Comparison of Low- and High-dose Rate Brachytherapy in Carcinoma Cervix: Results From a Randomized Study.

Purpose: We are reporting results of a randomized study with the aim to compare the results of low-dose rate (LDR) versus high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix patients. Material and methods: Sixty cases of carcinoma of uterine cervix in Stage IIB-IIIB (FIGO) were included from a period of January 2002 to March 2003 and were randomized into HDR brachytherapy (6 Gy/fraction for 4 sessions) or LDR brachytherapy (27 Gy/single session) arm after completion of external beam radiotherapy (50 Gy/25#/5 weeks). Results: In HDR arm, 16/30 (53.33%) patients experienced complete response. In LDR arm, complete response was experienced by 13/30 (43.33%) of patients. Locoregional control in HDR group was 54.54%, 57.14% and 71.42% at 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Locoregional control in LDR group at 6, 9 and 12 months was 45%, 63.63% and 42.85%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that LDR and HDR groups are similar in locoregional control in the management of carcinoma uterine cervix. HDR brachytherapy can safely substitute LDR brachytherapy applications.

Rhabdoid variant of lung cancer: clinicopathological details of a case and a review of literature.

Primary rhabdoid tumor of lung is a rare histological and clinical entity. Lung tumors with rhabdoid features have been included as variants of large-cell carcinoma in the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lung tumors. A large-cell carcinoma with a rhabdoid phenotype (LCCRP) is unusual, with only 38 cases reported till date. We report the clinical details of one such case that was treated with pneumonectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. We also present a review of the literature. To identify relevant articles, we searched PubMed, Ovid, and IngentaConnect databases using the key words 'rhabdoid,' 'lung cancer,' and 'primary rhabdoid tumor of lung.'

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the maxillary sinus: a rare head and neck tumor.

Sarcomatoid carcinomas are rare tumors. These tumors have been reported at other sites, but head and neck origin is extremely uncommon. We report here a rare case of sarcomatoid carcinoma involving the maxilla. Only four such cases with maxillary origin have been discussed in English literature earlier. As compared to squamous cell carcinoma of maxilla, this variant is associated with poor prognosis and advanced disease at presentation, as was also seen in our case. There are no standard recommendations for management owing to the rarity of this histology. Surgery and radiotherapy form the mainstays of treatment. Exploration of the role of chemotherapy and novel targeted therapy agents is warranted in order to improve treatment results.

Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix: pathology, imaging, and treatment.

Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is a rare tumor. Only 16 cases have so far been reported in literature. We report here one such tumor occurring in a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman. Our case report describes the clinical, pathological, and PET scan characteristics of this tumor. The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy and is disease free at 6-months follow-up.