Almost one year of COVID-19 pandemic: how radiotherapy centers have counteracted its impact on cancer treatment in Lombardy, Italy. CODRAL/AIRO-L study.

Lombardy has represented the Italian and European epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although most clinical efforts within hospitals were diverted towards the care of virally infected patients, therapies for patients with cancer, including radiotherapy (RT), have continued. During both the first and second pandemic waves, several national and regional organizations provided Italian and Lombardian RT departments with detailed guidelines aimed at ensuring safe treatments during the pandemic. The spread of infection among patients and personnel was limited by adopting strict measures, including triage procedures, interpersonal distance, and adequate implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE). Screening procedures addressed to both the healthcare workforce and patients, such as periodic nasopharyngeal swabs, have allowed the early identification of asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 cases, thus reducing the spread of the infection. Prevention of infection was deemed of paramount importance to protect both patients and personnel and to ensure the availability of a minimum number of staff members to maintain clinical activity. The choice of treating COVID-19-positive patients has represented a matter of debate, and the risk of oncologic progression has been weighted against the risk of infection of personnel and other patients. Such risk was minimized by creating dedicated paths, reserving time slots, applying intensified cleaning procedures, and supplying personnel and staff with appropriate PPE. Remote working of research staff, medical physicists, and, in some cases, radiation oncologists has prevented overcrowding of shared spaces, reducing infection spread.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy dose escalation for locally advanced rectal cancers in the new era of radiotherapy: A review of literature.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) consists on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision. Different data in literature showed a benefit on tumor downstaging and pathological complete response (pCR) rate using radiotherapy dose escalation, however there is shortage of studies regarding dose escalation using the innovative techniques for LARC (T3-4 or N1-2). AIM: To analyze the role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy dose escalation for LARC using innovative radiotherapy techniques. METHODS: In December 2020, we conducted a comprehensive literature search of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane library. The limit period of research included articles published from January 2009 to December 2020. Screening by title and abstract was carried out to identify only studies using radiation doses equivalent dose 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) ≥ 54 Gy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy or image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) techniques. The authors' searches generated a total of 2287 results and, according to PRISMA Group (2009) screening process, 21 publications fulfil selection criteria and were included for the review. RESULTS: The main radiotherapy technique used consisted in VMAT and IGRT modality. The mainly dose prescription was 55 Gy to high risk volume and 45 Gy as prophylactic volume in 25 fractions given with simultaneous integrated boosts technique (42.85%). The mean pCR was 28.2% with no correlation between dose prescribed and response rates (P value ≥ 0.5). The R0 margins and sphincter preservation rates were 98.88% and 76.03%, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 35 months local control was 92.29%. G3 or higher toxicity was 11.06% with no correlation between dose prescription and toxicities. Patients receiving EQD2 dose > 58.9 Gy and BED > 70.7 Gy had higher surgical complications rates compared to other group (P value = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Dose escalation neoadjuvant radiotherapy using innovative techniques is safe for LARC achieving higher rates of pCR. EQD2 doses > 58.9 Gy is associated with higher rate of surgical complications.

Back to (new) normality-A CODRAL/AIRO-L survey on cancer radiotherapy in Lombardy during Italian COVID-19 phase 2.

BACKGROUND: Italy experienced one of the world's severest COVID-19 outbreak, with Lombardy being the most afflicted region. However, the imposed safety measures allowed to flatten the epidemic curve and hence to ease the restrictions and inaugurate, on the 4th of May 2020, the Italian phase (P) 2 of the pandemic. The present survey study, endorsed by CODRAL and AIRO-L, aimed to assess how radiotherapy (RT) departments in Lombardy have dealt with the recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire dealing with the management of pandemic was developed online and sent to all CODRAL Directors on the 10th of June 2020. Answers were collected in full anonymity one week after. RESULTS: All the 33 contacted RT facilities (100%) responded to the survey. Despite the scale of the pandemic, during P1 14 (42.4%) centres managed to safely continue the activity (≤ 10% reduction). During P2, 10 (30.3%) centres fully recovered and 14 (42.4%) reported an increase. Nonetheless, 6 (18.2%) declared no changes and, interestingly, 3 (9.1%) reduced activities. Overall, 21 centres (63.6%) reported suspected or positive cases within healthcare workforce since the beginning of the pandemic. Staff units were quarantined in 19 (57.6%) and 6 (18.2%) centres throughout P1 and P2, respectively. In the two phases, about two thirds centres registered positive or suspected cases amongst patients. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a particular attention to anti-contagion measures and a return to normal or even higher clinical workload in most RT centres in Lombardy, necessary to carry out current and previously deferred treatments.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer using three different doses - 14 years of single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer (LPC) treated with 3D conformal high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) as monotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2004 to November 2017, 277 men with LPC underwent 3D conformal HDR-BT as monotherapy, with a temporary implant. The dose prescription was: 38 Gy in 4 fractions (149 patients), 27 Gy in 2 fractions (41 patients), and 19-20 Gy in a single fraction (87 patients). Biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated. Acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity assessment were performed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 67 (range, 47-81) years. Overall, 145 patients were low-risk, 116 intermediate-risk, and 16 high-risk prostate cancer. After a median follow-up of six years (range, 6-160 months), bPFS, PFS, and CSS were 81%, 96%, and 97%, respectively. Dose prescription, initial prostate specific antigen (iPSA) ≥ 9,5 ng/ml, and high-risk disease resulted in prognostic factors regarding bPFS. Only G2-G3 acute or late GI and GU toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT as monotherapy is a valid and safe treatment modality for localized prostate cancer. After a long follow-up, patients receiving 19-20 Gy in a single fraction had a lower biochemical control rate compared to patients receiving 38 Gy in 4 fractions or 27 Gy in 2 fractions. Randomized prospective trials with a longer follow-up are necessary to confirm our results, and define total doses and dose per fraction for HDR-BT in patients with LPC.

Management of grade 3 acute dermatitis with moist desquamation after adjuvant chest wall radiotherapy: a case report.

We reported a successful case management of G3 skin acute dermatitis in a 32-year-old woman affected by locally advanced breast cancer underwent adjuvant chest wall irradiation. Skin acute toxicity with dry desquamation areas was treated daily with dressing medication using physiological solution, oxygen therapy and applying hyaluronic acid gauze. At the end of radiotherapy treatment, G3 skin acute dermatitis with moist desquamation was observed, so the patient continued advanced wound dressing shifted to twice weekly with physiological solution, oxygen therapy and applying hydrocolloid dressing. The patient completed radiotherapy treatment without interruption and one month after treatment acute skin toxicity was resolved with pain relief. We suggest that advanced dressing with trained nursing staff is essential in this sub-set of patients due to guaranteed continuation of radiotherapy treatment, indispensable to ensure patient cure.

A national survey of AIRO (Italian Association of Radiation Oncology) brachytherapy (Interventional Radiotherapy) study group.

PURPOSE: To review brachytherapy resources and to explore current practice patterns in Italy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2016, on behalf of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO), the Brachytherapy Study Group proposed conducting a survey in order to identify brachytherapy practice patterns. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all radiotherapy centres in Italy, asking for: 1. General information on the Radiation Oncology Centre (affiliation, whether brachytherapy was delivered or not); 2. Brachytherapy equipment and human resources; 3. Brachytherapy procedures; 4. Brachytherapy assessment (number of patients treated annually, treated sites, and different modalities of treatments). RESULTS: A total of 66 questionnaires were returned (33.5% of all brachytherapy centers in Italy), out of which 48 (74%) from non-academic hospitals, 6 (10%) from academic hospitals, and 12 (16%) from private institutions. Most centers (84%) had only one brachytherapy machine; 44% did not deliver brachytherapy treatments or delivered less than demanded because of the lack of staff or expertise, need of modernization, or other reasons. The majority of treatments were administered to outpatients for gynecological tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This survey illustrates the current status of brachytherapy in Italy and should encourage collaboration to develop, implement, and monitor its use when appropriate.

Equipment, staffing, and provision of radiotherapy in Lombardy, Italy: Results of three surveys performed between 2012 and 2016.

INTRODUCTION:: Several efforts are being implemented at the European level to measure provision of up-to-date radiation treatments across the continent. METHODS:: A snapshot survey involving all radiation oncology centers within Lombardy, Italy, was performed in 2012 and repeated in 2014 and 2016, in cooperation with regional governmental officers. Centers were asked to provide detailed information concerning all individual patients being treated on the index day, and to report data on available local resources. RESULTS:: We observed an increase in the number of centers and of megavoltage units (MVU) (from 76 to 87, i.e., 8.7 MVU per million inhabitants in 2016). Mean number of MVU per center was 2.5. Average age of MVU increased from 5.3 to 7.5 years and patients on the waiting list also increased. Conformal 3D radiotherapy (RT) treatments decreased from 56% to 42% and were progressively replaced by intensity-modulated RT treatments (from 39% to 49%). Waiting times were overall satisfactory. Radiation oncologists treated on average 152 and radiation therapists 100 RT courses per year. Average reimbursement per course was €4,879 (range €2,476-€8,014). CONCLUSIONS:: The methodology of snapshot survey proved feasible and provided valuable information about radiation oncology provision and accessibility in Lombardy.

Set-up errors in head and neck cancer treated with IMRT technique assessed by cone-beam computed tomography: a feasible protocol.

PURPOSE: To investigate set-up errors, suggest the adequate planning target volume (PTV) margin and image-guided radiotherapy frequency in head and neck (H&N) cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) assessed by kV cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: We analyzed 360 CBCTs in 60 patients with H&N cancer treated with IMRT. The target delineation was contoured according to ICRU62. PTVs were generated by adding a 3-5 mm margin in all directions to the respective clinical target volumes. The kV CBCT images were obtained at first three days of irradiation and weekly thereafter. The overall mean displacement, range, systematic (∑) and random (σ) errors were calculated. Adequate PTV margins were calculated according to the van Herk formula (2.5∑ + 0.7r). RESULTS: The mean of set-up errors was less than 2 mm in any direction. The overall frequency of set-up displacements greater than 3 mm was 3.9% in medial-lateral (ML) direction, 8% in superior-inferior (SI) direction, and 15.5% in anterior-posterior (AP) direction. The range of translations shifts was 0-9 mm in ML direction, 0-5 mm in SI direction and 0-10 mm in AP direction, respectively. After systematic set-up errors correction, the adequate margin to overcome the problem of set-up errors was found to be less than 3 mm. CONCLUSION: Image-guided kV CBCT was effective for the evaluation of set-up accuracy in H&N cancer. The kV CBCT at first three fractions and followed-by weekly appears adequate for reducing significantly set-up errors in H&N cancer treated with IMRT technique. Finally, 3-5 mm PTV margins appear adequate and safe to overcome the problem of set-up errors.

Vaginal toxicity after high-dose-rate endovaginal brachytherapy: 20 years of results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate vaginal toxicity (primary endpoint) and local control (secondary endpoint) in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgery and adjuvant high-dose-rate (HDR) endovaginal brachytherapy (BT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In September 2017, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature search of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane library. In this systematic review, the authors included randomized trials, non-randomized trials, prospective studies, retrospective studies, and cases. The time period of the research included articles published from September 1997 to September 2017. RESULTS: Acute endovaginal toxicity occurred in less than 20.6% and all acute toxicities were G1-G2. The most common early side effects due to HDR-BT treatment were vaginal inflammation, vaginal irritation, dryness, discharge, soreness, swelling, and fungal infection. G1-G2 late toxicity occurred in less than 27.7%. Finally, G3-G4 late vaginal occurred in less than 2%. The most common late side effects consisted of vaginal discharge, dryness, itching, bleeding, fibrosis, telangiectasias, stenosis, short or narrow vagina, and dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that HDR endovaginal brachytherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is very well tolerated with low rates of acute and late vaginal toxicities. Further prospective studies with higher numbers of patients and longer follow-up are necessary to evaluate acute and late toxicities after HDR endovaginal brachytherapy.

Guidelines for the delineation of nodal regions of the head and neck on axial computed tomography images.

Delineation of target volumes is increasingly recognized as the most crucial step within the process of modern conformal radiotherapy. In the field of head and neck radiation oncology, the need for a standardized methodology in the delineation of nodal regions of the neck on computed tomography (CT) images has recently emerged. To address this issue, a consensus document has been prepared by the Head and Neck Working Party of the AIRO-Lombardia Cooperative Group, based on the proceedings of multidisciplinary meetings and on literature findings. The document contains detailed guidelines for the delineation on CT images of the nodal regions of the neck, including for each nodal region (1 to 7) the description of anatomical limits as seen on CT images.