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Sekihara K, Himuro H, Toda S, Saito N, Hirayama R, Suganuma N, Sasada T, Hoshino D. Recent Trends and Potential of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1286. [PMID: 38927493 PMCID: PMC11201408 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy characterized by advanced disease at diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Despite multimodal therapeutic approaches that include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, an optimal treatment strategy remains elusive. Current developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapy offer promising avenues for improved outcomes, particularly for BRAF-mutant patients. However, challenges remain regarding overcoming drug resistance and developing effective treatments for BRAF-wild-type tumors. This comprehensive review examines the clinical and biological features of ATC, outlines the current standards of care, and discusses recent developments with a focus on the evolving role of radiotherapy. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and highlights the urgent need for further research to better understand ATC pathogenesis and identify new therapeutic targets. Collaborative efforts, including large-scale clinical trials, are essential for translating these findings into improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Sekihara
- Cancer Biology Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (K.S.); (S.T.); (N.S.)
- Biospecimen Center, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama 2418515, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Himuro
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (H.H.); (T.S.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama 2418515, Japan
| | - Soji Toda
- Cancer Biology Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (K.S.); (S.T.); (N.S.)
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama 2320024, Japan
| | - Nao Saito
- Cancer Biology Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (K.S.); (S.T.); (N.S.)
- Biospecimen Center, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama 2418515, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Hirayama
- Department of Charged Particle Therapy Research, QST Hospital, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 2638555, Japan;
| | - Nobuyasu Suganuma
- Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 2360004, Japan;
| | - Tetsuro Sasada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (H.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Daisuke Hoshino
- Cancer Biology Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama 2418515, Japan; (K.S.); (S.T.); (N.S.)
- Biospecimen Center, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama 2418515, Japan
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Lüdeking M, Stemwedel K, Ramachandran D, Grosche S, Christiansen H, Merten R, Henkenberens C, Bogdanova NV. Efficiency of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy in NSCLC cell model. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1293745. [PMID: 38720797 PMCID: PMC11076864 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1293745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The current standard of radiotherapy for inoperable locally advanced NSCLCs with single fraction doses of 2.0 Gy, results in poor outcomes. Several fractionation schedules have been explored that developed over the past decades to increasingly more hypofractionated treatments. Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy, as an alternative treatment, has gained clinical importance due to shorter duration and higher patient convenience. However, clinical trials show controversial results, adding to the need for pre-clinical radiobiological studies of this schedule. Methods We examined in comparative analysis the efficiency of moderate hypofractionation and normofractionation in four different NSCLC cell lines and fibroblasts using several molecular-biological approaches. Cells were daily irradiated with 24x2.75 Gy (moderate hypofractionation) or with 30x2 Gy (normofractionation), imitating the clinical situation. Proliferation and growth rate via direct counting of cell numbers, MTT assay and measurements of DNA-synthesizing cells (EdU assay), DNA repair efficiency via immunocytochemical staining of residual γH2AX/53BP1 foci and cell surviving via clonogenic assay (CSA) were experimentally evaluated. Results Overall, the four tumor cell lines and fibroblasts showed different sensitivity to both radiation regimes, indicating cell specificity of the effect. The absolute cell numbers and the CSA revealed significant differences between schedules (P < 0.0001 for all employed cell lines and both assays) with a stronger effect of moderate hypofractionation. Conclusion Our results provide evidence for the similar effectiveness and toxicity of both regimes, with some favorable evidence towards a moderate hypofractionation. This indicates that increasing the dose per fraction may improve patient survival and therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Lüdeking
- Radiation Oncology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Stemwedel
- Radiation Oncology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dhanya Ramachandran
- Radiation Oncology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Gynaecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sinja Grosche
- Radiation Oncology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans Christiansen
- Radiation Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roland Merten
- Radiation Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Henkenberens
- Radiation Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Radiation Oncology, Dorothea Christiane Erxleben Clinic, Wernigerode, Germany
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Di Paola R, De A, Capasso A, Giuliana S, Ranieri R, Ruosi C, Sciarra A, Vitagliano C, Perna AF, Capasso G, Simeoni M. Impact of Thyroid Cancer Treatment on Renal Function: A Relevant Issue to Be Addressed. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050813. [PMID: 37240983 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancers require complex and heterogeneous therapies with different impacts on renal function. In our systematic literature review, we analyzed several aspects: renal function assessment, the impact of radiotherapy and thyroid surgery on kidney functioning, and mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of different chemotherapy, targeted and immunologic drugs. Our study revealed that the renal impact of thyroid cancer therapy can be a limiting factor in all radiotherapy, surgery, and pharmacological approaches. It is advisable to conduct a careful nephrological follow-up imposing the application of body surface based estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) formulas for the purpose of an early diagnosis and treatment of renal failure, guaranteeing the therapy continuation to thyroid cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Paola
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ananya De
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capasso
- Department of Oncology, Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 75063, USA
| | - Sofia Giuliana
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Specialist General Surgery, University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Ranieri
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Specialist General Surgery, University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Ruosi
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Specialist General Surgery, University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Sciarra
- Department of Oncologic Surgery, Translational Medical Sciences at University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Vitagliano
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Specialist General Surgery, University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra F Perna
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences at University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Mariadelina Simeoni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences at University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
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Mustafa DH, Ahmed BS, Haweizy RM, Dewana AM. Evaluation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. BMC Surg 2022; 22:364. [PMID: 36271386 PMCID: PMC9587643 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and lethal disease that accounts for 1–2% of thyroid malignancies. It is an aggressive locoregional disease with a high rate of distant metastasis, a poor prognosis, and a mean survival rate of 3–6 months after diagnosis. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical and pathological features of ATC to assess treatment procedures and its outcome. Methods We analysed data from 22 patients diagnosed with ATC from 2018 to 2021, using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to determine overall survival. Results Patients’ median age was 64.3 ± 17.1 years. Females were more affected (male/female ratio: 1:1.7); 14 cases occurred in females (63.6.4%), and eight in males (36.4%). The most common manifestations were neck enlargement (81.8%) and dyspnoea (72.27%), and the tumour size was > 4 cm in 17 (77.3%) patients. The percentage of cases that presented in clinical-stage IVA was 36.4%, with 31.8% presenting in clinical-stage IVB and 31.8% presenting in clinical-stage VIB. Among 22 cases, 14 (63.6%) were operable, and 8 (36.4) were inoperable (p = 0.015). Multimodal therapies were associated with better survival (surgery plus radiotherapy without systemic treatment, P = 0.063). The median overall survival was three months (IC 95%, 0.078–5.922). One-year and two-year survival rates were 9% and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusion ATC is a rapidly growing cancer that, fortunately, is rare. Early diagnosis and multimodality treatment may provide a better quality of life and survival time for this group of patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-022-01810-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilshad Hamad Mustafa
- Department of Faciomaxillary Surgery, College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.
| | | | | | - Azhy Muhammed Dewana
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
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Choi DH, Kim DW, Ahn SH, Choi SH, Jang YJ, Kwon NH, Seok JH, Park SH, Ahn WS, Kim JS. Shielding evaluator actual treatment leaf: A program for automatic shielding assessment using patient data. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Schmied M, Lettmaier S, Semrau S, Traxdorf M, Mantsopoulos K, Mueller SK, Iro H, Denz A, Grützmann R, Fietkau R, Haderlein M. Radio(chemo)therapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer-high locoregional but low distant control rates-a monocentric analysis of a tertiary referral center. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 198:994-1001. [PMID: 35522270 PMCID: PMC9581821 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01943-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a lethal disease with highly aggressive disease progression. This study analyses the influence of radio(chemo)therapy, R(C)T, on disease control, survival rates and predictors for survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 33 patients with ATC, treated at a tertiary referral center between May 2001 and April 2020 were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate correlates of R(C)T and predictors on disease control and survival rates. RESULTS Median follow-up was 4 months. In UICC stage IVA and IVB median overall survival (OS) was 8 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months. Patients with UICC stage IVA and IVB and patients being irradiated with a radiation dose of more than 60 Gy showed increased OS. Of these patients, 3 were alive and free from disease. All of them receiving cisplatin-based radiochemotherapy and a minimum radiation dose of 66 Gy. UICC stage IVC showed a median OS of 2.5 months and a median PFS of 1 month. Only 2 of 16 patients had local failure. CONCLUSION Depending on UICC stage, RT with high radiation dose can lead to improved OS or at least higher locoregional control. A limiting factor is the high incidence of distant metastases; therefore modern systemic treatment options should be integrated into multimodal therapy concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schmied
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lettmaier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Semrau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Traxdorf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Waldstrasse 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Mantsopoulos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Waldstrasse 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sarina K Mueller
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Waldstrasse 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Iro
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Waldstrasse 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Axel Denz
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marlen Haderlein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Gao RW, Foote RL, Garces YI, Ma DJ, Neben-Wittich M, Routman DM, Patel SH, Ko SJ, McGee LA, Bible KC, Chintakuntlawar AV, Ryder M, Morris JC, Van Abel KM, Rivera M, Abraha F, Lester SC. Outcomes and Patterns of Recurrence for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Treated with Comprehensive Chemoradiotherapy. Pract Radiat Oncol 2021; 12:113-119. [PMID: 34715395 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in locoregional tumor control for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Due to its rarity, RT guidelines for ATC are lacking. We describe ATC patterns of nodal disease at presentation and progression and propose corresponding RT target volumes. MATERIALS/METHODS We identified all patients with ATC treated at our institution with definitive or adjuvant IMRT and concomitant chemotherapy from 2006 to 2020. We identified in-field, marginal, and out-of-field sites of locoregional recurrence and progression (LRR). RESULTS Forty-seven patients met inclusion. Median follow-up was 6.6 months (IQR: 1.9-19.6). Nodal levels involved at presentation included: IB (2.1%), II (23.4%), III (21.3%), IV (21.3%), V (12.8%), VI (34%), and mediastinal (6.4%). All patients received elective nodal RT to levels II-IV and VI. RT volumes also included: IA (23.4%), IB (44.7%), V (87.2%), retropharyngeal/retrostyloid (RP/RS) (27.7%), and mediastinal 1-6 (53.2%). Cumulative incidence of LRR at 3- and 12-months was 26.1% (95% CI: 15.9-42.8) and 35.7% (23.9-53.4). Isolated LRR risk at 3- and 12-months was 6.5% (2.2-19.8) and 8.9% (3.4-22.9). Fourteen (29.8%) patients experienced in-field LRR in the thyroid gland or postoperative tumor bed, II-IV, VI, and mediastinal 1 and 3A. Four (8.5%) patients had marginal LRRs, 3 of whom progressed in the mediastinum at 2, 3P, 4, and 6. Two (4.3%) patients experienced out-of-field LRRs. Throughout the pre-treatment and follow-up period, no patients had disease at IA and 1 (2.1%) patient each had disease at IB and RP/RS. No baseline or treatment characteristics, including RT dose (stratified by < or ≥66 Gy), were significant predictors of LRR on univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Isolated LRR risk in patients with ATC treated with comprehensive RT and chemotherapy is low. Aggressive multimodality therapy should be reserved for willing, fit patients with no or limited distant disease burden. When treating comprehensively, complete inclusion of mediastinal levels 1-6 may be warranted to avoid marginal disease progression. Omission of levels I and RP/RS can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Robert L Foote
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yolanda I Garces
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - David M Routman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Samir H Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Stephen J Ko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Lisa A McGee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Feven Abraha
- Biostatistics & Information, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Scott C Lester
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Augustin T, Oliinyk D, Rauch J, Koehler VF, Spitzweg C, Belka C, KÄsmann L. Radiation to the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. In Vivo 2021; 35:461-465. [PMID: 33402497 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer is associated with a dismal prognosis. We evaluated outcome and prognostic factors in patients receiving radiation to the primary tumor in metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). PATIENTS AND METHODS All consecutive patients with metastatic ATC (n=20) undergoing irradiation between 2009 and 2019 for anaplastic thyroid cancer were investigated. RESULTS Median survival time and median progression-free survival were 2 (range=1-22) and 2 (1-20) months. In univariate analyses, surgery, concurrent or sequential chemotherapy and higher radiation dose escalation (>39 Gy) were correlated with longer overall survival (p=0.005, p=0.018 and p=0.038), respectively. Karnofsky performance status >70% showed a trend of longer survival time (p=0.062). Limited metastatic disease, surgery and concurrent/sequential chemotherapy are correlated with longer progression-free survival times (p=0.043, p=0.024 and p=0.039), respectively. CONCLUSION Radiation to the primary tumor in metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer is safe and offers durable local control. Treatment intensification including concurrent or sequential chemotherapy and radiation dose escalation were associated with longer survival rates and should be considered in selected patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Augustin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dmytro Oliinyk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Josefine Rauch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas KÄsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
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Wang Y. Advances in Hypofractionated Irradiation-Induced Immunosuppression of Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 11:612072. [PMID: 33569059 PMCID: PMC7868375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypofractionated radiotherapy is external beam irradiation delivered at higher doses in fewer fractions than conventional standard radiotherapy, which can stimulate innate and adaptive immunity to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer. The enhancement effect of hypofractionated irradiation to immune response has been widely investigated, which is considered an approach to expand the benefit of immunotherapy. Meanwhile, increasing evidence suggests that hypofractionated irradiation may induce or enhance the suppression of immune microenvironments. However, the suppressive effects of hypofractionated irradiation on immunomicroenvironment and the molecular mechanisms involved in these conditions are largely unknown. In this context, we summarized the immune mechanisms associated with hypofractionated irradiation, highlighted the advances in its immunosuppressive effect, and further discussed the potential mechanism behind this effect. In our opinion, besides its immunogenic activity, hypofractionated irradiation also triggers homeostatic immunosuppressive mechanisms that may counterbalance antitumor effects. And this may suggest that a combination with immunotherapy could possibly improve the curative potential of hypofractionated radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhou W, Yue Y, Zhang X. Radiotherapy Plus Chemotherapy Leads to Prolonged Survival in Patients With Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Compared With Radiotherapy Alone Regardless of Surgical Resection and Distant Metastasis: A Retrospective Population Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:748023. [PMID: 34790169 PMCID: PMC8592390 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.748023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) patients benefit more from radiotherapy plus chemotherapy (RCT) than from radiotherapy alone (RT) was controversial. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of RCT versus RT on ATC overall and within subgroups by surgical resection and distant metastasis in a large real-world cohort. METHODS Patients with ATC diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was performed to balance variables between the two groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and Fine-Gray compete-risk model were carried out to investigate prognostic factors relating to overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Subgroup analysis was carried out, and a forest plot was graphed. RESULTS Of the 491 ATC patients, 321 (65.4%) were in the RCT group and 170 (34.6%) were in the RT group. The median OS was 4 months [interquartile range (IQR) 2-7] and 2 months (IQR 1-4) for patients in the RCT and RT groups, respectively. As indicated by the inverse probability weighting multivariate regression, RCT was associated with significantly improved OS (adjusted HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56-0.85, p < 0.001) and CSS (adjusted subdistribution HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.96, p = 0.018). The prominent effect of RCT versus RT alone remains significant within each subgroup stratified by surgical resection and distant metastasis. Older age, single marital status, surgical resection, distant metastasis, and tumor extension were significant prognostic factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS RCT contributes to prolonged OS and CSS compared with RT alone in ATC patients, regardless of surgical resection and distant metastasis. RCT should be preferentially applied to ATC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Health Management, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Zhang,
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Clinical Outcome and Toxicity in the Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer in Elderly Patients. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103231. [PMID: 33050286 PMCID: PMC7600138 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study aims to evaluate the outcomes and toxicity of elderly anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) patients receiving (chemo)radiotherapy, as well as to identify prognostic factors. Patients and methods: A systematic review using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane databases was performed. Individual data from all eligible studies were extracted, and a pooled analysis (n = 186) was conducted to examine patient characteristics and treatment. All consecutive ATC patients (≥65 years) treated between 2009 and 2019 at our institution were evaluated for outcomes concerning progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) probabilities and treatment-related toxicity. Results: The systematic review and pooled analysis identified age as a prognostic factor. The median OS of our patient cohort (n = 26) was three months (range = 0–125). The 6-, 12- and 24-month survival rates were 35%, 22% and 11%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, a Karnofsky performance status of >70%, the Union for International Cancer Control Tumor–Node–Metastasis classification, multimodal therapy and an EQD2 of >49 Gy were correlated with longer OS and PFS. The acute grade 3 toxicity of dysphagia, dyspnea, dermatitis, mucositis and dysphonia was found in 23%, 15%, 12%, 12% and 8% of patients. Conclusion: Age appears to be a prognostic factor in ATC. Elderly ATC patients can tolerate multimodal treatment and achieve a promising outcome. Prospective studies need to confirm our findings.
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