Tratamiento no quirúrgico en cáncer epidermoide de orofaringe avanzado: análisis de resultados oncológicos en función del subsitio tumoral y fraccionamiento de radioterapia / Nonsurgical treatment in advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer

Objetivo: Reportar resultados de nuestro protocolo de radioquimioterapia concomitante exclusiva en el cáncer de orofaringe avanzado. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 87 pacientes. Se realizó radioterapia concomitante con cisplatino semanal. Se aceptó la realización de fraccionamiento convencional (FC), hiperfraccionamiento (Hfx) o fraccionamiento acelerado tipo boost concomitante (FABC). Se revisó la sobrevida global (SG), sobrevida libre de enfermedad (SLE), sobrevida libre de recidiva local (SLRL) y regional (SLRR) según subsitio y fraccionamiento. Resultados: Ingresaron 87 pacientes. Mediana de seguimiento: 120 meses. El 53, 30 y 17% recibieron FC, FABC y Hfx respectivamente. La SG a 2, 5 y 10 años fue de un 73, 61 y 43% respectivamente. La SG a 5 años según subsitio anatómico fue: amígdala 74%, paladar blando 33%, base de lengua 33%, y pared faríngea posterior 33%. Al comparar la SG de amígdala versus otros subsitios se alcanza una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). La mediana de SG para amígdala no fue alcanzada, mientras que en otros subsitios fue de 22 meses. La SLE fue diferente en los distintos subsitios, superior en amígdala y diferente entre los distintos fraccionamientos, a favor de Hfx, alcanzando diferencias significativas. Las mismas tendencias se demostraron en SLRL y SLRR. Observamos un 23% de segundos primarios, siendo el pulmón el sitio más frecuente. Conclusión: La radioterapia concomitante con cisplatino semanal es un tratamiento adecuado para el cáncer de orofaringe. Ofrece excelentes resultados en cáncer de amígdala, especialmente con fraccionamiento modificado. Para los otros subsitios nos parece recomendable explorar nuevas estrategias de tratamiento.

Objective: To report results of our concomitant radiochemotherapy protocol for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Materials and methods: Retrospective study. Concomitant radiochemotherapy was performed with weekly cisplatin. Conventional fractionation (CF), hyperfractionation (Hfx) or accelerated fractionation with concomitant boost (FABC) were accepted. Overall survival (OS), Disease-free survival (RFS), Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) and Regional relapse-free survival (RRFS) were calculated, according subsite and radiotherapy fractionation. Results: We found 87 patients. Median follow-up: 120 months. 53%, 30% and 17% received FC, FABC, Hfx respectively. OS at 2, 5 and 10 years was 73%, 61% and 43% respectively. The 5-year OS was, by anatomic subsite: Tonsillar 74%, 33% soft palate, base of tongue 33%, and 33% for posterior pharyngeal wall. By comparing the OS in tonsil versus other subsites we found statistically significant difference in favor of tonsillar cancer (P < .001). Median OS for tonsillar cancer was not achieved, while in other subsites was 22 months. DFS was different in different subsites, better for amygdala and different among different fractionations, better for Hfx, reaching significant differences. The same trends were demonstrated in LRFS and RRFS. We observed a 23% of second cancers, being lung the most common site. Conclusion: Concomitant radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin is an appropriate treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. It provides excellent outcomes in tonsillar cancer, especially with modified fractionation and Hfx type. For other subsites it seems advisable to explore a new treatment approach.

Complete pathologic response as a prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx post-chemoradiotherapy / Resposta patológica completa como fator prognóstico no carcinoma espinocelular de orofaringe após quimiorradioterapia

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCO) provides good results for locoregional disease control, with high rates of complete clinical and pathologic responses, mainly in the neck. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy is related to the prognosis of patients with SCCO. METHODS: Data were prospectively extracted from clinical records of N2 and N3 SCCO patients submitted to a planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were evaluated. Half of patients obtained complete pathologic response in the neck. Distant or locoregional recurrence occurred in approximately 42% of patients, and 26% died. Statistical analysis showed an association between complete pathologic response and lower disease recurrence rate (77.8% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.017) and greater overall survival (88.9% vs. 23.3%;p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The presence of a complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy positively influences the prognosis of patients with SCCO.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento baseado em quimirradioterapia do Carcinoma Espinocelular de Orofaringe (CECOF) apresenta bons resultados no controle locorregional da doença com boas taxas de resposta clínica e patológica completas especialmente no pescoço. Objetivo: Determinar se a resposta patológica completa após quimiorradioterapia estárelacionada aos prognósticos dos pacientes com CECOF. Método: Os dados foram obtidos de maneira prospectiva da revisão de prontuários de pacientes com CECOF N2 e N3 submetidos a esvaziamento cervical planejado após quimiorradioterapia. Resultados: Um total de 19 pacientes foram avaliados. Metade dos indivíduos apresentou resposta patológica completa no pescoço. Recidiva à distância ou locorregional ocorreu em aproximadamente 42% dos pacientes e 26% deles morreram. A análise estatística demonstrou uma associação entre resposta patológica completa e menor taxa de recidiva (77,8% vs.20,8%; p = 0,017) e maior sobrevivência global (88,9% vs.23,3%; p = 0,049). Conclusão: A presença de resposta patológica completa após quimiorradioterapia influencia positivamente no prognóstico de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de orofaringe.

Resultados do tratamento cirúrgico versus quimioradioterápico em tumores iniciais da orofaringe / Results of surgical treatment versus chemoradiation therapy in oropharyngeal early tumors

Introdução: O carcinoma epidermoide na cabeça e pescoço é diagnosticado em aproximadamente 40% dos casos em estádios clínicos avançados. Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida livre de doença nos pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe de estádio clínico (EC) precoce (I e II), submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico ou quimioradioterápico. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 139 prontuários de pacientes portadores de carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe submetidos a tratamento com intenção curativa, sendo elegíveis 38 casos de tumores de estádios clínicos precoces (I e II). Destes, 27 (71,1%) foram à cirurgia e 11 (28,9%) à quimioradioterapia, com idade média de 56,4 anos. Quanto ao gênero, 31 (81,6%) eram do masculino e sete (18,4%) do feminino. Resultados: Nos 11 pacientes submetidos à quimioradioterapia, 72,7% obtiveram controle loco-regional da doença e a sobrevida livre de doença há dois anos foram 42%. Dentre os 27 pacientes operados, 19 mantiveram-se em EC I e II no laudo histológico e seis foram à radioterapia pós-operatória. A sobrevida livre de doença há dois anos foi 70%. Conclusão: Os pacientes submetidos inicialmente à cirurgia tiveram melhor sobrevida livre de doença, quando comparados aos pacientes com tratamento quimioradioterápico.

Introduction: The epidermoid carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract is diagnosed in approximately 40% of the cases of advanced clinical stages. Objective: To evaluate the disease-free interval in patients with clinical stages I and II epidermoid carcinoma who were submitted to surgery or chemoradiation. Method: Retrospective study of the records of 139 patients treated for oropharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma submitted to treatment with curative intent. Among those patients, 38 were classified with early tumors clinical stages I and II. Twenty-seven (71.1%) underwent surgical treatment whereas eleven (28.9%) were treated with chemoradiation. The mean age was 56.4 years; 31 cases (81.6%) were in men and seven (18.4%) were in women. Results: Among the eleven patients who were submitted to chemoradiation, 72.7% obtained locoregional control of the disease and their disease-free survival was of 42%. Among the 27 patients operated, 19 remained in Clinical Stages I and II in the histological report and six underwent postoperative radiation therapy. The disease-free interval for two years was of 70%. Conclusion: The patients submitted to the surgery had a better disease-free interval as compared to those submitted to chemoradiation treatment.

Safety and radiosensitizing efficacy of sanazole (AK 2123) in oropharyngeal cancers: randomized controlled double blind clinical trial.

Oropharynx is an important site of cancer in India. Global comparison indicates higher incidences in India. Radiotherapy remains an important treatment modality. Efforts to improve loco-regional treatment and prolong survival are areas of focus. Radiosensitizers in hypoxic tumors have shown promise. AIM: To study the safety and radiosensitizing efficacy of sanazole in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (stage T2-4, N0-3, M0) as phase-II double blind controlled trial in patients treated with conventional radiotherapy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Single institutional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group 1 (control; n = 23) received normal saline infusion, group 2 (test; n = 23) received sanazole biweekly 1.25 g intravenous infusion 15 minutes before radiotherapy. Surrogate end points of efficacy were tumor and nodal size; safety parameters were mucositis, salivary and skin reactions, dysphagia, vomiting, dysgeusia and neurological deficit. Investigators blinded to the trial evaluated patients, weekly during treatment for six weeks and thereafter monthly for three months. STATISTICAL METHODS: Non-parametric, Friedman's, Chi square, Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: In the test, 15 (65%) patients had complete response, five (22%) partial/no response, two (9%) died, one (4%) lost to follow up. In the control, five (22%) patients had complete response, 16 (70%) partial/no response, one (4%) died, one (4%) lost to follow up. Short-term loco-regional response was better in the test (DF = 3, 95% Confidence Interval 0.418, 0.452, P = 0.0048). In the test group significant vomiting and one case of grade 3 neurological deficit was observed. CONCLUSION: The study validates the usefulness of sanazole for initial loco-regional control in oropharyngeal cancers.

Simultaneous radiochemotherapy in the treatment of inoperable, locally advanced head and neck cancers.

The results of radiation therapy alone in locally advanced head and neck cancers are dismal with 5 year locoregional control rates not exceeding 15%. The addition of concomitant chemotherapy with cisplatin and more recently carboplatin has shown promising results. Twenty patients of inoperable stage III and IV oral or oropharyngeal cancers were treated with concomitant chemoradiation with carboplatin 300 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1, 21 and 42 of radiation therapy. Twelve (60%) patients had a complete remission. Thirteen patients were alive at a median follow up of 11 months. The treatment was well tolerated with only 2 patients requiring treatment interruptions for mucositis. Longer follow up would reveal any improvement in overall survival. The relative ease with which carboplatin/RT was administered suggests that other agents might be added as well.

Carcinoma orofaringeo metastásico al miocardio: demostración por medio de biopsia del miocardio / Oropharingeal carcinoma myocardium metastasis to myocardio: demostration through myocardio biopsy

Un paciente con carcinoma avanzado de la orofaringe fue evaluado para recibir quimioterapia de inducción. El exámen cardiovascular fue normal, en el electrocardiograma se observaron cambios en el segmento ST-T y el ecocardiograma bidimensional se describió dentro de limites normales. La biopsia del endomiocardio realizada con el intento de determinar cardiotoxicidad secundaria a Doxorubicina reveló metástasis. En casos selectos, este procedimiento puede permitir la identificación temprana de metástasis cardiacas, ya que las manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas y estan relacionadas a la diseminación de la enfermedad