Difference analysis of 18F-FMISO PET/CT hypoxia imaging in response to heavy ion radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) PET/CT hypoxia imaging in early response to heavy ion radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods:From April 2018 to January 2021, the 18F-FMISO PET/CT images of 23 NSCLC patients (19 males, 4 females; age (64.9±10.3) years) who received heavy ion radiotherapy in Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center were retrospectively analyzed. The evaluation parameters included tumor volume (TV), tumor to background ratio (TBR) before and after radiotherapy. Patients were divided into hypoxia group and non-hypoxia group with the baseline TBR value≥1.4 as hypoxia threshold. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the differences of TV and TBR before and after radiotherapy in 2 groups. Results:Of 23 NSCLC patients, 17 were hypoxia and 6 were non-hypoxia. Compared with the baseline, TV after the radiotherapy (59.44(22.86, 99.43) and 33.78(8.68, 54.44) cm 3; z=-3.05, P=0.002) and TBR after the radiotherapy (2.25(2.09, 2.82) and 1.42(1.24, 1.67); z=-3.39, P=0.001) of the hypoxia group were significantly lower, while TV (16.19(6.74, 36.52) and 8.59(4.38, 25.47) cm 3; z=-1.57, P=0.120) and TBR (1.19(1.05, 1.27) and 1.10 (0.97, 1.14); z=-1.89, P=0.060) of the non-hypoxia group decreased with no significant differences. Conclusions:Hypoxic NSCLC tumors are sensitive to heavy ion radiation. Compared with non-hypoxic tumors, hypoxic tumors respond more quickly, and a significant reduction in TV can be observed early after radiotherapy. Heavy ion radiation can significantly improve tumor hypoxia.

Clinical implementation of iterative cone-beam computed tomography guided online adaptive radiotherapy for the pelvic malignancies / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application of online adaptive radiotherapy based on iterative cone-beam computed tomography (iCBCT) for the pelvic malignancies.Methods:This was a prospective clinical trial of iCBCT guided online adaptive radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies in Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Clinical data of 13 patients with pelvic malignancies who received online adaptive radiotherapy from August to November, 2022 were preliminarily analyzed (2 cases of cervical cancer, 4 postoperative cervical cancer, 3 postoperative endometrial cancer, 3 bladder cancer and 1 prostate cancer). The feasibility of online adaptive radiotherapy, adaptive radiotherapy time, the frequency and magnitude of edits for organs at risk and target volume, target volume coverage and organs at risk doses were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software. Data conforming to normal distribution were described by Mean±SD, and data with non-normal distribution were expressed by M ( Q1, Q3). Data with homogeneous variances were analyzed by t-test, and data with non-normal distribution or heterogeneous variances were analyzed by nonparametric test. Results:The average adaptive time was 15 min and 38 s (from acceptance of acquired CBCT scan to completion of the final plan selection). 85.4% (830/972 fractions) of influencer structures (system-defined organs adjacent to and with high impact on the generation of clinical target volume and planning target volume, primarily bladder, rectum and small intestine in pelvic neoplasms) automatically generated by artificial intelligence required no edits or minor editors, and 89.8% (491/547 fractions) of clinical target volume automatically generated by artificial intelligence required no edits or minor editors. The adapted plan was adopted in 98.5% (319/324 fractions) of radiotherapy fractions. Compared with the scheduled plan, the adapted plan showed better target volume coverage and reduced the dose of organs at risk.Conclusions:iCBCT guided online adaptive radiotherapy for the pelvic malignancies can be achieved within clinically acceptable timeslots. In addtion, better dose coverage of target volume shows the advantages of online adaptive radiotherapy.

Anatomic distribution and clinical target volume margin of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To determine the regional boundary of para-aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis in cervical cancer, and to explore the clinical target volume (CTV) margin.Methods:Eight-six patients with cervical cancer metastasis to PAN below and above left renal vein (LRV) were retrospectively included in this study. The anatomical relationship of the metastatic PANs and surrounding structures were analyzed according tocontrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and three dimensional reconstruction images.Results:Eight-six patients had metastatic PANs belowLRV: metastatic nodes were located onthe medial side of ovarian vessels and ureters, behind the renal veins, duodenum, mesenteric vessels, in front of the anterior border of lumbar vertebra and psoas. The inferior mesenteric vein was close to the left anterior side of PANs. Where the duodenum appeared, no node was presenton the anterolateral side of the inferior vena cava (IVC).Above the LRV, 27 patients had retrocrural node involvement along the azygos and hemiazgos vein, and 25/27 cases were located below the junction level of cardia and oesophagus, and 5/27 patients had metastatic lymph nodes between IVC and the right crura of diaphragm, all below the level of coeliac trunk artery.Conclusions:CTV margin delineation of PAN below and above LRV is recommended:superiorly, the junction level of cardia and oesophagus; laterally, crura and the medial side of ovarian vessels and ureters and inferior mesenteric vein; anteriorly, the posterior side of the coeliac trunk artery and renal veins and duodenum, mesenteric vessels; posteriorly, the anterior border of lumbar vertebra and psoas.

Clinical study on quantitative evaluation of proton radiotherapy by off-line PET-CT in vivo biological validation / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:Patients are breathing freely during adjuvant proton pencil beam radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery. Fluctuation of the thorax may affect the position of the end of the proton beam flow, which needs to be precisely evaluated on a millimeter scale.Methods:For 20 patients with breast cancer treated with proton radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery, PET-CT scan was performed approximately 10 min after the end of proton radiotherapy. The images of PET-CT were processed for ROI determination and sampling line (profile) extraction on a Raystation RV workstation to calculate the actual difference between the predicted and real radioactivity from the same spatial location as obtained by PET acquisition R50. Then, the differences in the spatial location between the actual process of proton irradiation and the planned process were obtained. Depth difference values for each pair of sampling lines were presented. Results:For 20 patients with breast cancer with a median follow-up of 22 months (range 12 - 46 months), all patients survived at the last follow-up, and no radiation pneumonitis was observed during the follow-up period. Among the verification results of 21 cases, the depth difference of evenly distributed was (-0.75±1.89) mm in the primary field and (-0.82±2.06) mm in the secondary field; The depth difference of sequential treatment was (1.81±1.87) mm in the primary field and (1.32±1.74) mm in the secondary field; The depth difference of synchronous addition in the primary field was (-1.47±1.44) mm, and the depth difference in the secondary field was (-1.48±2.11) mm.Conclusion:The results of off-line PET-CT in vivo biological verification show that the accuracy of the dose boundary cut-off was within 3 mm in breast cancer patients, which meets the clinical and physician requirement for the precision in breast cancer treatment.

Infrastructure of radiation oncology in China: a national survey for development and allocation of radiotherapy equipment during the 14 th Five-Year Plan period / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the current status of radiotherapy personnel and equipment in China, and to provide data basis for scientific allocation and effective use of radiotherapy equipment during the 14 th Five-year Plan period. Methods:From October to December 2020, a group of experts from China Association of Medical Equipment carried out an online questionnaire investigating the basic situation of radiotherapy in China, and the contents of the survey include radiotherapy centers, professional personnel, equipment, technology, equipment utilization rate, forecast of personnel and equipment in the next five years, etc. The data were reviewed by provincial medical societies/associations.Results:There were 1538 radiotherapy centers and 32978 radiotherapy professionals in Mainland China, including 18966 radiotherapy physicians, 4475 physicists and 9537 technicians. There were 2139 linear accelerators, 57 cobalt 60 accelerators, 457 afterloaders, 6 proton/heavy ion machines, 1034 conventional 2D simulators, 1208 CT simulators, and 89 MR simulators. 1459 centers can provide 3D conformal radiotherapy, 1256 centers can deliver intensity-modulated radiotherapy, 514 centers can offer volumetric modulated arc therapy, 422 centers can provide brachytherapy. According to the estimated data reported by the participating centers, in the next five years, the demand of professionals and machines will be increased by 4868 radiotherapy physicians, 2078 physicists and 3796 technicians, and 994 linacs, 896 CT simulators, 313 MR simulators and 54 proton heavy ions.Conclusions:The radiotherapy industry in China grows fast. During the 14 th Five-Year Plan period, the radiotherapy industry still has strong market demand as well as increase demand of personnel and equipment. Strengthening the market competitiveness of domestic radiotherapy enterprises, improving the equipment utilization rate in primary hospitals, providing comprehensive and systematic training and promoting standardized clinical application can resolve the issues of the lack and unbalanced distribution of radiotherapy resources, and maintain the fast and sustainable development of radiotherapy in China.

The teaching practice and exploration of the course of New Technology of Radiotherapy and Oncology / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate and summarize the teaching effect of" New Technology of Radiotherapy and Oncology" in the form of questionnaire, understand the degree of demand for the course of all kinds of medical students and improve the teaching contents and methods.Methods:The course of" New Technology of Radiotherapy and Oncology" was a specialized elective course in Peking Union Medical College. After two rounds of teaching practices, we evaluated the students participating in the course or non-course participants by anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire items include the course content, setting, teachers and improvement suggestions.Results:A total of 73 questionnaires were sent out, and the recovery rate was 100%. Among them, 52(71%) were from students who chose the courses. 83% of the students" strongly agree" that the teaching content of this course is the latest development, the latest achievement or the problem to be solved, 94% were" satisfied" or" very satisfied" with their learning effect, and 92% and 83% were satisfied with the teachers and teaching plan, respectively. After taking the course, students rated" broadening of mind" (96%) as the biggest gain, followed by" facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration" (79%). 86% of the non-course participants felt the need to supplement the existing curriculum with new techniques in oncology radiotherapy, hoping that the curriculum would" broaden the mind" (76%), improve clinical application (81%) and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration (71%).Conclusion:The questionnaire results show that the teaching practice of this course covers the different needs of all kinds of students, which is worthy of implementation and further improvement.

Implementation and assessment of software based on ESAPI compilation structure / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To help clinicians simplify the post-processing operations of structures by developing rapid processing software for target area and organs at risk structures based on ESAPI.Methods:SmartStructure script software was developed based on ESAPI, verified and evaluated in clinical work. 10 cases of rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 10 breast cancer treated with postoperative radiotherapy, 10 cervical cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy, 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving radical radiotherapy and 10 lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) were selected, and different types of tumors had different post-processing operations of structures. In each case, three methods were used for post-processing of structures. In the control group (manual group), normal manual processing was employed. In the experimental group 1(SmaStru-N group), scripts without templates were utilized. In the experimental group 2(SmaStru-P group). scripts combined with templates were adopted. The processing time of the three methods was compared. Clinicians scored the scripting software from multiple aspects and compared the feeling scores of scripting software and manual operation.Results:All three methods can be normally applied in clinical settings. The error rate in the manual group was 7.0%, 3.0% in the SmaStru-N group 0% in the SmaStru-P group, respectively. Compared with the manual method, SmaStru-N shortened the processing time of target area and organs at risk by 60.9% and 93.3% for SmaStru-P. In addition, SmartStructure was superior to manual method in terms of using feeling scores. Clinicians gave lower score for the" applicability" and" simplicity" , and higher score on the" accuracy" and" efficiency" .Conclusions:Compared with conventional manual structure processing method, SmartStructure software can rapidly and accurately process all structures of the target area and organs at risk, and its advantages become more obvious with the increasing number of structures that need to be processed. SmartStructure software can meet clinical requirements, reduce the error rate, elevate processing speed, improve the working efficiency of clinicians, providing basis for the development of adaptive radiotherapy.

Comparison between HyperArc and conventional VMAT approach for brain metastases / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the dosimetric parameters and plan complexity between newly-delicated HyperArc (HA) and conventional volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the treatment of brain metastases.Methods:For 26 patients with brain metastases, HA, conventional coplanar (Cop) and non-coplanar (Non-cop) VMAT plans with a prescription dose of 9 Gy 3fx or 6 Gy 5fx were generated. The dosimetric parameters for planning target volume (PTV), RTOG conformity index (RTOG CI), Paddick CI, homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), maximum dose (D max) of brainstem and dose-volume parameters of brain-PTV(V 2Gy-V 26Gy) were statisticaly compared among these three approaches. In addition, the monitor unit (MU) and the plan complexity parameters (including MCSv and AlPO) were statistically compared. Results:To prevent missed targets during treatment, all plans were established with RTOG CI of greater than 1.1. For Paddick CI, HA provided significantly higher conformity (0.89±0.019) than Non-cop (0.87±0.036, P=0.001) and Cop (0.88±0.017, P=0.003) VMAT. For GI, the fastest dose fall-off was noted in HA (3.35±0.64), followed by conventional Non-cop VMAT of (3.70±0.80), and conventional Cop VMAT of (4.90±1.85)(all P<0.05). For the brainstem sparing, HA plan performed better than Non-cop plan[(604.14±531.61) cGy vs.(682.75±558.22) cGy, P<0.05)]. For normal brain tissue sparing, HA approach showed significant reduction than conventional Cop and Non-cop VMAT (both P<0.05). For MU, HA approach (2 872.60 ± 566.93) was significantly lower than those of Non-cop VMAT (3 771.28 ± 1 022.38, P<0.05) and Cop VMAT (4 494.08 ± 1 323.09, P<0.05). In terms of plan complexity, the MCSv of Cop plan was the lowest, indicating that the complexity was the highest ( P<0.05). The AlPO of HA was significantly higher than that of Non-cop VMAT ( P<0.05), suggesting that the complexity of HA plan was lower ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For the treatment of brain metastases, HA provides better conformity, more rapid dose fall-off, better sparing of brainstem and normal brain tissues and less plan complexity compared with conventional VMAT.

Objective clinical outcome and patient satisfaction in self-assessment of postoperative electronic radiation for refractory keloids / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:Objective To investigate the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of refractory keloids, evaluate the self-assessment degree of satisfaction of patients and compare with the objective outcomes.Methods:A total of 144 patients (290 lesions) with refractory keloids admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2013 to 2018 were included in this study. The median age was 28 years old (range: 15-81 years old). All lesions were subjected to electronic radiation at postoperative 24h. The regime of 5 to 7MeV electron beam radiation therapy was adopted. The total dose was ranged from 16 to 18 Gy/2f (at 1-week interval). The median follow-up time was 48 months (range: 35-91 months). Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to evaluate the degree of satisfaction. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards model.Results:Among 290 keloids, 52 keloids (17.9%) relapsed in 3 to 42 months from the end of radiotherapy (median 12 months). The main side effects were hyperpigmentation and local incisional extension. Univariate analysis showed that local incisional color darker than skin, pruritus, pain and young age were associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis indicated that local incisional color darker than skin and pain were the independent prognostic factors for scar recurrence. Recurrence, hyperpigmentation and local incisional extension were the main reasons for patients′ dissatisfaction.Conclusions:Postoperative electronic radiation can achieve satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of refractory keloids. Local incisional color darker than skin and pain are the independent prognostic factors of keloid recurrence. Patient self-assessment results are not fully consistent with the objective clinical outcomes and recurrence status.

Dosimetric feasibility of iterative kV CBCT for radiation therapy planning for pelvis / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To study the feasibility of using pelvic iterative cone beam CT images for dose calculation of radiation therapy planning, so as to provide support for adaptive radiotherapy.Methods:The CIRS 062 M phantom was scanned by Varian Halcyon v2.0 o-ring accelerator, and the average CT number under different scattering conditions was calculated, and then the ICBCT-ED conversion curve was established. CT images of CIRS 002PRA pelvic IMRT phantom and ICBCT images at different positions were collected. Treatment plan using VMAT technique based on CT image was designed and transplanted into ICBCT image with dose recalculated. The differences of gamma passing rate among target volume, organs at risk and 3-dimensional dose were compared. Based on the actual treatment plan of patients, the differences of 3-dimensional dose gamma passing rate in 10 pelvic patients were analyzed retrospectively.Results:There was a large CT value deviation at central position between the isolated no-scattering condition and the full-scattering condition, and the maximum deviation was 144 HU. The CT values of other positions in full-scattering condition were similar to those of the central position, and the maximum deviation was less than 50 HU. Based on the calculated result of ICBCT images at different positions of the pelvic phantom, the dose deviation of the target volume or organs at risk was less than 1 Gy. Compared with the plan based on CT images, the average 3-dimensional dose gamma passing rate under the criteria of 1% dose difference (DD)/1 mm distance-to-agreement (DTA) and 2% DD/2 mm DTA in plan based on ICBCT images were (88.86 ±1.18)% and (98.38±0.89)%, respectively. The ranges of average 3-dimensional dose gamma passing rate under the criteria of 2% DD/2 mm DTA and 3% DD/3 mm DTA in 10 patients with pelvic tumors were 90.03%-95.43% and 93.58%-97.78%, respectively, and the worst result was only 85.90% and 92.90%, respectively. The main reason of the worst result was the dose difference caused by large variation of bladder contour due to over-filling.Conclusions:Under comprehensive scattering conditions, the ICBCT-ED conversion curve is reconstructed and the treatment plan can be designed by using the ICBCT image of Halcyon v2.0 linear accelerator. The accuracy meets the standards of clinical application, which provides assurance for adaptive radiotherapy in the future.

Effects of theta burst stimulation mode repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on negative symptoms and cognitive function in elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of theta burst stimulation(TBS)mode repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS) in the left prefrontal on negative symptoms and cognitive function in the elderly chronic schizophrenic patients.Methods:Totally 48 patients with stable chronic senile schizophrenia (24 cases in r-TMS treatment group and 24 cases in r-TMS pseudo stimulation control group) were selected. The treatment group was given the TBS mode r-TMS performed in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The control group was given pseudo stimulation at the same site. Before and after treatment, the brief psychiatric rating scale(BPRS), scale for assessment of negative symptoms(SANS), and positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS)were used to assess mental symptoms, while Mattis-dementia rating scale(MDRS-2)and social adaptation functioning evaluation(SAFE)were used to assess cognitive function and social function. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis.Comparisons of the differences between inter groups and intra groups were conducted by independent sample t test and paired t-test. Results:(1)There were significant differences in the total score of PANSS scale((60.17±3.73), (56.67±3.12)), the negative symptom subscale score of PANSS((20.88±2.94), (17.96±2.33)) and the score of SANS((30.67±1.66), (30.25±1.45)) before and after treatment in the treatment group (all P<0.05). The D-value before and after treatment in the scores of BPRS ( t=3.513, P=0.001), PANSS ( t=6.048, P<0.01), negative symptom subscale ( t=6.610, P<0.01) and SANS ( t=8.239, P<0.01) were significantly different between the two groups. (2)There were significant differences in the scores of MDRS-2 and its sub scales before and after treatment in the treatment group (all P<0.05). The D-value before and after treatment in the scores of MDRS-2 ( t=6.216, P<0.01), attention ( t=4.596, P<0.01), start/maintain ( t=6.424, P<0.01), concept formation ( t=3.974, P<0.01), construction( t=2.194, P=0.033) and memory ( t=3.162, P=0.003) were significantly different between the two groups.(3)There was no significant difference in the SAFE score between the treatment group and the control group before and after treatment ( t=0.138, 0.142, both P>0.05). Conclusion:TBS can improve the negative symptoms and cognitive function in patients with the elderly chronic schizophrenic, but the effect of social function is not clear.

Study on the relationship between the expression of TSP-1, VEGF, and plasma inflammatory factors and early acute lung injury in COPD / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the relationship between the expression of TSP-1, VEGF, and Th17-related inflammatory factors and early acute lung injury (ALI) in COPD. Methods The clinical data of 140 randomly selected patients with COPD in our hospital from May 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the condition of the disease, they were divided into control group (n = 70) and observation group (n = 70). The related indicators were determined by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis of data was carried out by Pearson linear correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in the patients with COPD complicated with early ALI were significantly lower, while the ratio of Th17/Treg in peripheral blood was significantly higher in the observation group. The plasma levels of TSP-1, VEGF and related inflammatory factors were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that TSP-1 and VEGF were positively correlated with CD4+Th17 cell ratio. Logistic regression analysis showed that IL-17 was an independent risk factor for early acute lung injury in COPD. Conclusion The increased release of Th17-related inflammatory cytokines will aggravate the airway inflammatory response, cause abnormal expression of TSP-1 and VEGF, and lead to vascular endothelial dysfunction, which will further aggravate the condition of patients, and increase the risk of acute lung injury in patients with COPD.

An investigation report of radiotherapy centers in Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:An investigation on the prevention and control measures taken by radiotherapy centers of various hospitals in Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. The experience was summarized to provide reference for further work.Methods:Electronic questionnaires were distributed to each radiotherapy center through members of the radiation oncology therapeutics branch of Beijing medical association and members of Society of Radiotherapy Specialists (Technicians) of Beijing Medical Doctors Association. Statistical analysis was performed based on the feedback results of electronic questionnaires.Results:All forty radiotherapy centers in Beijing returned the questionnaires by the end of April 10, 2020. Except for the suspension of treatment in one center due to COVID-19 pandemic, all radiotherapy centers have taken corresponding prevention and control measures and continued to carry out radiotherapy. No COVID-19 infection of patients or medical staffs occurred during this pandemic.Conclusions:During the COVID-19 pandemic, all radiotherapy centers attach great importance to optimizing the clinical process and adopt reasonable prevention and control measures. On the basis of efficient prevention and control measures, radiotherapy is delivered to fulfill the treatment demands of cancer patients.

Clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical adenocarcinoma and salvage treatment of residual lesions / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical adenocarcinoma, and to analyze the treatment and evaluate the prognosis of patients with residual lesions after definitive radiotherapy.Methods:Clinical data of 109 patients with locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma treated from January 2005 to February 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The prescription dose of external irradiation was 50.4 Gy, 28 fractions, and the point A dose of brachytherapy was 30-36 Gy, 5-7 fractions. Cisplatin or paclitaxel was used as concurrent chemotherapy regimen. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients with clinical partial remission (PR) after treatment might receive salvage surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The survival analysis was performed with Kaplan Meier method.Results:The median follow-up period was 48 months, and the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 74.1% and 58.5%, respectively. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 72 patients (66.1%) achieved clinical complete remission, and 31 patients (28.4%) obtained PR. After receiving salvage treatment, the 3-year overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate of PR patients were 53.1% and 40.5%, respectively. Only 4 patients (3.7%) and 2 patients (1.8%) had grade 3 or greater urinary and gastrointestinal toxicity after definitive treatment.Conclusion:For patients with cervical adenocarcinoma who have clinical residual lesions after primary treatment, salvage treatment should be actively taken in order to improve survival outcomes.

Recommendation of radiotherapy for gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 epidemic / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

With the outbreak of COVID-19 around the globe, the epidemic prevention and control in China will take a long-term trend. As the main treatment of gynecological malignant tumor, rational application of radiotherapy bring patients with both "epidemic prevention" and "anti-tumor" benefits. This recommendation combined the domestic epidemic prevention guidelines, foreign literature related to epidemic prevention and gynecological tumor treatment, and the experiences of Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the prophase of epidemic period, aiming to provide guidance for the clinical work for radiotherapy and gynecological departments during COVID-19 crisis from the perspectives of gynecological radiotherapy principles, clinical trials, MDT and academic activities.

Expert consensus on brachytherapy for recurrent cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

The main treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery and/or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy consists of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy (BT). BT contains high-dose-rate (HDR-BT) and low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT). The prognosis of cervical cancer is relatively good. However, some patients experience substantial treatment failures, such as intra-pelvic and/or extra-pelvic recurrences. Recurrent cervical cancer (RCC) has poor prognosis due to lack of effective and safe approach. In 2002, Professor Wang Junjie introduced CT-guidance into the field of LDR-BT, and fully applied 3D printing technology in BT in 2015, which met the requirement of preoperative LDR-BT planning, and significantly improving the precision, quality and efficiency of BT. In 2018, Professor Wang Junjie proposed the concept of stereotactic ablation brachytherapy (SABT). Chinese experts have attempted to treat RCC with BT for nearly two decades and accumulated certain clinical experience. Based on the 3D-printing template (3D-PT) assisted CT-guidance, the standard and consensus of BT for RCC were established, including the indications, dosimetric requirements, technological procedures and radiation protection, etc. At present, there is still a lack of phage Ⅲ clinical and evidence-based medicine for the treatment of RCC with 3D-PT guidance, which requires prospective multi-center, randomized studies to improve the evidence-based level of BT.

Analysis of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing radiotherapy during COVID-19 epidemic period / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the anxiety and depression of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy during the epidemic of COVID-19.Methods:By using self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale, a cross-sectional survey was conducted during the COVID-19 epidemic period.Results:During the COVID-19 epidemic period, the incidence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy was 15.8% and 27.7% respectively, of which 12.9% suffered from both anxiety and depression. The average scores of anxiety and depression were 49.4(25/76) and 46.4(25/83), respectively, which were higher than those of the domestic norm. Age is a contributing factor for anxiety, and patients living in urban are more likely to experience depression.Conclusions:The prevalence of anxiety and depression of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy are higher than healthy people during the COVID-19 outbreak. We should pay more attention to the psychological states of the cancer patients.

Completion hysterectomy after chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced adeno-type cervical carcinoma: updated survival outcomes and experience in post radiation surgery / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE@#To compare patient survival outcomes between completion hysterectomy and conventional surveillance in locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the cervix after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).@*METHODS@#Patients with adenocarcinoma of the cervix after CCRT were identified in a tertiary academic center database from 2004 to 2018. Patients received completion hysterectomy or surveillance after CCRT. We compared the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between the patients with or without adjuvant hysterectomy. Surgery features, operative complications, and pathologic characteristics were documented. Patient outcomes were also analyzed according to clinicopathologic factors.@*RESULTS@#A total of 78 patients were assigned to completion surgery and 97 to surveillance after CCRT. The PFS was better in the surgery group compared to the CCRT only group, at 3 years the PFS rates were 68.1% and 45.2%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]=0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.282–0.749; p=0.002). Adjuvant surgery was also associated with a higher rate of OS (HR=0.361; 95% CI=0.189–0.689; p=0.002), at 3 years, 87.9% and 67%, respectively. Tumor stage, size, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI), lymphadenopathy were associated with PFS but not with OS. Hysterectomy specimens revealed 64.1% (50/78) of the patients had pathologic residual tumor. Patients age less than 60, tumor size over 4 cm, stage IIB and persistent residual disease after CCRT were most likely to benefit from hysterectomy. Hysterectomy was associated with a lower rate of locoregional recurrence but did not reach statistical significance (5.13% vs. 13.5%, p=0.067).@*CONCLUSION@#Completion hysterectomy after CCRT was associated with better survival outcome compared with the current standard of care.

Completion hysterectomy after chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced adeno-type cervical carcinoma: updated survival outcomes and experience in post radiation surgery / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient survival outcomes between completion hysterectomy and conventional surveillance in locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the cervix after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).METHODS: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the cervix after CCRT were identified in a tertiary academic center database from 2004 to 2018. Patients received completion hysterectomy or surveillance after CCRT. We compared the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between the patients with or without adjuvant hysterectomy. Surgery features, operative complications, and pathologic characteristics were documented. Patient outcomes were also analyzed according to clinicopathologic factors.RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were assigned to completion surgery and 97 to surveillance after CCRT. The PFS was better in the surgery group compared to the CCRT only group, at 3 years the PFS rates were 68.1% and 45.2%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]=0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.282–0.749; p=0.002). Adjuvant surgery was also associated with a higher rate of OS (HR=0.361; 95% CI=0.189–0.689; p=0.002), at 3 years, 87.9% and 67%, respectively. Tumor stage, size, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI), lymphadenopathy were associated with PFS but not with OS. Hysterectomy specimens revealed 64.1% (50/78) of the patients had pathologic residual tumor. Patients age less than 60, tumor size over 4 cm, stage IIB and persistent residual disease after CCRT were most likely to benefit from hysterectomy. Hysterectomy was associated with a lower rate of locoregional recurrence but did not reach statistical significance (5.13% vs. 13.5%, p=0.067).CONCLUSION: Completion hysterectomy after CCRT was associated with better survival outcome compared with the current standard of care.

125I low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy and radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the outcomes of low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (BT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with T 1c-T 3a prostate cancer. Methods:A group of 745 patients with T 1c-T 3a prostate cancer between January 2010 and August 2017 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were identified. The records of these patients, who were followed up for a minimum of 2 years, were reviewed. 384 cases received BT. Their characters included age(72.1±6.6), tPSA (12.4±6.1) ng/ml, prostate volume (33.6±13.8) ml, Gleason grade group (2.0±1.2). In this group, T 1c-T 2a stage was diagnosed in 189 cases, T 2b-T 2c stage in 182 cases and T 3a stage in 13 cases.361 cases received RP. Their characters included age(65.7±6.2), tPSA(12.6±6.4) ng/ml, prostate volume (37.2±17.8) ml, Gleason grade group (1.9±1.2). In this group, T 1c-T 2a stage was diagnosed in 177 cases, T 2b-T 2c stage in 170 cases and T 3a stage in 14 cases.The log-rank test compared survival rates between the two modalities, and Cox regression identified factors associated with bRFS. Results:Median follow-up was 60 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show any statistically significant differences in terms of cRFS( P=0.321), cancer specific survival (CSS, P=0.643) and overall survival (OS, P=0.565) rate between the two groups. BT was associated with improved bRFS compared to RP( P=0.018). Risk of biochemical recurrence was significantly lower with BT compared with RP in the patients with a biopsy Gleason grade group 2 and 3 ( P=0.008), or prostate volume ≤35 ml ( P=0.027), or tPSA ≤10 ng/ml ( P=0.013), or the clinical T stages of T 2b and T 2C( P=0.031), or in the intermediate-risk group according to NCCN risk classification ( P=0.003). On multivariate analysis of all 745 patients, age≤ 70 and T stage≥T 2b was associated with significantly shorter bRFS. Conclusions:BT produced equivalent cRFS, CSS and OS compared to RP, while it was associated with improved bRFS. BT On multivariate analysis of all 745 patients, age≤ 70 and T stage≥T 2b was associated with significantly lower bRFS.