Reducing Heart Dose with Protons and Cardiac Substructure Sparing for Mediastinal Lymphoma Treatment

Purpose

Electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography with coronary angiography can be used for cardiac substructure sparing (CSS) optimization, which identifies and improves avoidance of cardiac substructures when treating with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). We investigated whether intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) would further reduce dose to cardiac substructures for patients with mediastinal lymphoma.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-one patients with mediastinal lymphoma were enrolled and underwent electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography during or shortly after simulation for radiotherapy planning. Thirteen patients with delineated cardiac substructures underwent comparative planning with both IMPT and IMRT. Plans were normalized for equivalent (95%) target volume coverage for treatment comparison.

Results

Thirteen patients met criteria for this study. The median size of the mediastinal lymphadenopathy was 7.9 cm at the greatest diameter. Compared with IMRT-CSS, IMPT-CSS significantly reduced mean dose to all cardiac substructures, including 3 coronary arteries and 4 cardiac valves. Use of IMPT significantly reduced average whole-heart dose from 9.6 to 4.9 Gy (P < .0001), and average mean lung dose was 9.7 vs 5.8 Gy (P < .0001). Prospectively defined clinically meaningful improvement was observed in at least 1 coronary artery in 9 patients (69%), at least 1 cardiac valve in 10 patients (77%), and whole heart in all 13 patients.

Conclusions

For patients with mediastinal lymphoma, IMPT-CSS treatment planning significantly reduced radiation dose to cardiac substructures. The significant improvements outlined in this study for proton therapy suggest possible clinical improvement in alignment with previous analyses of CSS optimization.

Low-Dose Hypofractionated Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy for Adult Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Purpose

Historically, the standard of care for total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) delivered 30 to 36 Gy over 5 to 10 weeks. Given the high risk of relapse, a majority of patients require additional treatments. Therefore, attempts to use a shortened course of TSEBT have been investigated.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a single-institution retrospective review to evaluate disease response, control, and toxicity using a low-dose, hypofractionated course of TSEBT (HTSEBT) in patients with mycosis fungoides.

Results

Forty patients received 57 courses of HTSEBT. Median dose (Gy)/fractionation was 12/3, spanning a median time of 2.4 weeks. Overall response rate of patients assessed (n = 54) was 100%. Thirty-one courses (57.4%) resulted in a complete response and 23 courses (42.6%) resulted in a partial response. Cumulative incidence of progressive skin disease at 3 months was 37.2%, at 6 months, 56.9%, and at 1 year, 81.5%. Of the 40 patients treated with a first course of HTSEBT, 31 received subsequent courses of radiotherapy. Cumulative incidence of subsequent treatment was 28.0% at 3 months, 46.8% at 6 months, and 70.0% at 1 year. Patients who underwent repeat courses of HTSEBT continued to have similar treatment responses to repeat courses without increased toxicities. Toxicities from all courses were acceptable with the exception of 1 patient, who experienced grade 4 skin toxicity (moist desquamation requiring hospitalization).

Conclusions

Low-dose HTSEBT provides good palliation in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a satisfactory response and toxicity profile. HTSEBT allows therapy to be completed in far fewer treatments. Low-dose HTSEBT is an appropriate treatment option for patients unable to come for daily treatment. HTSEBT provides a way to decrease exposure to other patients and staff during public health emergencies such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

N-Acetylcysteine Rinse for Thick Secretion and Mucositis of Head and Neck Chemoradiotherapy (Alliance MC13C2): A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether N-acetylcysteine rinse was safe and could improve thickened secretions and dry mouth during and after radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We designed a prospective pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (Alliance MC13C2). Adult patients (age ≥18 years) were enrolled if they underwent chemoradiotherapy (≥60 Gy). Patients initiated testing rinse within 3 days of starting radiotherapy. With swish-and-spit, they received 10% N-acetylcysteine (2500 mg daily) or placebo rinse solution 5 times daily during radiotherapy and 2 weeks postradiotherapy. The primary aim was to evaluate N-acetylcysteine in improvement of saliva viscosity with the Groningen Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia questionnaire. Secondary aims included evaluating xerostomia improvement by the same questionnaire and with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck-35 Questions survey and adverse-event profiles. The type I error rate was 20%.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were balanced for placebo (n=17) and N-acetylcysteine (n=15). N-acetylcysteine was better for improving sticky saliva (area under curve, P=.12). Scores of multiple secondary end points favored N-acetylcysteine, including sticky saliva daytime (P=.04), daytime and total xerostomia (both P=.02), pain (P=.18), and trouble with social eating (P=.15). Repeated measures models confirmed the findings. Taste was a major dissatisifer for N-acetylcysteine rinse; however, both testing rinses were safe and well tolerated overall.

CONCLUSION

Our pilot data showed that N-acetylcysteine rinse was safe and provided strong evidence of potential efficacy for improving thickened saliva and xerostomia by patient-reported outcome. A confirmatory phase 3 trial is required.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02123511.

Skin-directed radiation therapy for cutaneous lymphoma: The Mayo Clinic experience

BACKGROUND

Focal or total skin radiation therapy can be used to treat mild to refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE

To report the broad therapeutic benefit of radiation therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-institution review of outcomes for skin-directed radiation therapy.

RESULTS

Skin-directed radiation therapy showed a 99% response rate and 80% complete response rate after treatment regardless of involvement, severity, histopathologic subtype, dose, or fractionation. The overall in-field recurrence rate was 15%, and median time to recurrence was 296 days (range, 1-1884 days). Focal and hypofractionated regimens were similarly associated with disease response and rare toxicity. Short-term rates of secondary skin cancer after treatment were comparable to expected incidence in a patient population without radiation.

LIMITATIONS

Large total number of treatments courses compared with overall number of patients. Heterogenous mix of treatment regimens (no standardization of dose or fraction number).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation therapy is a well-tolerated treatment option for properly selected patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Effect of Doxepin Mouthwash or Diphenhydramine-Lidocaine-Antacid Mouthwash vs Placebo on Radiotherapy-Related Oral Mucositis Pain: The Alliance A221304 Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Oral mucositis causes substantial morbidity during head and neck radiotherapy. In a randomized study, doxepin mouthwash was shown to reduce oral mucositis-related pain. A common mouthwash comprising diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid is also widely used.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of doxepin mouthwash or diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash for the treatment of oral mucositis-related pain.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A phase 3 randomized trial was conducted from November 1, 2014, to May 16, 2016, at 30 US institutions and included 275 patients who underwent definitive head and neck radiotherapy, had an oral mucositis pain score of 4 points or greater (scale, 0-10), and were followed up for a maximum of 28 days.

INTERVENTIONS

Ninety-two patients were randomized to doxepin mouthwash (25 mg/5 mL water); 91 patients to diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid; and 92 patients to placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

The primary end point was total oral mucositis pain reduction (defined by the area under the curve and adjusted for baseline pain score) during the 4 hours after a single dose of doxepin mouthwash or diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash compared with a single dose of placebo. The minimal clinically important difference was a 3.5-point change. The secondary end points included drowsiness, unpleasant taste, and stinging or burning. All scales ranged from 0 (best) to 10 (worst).

RESULTS

Among the 275 patients randomized (median age, 61 years; 58 [21%] women), 227 (83%) completed treatment per protocol. Mucositis pain during the first 4 hours decreased by 11.6 points in the doxepin mouthwash group, by 11.7 points in the diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash group, and by 8.7 points in the placebo group. The between-group difference was 2.9 points (95% CI, 0.2-6.0; P = .02) for doxepin mouthwash vs placebo and 3.0 points (95% CI, 0.1-5.9; P = .004) for diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash vs placebo. More drowsiness was reported with doxepin mouthwash vs placebo (by 1.5 points [95% CI, 0-4.0]; P = .03), unpleasant taste (by 1.5 points [95% CI, 0-3.0]; P = .002), and stinging or burning (by 4.0 points [95% CI, 2.5-5.0]; P < .001). Maximum grade 3 adverse events for the doxepin mouthwash occurred in 3 patients (4%); diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash, 3 (4%); and placebo, 2 (2%). Fatigue was reported by 5 patients (6%) in the doxepin mouthwash group and no patients in the diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy, the use of doxepin mouthwash or diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash vs placebo significantly reduced oral mucositis pain during the first 4 hours after administration; however, the effect size was less than the minimal clinically important difference. Further research is needed to assess longer-term efficacy and safety for both mouthwashes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02229539.

A Comparison of Grade 4 Lymphopenia With Proton Versus Photon Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Purpose

Grade 4 lymphopenia (G4L) during radiation therapy (RT) is associated with higher rates of distant metastasis and decreased overall survival in a number of malignancies, including esophageal cancer (EC). Through a reduction in integral radiation dose, proton RT (PRT) may reduce G4L relative to photon RT (XRT). The purpose of this study was to compare G4L in patients with EC undergoing PRT versus XRT.

Methods and materials

Patients receiving curative-intent RT and concurrent chemotherapy for EC were identified. Lymphocyte nadir was defined as the lowest lymphocyte count during RT. G4L was defined as absolute lymphocyte count <200/mm³. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVA) were performed to assess patient and treatment factors associated with lymphopenia. A propensity-matched (PM) cohort was created using logistic regression, including baseline covariates.

Results

A total of 144 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 66 years (range, 32-85 years). Of these patients, 79 received XRT (27% 3-dimensional chemo-RT and 73% intensity modulated RT) and 65 received PRT (100% pencil-beam scanning). Chemotherapy consisted of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel (99%). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups, except for age (median 4 years older in the PRT cohort). G4L was significantly higher in patients who received XRT versus those who received PRT (56% vs 22%; P < .01). On MVA, XRT (odds ratio [OR]: 5.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35-11.18; P < .001) and stage III/IV (OR: 4.54; 95% CI, 1.87-11.00; P < .001) were associated with G4L. PM resulted in 50 PRT and 50 XRT patients. In the PM cohort, G4L occurred in 60% of patients who received XRT versus 24% of patients who received PRT. On MVA, XRT (OR: 5.28; 95% CI, 2.14-12.99; P < .001) and stage III/IV (OR: 3.77; 95% CI, 1.26-11.30; P = .02) were associated with G4L.

Conclusions

XRT was associated with a significantly higher risk of G4L in comparison with PRT. Further work is needed to evaluate a potential association between RT modality and antitumor immunity as well as long-term outcomes.

A Curative-Intent Trimodality Approach for Isolated Abdominal Nodal Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Update of a Single-Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to define survival rates in patients with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative-intent trimodality therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients received trimodality therapy, defined as chemotherapy delivered with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-fluorouracil was the most common radiosensitizer used (63%, 41 patients). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy, and the median dose of IORT was 12.5 Gy. We evaluated time to distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within the EBRT field, recurrence within the IORT field, and survival.

RESULTS

Fifty-two percent of patients were male; patients' median age was 50.5 years. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≤1. Twenty-nine patients had right-sided colon cancer, 22 had left-sided colon cancer, and 14 had rectal primaries. The median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal nodal metastatic disease was 20.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2-40.8 months). Seventy-eight percent (51 patients) had para-aortic nodal metastases, 15% (10 patients) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 6% (4 patients) had both. With a median follow-up of 77.6 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 55.4 months (95% CI, 47.2-80.9 months) and 45%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 16.5-32.8 months). Twenty-six (40%) patients never developed distant disease. The outcome was not affected by disease sidedness or rectal primary. Treatment was well tolerated without grade 3 or 4 toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Trimodality therapy produces sustainable long-term survival in selected patients with metastatic CRC presenting with isolated retroperitoneal or mesenteric nodal relapse.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This article reports a unique trimodality approach incorporating external beam radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, surgical resection, and intraoperative radiotherapy provides durable survival benefit with significant curative potential for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who present with isolated abdominal nodal (mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal) recurrence.

A curative intent trimodality approach for advanced isolated abdominal nodal metastasis in metastatic colorectal cancer: Update of a single-institutional experience

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Background: To define and update survival rates and relapse patterns in patients (pts) with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastasis secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative intent using aggressive trimodality therapy. Methods: Fifty-seven pts with isolated advanced abdominal lymph node metastasis (retroperitoneal and mesenteric) secondary to colorectal cancer received trimodality therapy defined as chemotherapy delivered in conjunction with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-FU was the most common radiosensitizer used (66%, 38 pts). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy & the median dose of intraoperative radiotherapy was 12.5 Gy. End points included distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within EBRT field, recurrence within the intraoperative radiotherapy field, and survival. Results: 49% of pts were male, median age 50.5 yrs. All patients had ECOG ≤ 1. 27 pts had primary right sided colon cancer, 16 left sided colon cancer and 14 rectal primaries. Median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal lymph node metastatic disease was 24 months (95% CI, 23.5-45.1 months). 84% (48 pts) had paraaortic nodal metastases, 12% (7 pts) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 3% (2 pts) had both. With a median follow up of 89.4 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 53.2 months (95% CI, 46.4-78.8 months) and 42%, respectively. Median progression free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 15.6-32.8 months). 21 (37%) pts never developed distant disease. Outcome was not affected by disease sidedness, rectal primary, or mutational profile. Treatment was well tolerated without any grade 3/4 toxicities. Conclusions: The use of trimodality therapy including EBRT with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, lymphadenectomy and IORT produces sustainable long-term survival in selected metastatic CRC pts presenting with isolated retroperitoneal/mesenteric nodal relapse.

N08C9 (Alliance): A Phase 3 Randomized Study of Sulfasalazine Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Acute Diarrhea in Patients Receiving Pelvic Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

To provide confirmatory evidence on the use of sulfasalazine to reduce enteritis during pelvic radiation therapy (RT), following 2 prior single-institution trials suggestive that benefit existed.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A multi-institution, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial was designed to assess the efficacy of sulfasalazine versus placebo in the treatment of RT-related enteritis during RT including the posterior pelvis (45.0-53.5 Gy) and conducted through a multicenter national cooperative research alliance. Patients received 1000 mg of sulfasalazine or placebo orally twice daily during and for 4 weeks after RT. The primary endpoint was maximum severity of diarrhea (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0). Toxicity and bowel function were assessed by providers through a self-administered bowel function questionnaire taken weekly during RT and for 6 weeks afterward.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were enrolled in the trial between April 29, 2011, and May 13, 2013, with evenly distributed baseline factors. At the time of a planned interim toxicity analysis, more patients with grade ≥3 diarrhea received sulfasalazine than received placebo (29% vs 11%, P=.04). A futility analysis showed that trial continuation would be unlikely to yield a positive result, and a research board recommended halting study treatment. Final analysis of the primary endpoint showed no significant difference in maximum diarrhea severity between the sulfasalazine and placebo arms (P=.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Sulfasalazine does not reduce enteritis during pelvic RT and may be associated with a higher risk of adverse events than placebo. This trial illustrates the importance of confirmatory phase 3 trials in the evaluation of symptom-control agents.

Repeated measures analyses of dermatitis symptom evolution in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy in a phase 3 randomized trial of mometasone furoate vs placebo (N06C4 [alliance])

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy-related dermatological toxicities over time have not been well quantified. We examined during and immediately following radiation therapy skin toxicities over time in a randomized study of mometasone furoate vs placebo during breast radiotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall were randomized. Symptoms related to skin toxicity were addressed weekly using provider-reported Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3.0) and 4 patient-reported outcomes (PRO) surveys. We applied repeated measures and risk analysis methodologies.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six patients were enrolled. By CTCAE, significant differences favoring mometasone were detected over time in all toxicities except skin striae, atrophy, and infection. Statistically significant differences between arms at baseline but not over time occurred for all Linear Analog Self-Assessment. Statistically significant differences occurred for all symptoms in the temporal profile of symptoms as measured by PRO surveys (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of longitudinal methods enhanced the ability of PRO tools to detect differences between study arms. Our results strengthened the conclusions of the original report that mometasone reduced acute skin toxicities. PRO surveys can accurately assess patients' experiences of symptom type and intensity over time and should be included in future clinical trials. For radiotherapy-related dermatological toxicity, we hypothesized that clinically significant differences over time, if any, can be found by repeated measures. We examined the acute skin toxicities in a randomized study of mometasone vs placebo during breast radiotherapy. For secondary end points, we showed that longitudinal methods enhanced the detection of differences between study arms and strengthened the conclusions from the original report. Frequent patient-reported outcome surveys over time should be included in future clinical trials.

Adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy in patients with stage IVA rectal adenocarcinoma

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Background: For patients with stage IVA rectal cancer with liver metastases treated with curative-intent chemotherapy and surgery, the role of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy (RT) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pelvic RT on oncologic outcomes in this patient population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with stage IVA rectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases treated with curative-intent resection of the primary tumor and all liver metastases at our institution between 1991 and 2010. Patient and treatment characteristics were compared between patients who did or did not receive pelvic RT using chi-square and unpaired ttests. Survival and recurrence estimates were calculated from date of initial diagnosis using the Kaplan-Meier method. Local recurrence (LR) was defined as recurrence in the pelvis occurring at or before distant recurrence (DR). Cox regression was used to compare rates of freedom from LR (FFLR), freedom from DR (FFDR), and overall survival (OS) between patients who did or did not receive pelvic RT. Results: The analysis included 65 patients. Median patient age at diagnosis was 59 years (range, 27-87). Tumor stage was T2 (n = 4), T3 (n = 53), or T4 (n = 8). The median number of liver metastases was 2 (range, 1-14). Surgery was low anterior resection (n = 54) or abdominoperineal resection (n = 11). All patients received perioperative fluoropyrimidine based chemotherapy. Pelvic RT was administered to 35 patients (54%), either preoperatively (n = 22) or postoperatively (n = 13). Median RT dose was 50.4 Gy (range 25-58). Patient characteristics were similar for those who did or did not receive pelvic RT. Median follow-up was 3.7 years. The 3-year estimates of FFLR, FFDR and OS were 81% vs 58% (p =.056), 35% vs 29% (p =.75), and 66% vs 71% (p =.81) for RT vs no RT, respectively. Conclusions: In this analysis of patients with stage IVA rectal cancer with liver metastases undergoing curative intent therapy, pelvic RT (vs. no pelvic RT) was associated with a trend to lower rates of LR and similar rates of DR and OS.

Establishment of practice standards in nomenclature and prescription to enable construction of software and databases for knowledge-based practice review

INTRODUCTION

Establishment of standards within a practice and across disease site groups for nomenclatures, prescription formatting, and measured dose-volume histogram (DVH) metrics is a key enabling step for creating software and database solutions to make routine aggregation of dosimetric data for all patients treated in a practice, practical. A process of physician-driven, iterative dialogs coupled with development of technical tools is required to implement the cultural and procedural changes. The cumulative reward for this effort is a database that can be used for defining practice norms, benchmarking against national standards, and tracking dosimetric effects of longitudinal practice pattern changes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A 4-year project was carried out to develop and introduce standardizations, modify processes, and develop computer-based tools for reporting, aggregation, and analysis of prescription and DVH metrics. Physician disease site groups developed 42 target and 81 normal tissue templates. From the database of 32,002 DVH metrics, benchmarking was illustrated for a subgroup of breast (281) and prostate (324) patients treated with conventional fractionation over a 16-month period. Breast patients were segregated according to prescription template used: simple (S, tangents only) vs complex (C, tangents + supraclavicular ± intramammary nodes) and left (S-L or C-L) versus right (S-R or C-R).

RESULTS

Prostate patients' median and 50% confidence intervals (CIs) for bladder, stated according to the nomenclature: the percentage of bladder volume receiving doses of ≥40 Gy (V40[%]), V65Gy[%], V70Gy[%], V75Gy[%], and V80Gy[%] were 45.5 (24.9-57.0), 15.6 (9.0-23.8), 7.6 (3.3-13.6), 2.0 (0.0-7.9), and 0.0 (0.0-1.4), respectively. Values for rectum: V50Gy[%], V60 Gy[%], V65Gy[%], V70Gy[%], and V75Gy[%] were 37.1 (27.8-43.5), 21.8 (15.6-25.5), 14.6 (9.6-18.0), 7.7 (1.9-12.3), and 1.0 (0-7.0), respectively. For breast patients, heart:mean Gray values were 1.5 (1.0-2.0), 3.1 (2.2-4.8), 0.4 (0.3-0.7), and 1.1 (0.8-2.2) for S-L, C-L, S-R, and C-R, respectively. Longitudinal, moving window plots of median, 50% CI, and 90% CI for 6-month periods demonstrated the effect of practice changes to reduce heart doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardization was challenging as a practice change, but has resulted in significant improvements for both our clinical and research efforts.

Doxepin rinse versus placebo in the treatment of acute oral mucositis pain in patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy: a phase III, randomized, double-blind trial (NCCTG-N09C6 [Alliance])

PURPOSE

Painful oral mucositis (OM) is a significant toxicity during radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to test the efficacy of doxepin hydrochloride in the reduction of radiotherapy-induced OM pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 155 patients were randomly allocated to a doxepin oral rinse or a placebo for the treatment of radiotherapy-related OM pain. Patients received a single dose of doxepin or placebo on day 1 and then crossed over to receive the opposite agent on a subsequent day. Pain questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes. Patients were then given the option to continue doxepin. The primary end point was pain reduction as measured by the area under the curve (AUC) of the pain scale using data from day 1.

RESULTS

Primary end point analysis revealed that the AUC for mouth and throat pain reduction was greater for doxepin (-9.1) than for placebo (-4.7; P < .001). Crossover analysis of patients completing both phases confirmed that patients experienced greater mouth and throat pain reduction with doxepin (intrapatient changes of 4.1 for doxepin-placebo arm and -2.8 for placebo-doxepin arm; P < .001). Doxepin was associated with more stinging or burning, unpleasant taste, and greater drowsiness than the placebo rinse. More patients receiving doxepin expressed a desire to continue treatment than did patients with placebo after completion of each of the randomized phases of the study.

CONCLUSION

A doxepin rinse diminishes OM pain. Further studies are warranted to determine its role in the management of OM.

Assessment of long-term rectal function in patients who received pelvic radiotherapy: a pooled North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial analysis, N09C1

PURPOSE

Pelvic radiotherapy (PRT) is known to adversely affect bowel function (BF) and patient well-being. This study characterized long-term BF and evaluated quality of life (QOL) in patients receiving PRT.

METHODS

Data from 252 patients were compiled from two North Central Cancer Treatment Group prospective studies, which included assessment of BF and QOL by the BF questionnaire (BFQ) and Uniscale QOL at baseline and 12 and 24 months after completion of radiotherapy. BFQ scores (sum of symptoms), Uniscale results, adverse-event incidence, and baseline demographic data were compared via t test, χ (2), Fisher exact, Wilcoxon, and correlation methodologies.

RESULTS

The total BFQ score was higher than baseline at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.001). More patients had five or more symptoms at 12 months (13 %) and 24 months (10 %) than at baseline (2 %). Symptoms occurring in greater than 20 % of patients at 12 and 24 months were clustering, stool-gas confusion, and urgency. Factors associated with worse BF were female sex, rectal or gynecologic primary tumors, prior anterior resection of the rectum, and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Patients experiencing grade 2 or higher acute toxicity had worse 24-month BF (P values, <.001-.02). Uniscale QOL was not significantly different from baseline at 12 or 24 months, despite worse BFQ scores.

CONCLUSIONS

PRT was associated with worse long-term BF. Worse BFQ score was not associated with poorer QOL. Further research to characterize the subset of patients at risk of significant decline in BF is warranted.

Intergroup randomized phase III study of postoperative irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for patients with stage II or III rectal cancer receiving either preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil or postoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil: ECOG E3201—An updated survival analysis

e14711

Background: Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy has been historically limited to single agent 5FU in stage II/III rectal cancer pts. This phase III trial evaluated differences between pts treated with adjuvant FOLFOX versus FOLFIRI versus FU alone in stage II/III rectal cancer. Methods: Eligibility: resectable (T3-4 N0,Tany N1-3) adenocarcinoma rectum ≤12cm from anal verge. Pts had the option to receive FU with pre or postoperative XRT (50.4Gy). Preoperative FU/XRT pts were randomized to adjuvant FOLFIRI (arm A), FOLFOX (arm B), FU/LV(arm C). Postoperative FU/XRT pts were randomized to adjuvant FOLFIRI (arm D), FOLFOX (arm E), FU/LV (arm F). Pts received 8 cycles. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, sphincter preservation and patterns of failure. Results: 225pts out of planned 3150 were enrolled (10/03 to 10/05). Data Monitoring Committee closed E3201 when the GI Intergroup developed an alternative trial with bevacizumab (E5204). 179 pts were randomized; (A:28, B:25, C:30, D:31, E:33, F:32). There was increased grade 3/4 toxicity, mainly diarrhea,in postoperative FU/XRT arms (D:39%), (E:28%), (F:48%). Twenty-two (12%) pts did not receive adjuvant therapy. At a median follow up of 7.4yrs, the five-year recurrence free rate was 69%. Median OS was 8.3 yrs. There was no statistical difference in OS between all randomized groups. Five-year OS in arms (A:B:C:D:E:F) were (73%, 83%, 83%, 73%, 78%, 73%) respectively. Conclusions: FOLFOX can be safely administered to rectal cancer pts following chemo radiation. Given limitations of early trial closure and small sample size, there was no difference in OS between pts who received FU alone, oxaliplatin based or irinotecan based adjuvant therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT00068692.

Assessment of patient-reported measures of bowel function before and after pelvic radiotherapy: an ancillary study of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group study N00CA

PURPOSE

The Bowel Function Questionnaire (BFQ) has been used in clinical trials to assess symptoms during and after pelvic radiotherapy (RT). This study evaluated the importance of symptoms in the BFQ from a patient perspective.

METHODS

Patients reported presence or absence of symptoms and rated importance of symptoms at baseline, 4 weeks after completion of pelvic RT, and 12 and 24 months after RT. The BFQ measured overall quality of life (QOL) and symptoms of nocturnal bowel movements, incontinence, clustering, need for protective clothing, inability to differentiate stool from gas, liquid bowel movements, urgency, cramping, and bleeding. Bowel movement frequency also was recorded. A content validity questionnaire (CVQ) was used to rate symptoms as "not very important," "moderately unimportant," "neutral," "moderately important," or "very important."

RESULTS

Most of the 125 participating patients rated all symptoms as moderately or very important. Generally, patients gave similar ratings for symptom importance at all study points, and ratings were independent of whether the patient experienced the symptom. Measures of greatest importance (moderately or very important) at baseline were ability to control bowel movements (94 %), not having to wear protective clothing (90 %), and not having rectal bleeding (94 %). With the exception of need for protective clothing, the presence of a symptom at 4 weeks was associated with significantly worse QOL (P < .01 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The BFQ has excellent content validity. Patients rated most symptoms as moderately or very important, indicating the BFQ is an appropriate tool for symptom assessment during and after pelvic RT.

Predictors of pretransplant dropout and posttransplant recurrence in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

We have previously reported excellent outcomes with liver transplantation for selected patients with early-stage perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Our aim was to identify predictors of dropout before transplantation and predictors of cancer recurrence after transplantation. We reviewed all patients with unresectable perihilar CCA treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation in anticipation for transplantation between 1993 and 2010. Predictors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of clinical variables. In total, 199 patients were enrolled, of whom 62 dropped out and 131 underwent transplantation at our institution, with six undergoing transplantation elsewhere. Predictors of dropout were carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) ≥ 500 U/mL (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3; P = 0.04), mass ≥ 3 cm (HR 2.1; P = 0.05), malignant brushing or biopsy (HR 3.6; P = 0.001), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥ 20 (HR 3.5; P = 0.02). Posttransplant, recurrence-free 5-year survival was 68%. Predictors of recurrence were elevated CA 19-9 (HR 1.8; P = 0.01), portal vein encasement (HR 3.3; P = 0.007), and residual tumor on explant (HR 9.8; P < 0.001). Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), age, history of cholecystectomy, and waiting time were not independent predictors.

CONCLUSION

Outcome following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation for perihilar CCA is excellent. Risk of dropout is related to patient and tumor characteristics and this can be used to guide patient counseling before enrollment. Recurrence risk is mostly associated with presence of residual cancer on explant. Patients with PSC do not have an independent survival advantage over de novo patients, but present with more favorable tumor characteristics.

Patient assessment of measures of bowel function during and after pelvic radiation therapy: An ancillary study of North Central Cancer Treatment Group study N00CA

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Background: The Bowel Function Questionnaire (BFQ) has been used in clinical trials to document patient-reported symptoms following pelvic radiation therapy (RT). This study evaluated the importance patients placed on the symptoms included in the BFQ as measured by a Content Validity Questionnaire (CVQ). Methods: Patients treated with pelvic RT assessed symptoms and importance at baseline, after completion of RT (4 weeks), and 12 and 24 months. BFQ measured quality of life (QOL) and symptoms of: nocturnal bowel movements, incontinence, greater than one bowel movement in 30 minutes, need for protective clothing, inability to differentiate stool and gas, liquid bowel movements, urgency, cramping, and bleeding. Bowel movement frequency was also assessed. Symptoms were rated via the CVQ as “not very important,” “moderately unimportant,” “neutral,” “moderately important,” or “very important." Summary statistics were compiled. Fisher Exact, Chi-Square and Wilcoxon methodology compared BFQ and CVQ results. Results: 125 patients participated. All symptoms were rated as moderately important or very important by most patients.Measures of bowel function of greatest importance (moderately or very important) at baseline were ability to control bowel movements (94%), not having to wear protective clothing (90%), and not having rectal bleeding (93%). In general, patients gave similar ratings of symptom importance at all time points in the study and ratings were independent of whether the symptom was experienced. With the exception of the need for protective clothing, the presence of a symptom at 4 weeks was associated with significantly worse QOL (p-values < 0.001 to 0.005). Conclusions: The BFQ has excellent content validity. Patients rated most symptoms measured by the BFQ as moderately important or very important, indicating the BFQ is an appropriate tool for symptom assessment during and after pelvic RT. With the exception of the need for protective clothing, the presence of every symptom measured by the BFQ was associated with worse QOL. These criteria make them appropriate targets for future research to mitigate radiation-related bowel dysfunction.

Updated analysis of SWOG-directed intergroup study 0116: a phase III trial of adjuvant radiochemotherapy versus observation after curative gastric cancer resection

PURPOSE

Surgical resection of gastric cancer has produced suboptimal survival despite multiple randomized trials that used postoperative chemotherapy or more aggressive surgical procedures. We performed a randomized phase III trial of postoperative radiochemotherapy in those at moderate risk of locoregional failure (LRF) following surgery. We originally reported results with 4-year median follow-up. This update, with a more than 10-year median follow-up, presents data on failure patterns and second malignancies and explores selected subset analyses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 559 patients with primaries ≥ T3 and/or node-positive gastric cancer were randomly assigned to observation versus radiochemotherapy after R0 resection. Fluorouracil and leucovorin were administered before, during, and after radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was given to all LRF sites to a dose of 45 Gy.

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) data demonstrate continued strong benefit from postoperative radiochemotherapy. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS is 1.32 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.60; P = .0046). The HR for RFS is 1.51 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.83; P < .001). Adjuvant radiochemotherapy produced substantial reduction in both overall relapse and locoregional relapse. Second malignancies were observed in 21 patients with radiotherapy versus eight with observation (P = .21). Subset analyses show robust treatment benefit in most subsets, with the exception of patients with diffuse histology who exhibited minimal nonsignificant treatment effect.

CONCLUSION

Intergroup 0116 (INT-0116) demonstrates strong persistent benefit from adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Toxicities, including second malignancies, appear acceptable, given the magnitude of RFS and OS improvement. LRF reduction may account for the majority of overall relapse reduction. Adjuvant radiochemotherapy remains a rational standard therapy for curatively resected gastric cancer with primaries T3 or greater and/or positive nodes.

Long-term follow-up of a Phase II trial of high-dose radiation with concurrent 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in patients with anal cancer (ECOG E4292)

PURPOSE

Although chemoradiation using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin-C (MMC) is the standard of care in the treatment of anal cancer, many patients are unable to tolerate MMC. This Phase II clinical trial was performed to determine whether cisplatin could replace MMC in the treatment of anal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirty-three patients with localized anal cancer were enrolled. One patient registered but never received any assigned therapy and was excluded from all analyses. Between February 1, 1993, and July 21, 1993, 19 patients were accrued to Cohort 1. Radiation consisted of 45 Gy to the primary tumor and pelvic nodes, followed by a boost to the primary and involved nodes to 59.4 Gy. A planned 2-week treatment break was used after 36 Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of 5-FU 1,000 mg/m(2)/day on Days 1 to 4 and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on Day 1. A second course of 5-FU and cisplatin was given after 36 Gy, when the patient resumed radiation therapy. Between April 4, 1996, and September 23, 1996, an additional 13 patients (Cohort 2) were accrued to the study and received the same treatment except without the planned treatment break.

RESULTS

Complete response was seen in 78% (90% CI, 63-89) of patients and was higher in patients who did not get a planned treatment break (92% vs. 68%). The overall Grade 4 toxicity rate was 31%. One treatment-related death (Grade 5) occurred in a patient who developed sepsis. The 5-year overall survival was 69%.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation therapy, cisplatin, and 5-FU resulted in an overall objective response (complete response + partial response) of 97%. Although the 5-year progression-free survival was only 55%, the overall 5-year survival was 69%. Given the excellent salvage provided by surgery, this study affirms that cisplatin-based regimens may be an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the severe hematologic toxicities associated with mitomycin-based chemoradiation regimens.

Comparison of provider-assessed and patient-reported outcome measures of acute skin toxicity during a Phase III trial of mometasone cream versus placebo during breast radiotherapy: the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N06C4)

PURPOSE

Considerable interobserver variability exists among providers and between providers and patients when measuring subjective symptoms. In the recently published Phase III N06C4 trial of mometasone cream vs. placebo to prevent radiation dermatitis, the primary provider-assessed (PA) endpoint, using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), was negative. However, prospectively planned secondary analyses of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), using the Skindex-16 and Skin Toxicity Assessment Tool (STAT), were positive. This study assesses the relationship between PA outcomes and PROs.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the three tools. Statistical correlations were defined as follows: <0.5, mild; 0.5-0.7, moderate; and >0.7, strong.

RESULTS

CTCAE dermatitis moderately correlated with STAT erythema, and CTCAE pruritus strongly correlated with STAT itching. CTCAE pruritus had a moderate correlation with Skindex-16 itching. Comparing the 2 PRO tools, Skindex-16 itching correlated moderately with STAT itching. Skindex-16 burning, hurting, irritation, and persistence all showed the strongest correlation with STAT burning; they showed moderate correlations with STAT itching and tenderness.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRO Skindex-16 correlated well with the PRO portions of STAT, but neither tool correlated well with CTCAE. PROs delineated a wider spectrum of toxicity than PA measures and provided more information on rash, redness, pruritus, and annoyance measures compared with CTCAE findings of rash and pruritus. PROs may provide a more complete measure of patient experience than single-symptom, PA endpoints in clinical trials assessing radiation skin toxicity.

Mometasone furoate effect on acute skin toxicity in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: a phase III double-blind, randomized trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group N06C4

PURPOSE

A two-arm, double-blind, randomized trial was performed to evaluate the effect of 0.1% mometasone furoate (MMF) on acute skin-related toxicity in patients undergoing breast or chest wall radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast carcinoma who were undergoing external beam radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall were randomly assigned to apply 0.1% MMF or placebo cream daily. The primary study endpoint was the provider-assessed maximal grade of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0, radiation dermatitis. The secondary endpoints included provider-assessed Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 3 or greater radiation dermatitis and adverse event monitoring. The patient-reported outcome measures included the Skindex-16, the Skin Toxicity Assessment Tool, a Symptom Experience Diary, and a quality-of-life self-assessment. An assessment was performed at baseline, weekly during radiotherapy, and for 2 weeks after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 176 patients were enrolled between September 21, 2007, and December 7, 2007. The provider-assessed primary endpoint showed no difference in the mean maximum grade of radiation dermatitis by treatment arm (1.2 for MMF vs. 1.3 for placebo; p = .18). Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events toxicity was greater in the placebo group (p = .04), primarily from pruritus. For the patient-reported outcome measures, the maximum Skindex-16 score for the MMF group showed less itching (p = .008), less irritation (p = .01), less symptom persistence or recurrence (p = .02), and less annoyance with skin problems (p = .04). The group's maximal Skin Toxicity Assessment Tool score showed less burning sensation (p = .02) and less itching (p = .002).

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving daily MMF during radiotherapy might experience reduced acute skin toxicity compared with patients receiving placebo.

Phase III, double-blind study of depot octreotide versus placebo in the prevention of acute diarrhea in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy: results of North Central Cancer Treatment Group N00CA

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness of depot octreotide for the prevention of diarrhea during pelvic radiation therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy (planned minimum dose, 45 Gy; 1.7 to 2.1 Gy daily) were eligible for the study. From May 10, 2002, through October 14, 2005, 125 patients were randomly allocated in a double-blind fashion to receive octreotide (100 microg, administered subcutaneously on day 1, followed by depot octreotide, 20 mg, administered intramuscularly on days 2 and 29; n = 62) or to receive a placebo (n = 63).

RESULTS

Grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 diarrhea were observed in 18%, 31%, 31%, and 21% of patients in the octreotide arm, respectively, and in 25%, 32%, 22%, and 21% of patients in the placebo arm, respectively (P = .64). Grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 abdominal cramps were observed in 32%, 45%, 21%, and 2% of patients receiving octreotide, respectively, and in 51%, 24%, 21%, and 5% of patients receiving the placebo, respectively (P = .053). Some patient-reported symptoms were worse in the octreotide group, including nocturnal bowel movements (70% v 45%; P = .004), clustering of bowel movements (90% v 69%; P = .004), and bleeding with bowel movements (57% v 35%; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

As administered in this study, octreotide did not decrease diarrhea during pelvic radiation therapy. Some gastrointestinal symptoms were worse in patients treated with octreotide. Octreotide is not indicated for prevention of diarrhea during pelvic radiation therapy.

Gemcitabine, cisplatin, and radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: results of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group Phase II Study N9942

PURPOSE

A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy and toxicity of radiotherapy with concomitant gemcitabine and cisplatin for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma received gemcitabine (30 mg/m2) and cisplatin (10 mg/m2) twice weekly during the first 3 weeks of radiotherapy. The radiation dose to the primary tumor and regional nodes was 45 Gy in 25 fractions, and the gross tumor volume received an additional 5.4 Gy in three fractions. Four weeks after radiotherapy, patients received gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) once weekly every 3 of 4 weeks for a 12-week period. The primary end point was survival at 12 months. Secondary end points were time to progression, toxicity, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Survival at 1 year was 40% for 47 eligible patients. The median survival was 10.2 months. Confirmed responses were observed for 8.5% (two partial, two complete), and median time to progression was 7.3 months. Grade 4 or higher toxicity was observed for 31% and consisted primarily of hematologic and GI toxicity. There was a trend toward improved overall quality of life, measured by the Symptom Distress Scale (P = .06), with significant improvements in domains of insomnia, pain, and outlook.

CONCLUSION

The combination of radiotherapy, gemcitabine, and cisplatin was well tolerated. Survival results were similar to those achieved with other treatment regimens for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer but did not meet our predefined criteria for additional evaluation of this regimen.

Treatment options for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers account for 4% of all cancers in the United States. Traditionally, these cancers have had a high mortality rate and have been poorly responsive to therapy. Because of a growing number of treatment options, patients are now living longer. For hepatocellular carcinoma, a broad number of treatment options are available, including surgery, ablation, embolization, systemic therapy, and liver transplantation. Treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma include surgery, systemic therapy, and liver transplantation. For pancreatic cancer, surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy all have potential roles. This review provides an updated summary of diagnosis and assessment together with treatment options for this group of cancers.

Patient assessment of bowel function during and after pelvic radiotherapy: results of a prospective phase III North Central Cancer Treatment Group clinical trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate patient assessment of long-term effect of pelvic radiotherapy on bowel function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

As part of a prospective randomized trial evaluating the impact of sucralfate on bowel function in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy, patient-assessed bowel function data were collected during radiotherapy and again at 4 weeks and 1 year after completion of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The number of bowel movements per day increased up to week 4 and then slowly decreased. At 1 year, the mean number of bowel movements per day had increased from 1.75 to 2.09 and the median from 1 to 2. All measures of adverse bowel function worsened during radiotherapy. Frequency of bowel movements and symptoms of frequency, nocturnal bowel movements, cramping, and bleeding returned close to baseline values by 1 year. Symptoms of urgency, clustering, and measures of incontinence were all persistent at 1 year. The mean increase in bowel function score at 1 year was 0.74 (range, -5 to 7).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with a slight increase in bowel movement frequency and decrease in several patient-reported measures of adverse bowel function. Several measures of adverse function persisted at 1 year.

Phase III trial of fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens plus radiotherapy in postoperative adjuvant rectal cancer: GI INT 0144

PURPOSE

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after or before resection of high-risk rectal cancer improves overall survival (OS) and pelvic control. We studied three postoperative fluorouracil (FU) radiochemotherapy regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After resection of T3-4, N0, M0 or T1-4, N1, 2M0 rectal adenocarcinoma, 1,917 patients were randomly assigned to arm 1, with bolus FU in two 5-day cycles every 28 days before and after radiotherapy (XRT) plus FU via protracted venous infusion (PVI) 225 mg/m2/d during XRT; arm 2 (PVI-only arm), with PVI 42 days before and 56 days after XRT + PVI; or arm 3 (bolus-only arm), with bolus FU + leucovorin (LV) in two 5-day cycles before and after XRT, plus bolus FU + LV (levamisole was administered each cycle before and after XRT). Patients were stratified by operation type, T and N stage, and time from surgery.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 5.7 years. Lethal toxicity was less than 1%, with grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity in 49% to 55% of the bolus arms versus 4% in the PVI arm. No disease-free survival (DFS) or OS difference was detected (3-year DFS, 67% to 69% and 3-year OS, 81% to 83% in all arms). Locoregional failure (LRF) at first relapse was 8% in arm 1, 4.6% in arm 2, and 7% in arm 3. LRF in T1-2, N1-2, and T3, N0-2 primaries who received low anterior resection (those most suitable for primary resection) was 5% in arm 1, 3% in arm 2, and 5% in arm 3.

CONCLUSION

All arms provide similar relapse-free survival and OS, with different toxicity profiles and central catheter requirements. LRF with postoperative therapy is low, justifying initial resection for T1-2, N0-2 and T3, and N0-2 anterior resection candidates.

Safety and efficacy of external beam radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with prior90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are radiosensitive tumors. Recent trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of beta irradiation delivered by monoclonal antibodies conjugated to radioisotopes such as yttrium-90 or iodine-131. Many patients eventually relapse after radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and require additional treatment. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivered after RIT.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 135 patients with relapsed B-cell NHL who had received RIT with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan to identify patients who subsequently received EBRT. The response rates and radiation-induced toxicity from the EBRT were assessed.

RESULTS

Nineteen of 135 (14%) patients received EBRT to a total of 39 tumor sites. Complete radiation therapy records were available for 16 patients (36 tumor sites), which formed the basis for this analysis. The median EBRT dose was 28.5 Gy (range, 10-40 Gy), with a median fraction size of 2 Gy (range, 1-5 Gy). Response data were available for 29 treated sites. The overall response rate was 90% (26/29) with 12 complete responses (41%), 7 complete clinical responses (24%), 7 partial responses (24%), and 3 stable (10%). Toxicities were generally transient, reversible, and corresponded to the anatomic regions irradiated.

CONCLUSIONS

EBRT can produce tumor responses at sites of NHL that relapse after RIT with acceptable toxicity.

Efficacy and treatment-related toxicity of radiotherapy for early-stage primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the parotid gland

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the parotid gland.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data on 35 consecutive patients seen at Mayo Clinic between 1974 and 2000 with Ann Arbor Stage I and II NHL of the parotid gland were reviewed retrospectively. Radiotherapy was given to 23 patients, and 12 patients were observed. Eight patients received RT to local fields only. In addition to local fields, 9 patients received ipsilateral neck irradiation, and 6 patients received both ipsilateral and contralateral neck irradiation.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 2 months-24 years). Local control was significantly improved in the RT group compared with the observation group (p = 0.03). Both overall survival and disease-specific survival were 90% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years. There was no significant difference in disease-specific survival or overall survival between the RT and observation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prognosis for this rare presentation of NHL is excellent. Radiotherapy provided significant improvement in local control with minimal morbidity and should be considered in the treatment of these patients.

Recommended guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea

PURPOSE

To update and expand on previously published clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea.

METHODS

An expert multidisciplinary panel was convened to review the recent literature and discuss recommendations for updating the practice guidelines previously published by this group in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 1998. MEDLINE searches were performed and the relevant literature published since 1998 was reviewed by all panel members. The treatment recommendations and algorithm were revised by panel consensus.

RESULTS

A recent review of early toxic deaths occurring in two National Cancer Institute-sponsored cooperative group trials of irinotecan plus high-dose fluorouracil and leucovorin for advanced colorectal cancer has led to the recognition of a life-threatening gastrointestinal syndrome and highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring and aggressive therapy for this serious complication. Loperamide remains the standard therapy for uncomplicated cases. However, the revised guidelines reflect the need for recognition of the early warning signs of complicated cases of diarrhea and the need for early and aggressive management, including the addition of antibiotics. Management of radiation-induced diarrhea is similar but may not require hospitalization, and chronic low- to intermediate-grade symptoms can be managed with continued loperamide.

CONCLUSION

With vigilant monitoring and aggressive therapy for cancer treatment-induced diarrhea, particularly in patients with early warning signs of severe complications, morbidity and mortality may be reduced.

Phase III Study of Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Compared With Chemotherapy Alone in the Surgical Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer: Results of Intergroup Protocol 0130

Purpose

Some patients with colon cancer have a high risk of local recurrence postoperatively. This trial was undertaken to determine whether radiation therapy added to an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen improves outcome in high-risk patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients with resected colon cancer with tumor adherence or invasion of surrounding structures, or with T3N1 or T3N2 tumors of the ascending or descending colon were randomly assigned to receive fluorouracil and levamisole therapy with or without radiation therapy. Patients who received chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoRT) received 45 to 50.4 Gy in 25 to 28 fractions beginning 28 days after starting chemotherapy. Patient enrollment was terminated because of slow accrual after 222 patients enrolled (original goal was 700 patients); 187 patients were assessable.

Results

Overall 5-year survival was 62% for chemotherapy patients and 58% for chemoRT patients (P > .50); 5-year disease-free survival was 51% for both groups (P > .50). Toxicity (≥ grade 3) occurred in 42% of chemotherapy patients and 54% of chemoRT patients (P = .04). Leukopenia (≥ grade 3) occurred in 10% of chemotherapy patients and 22% of chemoRT patients (P = .02). No significant difference in nonhematologic toxicity (≥ grade 3) was observed between chemoRT and chemotherapy patients (35% v 44%; P = .26).

Conclusion

Patients who received chemotherapy or chemoRT had similar overall survival and disease-free survival. Toxicity was higher among chemoRT patients. These results must be interpreted with caution because of the high number of ineligible patients and the limited power of the study to detect potentially meaningful differences.

Impact of T and N stage and treatment on survival and relapse in adjuvant rectal cancer: a pooled analysis

PURPOSE

To determine survival and relapse rates by T and N stage and treatment method in five randomized phase III North American rectal adjuvant studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were pooled from 3,791 eligible patients enrolled onto North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) 79-47-51, NCCTG 86-47-51, US Gastrointestinal Intergroup 0114, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) R01, and NSABP R02. Surgery alone (S) was the treatment arm in 179 patients. The remaining patients received adjuvant treatment as follows: irradiation (RT) alone (n = 281), RT + fluorouracil (FU) +/- semustine bolus chemotherapy (CT; n = 779), RT + protracted venous infusion CT (n = 325), RT + FU +/- leucovorin or levamisole bolus CT (n = 1,695), or CT alone (n = 532). Five-year follow-up was available in 94% of surviving patients, and 8-year follow-up, in 62%.

RESULTS

Overall (OS) and disease-free survival were dependent on TN stage, NT stage, and treatment method. Even among N2 patients, T substage influenced 5-year OS (T1-2, 67%; T3, 44%; T4, 37%; P <.001). Three risk groups of patients were defined: (1) intermediate (T1-2/N1, T3/N0), (2) moderately high (T1-2/N2, T3/N1, T4/N0), and (3) high (T3/N2, T4/N1, T4/N2). For intermediate-risk patients, those receiving S plus CT had 5-year OS rates of 85% (T1-2/N1) and 84% (T3/N0), which was similar to results with S plus RT plus CT (T1-2/N1, 78% to 83%; T3/N0, 74% to 80%). For moderately high-risk lesions, 5-year OS ranged from 43% to 70% with S plus CT, and 44% to 80% with S plus RT plus CT. For high-risk lesions, 5-year OS ranged from 25% to 45% with S plus CT, and 29% to 57% with S plus RT plus CT.

CONCLUSION

Different treatment strategies may be indicated for intermediate-risk versus moderately high- or high-risk patients based on differential survival rates and rates of relapse. Use of trimodality treatment for all patients with intermediate-risk lesions may be excessive, since S plus CT resulted in 5-year OS of approximately 85%; however, 5-year disease-free survival rates with S plus CT were 78% (T1-2/N1) and 69%(T3/N0), indicating room for improvement.

Endocavitary Radiation Therapy for Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Local control, survival, and toxicity in patients treated with endocavitary radiation therapy for rectal cancer were evaluated. Thirty-five patients received a total of 20 to 155 Gy in 1 to 5 fractions with 50 kV x-rays through a treatment proctoscope. Twenty-nine of the 35 patients were treated with curative intent. Median follow-up was 102 months. Local control was achieved in 23 of the 29 patients treated curatively and in 3 of the 6 treated palliatively. Local control for patients treated curatively was 76% at 10 years. No local failures occurred after 21 months. For patients treated curatively, survival was 65% at 5 years and 42% at 10 years. Toxicity within 90 days after treatment was observed in 77% of the patients. Toxicity occurring more than 90 days after treatment was observed in 80%, but only 1 patient needed a colostomy, which was for a perforation after the biopsy of a benign ulcer. In conclusion, radiation therapy resulted in a local control rate of 76% at 10 years in curatively treated patients. Although most patients experience toxicity from this treatment, loss of sphincter function is rare.

Phase III double-blind study of glutamine versus placebo for the prevention of acute diarrhea in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy

PURPOSE

A phase III, randomized, double-blind study was conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group to determine the efficacy and toxicity of oral glutamine for the prevention of acute diarrhea in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy (RT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All 129 patients enrolled from 14 institutions between February 1998 and October 1999 were eligible. Patients received 4 g of glutamine or placebo orally, twice a day, beginning with the first or second day of RT and continuing for 2 weeks after RT. During treatment, patients were assessed weekly for toxicity, and a bowel function questionnaire was administered. The primary measures of treatment efficacy were diarrhea levels measured by maximum grade of diarrhea, incidence of diarrhea, and average diarrhea score. After completion of RT, the bowel function questionnaire was administered weekly for 4 weeks and at 12 and 24 months. Toxicity was measured by National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 69 years (range, 34 to 86 years). The two treatment arms were balanced with respect to all baseline factors. There were no significant differences in toxicity by treatment. Quality-of-life scores and the mean number of problems reported on the bowel function questionnaire were virtually identical for both treatment groups. The incidence of grade 3 or higher diarrhea was 20% for the glutamine arm and 19% for the placebo arm (P =.99). The maximum number of stools per day was 5.1 for the glutamine arm and 5.2 for the placebo arm (P =.99).

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence of a beneficial effect of glutamine during pelvic RT.