer. We compared VMAT-treated and 3DCRT (3D conformal radiotherapy)-treated patients. We analyzed toxicities (acute: CTCAE criteria; late: LENT/SOMA criteria), treatment compliance, overall survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), distant control (DC), and locoregional control. Results: A total of 149 patients (3DCRT: n = 87, VMAT: n = 62) were included. The median follow-up was longer in 3DCRT-treated patients (3DCRT: 61.3 months; VMAT: 39.1 months; p < 0.05). VMAT-treated patients had more G3 tumors (3DCRT: 12/87 (13.8%); VMAT: 18/62 (29.0%), p < 0.001). VMAT reduced acute toxicities ≥grade 3 (3DCRT: n = 48/87 (55.2%); VMAT: n = 11/62 (17.7%), p < 0.001). VMAT improved treatment compliance (less interruptions/delays) (3DCRT: 37/87, 42.5%; VMAT: 4/62, 6.5%; p < 0.001), provided a shorter median overall treatment time (3DCRT: 41 days; VMAT: 38 days; p = 0.02), and gave a higher median absolute 5-fluorouracil dose (3DCRT: 13,700 mg; VMAT: 14,400 mg; p = 0.001). Finally, we found improved CSS (p = 0.02; 3DCRT: 81.9% at 3 years; VMAT: 94.1% at 3 years) and DC (p = 0.01; 3DCRT: 89.4% at 3 years; VMAT: 100.0% at 3 years) with VMAT. Summary: Our study is the first to demonstrate improved treatment compliance and outcomes with VMAT for anal cancer. Previous studies have indicated that organs at risk sparing might be more improved with the use of VMAT vs. with conventional IMRT. Future studies should address whether these advantages lead to a further reduction in CRT-associated morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Possiel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Hanne Elisabeth Ammon
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Manuel Guhlich
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (L.-C.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (L.-C.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Hendrik Andreas Wolff
- University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy, Radiology Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Anton Schirmer
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Stephan Samel
- Praxis für Koloproktologie und chirurgische Endoskopie, Waldweg 1, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michael Mügge
- Praxis für Koloproktologie und chirurgische Endoskopie, Waldweg 1, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Stefan Rieken
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Martin Leu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Leif Hendrik Dröge
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (J.P.); (H.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.A.S.); (S.R.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-398-866
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Dee EC, Byrne JD, Wo JY. Evolution of the Role of Radiotherapy for Anal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1208. [PMID: 33801992 PMCID: PMC8001637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to the 1980s, the primary management of localized anal cancer was surgical resection. Dr. Norman Nigro and colleagues introduced neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to abdominoperineal resection. Chemoradiotherapy 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C afforded patients complete pathologic response and obviated the need for upfront surgery. More recent studies have attempted to alter or exclude chemotherapy used in the Nigro regimen to mitigate toxicity, often with worse outcomes. Reductions in acute adverse effects have been associated with marked advancements in radiotherapy delivery using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guidance radiation delivery, resulting in increased tolerance to greater radiation doses. Ongoing trials are attempting to improve IMRT-based treatment of locally advanced disease with efforts to increase personalized treatment. Studies are also examining the role of newer treatment modalities such as proton therapy in treating anal cancer. Here we review the evolution of radiotherapy for anal cancer and describe recent advances. We also elaborate on radiotherapy's role in locally persistent or recurrent anal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James D. Byrne
- Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Jennifer Y. Wo
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Sauter M, Lombriser N, Bütikofer S, Keilholz G, Kranzbühler H, Heinrich H, Rogler G, Vavricka SR, Misselwitz B. Improved treatment outcome and lower skin toxicity with intensity-modulated radiotherapy vs. 3D conventional radiotherapy in anal cancer. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 196:356-367. [PMID: 31980834 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-019-01534-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiochemotherapy is the standard treatment for anal carcinoma (ACa). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has been introduced, allowing focused irradiation of the tumor area. Whether physical benefits of IMRT translate to clinical benefits has not been sufficiently demonstrated. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data from 82 patients with newly diagnosed ACa. Patients treated with IMRT were compared with previous patients treated with conventional three-dimensional computational radiotherapy (3D-CRT). The influence of IMRT on complete remission and acute and chronic side effects was analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS 39/40 patients treated with IMRT were in complete remission after 1 year compared to 31/39 patients treated with 3D-CRT (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis confirmed tumor T stage as well as lack of IMRT treatment as risk factors for persistent tumor at 6 months. No significant benefits of IMRT were apparent at later timepoints (median follow up 52 months, IQR: 31.5-71.8 months). Patients treated with IMRT had a significantly lower degree of skin toxicity (median 2 vs. 3 in a scale ranging from 0 to 3, p = 0.00092). Rates of hematological toxicity/proctitis were not reduced and rates of acute diarrhea increased (p = 0.034). Median length of hospitalization tended to be shorter in patients treated with IMRT (n. s.). CONCLUSION We present a real-world experience of shifting radiation technique from conventional 3D-CRT to IMRT. IMRT patients had better tumor control at 1 year and lower degrees of skin toxicity. Our data indicate that IMRT can enable therapies with lower side effects with equal or better oncological results for patients with ACa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Sauter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland. .,University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Clarunis, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Gastroenterology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Simon Bütikofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Keilholz
- Division of Radio-Oncology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Henriette Heinrich
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Rogler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan R Vavricka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Clarunis, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Misselwitz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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De Bari B, Jumeau R, Bouchaab H, Vallet V, Matzinger O, Troussier I, Mirimanoff RO, Wagner AD, Hanhloser D, Bourhis J, Ozsahin EM. Efficacy and safety of helical tomotherapy with daily image guidance in anal canal cancer patients. Acta Oncol 2016; 55:767-73. [PMID: 27034083 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2015.1120886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and purpose Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), also using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and helical tomotherapy (HT) techniques, has been only recently introduced for treating anal cancer patients. We report efficacy and safety HT, and daily image-guided RT (IGRT) for anal cancer. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed efficacy and toxicity of HT with or without chemotherapy for anal cancer patients. Local control (LC) and grade 3 or more toxicity rate (CTC-AE v.4.0) were the primary endpoints. Overall (OS), disease-free (DFS), and colostomy-free survival (CFS) are also reported. Results Between October 2007 and May 2014, 78 patients were treated. Fifty patients presented a stage II or stage IIIA (UICC 2002), and 33 presented a N1-3 disease. Radiotherapy consisted of 36 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) delivered on the pelvis and on the anal canal, with a sequential boost up to 59.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) delivered to the anal and to nodal gross tumor volumes. Concomitant chemotherapy was delivered in 73 patients, mainly using mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil (n = 30) or mitomycin C and capecitabine combination (n = 37). After a median follow-up period of 47 months (range 3-75), the five-year LC rate was 83.8% (95% CI 76.2-91.4%). Seven patients underwent a colostomy because of local recurrence (n = 5) or pretreatment dysfunction (n = 2). Overall incidence of grade 3 acute toxicity was 24%, mainly as erythema (n = 15/19) or diarrhea (n = 7/19). Two patients presented a late grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity (anal incontinence). No grade 4 acute or late toxicity was recorded. Conclusions HT with daily IGRT is efficacious and safe in the treatment of anal canal cancer patients, and is considered in our department standard of care in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berardino De Bari
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Jumeau
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hasna Bouchaab
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Véronique Vallet
- Medical Physics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Matzinger
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Idriss Troussier
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - René-Olivier Mirimanoff
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Dorothea Wagner
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Hanhloser
- Surgery Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Bourhis
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Esat Mahmut Ozsahin
- Radiation Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abstract
Chemoradiotherapy is the standard-of-care treatment of squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), and this has not changed in decades. Radiation doses of 50-60 Gy, as used in many phase III trials, result in substantial late morbidities and fail to control larger and node-positive tumours. Technological advances in radiation therapy are improving patient outcomes and quality of life, and should be applied to patients with SCCA. Modern techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), rotational IMRT, image-guided radiotherapy using cone-beam CT, and stereotactic techniques have enabled smaller margins and highly conformal plans, resulting in decreased radiation doses to the organs at risk and ensuring a shorter overall treatment time. In this Perspectives article, the use of novel approaches to target delineation, optimized radiotherapy techniques, adaptive radiotherapy, dose-escalation with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy, and the potential for modified fractionation are discussed in the context of SCCA.
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