Complicaciones de la radioterapia: fenómeno de Lhermitte gatillado por calor: caso clínico / Complications of radiotherapy: Lhermitte phenomenon triggered by heat: report of one case

Lhermitte phenomenon is a neurological symptom described as a sensation of electric shock that radiates from the back towards the extremities, which appears when a patient flexes the neck. A transient myelopathy as a late complication of radiotherapy is associated with this symptom. It appears two to four months after treatment and disappears spontaneously. We report a 45 years old female with a neck malignant melanoma treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. She experienced the Lhermitte phenomenon that was triggered by heat. This phenomenon must be differentiated from the Uhthoff phenomenon.

The risk of lymphedema after postoperative radiation therapy in endometrial cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Lower extremity lymphedema adversely affects quality of life by causing discomfort, impaired mobility and increased risk of infection. The goal of this study is to investigate factors that influence the likelihood of lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer who undergo adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified all stage I-III endometrial cancer patients who had a hysterectomy with or without complete staging lymphadenectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy between January 2006 and February 2013. Patients with new-onset lymphedema after treatment were identified. Logistic regression was used to find factors that influenced lymphedema risk. RESULTS: Of 212 patients who met inclusion criteria, 15 patients (7.1%) developed new-onset lymphedema. Lymphedema was associated with lymph-node dissection (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% CI, 1.01 to 105.5; p=0.048) and with the presence of pathologically positive lymph nodes (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4 to 12.3; p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association with lymph-node positivity (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.0007 to 10.7; p=0.0499) when controlled for lymph-node dissection. Median time to lymphedema onset was 8 months (range, 1 to 58 months) with resolution or improvement in eight patients (53.3%) after a median of 10 months. CONCLUSION: Lymph-node positivity was associated with an increased risk of lymphedema in endometrial cancer patients who received adjuvant radiation. Future studies are needed to explore whether node-positive patients may benefit from early lymphedema-controlling interventions.

Carcinoma of the cervix in elderly patients treated with radiotherapy: patterns of care and treatment outcomes / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this analysis was to examine the management of cervix cancer in elderly patients referred for radiotherapy and the results of treatment in terms of overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and treatment-related toxicities. METHODS: Patients were eligible if they were aged ≥75 years, newly diagnosed with cervix cancer and referred for radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Patient details were retrieved from the gynaecology service database where clinical, histopathological treatment and follow-up data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2010, 126 patients aged ≥75 years, met selection criteria. Median age was 81.5 years. Eighty-one patients had definitive radiotherapy, 10 received adjuvant radiotherapy and 35 had palliative radiotherapy. Seventy-one percent of patients had the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage 1b–2b disease. Median follow-up was 37 months. OS and RFS at 3 years among those treated with curative intent were 66.6% and 75.9% respectively with majority of patients dying without any evidence of cervix cancer. Grade 2 or more late toxicities were: bladder 5%, bowel 11%, and vagina 27%. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status was a significant predictor of OS and RFS with each unit increment in ECOG score increased the risk of death by 1.69 times (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Following appropriate patient selection, elderly patients treated curatively with radiotherapy for cervix cancer have good disease control. Palliative hypofractionated regimens are well tolerated in patients unsuitable for radical treatment.

Clinical significance of radiotherapy in patients with primary uterine carcinosarcoma: a multicenter retrospective study (KROG 13-08) / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of radiotherapy (RT) in patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). METHODS: Patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I–IVa UCS who were treated between 1990 and 2012 were identified retrospectively in a multi-institutional database. Of 235 identified patients, 97 (41.3%) received adjuvant RT. Twenty-two patients with a history of previous pelvic RT were analyzed separately. Survival outcomes were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Patients with a previous history of pelvic RT had poor survival outcomes, and 72.6% of these patients experienced locoregional recurrence; however, none received RT after a diagnosis of UCS. Univariate analyses revealed that pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) and para-aortic lymph node sampling were significant factors for locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Among patients without previous pelvic RT, the percentage of locoregional failure was lower for those who received adjuvant RT than for those who did not (28.5% vs. 17.5%, p=0.107). Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between PLND and LRRFS, distant metastasis-free survival, and DFS. In subgroup analyses, RT significantly improved the 5-year LRRFS rate of patients who did not undergo PLND (52.7% vs. 18.7% for non-RT, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant RT decreased the risk of locoregional recurrence after hysterectomy for UCS, particularly in patients without surgical nodal staging. Given the poorer locoregional outcomes of patients previously subjected to pelvic RT, meticulous re-administration of RT might improve locoregional control while leading to less toxicity in these patients.

Incidencia de patología salival sintomática aleada en pacientes tratados con yodo radioactivo por cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Incidence of sympthomatic salivary disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with radioactive iodine

Background: The radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer can produce severe and frequent salivary symptoms, during the treatment or later. Aim: To analyze the incidence, severity and charactheristics of the salivary signs and symptoms in these patients. Patients and Method: Retrospective and descriptive analisis of 106 patients with confirmed diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer, treated with surgery and radioactive iodine, that completed a telephonic survey for the evaluation of salivary symptoms. Results: 26 (24.52 percent) patients presented with salivary symptoms or signs after the radioactive iodine therapy (mean 5 months). The average doses of I 131 was 128,5 mCi. Xerostomy, pain, xeroftalmy, inflammation, sialoadenitis and dysgeusia, were the most frequent clinical symptoms. Conclusions: After radioactive iodine therapy the salivary symptoms and signs incidence is high. We conclude that the indication for this treatment must be selective, but in accordance with the oncological risk of each patient.

Introducción: El tratamiento con yodo radioactivo en el tratamiento del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides puede originar síntomas alejados de origen salival. Éstos pueden llegar a ser intensos y frecuentes. Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia, características e intensidad de dichos síntomas. Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva y análisis descriptivo de 106 pacientes con diagnóstico definitivo y anatomopatológico de cáncer diferenciado de tiroides, tratados con yodo radioactivo, que contestaron una encuesta telefónica especialmente diseñada para evaluación de patología salival. Resultados: Veintiséis (24,52 por ciento) pacientes presentaron y consultaron por síntomas y/o signos alejados (promedio 5 meses) de la terapia ablativa, de origen salival. La dosis promedio fue de 128,5 mCi de I 131. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron xerostomía, dolor, xeroftalmia, inflamación, sialoadenitis y alteración del gusto. Discusión: La incidencia de signos y síntomas salivales alejados en pacientes tratados con I 131 es alta y justificaría a nuestro juicio su indicación selectiva, de acuerdo a los riesgos de recurrencia tumoral de cada paciente.

Angiosarcoma in previously irradiated breast in patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. A case report / Angiossarcoma em mama previamente irradiada em paciente portadora da síndrome de Li-Fraumeni. Um relato de caso

CONTEXT: Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern and high penetrance that defines a 50% chance of developing cancer before the age of 30 years, including cases of breast sarcoma. Patients with this syndrome who require radiotherapy have an increased risk of developing secondary malignancies including angiosarcomas. CASE REPORT: This was a case report on a female patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. In October 2005, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast and underwent sectorectomy. She then received chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Trastuzumab and tamoxifen were also part of the treatment. She recently sought care at our hospital, complaining of hyperemia and nodulation in the right breast, and underwent surgical resection that revealed epithelioid angiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: When genetic predisposition due to Li-Fraumeni syndrome is documented, the therapy should be adapted so as to minimize the risk. Thus, conservative surgical treatments should be avoided and mastectomy without radiation should be prioritized. In cases in which use of radiotherapy is justified, patients should be followed up intensively. .

CONTEXTO: A síndrome de Li-Fraumeni é doença rara que apresenta padrão de herança autossômica dominante e alta penetrância, definindo possibilidade de 50% no desenvolvimento de neoplasias antes dos 30 anos, incluindo nesses casos os sarcomas em mama. Pacientes portadoras dessa síndrome que requerem tratamento radioterápico têm risco aumentado de desenvolver neoplasias secundárias, incluindo os angiossarcomas. RELATO DE CASO: Este é um relato de caso de paciente feminina, portadora da síndrome de Li-Fraumeni. Em outubro de 2005, ela teve diagnóstico de carcinoma ductal invasor da mama direita, sendo submetida à setorectomia. Recebeu quimioterapia e radioterapia adjuvante; trastuzumabe e tamoxifeno também fizeram parte do tratamento. Recentemente, procurou atendimento em nosso serviço, com queixa de hiperemia e nodulação em mama direita, e foi submetida a ressecção cirúrgica que revelou angiossarcoma epitelioide. CONCLUSÕES: Quando a predisposição genética da síndrome de Li-Fraumeni está documentada, devese adequar a terapêutica a fim de minimizar riscos, evitando tratamentos cirúrgicos conservadores e priorizando a mastectomia sem radioterapia. Nos casos em que se justifica o uso de radioterapia, os pacientes devem ser acompanhados de forma intensiva. .

Adjuvant Radiotherapy Outcome of Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Single Institution Study

PURPOSE: To analyze treatment outcome and side effects of adjuvant radiotherapy using radiotherapy fields and doses which have evolved over the last two decades in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients received radiotherapy after orchiectomy from 1996 to 2007. At our institution, the treatment field for stage I seminoma has changed from dog-leg (DL) field prior to 2003 to paraaortic (PA) field after 2003. Fifteen patients were treated with the classic fractionation scheme of 25.5 Gy at 1.5 Gy per fraction. Other patients had been treated with modified schedules of 25.05 Gy at 1.67 Gy per fraction (n=15) and 25.2 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction (n=11). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 112 months, the 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 100% and 96%, respectively, and 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates were both 97.1%. No in-field recurrence occurred. Contralateral seminoma occurred in one patient 5 years after treatment. No grade III-IV acute toxicity occurred. An increased rate of grade 1-2 acute hematologic toxicity was found in patients with longer overall treatment times due to 1.5 Gy per fraction. The rate of grade 2 acute gastrointestinal toxicity was significantly higher with DL field than with PA field and also higher in the 1.8-Gy group than in the 1.5-Gy and 1.67-Gy groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with stage I seminoma were safely treated with PA-only radiotherapy with no pelvic failure. Optimal fractionation schedule needs to be explored further in order to minimize treatment-related toxicity.

Injertos y colgajos en pacientes sometidos a quimio o radioterapia: son seguros?: revisión de la literatura / Is it safe do grafts or flaps in a patient being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy?: literature review

Es conocido que la radiación ha sido asociada a una cicatrización disminuida de las heridas, necrosis grasa y decoloración. La quimioterapia, por otra parte, se ha descrito con efectos adversos como infección, necrosis, contractura o deformación de los colgajos. Los antecedentes previos son los causantes de cierta confusión al enfrentar pacientes oncológicos que durante su evolución requieren solucionar defectos de piel y tejidos blandos: es seguro realizar injertos o colgajos en un paciente que está siendo tratado con quimio o radioterapia? Por medio de la revisión de la literatura publicada buscamos dar respuesta a esta interrogante.

It is known that the radiation has been associated with decreased wound healing, fat necrosis and bleaching. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, has been described with side effects as infection, necrosis, contraction or deformation of the flaps. The previous history are causing some confusion that may arise when facing cancer patients that during their evolution require fix skin and soft tissue defects: is it safe do grafts or flaps in a patient being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy? Through the review of the published literature we seek to answer this question.

Neumonía en organización por radiación en el paciente con cáncer de mama: Caso clínico / Radiation organizing pneumonia: Report of one case

We report a 64 years-old woman who underwent sparing mastectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. One month after the end of radiotherapy, she presented with malaise, fever, fatigue, cough and migratory bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on serial radiological images. The microbiological studies of broncha alveolar lavage were negative. The patient under went a trans bronchial biopsy and the pathological diagnosis was compatible with an organizing pneumonia presumably associated with radiotherapy. Systemic steroid treatment was successful with rapid and complete resolution ofclinical and radiographic manifestations.

Adjuvant radiotherapy in early stage endometrial cancer / Radioterapia adjuvante para câncer do endométrio estádio inicial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and toxicity in different techniques of postoperative radiotherapy for stage IA endometrioid adenocarcionoma of endometrium, histological grades 1and 2. METHODS: A historical comparison between treatment regimens was performed, and 133 women with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included. Teletherapy (TELE group), with 22 patients treated from 1988 to 1996, with a 10 MV linear accelerator, average dose 46.2 Gy. Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDRB group) was performed between 1992 and 1995, in 19 women, with an insertion of Cesium 137, at a 60 Gy dose. Fourteen women operated between 1990 and 1996 did not receive radiotherapy (NO RT group). High dose rate brachytherapy was performed in 78 patients (HDRB group), from 1996 to 2004, in five weekly 7 Gy insertions, prescribed at 0.5 cm from the vaginal cylinder. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival was 94.6 percent for the HDRB group, 94.1 percent for the LDRB group, 100 percent for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.681). The 5-year overall survival was 86.6 percent for the HDRB group, 89.5 percent for the LDRB group and 90 percent for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.962). Grades 3-5 late toxicity was 5.3 percent in LDRB group and 27.3 percent for the TELE group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to adjuvant teletherapy showed very high toxicity, which contraindicates that treatment for those patients. There may be a role for adjuvant HDRB, but randomized controlled trials are still needed to evaluate its benefit.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as taxas de sobrevida global (SG), sobrevida livre de doença (DFS) e de toxicidade em diferentes técnicas de radioterapia pós-operatória para adenocarcionoma endometrioide do endométrio estádio IA, graus histológicos 1 e 2. MéTODOS: Realizou-se uma comparação histórica entre regimes de tratamento, incluindo 133 mulheres com seguimento mínimo de cinco anos. Teleterapia (grupo TELE), com 22 pacientes, de 1988 a 1996, tratadas com acelerador linear 10 MV, dose média de 46,2 Gy. Braquiterapia de baixa taxa de dose (grupo LDRB), realizada entre 1992 e 1995, em 19 mulheres, com uma inserção de Césio 137, dose de 60 Gy. Quatorze mulheres operadas entre 1990 e 1996 não receberam radioterapia (grupo NO RT). Braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose foi realizada em 78 pacientes (grupo BATD), 1996-2004, cinco inserções semanais de 7 Gy, a 0,5 cm do cilindro vaginal. RESULTADOS: A DFS em cinco anos foi de 94,6 por cento para o grupo BATD, 94,1 por cento para o grupo LDRB, 100 por cento para os grupos TELE e RT (p = 0,681). A sobrevida global em cinco anos foi de 86,6 por cento para o grupo BATD, 89,5 por cento para o grupo LDRB e 90 por cento para os grupos TELE e NO RT (p = 0,962). A toxicidade tardia graus 3-5 foi de 5,3 por cento no grupo LDRB e 27,3 por cento para o grupo TELE (p < 0,001). CONCLUSãO: Pacientes submetidos à teleterapia adjuvante apresentaram toxicidade muito elevada, o que contraindica o tratamento para essas pacientes. Pode haver um papel para a BATD adjuvante, mas estudos controlados randomizados são necessários para avaliar seu benefício.

Tumores müllerianos mixtos malignos uterinos / Uterine malignant mixed mullerian tumors

Los tumores müllerianos mixtos malignos o carcinosarcomas son neoplasias poco frecuentes y altamente agresivas que suelen presentarse en pacientes mayores de 60 años, generalmente en forma de metrorragia posmenopáusica y/o presencia de masas uterinas. Entre los factores de riesgo reconocidos está descrita la historia de irradiación previa del área pélvica. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos de pacientes diagnosticadas y tratadas de tumores müllerianos mixtos uterinos malignos, existiendo en todos ellos el antecedente de neoplasias que habían precisado radioterapia pélvica como parte de su tratamiento.

The malignant Mullerian mixed tumors are rare and highly aggressive, these tumors usually occur in women over 60 years and the most common clinical appearance is that of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or the presence of uterine mass. As a risk factor is described the history of prior irradiation of the pelvic area. We reported the case of three patients with mullerian mixed tumors, in all these cases the patients have a history of cancer who required pelvic radiation as part of their treatment.

Função pulmonar em mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas à radioterapia: um estudo piloto / Pulmonary function in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a pilot study

O câncer de mama é a forma de câncer que mais causa mortes entre mulheres no Brasil. O tratamento consiste em intervenção cirúrgica, quimioterapia, hormonioterapia e radioterapia, esta última responsável por uma significativa diminuição na taxa de recorrência local do câncer, mas que pode afetar a função pulmonar. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar alterações pulmonares funcionais decorrentes da radioterapia no tratamento do câncer de mama. Participaram do estudo 10 mulheres submetidas a tratamento do câncer de mama, avaliadas quanto à função pulmonar antes e após a radioterapia. Foram mensuradas capacidade inspiratória e capacidade vital forçada, por espirômetro de incentivo, e pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas, por manovacuômetro. Embora tenha havido redução, em vários casos, dos valores medidos antes e depois da radioterapia, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa. Nas pacientes avaliadas, pois, a radioterapia não parece ter prejudicado a função pulmonar.

Breast cancer is the cancer that most causes death among women in Brazil. The treatment consists in surgery, chemotherapy, hormontherapy, and radiotherapy, the latter being responsible for important decrease in recurrence rates, though it may affect pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to detect lung function changes due to radiotherapy in breast cancer treatment. Ten women who were undergoing breast cancer treatment were assessed as to pulmonary function before and after radiotherapy. Measurements taken were inspiratory capacity and forced vital capacity, by means of incentive spirometer, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, using a pressure meter. Though in many cases measures found after radiotherapy were lower, no significant difference could be found. Thus radiotherapy did not seem to affect lung function in the assessed sample of women with breast cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of a protocol of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for extremity sarcomas. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out in a consecutive series of 49 adult patients with advanced extremity soft tissue sarcomas that could not be resected with adequate margins during the primary resection. All patients were treated with a protocol of preoperative radiation therapy at a total dose of 30 Gy, concomitant with doxorubicin (60 mg/m²) chemotherapy. The main endpoints assessed were local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival. The median follow-up time was 32.1 months. RESULTS: The five-year local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 81.5 percent, 46.7 percent and 58.3 percent, respectively. For high-grade tumors, the five-year metastasis-free and overall survival rates were only 36.3 percent and 41.2 percent, respectively. Severe wound complications were observed in 41.8 percent of the patients who underwent surgery. These complications precluded adjuvant chemotherapy in 73.7 percent (14/19) of the patients eligible to receive it. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was associated with a good local control rate, but the distant relapse-free rate and overall survival rate were still poor. The high rate of wound complications modified the planning of adjuvant treatment in most patients.

Quimiorradioterapia adyuvante en el cáncer gástrico resecado con intención curativa: análisis de supervivencia y toxicidad de pacientes tratados entre 1995 y 2003 en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer, Chile / Results of adjuvant chemoradiation after curative surgery for gastric cancer: a retrospective study

Background: Survival rates after curative surgery for gastric cancer are disappointing. Therefore adjuvant therapeutic strategies are required. Aim: To analyze survival and side effects of treatment among gastric cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemo radiotherapy after curative resection of gastric adenocarcinoma. Material and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 74 patients aged 20 to 74 years, treated with complete resection of gastric adenocarcinoma followed by adjuvant chemo radiation. Survival analysis was based on the records and information from the National Mortality Registry. Results: Five years survival fluctuated from 50 percent among patients in stage IB to 25 percent among those is stage IV. Significant acute toxicity was observed in 23 patients (31 percent). No patients died due to acute toxicity. Eleven patients (16.4 percent) developed significant late toxicity, with two possible deaths related to treatment. Conclusions: Postoperative chemo radiotherapy is feasible in our experience. Continues infusion of 5-fluoruracil is recommended to reduce toxicity.

Evaluación de la morbimortalidad precoz de la quimiorradioterapia adyuvante en una serie de pacientes tratados por cáncer gástrico / Evaluation of early morbidity and mortality of adjuvant chemoradiation in patients with gastric cancer

Desde el año 2005, en el Hospital Clínico Regional Valdivia (HCRV), la terapia adyuvante para el cáncer gástrico es la quimiorradioterapia (QtRt). El objetivo del trabajo es describir las reacciones adversas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de Cáncer Gástrico sometidos a QtRt adyuvante en el HCRV. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, de pacientes sometidos a QtRt (con 5FU+leucovorina+radioterapia con acelerador lineal al lecho gástrico) que fueron a gastrectomía en el HCRV, entre enero 2005 y diciembre 2006. No se incluyeron pacientes con cáncer gástrico incipiente, ni los con invasión a estructuras vecinas ni metástasis a distancia. La información se recopiló a partir de 2 registros prospectivos de pacientes de nuestro hospital y de la revisión de fichas clínicas. Algunas de las variables registradas fueron: edad, sexo, clasificación según TNM, toxicidad hematológica, gastrointestinales y mortalidad. El análisis de las variables se realizó mediante el Software STATA 9.0. La serie se compone de 37 pacientes, con edad promedio de 59 años y predominantemente de sexo masculino con un 70,3 por ciento. A 28 (75.68 por ciento) se les practicó una gastrectomía total; 30 pacientes (81,08por ciento) fueron clasificados como T3 y 8 (21,62 por ciento) como N3. El promedio de linfonodos resecados fue 34. Treinta pacientes (80por ciento) presentaron toxicidad gastrointestinal y 23 (62,61por ciento) hematológica. Sólo un paciente (2,7 por ciento) no presentó algún grado de toxicidad. Todos los pacientes etapificados como T3N3 presentaron toxicidad. No hubo mortalidad. En esta serie, la QtRt adyuvante para el tratamiento del cáncer gástrico en el HCRV es una terapia que conlleva un alto porcentaje de reacciones adversas de diversa magnitud.

Mandibular periosteal (juxtacortical) chondrosarcoma

Periosteal (juxtacortical) chondrosarcoma (PC) is a well-differentiated malignant cartilage-forming tumor arising from the external bone surface, especially in long bones. The therapy of choice is en-bloc resection and, in general, its prognosis is good. This paper reports a rare case of PC affecting the mandible of a 41-year-old man. The lesion presented as a slow-growing-painless swelling that lasted 2 months. Computed tomography scan showed a tumoral mass arising from the external bone surface, extending into the adjacent soft tissue presenting patchy regions of popcorn-like calcifications. A final diagnosis of PC (grade II) was rendered after biopsy. Hemimandibulectomy was undertaken followed by complementary radiotherapy with 70 Gy. Although no episodes of recurrence or metastasis had been noticed after 18 months of follow-up, the patient died and causa mortis could not be established.

Condrossarcoma (juxtacortical) periosteal (CP) é um tumor maligno produtor de cartilagem bem diferenciado que normalmente surge na superfície externa dos ossos longos. O tratamento de escolha para esse tumor é a ressecção em bloco e, em geral, apresenta um prognóstico bom. Nesse trabalho, nós apresentamos um caso raro de CP afetando a mandíbula de um homem de 41 anos de idade. A lesão apresentava um crescimento lento e indolor de 2 meses de evolução. A tomografia computadorizada revelou a presença de uma massa tumoral surgindo na superfície externa do osso mandibular exibindo agregados de tecido calcificado no seu interior e que se estendia para os tecidos moles adjacentes. Depois de realizada uma biópsia, um diagnóstico final de CP (grau II) foi estabelecido. O tratamento de escolha foi hemimandibulectomia seguida por radioterapia complementar na dose de 70 Gy. Embora nenhum episódio de recorrência ou metástase tenha sido noticiado após 18 meses de acompanhamento, o paciente morreu e a causa mortis não pôde ser determinada.

Challenge and Hope in Radiotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most critical global health issues. With frequent association of viral liver disease, HCC is highly complex, harboring both cancer and chronic liver disease. The tumor stage and underlying liver function are both major determinants of the treatment selection as well as prognosis in HCC patients, thus allowing no more than a 20% chance for potentially curative therapies. Radiotherapy technology has been evolved remarkably during the past decade, and radiation can be precisely delivered, thereby permitting higher doses to the tumour and reduced doses to surrounding normal tissues. There has been increasing interest in the merits of radiotherapy in HCC over the past few years, as indicated by a Pub Med search. Radiotherapy has been used as the definitive therapy with curative intent in early stage tumours. It has been used also in combination with TACE for intermediate stage tumours. In locally advanced tumours, radiotherapy has been combined with systemic agents. Despite its efficacy, radiotherapy has not yet been incorporated into the standard management guidelines of HCC. The lack of high evidence level data, especially randomized controlled trials, has posed an obstacle in including radiotherapy into the routine treatment schema of HCC. Therefore, well-designed prospective studies are strongly recommended using developing technology for radiotherapy alone or combination therapies. Also, many issues such as the optimal dose-fractionation, intra- or extrahepatic metastasis after radiotherapy, and radiation-induced hepatic dysfunction remain to be solved. In this review, current status of radiotherapy for HCC will be discussed with regard to technical consideration and combination strategy. The limitation and future perspectives will also be discussed.

Adult paratesticular malignant fibrous histiocytoma treated with surgery, systemic chemotherapy and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.

Paratesticular malignant fibrous histiocytoma is an extremely rare malignancy of the scrotum. This malignancy has rarely been described in the literature and scant information exists on the optimal management of this cancer. We present here a case of a 57-year-old man with a diagnosis of high-grade malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the left intrascrotal region who underwent radical orchiectomy, systemic chemotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy.

Acute effects of postmastectomy radiotherapy after immediate TRAM flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To study the acute effects of radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients treated at Ramathibodi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 2004 and March 2005, ten breast cancer patients (age 32-51 years) were treated with postoperative radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction. Medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Radiotherapy was delivered to the chest wall and reconstructed TRAM flap using 6-MV x-ray or Cobalt-60. The total dose was 45 to 50.4 Gy delivered in 25 to 28 fractions. Patients were evaluated weekly during the course of radiation and then at 1 and 2 months after treatment completion to determine acute effects or toxicities of radiation. RESULTS: During radiation, 3 patients developed erythema or mild hyperpigmentation of the skin, and 4 developed moderate hyperpigmentation. Three patients who were treated with Cobalt-60 and/or bolus to the chest wall developed skin desquamation (1 dry desquamation, 2 moist desquamation). No patient required a treatment break because of acute side effects. One patient who received chemotherapy after radiation developed recalled moist desquamation. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction is well tolerated and is not associated with increased acute complication or radiation interruption. The authors have noticed that chemotherapy given after radiation was related to severe skin reaction, so it should be used with caution.