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Objective:To establish the first Mini-Formative Evaluation of Radiation Oncology (Mini-FERO) scale in China and evaluate its preliminary application value in the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians.Methods:Based on the educational curriculum and examination requirements for the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians, as well as the standardized Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) scale commonly used in clinical practice, the Mini-Formative Evaluation of Radiation Oncology (Mini-FERO) scale was developed to facilitate the standardized training for resident physicians in the field of radiation oncology. In this prospective study, a randomization method using a random number table was employed to select a cohort of 26 resident physicians who completed their rotations in Department of Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The Mini-FERO scale was administered in the initial, middle, and final stages during the rotation period. The differences in evaluation scores before and after the assessments were analyzed by paired t-test. Furthermore, participating resident physicians and supervising teachers provided satisfaction ratings, and a comprehensive evaluation of the Mini-FERO scale was conducted. Results:The average scores of the three examinations of 26 resident physicians demonstrated a successive improvement, with individual performance in each assessed category also showing progressive enhancement. The second evaluation exhibited a more pronounced score increase compared to the first evaluation, with a mean improvement of (1.43±1.02) points ( t=7.13, P<0.001); while the third evaluation had a mean improvement of (0.41±0.50) points ( t=4.07, P<0.001) compaired to the second evaluation, with a mean difference of (1.02±1.15) points between the two ( t=4.53, P<0.001). The average time required for the assessments was (34.31±24.46) min. Overall satisfaction ratings from the evaluated resident physicians for the Mini-FERO scale were (8.42±0.85) points, and supervising teachers reported an overall satisfaction rating of (8.45±0.85) points. The satisfaction rate was 96% (25/26). Conclusions:In this study, the Mini-FERO scale was successfully developed and validated in the context of clinical teaching practice for radiation oncology resident physicians. The Mini-FERO scale is proven to be a feasible tool for assessing the gradual improvement of resident physicians throughout their learning process in the field of radiation oncology. Importantly, it offers the advantages of short assessment time, thereby avoiding additional burden on supervising teachers. The adoption of the Mini-FERO scale addresses current limitations of lacking of formative evaluation in the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians.
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Objective:To label mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with 89Zr-oxine complex, and assess its characteristics of PET imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) model (MRL/lpr mice). Methods:SLE mice were screened by 18F-FDG PET imaging. 89Zr-oxine was prepared and used for labeling MSCs (10 6 MSCs and 1 MBq 89Zr-oxine). 89Zr-oxine-labeled MSCs (0.2 MBq) were injected into MRL/lpr mice and BALB/c mice (each n=5) via tail vein at a dose of 1.2×10 6 cells per mouse, and followed with microPET imaging in vivo at 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d after injection. The percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was calculated. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results:MSCs was successfully labeled with 89Zr-oxine, with the labeling efficiency of 20% and cell viability >90%. MicroPET imaging showed that MSCs were mainly distributed in lungs and the liver sites at 2 h after injection. The number of MSCs homing to kidneys of MRL/lpr mice ( n=5) increased significantly 24 h after the injection, and the renal uptake of MSCs in MRL/lpr mice was much higher than that in BALB/c mice ((8.28±1.27) vs (4.33±0.94) %ID/g; t=3.54, P=0.024). The renal uptake increased firstly and then decreased and then leveled off, indicating MSCs homing to kidneys. Conclusions:A method for 89Zr-oxine labeling of MSCs is successfully established. 89Zr-labeled MSCs can home to kidneys of SLE mice. PET imaging of 89Zr-labeled MSCs can be effectively used to explore the in vivo distribution and migration behavior of transplanted MSCs during the treatment of diseases such as SLE.
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Objective:To investigate the exposure level of ionizing radiation in medical radiation workers in Guangdong province, as well as their abnormality in the lens of the eye, and to analyze associated influence factors.Methods:In this study, 1 501 radiation workers from 60 hospitals were selected by using convenient sampling method for retrospecotive analysis of absorbed doses ( DL) to the lens of the eye, health examination information and the relevant influence factors. Results:The median value M and the 25 th and 75 th percentile values ( P25, P75)of the distribution of absorbed doses were 4.86, 2.99 and 7.90 mGy, respectively. The median values for male and female were 5.14 and 3.94 mGy, respectively. The median values for the Levels I, Ⅱ and Ⅲ medical institutions were 2.95, 3.51 and 5.06 mGy, respectively. The median values were radiotherapy 4.05 mGy, radiodiagnosis 4.84 mGy, interventional radiology 5.39 mGy and nuclear medicine 6.71 mGy, as well as nurses 3.48 mGy, physicians 5.03 mGy and technologists 5.03 mGy, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in dose distribution for different gender, age, length of radiation service, age at the beginning of radiation exposure, level of medical institution, occupational category and post ( Z=-6.72, H=389.64, 511.17, 70.29, 53.29, 49.06, 39.89, P<0.05). The detectable rate for increased cortical density of lens was 22.45% (337/1 501) and for lens turbidity was 8.19% (123/1 501). The detectable rate of increased cortical density showed a linear increasing trend with the increase in age, age of radiation service, age at the beginning of exposure to radiation, level of medical institution and dose ( χ2=366.36, 313.77, 15.18, 21.61, 92.13, P<0.05). The detectable rate of lens opacity increased linearly with the increase in age, length of radiation service, level of medical institution and dose( χ2=69.64, 67.65, 67.65, 37.37, P<0.05), and decreased linearly with the increase in age at the beginning of radiation exposure ( χ2=4.25, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age was the influencing factor of increased cortical density ( χ2=165.98, P<0.05), and the risk of cortical densification increased with age ( OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.27-1.39). Age, length of radiation service and occupation were the influencing factors of lens opacity ( χ2=25.78, 4.99, 6.88, P<0.05). The risk of lens opacity increased with age ( OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.10-1.24). The risk of lens opacity increased with age of radiation service ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12). The risk of ocular opacity was higher in interventional radiology than that in diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine ( OR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.27-5.25). Conclusions:Long-term exposure to low dose ionizing radiation has a certain correlation with the abnormal lens detectable rate of medical radiation workers. Age, length of radiation service and occupation are the influencing factors of lens opacity.
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Objective:To investigate the feasibility of surface-guided hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization.Methods:Nineteen patients treated with hypo- fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis in our hospital were included. Before the start of treatment, each patient underwent simulation with open face mask immobilization. During the treatment, cone-beam CT(CBCT)images were collected for verification each time. Laser-guided positioning was used for the first time in the treatment, and surface images were captured after six-dimensional position correction as the reference images for subsequent treatment. Subsequent treatment was randomly divided into laser-guided positioning group(LG, 85/F)and optical surface-guided positioning group(SG, 101/F). The six-dimensional error data of patients with two positioning methods were compared and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Meanwhile, the correlation and consistency between the optical surface error data and the gold standard CBCT error data were compared in the laser-guided fraction. GraphPad Prism 6.0 software was used for data processing and mapping, and SPSS 21.software was used for mean analysis and normality test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation, and Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to test the coincidence between two methods.Results:Compared with the laser-guided positioning, the 3D error of optical surface-guided positioning was reduced from(0.35±0.16)cm to(0.14±0.07)cm. The Pearson coefficient of correlation along all three directions was less than 0.01,R 2 was 0.91,0.70 and 0.78 on Lat, Lng and Vrt, and R 2 was 0.75,0.85 and 0.77 on Pitch, Roll and Rtn(all P<0.01), respectively. The measurement results of two methods were positively correlated. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3 mm tolerance([-0.29 cm, 0.19 cm], [-0.25 cm, 0.25 cm], [-0.27 cm, 0.19 cm]), and the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3° tolerance(Pitch[-1.76°,1.76°], Roll[-1.54°,1.60°], ROT[-2.18°,1.69°]), indicating agreement between two methods. Conclusions:The optical surface-guided positioning can reduce the setup errors in the hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization. The optical surface error and CBCT error have good correlation and agreement.
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Objective:To evaluate the psychological pain of patients with head and neck cancer aged ≥60 years old before and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods:Distress Thermometer (DT)(Chinese version) was used to investigate the degree and problems of psychological pain before and after IMRT for 85 elderly patients with head and neck cancer. The results before and after IMRT were compared by paired t-test. Relevant factors were identified by Logistic regression analysis. Results:The median age in the cohort was 66 years old (60-85 years old). The incidence rates of psychological pain were 73% and 87% before and after IMRT ( P<0.001). The corresponding incidence rates of severe distress were 6% and 34%( P<0.001). The main distress problems before IMRT were memory loss/attention deficit, worry, oral pain, economic problems, stress, sleep problems, and dry nose. The significantly-increased distress problems after IMRT were oral pain, constipation, eating, nausea, and dry nose. Logistic regression analysis showed gender ( OR=5.520, 95% CI 1.437-21.212, P=0.013), pre-treatment PG-SGA score ( OR=1.220, 95% CI 1.048-1.421, P=0.010) and medical insurance ( OR=0.230, 95% CI 0.053-0.995, P=0.049) were the relevant factors of the severe psychological distress before IMRT. Occupation ( OR=2.286, 95% CI 1.291-4.050, P=0.005) and medical insurance ( OR=0.089, 95% CI 0.029-0.276, P<0.001) were the relevant factors of severe psychological distress after IMRT. Conclusion:The incidence rate of distress is high in elderly patients with head and neck cancer before IMRT, which can be aggravated after IMRT, primarily the treatment-related physical pain problems.
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Objective:To explore the application of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in low-energy X-ray intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), analyze its potential risks in IORT, and preliminarily explore the feasibility of FMEA in optimizing IORT management and reducing the occurrence of potential risks.Methods:An FMEA working group was established by the IORT team (1 radiologist, 1 radiology physicist, 2 surgeons, and 2 nurses) to apply the FMEA methodology to conduct a systematic risk assessment. The process modules were established, the potential failure modes and causes for each module were analyzed, the severity (SR), frequency of occurrence (OR) and likelihood of detection (DR) of failure modes were scored and the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated: RPN= SR × OR × DR. The possible errors and potential clinical impact of each part of the radiotherapy process were prospectively analyzed and understood, the causes and current measures were analyzed for each failure mode and preventive measures were proposed and risk management measures were taken accordingly.Results:The IORT process was divided into 8 modules with 14 failure modes. The highest OR value was unsatisfactory target area confirmation (7 points), the highest SR value was equipment failure to discharge the beam (10 points), the highest DR value was wrong key entry after dose calculation (7 points), the highest RPN values were unsatisfactory target area confirmation (210 points) and ineffective protection of endangered organs (180 points). Weaknesses were corrected according to priorities, workflows were optimized and more effective management methods were developed.Conclusion:FMEA is an effective method of IORT management and contributes to reducing the occurrence of potential risks.
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Objective@#To investigate the pattern of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with locally advanced (T3, T4) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LALSC) and provide reference for the delineation of clinical target volume.@*Methods@#Clinical data of 272 patients with LALSC treated in our hospital from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral neck dissection (at least level Ⅱ-Ⅳ). The LNM ratio of each node level was calculated. The risk factors of LNM were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.@*Results@#LNM was found in 156 of 272 patients (57.1%). According to the location of primary lesions, all patients were divided into group A (n=72; unilateral without midline involvement), group B (n=86; unilateral with midline involvement) and group C (n=114; giant or central). In group A, the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 36.3%, 26.4% and 6.9%, whereas 13.9%, 8.3% and 1.4% at the contralateral level, respectively. In group B, the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ, Ⅲ and IV was 1.9%, 29.1% and 11.6%, whereas 18.6%, 14.0% and 1.2% at the contralateral level, respectively. In group C, the LNM ratio at the left neck level Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 24.6%, 23.7% and 2.6%, whereas 21.9%, 26.3% and 6.1% at the right neck, respectively. Bilateral LNM ratio did not significantly differ between group A and group B/C (15.3%, 25.0%, P=0.093). Ipsilateral level Ⅲ metastasis (OR=2.929, 95%CI 1.041-8.245, P=0.042) and clinical N stage (OR=0.082, 95%CI 0.018-0.373, P=0.001) were associated with contralateral LNM. Ipsilateral level Ⅱ(P=0.043) or Ⅲ(P=0.009) metastasis were risk factors of the ipsilateral level Ⅳ metastasis.@*Conclusions@#Neck levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ are the high-risk LNM regions, whereaslevels Ⅳ and V are the low-risk areas. Ipsilateral level Ⅱ or Ⅲ metastases are the risk factors of ipsilateral level Ⅳ and contralateral cervical LNM. Contralateral neck LNM rarely occurs in cN0 stage patients.
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In order to better evaluate the transport effect of nanoparticles through the nasal mucosa, an nasal cavity-mimic model was designed based on M cells. The differentiation of M cells was induced by co-culture of Calu-3 and Raji cells in invert model. The ZO-1 protein staining and the transport of fluorescein sodium and dexamethasone showed that the inverted co-culture model formed a dense monolayer and possessed the transport ability. The differentiation of M cells was observed by up-regulated expression of Sialyl Lewis A antigen (SLAA) and integrin 1, and down-regulated activity of alkaline phosphatase. After targeting M cells with iRGD peptide (cRGDKGPDC), the transport of nanoparticles increased. , the co-administration of iRGD could result in the increase of nanoparticles transported to the brain through the nasal cavity after intranasal administration. In the evaluation of immune effect , the nasal administration of OVA-PLGA/iRGD led to more release of IgG, IFN-, IL-2 and secretory IgA (sIgA) compared with OVA@PLGA group. Collectively, the study constructed M cell model, and proved the enhanced effect of targeting towards M cell with iRGD on improving nasal immunity.
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Objective To investigate the pattern of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with locally advanced (T3,T4) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LALSC) and provide reference for the delineation of clinical target volume.Methods Clinical data of 272 patients with LALSC treated in our hospital from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent bilateral neck dissection (at least level Ⅱ-Ⅳ).The LNM ratio of each node level was calculated.The risk factors of LNM were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results LNM was found in 156 of 272 patients (57.1%).According to the location of primary lesions,all patients were divided into group A (n=72;unilateral without midline involvement),group B (n=86;unilateral with midline involvement) and group C (n=114;giant or central).In group A,the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 36.3%,26.4% and 6.9%,whereas 13.9%,8.3% and 1.4% at the contralateral level,respectively.In group B,the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 1.9%,29.1% and 11.6%,whereas 18.6%,14.0% and 1.2% at the contralateral level,respectively.In group C,the LNM ratio at the left neck level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 24.6%,23.7% and 2.6%,whereas 21.9%,26.3% and 6.1% at the right neck,respectively.Bilateral LNM ratio did not significantly differ between group A and group B/C (15.3%,25.0%,P=0.093).Ipsilateral level Ⅲ metastasis (OR=2.929,95%CI 1.041-8.245,P=0.042) and clinical N stage (OR=0.082,95%CI 0.018-0.373,P=0.001) were associated with contralateral LNM.Ipsilateral level Ⅱ(P=0.043) or Ⅲ(P=0.009)metastasis were risk factors of the ipsilateral level Ⅳ metastasis.Conclusions Neck levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ are the high-risk LNM regions,whereaslevels Ⅳ and Ⅴ are the low-risk areas.Ipsilateral level Ⅱor Ⅲ metastases are the risk factors of ipsilateral level Ⅳ and contralateral cervical LNM.Contralateral neck LNM rarely occurs in cN0 stage patients.
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Objective:To analyze the incidence and high-risk factors of lymph node metastasis in the retropharyngeal region of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), aiming to guide the delineation of clinical target area.Methods:Clinical data of patients who were pathologically diagnosed with hypopharyngeal carcinoma from January 2012 to September 2018 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received head and neck MRI before treatment. The diagnosis of lymph node metastasis and the delineation of primary gross target volume (GTV p) and lymph nodes target volume (GTV nd) were determined by all the radiation oncologists in head and neck group through twice weekly general round discussion. The cut-off points of GTV p and GTV nd were defined by establishing the receiver operating characteristic curve. All patients were divided into the high GTV p, low GTV p and high GTV nd and low GTV nd groups. Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression was utilized for multivariate analysis to analyze the high-risk factors of patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Results:A total of 326 patients were included in this study, 295 of whom were diagnosed with cervical lymph node metastasis, accounting for 90.5%. The most common involved area was Level Ⅱ a, followed by Level Ⅲ, Level Ⅱ b, Level IV, Level Ⅶ a (retropharyngeal), Level V a, and Level V b. The incidence of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis was 21.5%, and the incidence was 53.1% in patients with primary tumor located in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with tumor originated from the posterior pharyngeal wall ( P=0.002), bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis ( P=0.020), larger GTV p (greater than 47 cm 3, P=0.003), and larger GTV nd (greater than 22 cm 3, P=0.023) were significantly associated with the occurrence of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Conclusions:The incidence of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis is high in hypopharyngeal carcinoma, especially in patients with primary tumors in the posterior pharyngeal wall, bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis and larger primary burden. Therefore, for patients with these risk factors, it is highly recommended that the clinical target area should be delineated to include the retropharyngeal lymph node drainage area.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy for lung metastases (LMs).Methods:From March 2007 to April 2019, 193 patients with 317 LMs including 124 male and 69 female admitted to our hospital were enrolled. The median age was 58 years old and the median KPS was 80. The primary tumors were mainly distributed in the lung (33.7%), colorectum (21.2%), head and neck (13.5%) and breast (10.9%), respectively. The clinical efficacy and side effects of hypofractionated radiotherapy for LMs were evaluated.Results:The median follow-up time was 59.9 months (95% CI: 55.1-64.6 months). Among 193 patients with 317 LMs, 90.7% of them were treated with 4D-CT, 69.4% for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 28.0% for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and 2.6% for tomotherapy (TOMO), respectively. The median gross tumor volume (GTV) and planning target volume (PTV) were 5.0 cm 3(0.2-142.3 cm 3) and 12.0 cm 3(1.0-200.1 cm 3). The prescription dose regimen was 60 Gy in 4 to 15 fractions. The median dose for PTV was 60 Gy (45-70 Gy) and biological effective dose was 96 Gy (60-150 Gy), respectively. The 1-, 3-and 5-year local control rates (LCR) were 95.7%, 91.3% and 89.9%, respectively. The median time from primary cancer diagnosis to lung metastases was a prognostic factor for LCR ( P=0.027). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 90.1%, 60.8%, 46.2%, and 54.3%, 30.3%, 19.9%, respectively. The median time from primary cancer diagnosis to lung metastases and extrapulmonary metastases was the prognostic factor for OS and PFS. No Grade 3 toxicities were seen. Conclusion:Image-guided hypofractionated precision radiotherapy is an efficacious and safe treatment for LMs.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of comprehensive treatment based on radiotherapy for patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in this prospective study.Methods:A total of 93 patients diagnosed with LM admitted to our hospital undergoing whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with or without simultaneous boost from 2014 to 2017 were enrolled. The dynamic changes of clinical signs and symptoms, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid cytology and liquid biopsy detection were recorded. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), the secondary endpoints were local control (LC), intracranial progress-free survival (IPFS), brain metastasis specific survival (BMSS) and toxicity.Results:The major primary disease was non-small cell lung cancer. The whole cohort received WBRT with boost (40 Gy in 20 fractions (f) for WBRT and 60 Gy in 20 f for boost), focal radiation to LM, WBRT and CSI (40 Gy in 20 f or 50 Gy in 25 f for WBRT and 36 Gy in 20 f for CSI). For 20 patients, tumor cells were identified and intrathecal chemotherapy was performed. Sixty-three patients received target therapy. The median follow-up time was 33.8 months. The 1-year OS, LC and IPFS was 62.4%, 77.2% and 52.6%, respectively. The median survival time was 15.9 months, and the median BMSS was 42.2 months. Treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events were rare and only 8 cases was observed to have grade 3 hematological toxicity.Conclusion:Reasonable comprehensive treatment including precise radiotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy and targeted therapy can be well tolerated and prolong the survival time of LM patients.
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Objective:To investigate the patterns of regional lymphatic spread and the value of elective neck treatment (ENT) in oral mucosal melanoma (OMM).Methods:In this retrospective analysis, 61 OMM patients with no distant metastasis treated in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 1984 and 2016 were recruitred. The regional lymph node distribution of cN+ disease, the value of ENT in cN 0 disease, the failure patterns and prognostic factors were retrospectively analyzed. Results:Overall, 55.7% of the patients were clinical/pathological cN+ . The most frequently involved locations were the level Ⅰ b (76%), followed by level Ⅱ and level Ⅲ. For cN 0 patients, the 5-year regional failure-free survival rate was 91.7% in patients who received at least ipsilateral level Ⅰ b-Ⅲ ENT and 52.4% in patients who did not receive at least ipsilateral level Ⅰ b-Ⅲ ENT ( P=0.036). The regional failure rate was 6% for patients treated with at least ipsilateral leve Ⅰ b-Ⅲ ENT, while in their counterparts who did not receive at least ipsilateral level Ⅰ b-Ⅲ ENT was 46%( P=0.035). For the regional failure pattern, the most frequently failure sites were level Ⅰ b (93%), level Ⅱ(50%) and level Ⅲ(36%). Conclusions:The cervical lymph node metastasis rate is relatively high in OMM patients. The pathway of regional LN spread follows a regular pattern. The most frequently involved regions for clinical/pathological cN+ and regional failure are both level Ⅰ b-Ⅲ. Elective treatment including at least ipsilateral level Ⅰ b-Ⅲ ENT should be recommended for OMM patients with cN 0.
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The combination of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) can inhibit and deplete T lymphocyte function, thereby inducing immune tolerance, enabling tumor cells to escape the attack of immune cells and promoting the growth and metastasis of tumors. At the same time, the high expression of PD-1/PD-L1 can enhance metastatic ability of tumors and lead to increased mortality, and the treatment of inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been proved effective in many tumors. However, the traditional treatment methods are limited for the treatment of colorectal metastatic cancer. The emergence of immunotherapy may bring new breakthroughs for the treatment of colorectal metastatic cancer. This article reviews the characteristics of expressions of PD-1/PD-L1 in colorectal metastases.
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Objective@#To analyze the clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of patients with primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.@*Methods@#Clinical data of 13 patients diagnosed with lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland in our hospital from 2009 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up time was 38.5 months. All patients received radiotherapy after operation.@*Results@#Of 13 patients, 9 cases were male and 4 female. The median age was 33 years. At the initial diagnosis, 9 cases had primary lesions limited to the parotid gland, and 4 cases of lymph node metastases located in Ⅰb and Ⅱ regions of the neck. According to UICC2010 staging, 1 case was classified as stage Ⅰ, 1 as stage Ⅱ, 6 as stage Ⅲ and 5 as stage Ⅳ, respectively. Eleven surgically pathological specimens were tested with EBER in-situ, and 10 cases were positive for EBER. No patient died in the whole group. The 3-year overall survival rate was 100%. The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 76%. The 3-year local control rate was 92%. The 3-year metastasis-free survival rate was 84%.@*Conclusions@#The incidence of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland is relatively low. The pathological features are associated with EB virus. It is prone to present with cervical lymph node metastasis. The possibility of lymph node metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to the parotid gland should be excluded before treatment. At present, surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy is the main treatment. The overall survival is favorable. Local recurrence and distant metastasis are the main causes of treatment failure.
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Objective To evaluate the necessity of arc by arc setup verification in patients with brain metastases receiving stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) by analyzing the inter-and intra-fraction setup errors and residual errors collected from the ExacTrac X-ray portal image.Methods Clinical data of brain metastases patients treated with SRT in the previous two years were retrospectively analyzed.The ExacTrac X-ray setup images were collected after the normal setup procedure.Setup errors were calculated by registering the cranial bony structures of the ExacTrac X-ray setup images to that of the digitally reconstructed setup images.The inter-and intra-fraction setup errors and residual errors were statistically analyzed.Results Seventy-five patients from 116 lesions received 337 cycles of SRT of the head.The inter-and intra-fraction translational setup errors in the x,y and z directions were (0.93±0.86) mm and (0.15±0.59) mm;(1.83± 1.27) mm and (0.25±0.73) mm;(0.96±0.80) mm and (0.14±0.56) mm,respectively.The inter-and intra-fraction rotational setup errors in the x,y,z directions were (0.65°± 0.62°) and (0.19°± 0.40°);(0.97°±0.94°) and (0.13°± 0.25°);(0.92°± 0.71°) and (0.10°± 0.29°),respectively.The residual translational setup errors in the x,y,z directions were (0.06±0.23) mm,(0.08±0.24) mm and (0.08±0.22)mm,and (0.12°± 0.27°),(0.09°± 0.18°) and (0.06°± 0.19°) for the residual rotational setup errors,respectively.For a reference setup error threshold of 0.7 mm/0.7°,99.1% of the SRT exceeded the threshold and required setup correction.For 1 006 non-coplanar arcs,rotating the treatment couch from 0° to the treatment angle made 66.4% of arcs exceed the threshold and require at least once setup correction.Conclusions During SRT for brain metastasis,the inter-and intra-fraction setup errors should be emphasized.It is necessary to perform arc by arc setup error verification.
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Objective To analyze the clinical features,diagnosis and prognosis of patients with primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.Methods Clinical data of 13 patients diagnosed with lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland in our hospital from 2009 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The median follow-up time was 38.5 months.All patients received radiotherapy after operation.Results Of 13 patients,9 cases were male and 4 female.The median age was 33 years.At the initial diagnosis,9 cases had primary lesions limited to the parotid gland,and 4 cases of lymph node metastases located in Ⅰb and Ⅱ regions of the neck.According to UICC2010 staging,1 case was classified as stage Ⅰ,Ⅰ as stage Ⅱ,6 as stage Ⅲ and 5 as stage Ⅳ,respectively.Eleven surgically pathological specimens were tested with EBER in-situ,and 10 cases were positive for EBER.No patient died in the whole group.The 3-year overall survival rate was 100%.The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 76%.The 3-year local control rate was 92%.The 3-year metastasis-free survival rate was 84%.Conclusions The incidence of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland is relatively low.The pathological features are associated with EB virus.It is prone to present with cervical lymph node metastasis.The possibility of lymph node metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to the parotid gland should be excluded before treatment.At present,surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy is the main treatment.The overall survival is favorable.Local recurrence and distant metastasis are the main causes of treatment failure.
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Objective To retrospectively analyze and compare the clinical efficacy and safety between fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) combined with and without temozolomide in the treatment of large brain metastases.Methods Between 2009 and 2017,84 patients with large brain metastases (tumor size ≥ 6 cm3) were recruited and assigned into the CRT group (concurrent TMZ and FSRT,n=42) and RT group (FSRT alone,n=42).The radiation dose was 52.0 Gy in 13 fractions or 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions.Patients were reexamined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during treatment.The radiation field would be shrunk if the gross target volume (GTV) was reduced.The clinical efficacy was evaluated at postoperative 2 to 3 months.The primary end-point event was local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and the secondary end-point events included intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS),progression-free survival (PFS),overall survival (OS),brain metastasis-specific survival (BMSS) and adverse events.The survival rates were assessed with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test and monovariate analysis.Results The median GTV in the CRT and RT groups was 16.9 cm3 and 15.7 cm3.During the treatment,75% of the lesions in the CRT group were reduced compared with 34% in the RT group (P=0.000).The local control (LC) rate in the CRT and RT groups was 100% and 98%.The median follow-up time was 16.1 months (range,2.1-105.7 months).In the CRT group,the LRFS (P=0.040),IPFS (P=0.022),PFS (P=0.045),OS (P=0.013) and BMSS (P=0.006) were significantly better than those in the RT group,respectively.In the CRT group,the incidence of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ gastrointestinal adverse events was 33%,significantly higher compared with 26% in the RT group (P=0.006).No grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ adverse events occurred in both groups.Conclusion Combined application of temozolomide and FSRT can further enhance the LC and survival rates and do not increase the risk of severe adverse events in patients diagnosed with large brain metastases.
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Objective To retrospectively analyze the dosimetry and efficacy of whole-brain irradiation (WBRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) by helical tomotherapy (HT) in the treatment of multiple brain metastases (BMs),and to evaluate the feasibility,efficacy,and safety of HT.Methods From 2014 to 2017,a total of 43 patients with multiple BMs (no less than 3 lesions) were enrolled as subjects.A dose of 40 Gy was delivered to the whole brain in 20 fractions,while a dose of 60 Gy was delivered to the gross target volume (GTV) in 20 fractions.Patients were reexamined by magnetic resonance imaging during treatment.The radiation field would be shrunk if GTV was reduced.Target coverage (TC),conformity index (CI),prescription isodose/target volume (PITV) ratio,and homogeneity index (HI) were assessed.Clinical indices included local recurrence-free survival (LRFS),intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS),progression-free survival (PFS),overall survival (OS),and toxicities.Results The median lesion number was 6(3-36) and the median total volume of GTV was 8.74 cm3.The TC,CI,PITV,and HI for GTV were 0.96±0.028,0.51±0.164,2.09±1.245,and 0.12±0.066,respectively,while the TC and HI for the whole brain were 0.95±0.033 and 0.43±0.161,respectively.In all the patients,26% had replarming during treatment.The two-stage treatment reduced the radiation dose to organs at risk.The 1-year LRFS,IPFS,PFS,and OS rates were 96%,80%,39%,and 86%,respectively.No grade ≥3 toxicities were observed.Conclusions WBRT with SIB by HT achieves satisfactory conformity,homogeneity,efficacy,and safety,which is a recommended treatment plan for multiple BMs.Replanning during treatment can better protect normal tissue.
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Objective It has been confirmed that Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV) is associated with the occurrence and development of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC ) . We investigated the clinical significance of plasma concentrations of EBV-DNA in patients with NPC. Methods Since October,2013 to December,2016,471 patients were analyzed. The significantly associated between EBV-DNA before treatment and staging, tumor burden was analyzed. The survival rate of EBV-DNA before and after treatment was calculated. Results The median copies of pretreatment plasma EBV-DNA in patients is 137 copies,( range 0-494000) ,which is correlated with T stage,N stage,M stage,clinical stage and tumor burden load and that is statistically significant. Overall survival ( OS,P=0. 007) ,progression-free survival ( PFS,P=0. 011) and distant metastasis-free survival ( DMFS,P=0. 003) were significantly lower among patients with pretreatment plasma EBV-DNA more than 1300 copies/ml. Patients with detectable plasma EBV-DNA had significantly worse OS (P=0. 016),PFS (P=0. 000) and DMFS (P=0. 000) than patients with undetectable EBV-DNA after treatment. Cox multivariate analyze suggests that T stage and EBV-DNA after treatment were independent prognostic factors for OS,however the plasma EBV-DNA after treatment ( P=0. 006,0. 001) and N stage ( P=0. 037,0. 017) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and DMFS. Conclusions The plasma EBV-DNA level was significantly correlated with staging and tumor load before treatment in patients with NPC,and the prognosis of patients with higher copies before treatment could be worse. The plasma EBV-DNA after treatment is predictive for OS,PFS and DMFS.