Re-irradiation of locoregional esophageal cancer recurrence following definitive chemoradiotherapy: A report of 6 cases

Re-irradiation for local primary-recurrence esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with IMRT/VMAT

PURPOSE

Local primary-recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after definitive treatment has the potential for increasing overall survival with re-irradiation (Re-RT), especially with advanced technique. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicities of Re-RT using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for local primary-recurrence of ESCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 130 ESCC patients with local primary-recurrence from Xijing hospital between 2008 and 2021 were enrolled and 30 patients underwent IMRT/VMAT based salvage Re-RT. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and after recurrence survival (ARS). The toxicities of 30 patients receiving Re-RT were also assessed.

RESULTS

The median OS and ARS of the 130 recurrent patients were 21 months (1-164 months) and 6 months (1-142 months). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 81.5%, 39.2%, and 23.8%, respectively. Besides, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year ARS rates were 30.0%, 10%, and 6.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that Re-RT ± chemotherapy (p = 0.043) and chemotherapy alone (p < 0.001) and esophageal stents (p = 0.004) were independent prognostic factors for OS. The median OS of 30 patients treated with Re-RT were significantly better than that of 29 patients treated with chemotherapy (34.5 months vs. 22 months, p = 0.030). Among 30 ESCC patients treated with Re-RT, the median OS and ARS were 34.5 months (range 12-163 months) and 6 months (range 1-132 months), respectively. The recurrence-free interval (RFI) (> 12 months) and initial radiation dose (> 60 Gy) were significantly associated with improved OS. Radiation esophagitis (Grade 1-2) occurred in 16 patients and myelosuppression (Grade1-2) occurred in 10 patients. Grade 3 toxicities (radiation esophagitis and myelosuppression) were only 13.3%. There were no grade 4 toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that IMRT/VMAT-based Re-RT was an effective therapeutic option for ESCC patients with local primary-recurrence compared with chemotherapy alone or without any treatment. Re-RT had improved OS but unfavorable ARS.

Re-irradiation for intra-thoracic tumours and extra-thoracic breast cancer: dose accumulation, evaluation of efficacy and toxicity based on a literature review

The improvement seen in the diagnostic procedures and treatment of thoracic tumours means that patients have an increased chance of longer overall survival. Nevertheless, we can still find those who have had a recurrence or developed a secondary cancer in the previously treated area. These patients require retreatment including re-irradiation. We have reviewed the published data on thoracic re-irradiation, which shows that some specific healthy tissues can tolerate a significant dose of irradiation and these patients benefit from aggressive treatment; however, there is a risk of damage to normal tissue under these circumstances. We analysed the literature data on re-irradiation in the areas of vertebral bodies, spinal cord, breast, lung and oesophagus. We evaluated the doses of primary and secondary radiotherapy, the treatment techniques, as well as the local control and median or overall survival in patients treated with re-radiation. The longest OS is reported in the case of re-irradiation after second breast-conserving therapy where the 5-year OS range is 81 to 100% and is shorter in patients with loco-reginal re-irradiation where the 5-y OS range is 18 to 60%. 2-year OS in patients re-irradiated for lung cancer and oesophagus cancer range from 13 to 74% and 18 to 42%, respectively. Majority grade ≥3 toxicity after second breast-conserving therapy was fibrosis up to 35%. For loco-regional breast cancer recurrences, early toxicity occurred in up to 33% of patients resulting in mostly desquamation, while late toxicity was recorded in up to 23% of patients and were mostly ulcerations. Early grade ≥3 lung toxicity developed in up to 39% of patients and up to 20% of Grade 5 hemoptysis. The most frequently observed early toxicity grade ≥3 in oesophageal cancer was oesophagitis recorded in up to 57% of patients, followed by hematological complications which was recorded in up to 50% of patients. The most common late complications included dysphagia, recorded in up to 16.7% of patients. We have shown that thoracic re-irradiation is feasible and effective in achieving local control in some patients. Re-irradiation should be performed with maximum accuracy and care using the best available treatment methods with a highly conformal, image-guided approach. Due to tremendous technological progress in the field of radiotherapy, we can deliver radiation precisely, shorten the overall treatment time and potentially reduce treatment-related toxicities.

Therapeutic benefits of niraparib tosylate as radio sensitizer in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: an in vivo and in vitro preclinical study

PURPOSE

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate for which radiotherapy is the main treatment modality. Niraparib, a Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitors (PARPi) was previously reported to confer radiosensitivity in different malignancies including non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, we assessed the in vivo ability of niraparib in conferring radiosensitivity to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, KYSE-30 and KYSE-150 cell lines were selected as in vivo esophageal squamous cell carcinoma models. The experimental groups were: niraparib tosylate alone, radiotherapy alone, control (no intervention), and combination therapy (radiotherapy + niraparib tosylate). Cell cytotoxicity assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, lentivirus transfection analysis, and xenograft models were used for confirming radiosensitizing ability of niraparib and to investigate the possible cellular mechanism involved in radiosensitization.

RESULTS

The colony formation efficiency of the combination group was significantly much lower than that of the single radiation group (P < 0.01). Cell cytotoxicity assay demonstrated a significant reduction in proliferation of irradiated cells after treatment with niraparib tosylate compared to niraparib tosylate alone (P < 0.01). Cell apoptosis significantly increased in the combination group compared to either niraparib tosylate or radiotherapy alone (P < 0.01). Rate of tumor suppression rate was significantly high in the combined treatment group (P < 0.01) but, significantly decreased in nude mice. Western blot and lentivirus infection model suggested overexpression of FANCG genes to confer radiosensitivity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the synergistic effect of niraparib tosylate and radiation may be related to the down-regulation of FANCG.

Efficacy and safety of re-irradiation for locoregional esophageal squamous cell carcinoma recurrence after radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is currently no standard treatment for locoregional recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) previously treated with radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of re-irradiation for ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence.

METHODS

The PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for eligible studies published before January 2021. The pooled effect estimates were calculated using the random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the treatment effectiveness of re-irradiation based on specific characteristics.

RESULTS

Nine retrospective studies including 573 ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence were selected. The pooled incidences of the 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival for patients after re-irradiation were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35-83; P < 0.001), 25% (95% CI: 16-33; P < 0.001), 25% (95% CI: 4-45; P = 0.017), and 15% (95% CI: 2-27; P = 0.024), respectively. The rates of complete response and local re-recurrence after re-irradiation were 54% (95% CI: 21-88; P = 0.001) and 62% (95% CI: 55-70; P < 0.001), respectively. The median overall survival and local failure-free survival for patients after re-irradiation were 13.94 months (95% CI: 4.18-46.51; P < 0.001) and 11.01 months (95% CI: 5.99-20.22; P < 0.001), respectively. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events of esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radiation pneumonitis were significantly more common after re-irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that re-irradiation for ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence after previous radiotherapy was feasible. However, patients should be carefully observed in order to treat associated adverse events, including esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radiation pneumonitis.

Three-hole oesophagectomy following bilateral lung transplant for cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with increased rates of malignancy, particularly in lung transplant recipients requiring long-term immunosuppression. We present a unique case of post-bilateral lung transplant (LTx) three-hole oesophagectomy for de-novo oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Preoperative planning and careful fluid management allowed for a successful treatment course. Given the increased risk of de-novo malignancy in LTx recipients for CF, their improved quality of life and survival longevity, consideration of aggressive surgical management is imperative with appropriate patient selection.

Risk factors of esophageal fistula induced by re-radiotherapy for recurrent esophageal cancer with local primary site

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate risk factors for esophageal fistula (EF) in patients with recurrent esophageal cancer receiving re-radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the clinical characters and dosimetric parameters of 96 patients with recurrent esophageal cancer treated with re-radiotherapy in Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between August 2014 and January 2021.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were provided to determine the risk factors of EF induced by re-radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The median time interval between two radiotherapy was 23.35 months (range, 4.30 to 238.10 months). EF occurred in 19 patients (19.79%). In univariate analysis, age, T stage, the biologically equivalent dose in the re-radiotherapy, total biologically equivalent dose, hyperfractionated radiotherapy, ulcerative esophageal cancer, the length of tumor and the maximum thickness of tumor had a correlation with the prevalence of EF. In addition, age (HR = 0.170, 95%CI 0.030-0.951, p = 0.044), T stage (HR = 8.369, 95%CI 1.729-40.522, p = 0.008), ulcerative esophageal cancer (HR = 5.810, 95%CI 1.316-25.650, p = 0.020) and the maximum thickness of tumor (HR = 1.314, 95%CI 1.098-1.572, p = 0.003) were risk factors of EF in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of EF was significantly increased in patients with recurrent esophageal cancer who underwent re-radiotherapy. This study revealed that age, T stage, ulcerative esophageal cancer and the maximum thickness of the tumor were risk factors associated with EF. In clinical work, patients with risk factors for EF ought to be highly concerned and individualized treatment plans should be taken to reduce the occurrence of EF.

Executive Summary of Clinical and Technical Guidelines for Esophageal Cancer Proton Beam Therapy From the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Subcommittees

Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral component of potentially curative management of esophageal cancer (EC). However, RT can cause significant acute and late morbidity due to excess radiation exposure to nearby critical organs, especially the heart and lungs. Sparing these organs from both low and high radiation dose has been demonstrated to achieve clinically meaningful reductions in toxicity and may improve long-term survival. Accruing dosimetry and clinical evidence support the consideration of proton beam therapy (PBT) for the management of EC. There are critical treatment planning and delivery uncertainties that should be considered when treating EC with PBT, especially as there may be substantial motion-related interplay effects. The Particle Therapy Co-operative Group Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Subcommittees jointly developed guidelines regarding patient selection, treatment planning, clinical trials, and future directions of PBT for EC.

Salvage treatment after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is performed for patients with cT4 disease without distant metastasis and also for those with cStage I-III who are unable to tolerate or who refuse surgery. The rates of clinical complete response (cCR) after dCRT differ depending on the cStage, and patients who once achieved cCR frequently experience tumor recurrence. For those with residual tumor or with recurrence, salvage treatment is performed to achieve a cure. Several procedures have been reported as salvage treatments. Salvage esophagectomy is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, but can offer long-term survival. With R0 resection, with cCR to dCRT, pulmonary complications appear to be important prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS). Lymphadenectomy is performed for the patients with lymph node metastasis without recurrence of primary lesions or distant metastasis, but the contribution to long-term OS is unclear. Metastasectomy is performed when distant metastasis is limited to the lung and there are few lesions, possibly contributing to long-term OS. Endoscopic resection and photodynamic therapy are indicated for cT1a and cT1-2 residual or recurrent tumors, respectively, and can yield favorable outcomes. Re-CRT and re-radiotherapy are performed for the patients with contraindications for surgery, but neither appears to contribute to long-term OS despite high incidences of esophageal fistula and perforation.

A re-irradiation dose of 55-60 Gy improves the survival rate of patients with local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy

Introduction

Local recurrence (LR) is clinical challenge in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The current study aimed to determine the optimal re-irradiation dose for local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LRESCC) following radical (chemo) radiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with LRESCC after receiving initial radiotherapy. For radiotherapy treatment, 58 patients were assigned to low-dose (LD) group (50–54 Gy) and 67 were assigned to the high-dose (HD) group (55–60 Gy). The response rate (complete + partial response), 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate, and toxicity were recorded. We then analyzed the impact of different radiotherapy doses and combination chemotherapy on the survival of patients with LRESCC.

Results

After re-irradiation, the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates in the LD and HD groups were 48.3%, 24.1% and 10.3% and 61.2%, 34.3% and 19.4% in the HD group, respectively, and the difference in overall survival rate between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05). The median survival time of patients receiving radiotherapy alone was 9 months in the LD group and 15 months in the HD group (P < 0.05). The survival rate of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy was higher than that of patients treated with radiotherapy alone in the LD group. However, chemoradiotherapy showed no advantage over radiotherapy alone in the HD group. In addition, the incidence of radiation esophagitis, the most common toxicity, was higher in the HD group compared to the LD group (68.7% vs 58.6%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that re-irradiation dose was an independent favorable prognostic factor in patients with LRESCC.

Conclusion

Higher re-irradiation dose (55–60 Gy) can improve the long-term survival of patients with LRESCC after radiotherapy, with tolerable toxicity.

Efficacy and toxicity of re-irradiation for esophageal cancer patients with locoregional recurrence: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is no standard treatment for locoregional recurrent (LR) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) previously. This retrospective study aimed to examine the efficacy and toxicity of re-irradiation (re-RT) for ESCC patients with LR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 252 patients were enrolled. Gross tumor volumes for re-RT were defined using contrast enhanced computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Overall survival (OS), after recurrence survival (ARS) and toxicities were assessed.

RESULTS

Through a median follow-up of 38 months, the median OS and ARS were 39.0 and 13.0 months, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month ARS rates were 81.9%, 50.5%, and 21.8%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that chemotherapy, esophageal stenosis and recurrence-free interval (RFI) may be independent prognostic factors for ARS. The incidence of esophageal fistula/perforation (EP), radiation-induced pneumonitis and esophagorrhagia was 21.4%, 12.8% and 9.1%, respectively. RFI ≤ 12 months, esophageal stenosis and fat space between tumor and adjacent tissue disappeared were independent risk factors for the development of EP after re-RT.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-RT was feasible for LR ESCC patients after RT initially, the complication occurred in re-RT is acceptable. Patients with RFI ≤ 12 months, esophageal stenosis and fat space between tumor and adjacent tissue disappeared should be closely observed during and after re-RT.

Definitive re-irradiation of locally recurrent esophageal cancer after trimodality therapy in patients with a poor performance status

There are few treatment guidelines for locally recurrent esophageal cancer after trimodality treatment (pre-operative chemoradiation followed by surgery) in patients with a poor performance status. The purpose of this single institutional, retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and toxicities of definitive-intent re-irradiation for patients with recurrent esophageal cancer with a poor performance status [ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) ≥2]. Seven patients were identified with a median age of 74 years (range, 61-81 years). Four patients were ECOG 2 and three patients were ECOG 3. The median follow-up time after re-irradiation was 49 months. The median interval between initial radiotherapy and re-treatment was 32 months. Six patients received concurrent chemotherapy [carboplatin + paclitaxel in three patients; folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) + 5-fluorouracil in one patient; FOLFOX in one patient, and capecitabine in one patient]. At the last follow-up, the six patients who underwent concurrent chemotherapy had stable disease (86%), while the one who did not receive chemotherapy progressed (14%). Two patients developed metastases. Three patients developed acute (<6 months) grade 4 toxicities (dysphagia, anemia, esophagitis). There were no early deaths attributable to treatment. Late toxicities (>6 months) were limited to grades 1 and 2 dysphagia and pneumonitis in four patients. In conclusion, definitive re-irradiation of recurrent esophageal cancer in patients with a poor performance status appears to be safe with acceptable acute toxicity and late complications. It also appears to result in durable local control when combined with chemotherapy, albeit with a small number of patients and limited follow-up.

Evaluating the optimal re-irradiation dose for locally recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive radiotherapy

Background

Re-irradiation (re-RT) has the active effect of relieving clinical symptoms and prolonging the survival of patients with recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the optimal re-RT dose is still uncertain. Here, we analyzed the prognostic factors associated with survival and explored the optimal re-RT dose for patients with recurrent ESCC following definitive radiotherapy.

Patients and methods

The data of 47 patients with recurrent ESCC who were retreated between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received a radiation dose > 50 Gy during the primary treatment. The median time to recurrence after primary radiotherapy was 26 months (range 6–120 months). All patients had in-field recurrence in the esophagus. Recurrence within the local site was observed in 37 patients (78.7%), and recurrence in both the local site and regional nodes were observed in 10 patients (21.3%). All patients received 3D conformal re-RT with a median dose of 58 Gy (range 26–64 Gy). Chemotherapy was sequentially used in 27.7% of the patients. Survival curves were constructed according to the Kaplan-Meier method and were compared by log-rank tests. The factors predictive of survival were identified with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Dysphagia relief after re-RT was achieved in 20 of the 35 symptomatic patients (57.1%). The median survival time (MST) of all patients was 17 months, and the 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 72.3, 25.5, 17.0 and 2.1%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) of 0–1 (P = 0.014), recurrence at the local site (P = 0.048), time to recurrence ≥24 months (P = 0.006) and re-RT dose ≥50 Gy (P < 0.001) were associated with favorable OS. In the multivariate analysis, only re-RT dose was an independent factor for OS (P = 0.007). Severe complications were observed in 7 patients, two of whom received a re-RT dose > 60 Gy.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that patients with recurrent ESCC following definitive radiotherapy had unfavorable OS. Re-RT could be considered a feasible and effective treatment modality. A re-RT dose > 50 Gy could improve the survival outcomes, and a dose > 60 Gy should be administered with caution due to the risk of severe complications.