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Objective:To evaluate the 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging system for stage Ⅲ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by the survival analysis. All patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods:Among 1351 treatment-na?ve NPC patients who received radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy in our hospital from December 2008 to October 2014, 742 and 784 cases were classified as clinical stage Ⅲ based on the criteria of the 7 th and 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging systems, respectively. These patients were classified into three subgroups according to the 7 th and 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging systems: T 3N 0-1 as G 1( n=226, n=245), T 1-2N 2 as G 2( n=180, n=187) and T 3N 2 as G 3( n=336, n=352). The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and local-regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) were analyzed with Kaplan- Meier method. The differences among different groups were evaluated by log-rank test. Results:There were 93.6% patients evaluated by the 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system remained the same cohort with those by the 7 th AJCC/UICC staging system. The 5-year OS, PFS, DMFS and LRRFS of the 8 th and 7 th staging systems were 84.8% and 85.4%, 76.2% and 77.0%, 80.4% and 81.3%, 89.8% and 90.6%, respectively (all P>0.05). The OS, PFS or DMFS significantly differed among three subgroups classified by the 8 th staging system (all P<0.001). In addition, statistical significance was observed between G 1 and G 2, and between G 1 and G 3(both P<0.05), whereas no statistical significance was noted between G 2 and G 3( P=0.183, 0.310, 0.248). Conclusions:The distribution features and clinical endpoints of clinical stage Ⅲ defined by the 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system are similar to those defined by the 7 th AJCC/UICC staging system. The distribution of survival risk significantly differs among different subgroups. N 2 plays a major role in assessing the survival risk of patients with stage Ⅲ NPC. In the era of IMRT plus chemotherapy, the effect of local tumors on clinical prognosis has been diminished. The 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system remains to be further improved.
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Objective:To design and implement a network-based quality management system for tumor radiotherapy.Methods:The system consists of B/S framework-based three-layer structures including the application layer, system service layer and data layer. It utilizes Nutz as the development framework to develop web applications, MySQL as the system database, Java programming language for system development, Tomcat as a system application server for project release and IE, Google and other mainstream browsers to achieve client access server functions.Results:The system can support integrated information management and service of quality control institutions at the provincial, municipal and county levels. The functions include procedure management, case management, quality control management, notification announcement, data management and system management, etc. The system has been set up and tested in the cooperation units, and the operation and function are in good condition.Conclusion:The system can support the assessment of online quality control, which is conducive to information analysis and sharing, promotes the standardization and normalization of quality control and improves work efficiency. Case management function can monitor the diagnosis and treatment processes of patients, establish continuous electronic record, deliver rational treatment and rehabilitation guidance plan, which play a pivotal role in the evaluation of tumor radiotherapy.
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Objective To investigate the physics technique and quality assurance (QA) during radiotherapy in the institutions from the East Guangdong province,aiming to provide reference for the construction of radiotherapy discipline and rational allocation of resources in the primary hospitals from the eastern Guangdong province.Methods From March 15 to May 20,2016,the general conditions,radiotherapy equipment,available technique and quality assurance (QA) in the medical institutions from eastern Guangdong were investigated and analyzed by online combined with on-spot surgery.Results There were 8 institutions which provided radiotherapy with 966 ward beds,a daily capacity of 632 patients and 222 radiotherapy practitioners.Radiotherapy equipment included 12 linear accelerators,5 after-loading devices,1γ-knife,8 CT simulators and 9 radiotherapy planning systems.Five institutions performed IMRT/VMAT,IGRT and ART.Dose verification was performed before precision radiotherapy delivery in all institutions except for 1 center.QA procedures were missing for the linear accelerators,CT simulators and after-loading devices.Short-term advanced studies and hand-by-hand teaching were the main approaches for staff professional training.Conclusions The resource allocation for radiotherapy in the medical centers from the eastern Guangdong province is scarce.The technique and QC levels greatly differ among different institutions.Standard QA protocols are urgently to be established and implemented.Extensive attentions should be paid to the the professional training for technicians.
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Objective To investigate the relationship of radiation dose with the volume and late toxicity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle ( SM) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods SM was divided into upper part and lower part based on the lower edge of cricoid cartilage. Patients were divided into three groups according to the prescribed dose for clinical target volume at the lower neck ( CTV2 ) ( 0, 54,60 Gy) . The dosimetric parameters included Dmean , V66 , and V60 for the upper, lower, and whole SM. SM was delineated and the volume was calculated on computed tomography images in the treatment planning system before and at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment. The anteroposterior and transversal diameters of SM at C3?C4 , C4?C5 , C5?C6 , and C6?C7 levels were measured and recorded. Late toxicity of neck skin and SM was evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V4 .0 criteria. Between?group comparison was made by t?test or Kruskal?Wallis non?parametric test. Between?group comparison of the sample rate was made by one?way analysis of variance. The correlation analysis was made by Spearman correlation. Results There were significant difference in SM volume between the three time points after treatment ( P=0. 000) . At 12 or 18 months after treatment, the volume of SM wasignificantly reduced ( P=0. 000,0. 000);the reduction in SM volume was significantly correlated with V66 of the SM and the upper SM ( P=0. 015,0. 020) . At 18 months after treatment, SM fibrosis was significantly correlated with V60 of the upper SM ( P=0. 030);the fibrosis of neck skin was significantly correlated with the Dmean and V60 of the upper SM ( P=0. 029,0. 005) . Conclusions In order to prevent the incidence of the fibrosis of neck skin and SM, the dose homogeneity should be as high as possible, while the number of hot spots should be as small as possible.
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Objective To analyze the prognostic factors in patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods We collected the data of 68 patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic NPC admitted to The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from 1997 to 2015. Forty-nine patients received chemoradiotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival rate;the log-rank test was used for univariate prognostic analysis;the Cox model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results The median follow-up was 953 months. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival ( OS) rates were 53%, 38%, 21%, and 15%, respectively. The median OS time was 134 months. The univariate prognostic analysis showed that spinal metastases, the number of bone metastases, lactic dehydrogenase level before treatment, the radiotherapy technology and dose for primary tumor, and the short-term outcome of primary tumor were associated with OS ( P=002, 001, 000, 002, 002, 001 ) . The multivariate prognostic analysis showed that ≤3 bone metastases, dose to primary tumor>65 Gy, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy ( IMRT) were favorable prognostic factors for OS ( P=003,002,004) . Conclusions For patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic NPC, active treatment ( IMRT, dose to primary tumor>65 Gy) should be considered for those with ≤3 bone metastases to achieve a complete response of primary tumor.
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Objective To analyze the prognostic factors in patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods We collected the data of 68 patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic NPC admitted to The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from 1997 to 2015. Forty-nine patients received chemoradiotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival rate;the log-rank test was used for univariate prognostic analysis;the Cox model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results The median follow-up was 953 months. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival ( OS) rates were 53%, 38%, 21%, and 15%, respectively. The median OS time was 134 months. The univariate prognostic analysis showed that spinal metastases, the number of bone metastases, lactic dehydrogenase level before treatment, the radiotherapy technology and dose for primary tumor, and the short-term outcome of primary tumor were associated with OS ( P=002, 001, 000, 002, 002, 001 ) . The multivariate prognostic analysis showed that ≤3 bone metastases, dose to primary tumor>65 Gy, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy ( IMRT) were favorable prognostic factors for OS ( P=003,002,004) . Conclusions For patients with initially diagnosed bone-only metastatic NPC, active treatment ( IMRT, dose to primary tumor>65 Gy) should be considered for those with ≤3 bone metastases to achieve a complete response of primary tumor.
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Objective To explore a desirable therapeutic regimen,which is effective,reasonable and practicable for locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (LA-NPC) patients in the era of IMRT,with a potential of translating into survival improvement of these patients.Methods Patients presented with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ B,WHO type Ⅱ or Ⅲ NPC were randomly assigned to receive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT group) (45 cases) or induction chemotherapy plus radiotherapy alone (IC + RT group) (43 cases),with random number table.IMRT and rapid arc planning were generated in the same treatment planning system for all patients.These two arms received docetaxel plus cisplatin for first cycle of chemotherapy,and cisplatin only for the second cycle.Results Forty-five patients received CCRT and 43 received IC + RT.All the patients completed two cycles chemotherapy.Compared to the CCRT group,the incidence rate of grade 2-4 leukopenia was lower in IC + RT group[67.4 ％ (29/43) vs.86.7 ％ (39/45),x2 =4.628,P =0.031],while the incidence rate of dermatitis,mucositis,neutropenia and fungal infection of oral cavity had no significant differences (all P ＞ 0.05).The tumor response rate (95.3 ％ vs.100.0 ％,P =0.236),2-year overall survival rate (95.5 ％ vs.94.2 ％,P =0.627),2-year progression free survival rate (94.6 ％ vs.88.6 ％,P =0.303),2-year local recurrent free survival rate (97.3 ％ vs.95.5 ％,P =0.951),2-year regional recurrent free survival rate (94.7 ％ vs.96.2 ％,P =0.949),and 2-years distant metastasis free survival rate (93.7 ％ vs.91.5 ％,P =0.454) of the two groups were similar while comparing CCRT to IC + RT group.Conclusion Combined IMRT with TP/DDP regimen,the efficacy of IC + RT is similar to CCRT for LA-NPC.The IC + RT group has less severe leukopenia than CCRT group,which is worth further study.
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Objective To study on the relationship between plasminogen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and explain the molecular mechanism of depression ,then provide new clew for diagnosis and treatment of depression .Methods The chronic unpredictable mild depression rat mode was established ,then depression symptoms including absence of delight ,the decline of actions and activities ,and weight reduction of rat were tested .The levels of individual plasminogen and BDNF in hippocampus were determined by Western blot .Results The expression of BDNF and plasminogen in depression rat mode and control group was significantly different(P<0 .01) ,and there was a positive correlation between BDNF and plasminogen(r=0 .65 ,P<0 .01) .Accord-ing to the linear-regression analysis ,there was a dependence relationship between them(r2 =0 .423) .The equation of regression was YBDNF=0 .750XPlasminogen +0 .201 .Conclusion Stress could affect the growth and survival of nerve cell ,which lead to the depression behavior of rats ,meanwhile ,the decline of plasminogen and BDNF levels ,the positive correlation between them illustrate that plas-minogen and BDNF take part in the mechanism of depression .
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Objective To understand the status of depression and quality of life in the patients with advanced gastric cancer , and to explore their relationship .Methods The depression self rating scale (SDS) and the Chinese Scale of World Health Organiza‐tion Quality of Life Scale‐Brief Form Questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) were adopted to conduct the questionnaire investigation on 131 patients with advanced gastric cancer ,then the results were compared with those of the health population .Results Among 131 patients with advanced gastric cancer ,the prevalence rate of depression was 47 .33% ,and the average SDS score was 45 .99 ± 15 .47 ,which were higher than those of the health population .The scores of quality of life were 61 .61 ± 12 .66 for the physiologic health domain ,59 .54 ± 12 .49 for the mental health domain ,64 .95 ± 14 .16 for the social relation domain and 52 .93 ± 14 .07 for the surrounding environment domain .There was a significant correlation between the depression score with the four domains scores of life quality ,in which the correlation with the mental health domain was strongest (r= -0 .636 ,r2 =0 .405) .Conclusion High depression level and poor quality of life exist in the patients with advanced gastric cancer ,and there is a correlation between them , in which the correlation between depression with the mental health domain is strongest .
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Objective To investigate the level Ⅰb contouring,dose analysis and regional recurrence in level Ⅰb lymph node-negative (Ⅰb-negative) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods One hundred ninety newly-diagnosed,Ⅰb-negative NPC patients treated by IMRT were enrolled.Level Ⅰb contouring and dose prescribing in this cohort were classified into planned prophylactic irradiation (PPI) group (56 cases) and non-planned prophylactic irradiation (non-PPI) group (134 cases).The mean dose (Dmean) of the level Ⅰb bilaterally and submandibular glands (SMGs) was recorded for comparison.Results After a median follow-up of 47 months,there was no level Ⅰb regional recurrences noted in the entire group.The mean doses of level Ⅰb and the submandibular glands were significantly lower in the non-PPI group than those in the PPI group as follows:(50.81±5.37) Gy vs (59.68±3.32) Gy for the left level Ⅰb,(51.55±5.02) Gy vs (59.66±3.85) Gy for the left submandibular gland,(51.55±5.02) Gy vs (59.66±3.85) Gy for the right level Ⅰb and (57.25±4.69) Gy vs (63.41±2.88) Gy for the right submandibular gland (all P =0.000).Conclusion In this retrospective analysis of non-randomized single institute data,it seems unlikely that PPI to level Ⅰb is necessary in Ⅰb-negative NPC patients treated by IMRT.
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Objective To investigate the efficacy of combined monitoring of motor evoked potentials with transcranial electrical stimulation (TES-MEP),somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and spontaneous electromyo-graphy (s-EMG) in tuberculosis surgery involving the thoracic,lumbar and sacral vertebrae.Methods Twenty-seven patients with tuberculosis of the thoracic vertebrae (T2-L2) received intra-operative SEP and TES-MEP monito-ring.Combined SEP,TES-MEP and spontaneous EMG monitoring were employed in 11 patients with tuberculosis of the lumbar or/and sacral vertebrae (L3-S1).SEP and TES-MEP were used to precisely observe the status of the sen-sory and motor pathways; s-EMG responses were used to more accurately localize nerve root irritation.ResuIts (1) SEP monitoring was successful in all of the operations.TES-MEPs were successfully monitored in 35 of them (92.1％).Combined motor and sensory monitoring was successfully achieved in 35 cases (92.1％).Abnormal SEPs were observed in 3 cases (7.9％),while abnormal MEPs were observed in 11 cases (28.9％).Abnormality in both the SEP and TES-MEP occurred in 2 cases (5.3％).There were 9 cases (23.7％) where the SEPs were nor-mal and the TES-MEPs were abnormal.In only 1 case (2.6％) was the SEP normal and the MEP abnormal.The false negative rate was 0％ with combined SEP and TES-MEP monitoring,while the false positive rate was 5.3％.There were 2 cases complicated by post-operative neurological deficits.(2) Spontaneous EMG monitoring can accu-rately determine the functioning of lumbar nerve roots during lumbar or lumbosacral tuberculosis surgery.Among 5 cases where EMG responses were observed,4 cases occurred during the spinal canal and nerve root decompression,1 case occurred in the orthopedic reset phase.Conclusions (1) During tuberculosis surgery involving thoracic,lumbar or sacral vertebrae,combined monitoring of SEPs and TES-MEPs can reflect the physiological and pathological condition of the spinal cord after ruling out interfering factors.This can improve monitoring and help assure the safety of lumbar surgery.(2) Intra-operative s-EMG monitoring can accurately reveal nerve root function in real time,help-ing to avert nerve root injury in lumbar and lumbosacral tuberculosis surgery.
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Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the imaging features of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and the effect of relevant factors such as postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy on progression-free sur-vival (PFS) time. Methods A total of 54 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma confirmed by pathology or progressive malignant glioma proved by clinical follow-up were included in this retrospective study from 4 clinical centers. The prog-nostic factors selected included MR image features at initial diagnosis (including the maximum diameter of tumor, peritu-moral edema, degree of enhancement, degree of necrosis and presence of cystic or satellite), postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox’s proportion-hazards model were used to analyse the factors influenc-ing the progression free survival (PFS) time. Results The univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the degree of peritumoral edema (PTE, P=0.001), degree of necrosis (P<0.001) , degree of enhancement (P<0.001), postoperative radio-therapy (P=0.008) and chemotherapy(P=0.035) were significant factors for PFS. Cox multivariate analysis also showed that the degree of PTE(P=0.019),degree of necrosis (P<0.001) were all significantly correlated with PFS. The less edema or necrosis was associated with the longer PFS. In addition, postoperative radiotherapy (P=0.035) and chemotherapy (P=0.049) were also significantly correlated with PFS. The normative chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with longer PFS. Conclusions The PTE and necrosis on preoperative MR images can be used to predict the PFS of glioma af-ter total resection. Adjuvant normative chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be recommend for supratentorial high-grade glioma including those even with MRI confirmed total resection.
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Objective To explore the influence of peritumoral edema (PTE) on the tendency of recurrent location and morphological character after total resection using MRI. Methods MRI data was collected from 43 patients with recur-rent brain glioma after total resection from four clinical centers and then the influence of of PTE on recurrence patterns af-ter total resection was retrospectively analyzed based on the T2 weighted image. Results The PTE had a significant influ-ence on the recurrent patterns of brain gliomas after total resection. When PTE was mild, the shapes of recurrent gliomas tended to be focal (6/8) and the recurrent locations tended to be local (5/8). When PTE was severe, the shapes of the recur- rent gliomas tended to be spread(30/35 and the recurrent locations tended to be distant (25/35), followed by marginal (7/35), In addition, the morphological patterns and locations of recurrent gliomas were significantly different among different PTE types (all P<0.001). When PTE was ring shape, the shapes of recurrent gliomas tended to be focal (7/9) and the recur-rent locations tended to be local (6/9), followed by marginal (2/9) and distant (1/9). When PTE was irregular shape, most of recurrent locations tended to be distant (25/34), followed by marginal (7/34) but rarely local (2/34). Conclusions The de-grees and the types of brain glioma PTE can significantly influence the locations and morphological patterns of recurrent gliomas after total resection.
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A small fraction of tumor stem cells exist in glioma and play a key role in the tumorigenesis and propagation of glioma.They have a close relationship with their niche that offers structural and functional support.In glioma niche,vascular endothelial cells can provide Notch ligands for cancer stem cells to activate Notch signaling pathway and contact with other signaling pathways,maintaining the tumor stem cell self-renewal and increasing resistance of brain tumor stem cells to radiotherapy.Therefore,Notch signaling pathway is considered to be a new therapeutic target of glioma.
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Because of the lymphatic drainage of the neck area level-Ⅰb of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is particular,and skip metastasis in the cervical lymph node is rare,the involved region of level-Ⅰb lymph node metastasis rate is low in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In the three-dimensional radiotherapy era of precision radiotherapy,there is no consensus on whether level-Ⅰb need to be prophylactic irradiated in the clinic.
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Objective To evaluate clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinomas (SMPEC).Methods Clinical data including sex,age,smoking history,regions,lymph node status,length of tumor,therapeutic methods and survival data of 52 patients with SMPEC were analyzed.The rates of OS depending on the different factors were calculated using the method of Kaplan-Meier analysis.Log-rank test was used for univariate survival analysis and Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis.Results The 1-,3-,5-year OS rates and the median survival time (MST) were 65.4 ％,17.3 ％,7.7 ％ and 15.0 months for the whole cohort,75.0 ％,33.3 ％,16.7 ％ and 19.5 months for the surgery subgroup,62.5 ％,10.0 ％,5.0 ％ and 14.5 months for the 40 non-operative patients.Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors identified that tumor length and M stage were independent prognostic factors for the whole cohort,while tumor length,M stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for the radiotherapy subgroup patients.Conclusion The tumor length and M stage are independent prognostic factors for the SMPEC patients.Combined radiotherapy with chemotherapy seems to bring survival benefit and maybe a better management choice for unresectable and non-operative SMPEC.
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There is increasing interest in the clinical use of flattening filter-free (FFF) beams. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dosimetric characteristics of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) with FFF beams for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Ten NPC patients were randomly selected to undergo a RapidArc plan with either FFF beams (RA-FFF) or conventional beams (RA-C). The doses to the planning target volumes (PTVs), organs at risk (OARs), and normal tissues were compared. The technical delivery parameters for RapidArc plans were also assessed to compare the characteristics of FFF and conventional beams. Both techniques delivered adequate doses to PTVs. For PTVs, RA-C delivered lower maximum and mean doses and improved conformity and homogeneity compared with RA-FFF. Both techniques provided similar maximum doses to the optic nerves and lenses. For the brain stem, spinal cord, larynx, parotid glands, oral cavity, and skin, RA-FFF showed significant dose increases compared to RA-C. The dose to normal tissue was lower in RA-FFF. The monitor units (MUs) were (536 ± 46) MU for RA-FFF and (501 ±25) MU for RA-C. The treatment duration did not significantly differ between plans. Although both treatment plans could meet clinical needs, RA-C is dosimetrically superior to RA-FFF for NPC radiotherapy.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Feasibility Studies , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Pathology , Radiotherapy , Organs at Risk , Radiation Effects , Radiometry , Methods , Radiotherapy Dosage , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted , Methods , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated , MethodsABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and efficacy of a docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen for patients of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)treated concurrently with definitive IMRT in a short-term observation.MethodsRadiation consisted of 7000 cGy given to the planning target volume (PTV) of primary tumor, 6600 cGy given to the PTV of metastatic lymph nodes and 6000 cGy to the PTV of subclinical disease in 220-228 cGy/fraction were delivered over 31-32 treatment days. Thirty-two patients with newly diagnosed NPC received definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)concurrent with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and DDP 75 mg/m2 on day 1(or DDP 25 mg/m2 on day 1-day 3), repeating every 21 to 28 days for 2 cycles.ResultsAll patients received the full dose of radiotherapy and completed 2 cycles of chemotherapy with a median follow-up of 13 months (2-28 months).No treatment-related death was observed. Major toxicities included hematologic toxicity and mucositis. The incidence rates of grade 3-4 leucopenia,grade 3-4 neutropenia and grade 3 acute mucositis were 46.9 ％ (15/32),59.4 ％ (19/32) and 40.6 ％ (13/32) respectively.The complete remission (CR) rate was 96.9 ％ (31/32).During treatment,90.6 ％ (29/32)patients acquired granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)for leucopenia. The 1-year overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival were 100 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),96.9 ％ (31/32),respectively,for the whole cohort.Conclusions2 cycles of the docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen with concurrent IMRT are demonstrated being feasible and effective in treating locally advanced NPC with promising results.The major toxicities are leucopenia and neutropenia, but they are tolerable with the use of G-CSF. Further investigation of long-term efficacy of the regimen is required.
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The resistance mechanism of gliomas to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a complex network of many signaling pathways. It remains unclearhow the pathways interact with each other and how they were regulated. Recent studies have shown that DNA damage checkpoint pathway ( ATM、 ATR、 Chk1、 Chk2、 Rad17、 Radl 、Rad9、Hus1 et al. ) plays an important role in cell proliferation、genomic stability、tumorigenesis and the resistance to chemoradiotherapy of tumors. Inhibiting DNA damage checkpoint can increase tumor sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy and therefore improve the therapeutic effect. We review here the role of ATM in chemoradiotherapy resistance of gliomas and its associated mechanisms.
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Objective To discuss perioperative features, operative approach and surgical effects of spinal tuberculosis in older patients. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 45 patients with spinal tuberculosis ranging in age from 61 to 78 years (average, 67 years). The lesion was located in thoracic vertebrae in 9 patients, thoracolumbar vertebrae in 14, lumbar in 16, and lumbosacral in 6. Preoperative Frankel grades were B in 7 cases, C in 21, D in 11 and E in 6. Among them, 21 had cardio-cerebrovascular disease, 10 had diabetes mellitus. With preoperative medicine and chemotherapy for 2-3 weeks, all patients were treated surgically. The surgical procedures included: 1) Posterior focus debridement, bone grafting and one-stage posterior transpedicular screw system fixation in thoracic vertebrae (T2-T7). 2) Anterior debridement, bone grafting and one-stage posterior transpedicular instrumental fixation in lumbosacral vertebrae (L5-S1). 3) Anterior focus elimination, bone grafting and one-stage anterior plate fixation in the other vertebrae. Results Forty-five patients were followed up for 24 to 40 months, with the average of 28.5 months. No severe complication occurred during and after operation. Forty-four cases had recovered and 1 recurred. Spinal fusion occurred 12-18 months after operation. Frankel neurological grades improved significantly. Conclusion With the effective management of comorbidities in perioperative period,the elderly could tolerate surgical treatment. The appropriate approaches, thorough debridement and reasonable bone grafting with internal fixation are key to therapeutic success.