Radiotherapy Results in Locally Advanced Sinonasal Cancer: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck Study Group 01-005.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the treatment outcomes and related factors in locally advanced sinonasal cancer across Turkiye. METHODS: Twelve centers participants of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Head and Neck Study Group attended the study. One hundred and ninety-four patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy between 2001 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Acute and late toxicity were recorded per Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events V4.0. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years and 70% were male. The majority of tumors were located in maxillary sinus (59%). Most of the patients (%83) had T3 and T4A disease. Fifty-three percent of patients were in stage 4A. Radiotherapy was administered to 80% of the patients in the adjuvant settings. Median 66 Gy dose was administered in median 31 fractions. Chemotherapy was administered concomitantly with radiotherapy in 45% of the patients mostly with weekly cisplatin. No grade ≥4 acute and late toxicity was observed. The median follow-up was 43 months. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival (OS); locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS); distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 61% and 47%; 69% and 61%; 72%, and 69%, and 56% and 49%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, several factors demonstrated significant influence on OS, such as performance status, surgery, and lymph node involvement. Moreover, surgery was the key prognostic factor for LRFS. For DMFS, lymph node involvement and surgical margin were found to be influential factors. In addition, performance status and lymph node involvement were identified as significantly affecting PFS. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the authors obtained promising results with IMRT. Performance status, lymph node involvement, and surgery emerged as the primary factors significantly influencing OS.

Is a total dose of 54 Gy with radiochemotherapy sufficient for treatment of intermediate-risk volumes in nasopharyngeal cancer?

BACKGROUND: The mainstay treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is radiation therapy (RT). The doses and volumes may differ from center to center. Most studies and guidelines recommend a total dose of 60 Gy for elective nodal and peritumoral volume treatment. This retrospective analysis aimed to analyze whether a dose reduction to 54 Gy to this volume would be associated with a higher risk of recurrence. METHODS: A total of 111 patients treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The recurrent tumor volume was classified as "in field" if 95% of the recurrent volume was inside the 95% isodose, as "marginal" if 20-95% of the recurrence was inside the 95% isodose, or as "outside" if less than 20% of the recurrence was inside the 95% isodose. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 67 months (range 6-142). The 2­ and 5­year overall survival (OS) rates were 88.6% and 70%, respectively. The 2­year locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 93.3%, 89.3%, and 87.4%, and the 5­year LRC, DFS, and DMFS were 86.8%, 74%, and 81.1%, respectively. Ten patients (9%) had a local and or regional recurrence. Half of the patients with locoregional failure had in-field recurrences. For primary tumor, there was no recurrence in the volume of 54 Gy. For regional lymph node volume, recurrence was detected in two (1.8%) patients in the volume of 54 Gy. CONCLUSION: These retrospective data suggest that a dose reduction may be possible for intermediate-risk volumes, especially for the primary site.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage I medically operable non-small cell lung cancer.

Stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as the standard treatment for inoperable patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current study, we retrospectively analyzed a medically operable patient cohort with stage I NSCLC who refused surgery and subsequently underwent SBRT. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. Between April 2014 and July 2020, 55 patients were enrolled to the study. Forty (72.7%) patients were male, with a mean age of 69.85 ± 4.65 years (range 59-78 years). ECOG performance status were 0 and 1, except for one case. At the time of analysis, 8 deaths were observed. Of these, 25% (n = 2) died due to cardiac events, 12.5% (n = 1) due to pulmonary causes, 12.5% (n = 1) due to lung cancer-related causes, and the cause of death was unknown for 50% (n = 4). The pulmonary causes and cardiac events were not associated with radiation-induced toxicity. The median survival time was 34 months, with a range of 12 to 44 months. 2-year OS and PFS were 97% and 98%, 3-year OS and PFS were 82% and 77%, respectively. Treatment with SBRT was well tolerated and no grade 3 and 4 treatment-related adverse events were observed. SBRT seems to be a well- tolerated and effective alternative for patients with operable early-stage NSCLC.

Selective local postoperative radiotherapy for T3-T4 N0 laryngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the appropriate postoperative radiotherapy dose and selective volume in T3-4 N0 laryngeal cancer patients treated with either total or partial laryngectomy. METHODS: Patients who received radiotherapy for locally advanced (T3-T4) and pathologic node-negative (N0) squamous cell laryngeal cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Radiotherapy was applied to median 60 Gy (range 54-60 Gy) as selective local radiotherapy (±stoma). The local treatment areas included postoperative bed + laryngeal area for patients with a partial laryngectomy, and the postoperative bed only for patients with total laryngectomy. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 59 months and 52 patients were included. The 2­year, 5­year, and 8­year locoregional recurrence controls (LRC) were 95.6%. The 2­year and 5­year OS rates were 93.8% and 78.9%, respectively. The 5­year OS for age < 60 years was 95.8%, for above 60 years 56.5%. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that local selective irradiation to the postoperative bed + stoma is enough in patients with T3-4 N0 laryngeal cancer without applying elective nodal irradiation.

Episcleral Iodine-125 radioactive plaque brachytherapy as a salvage treatment for retinoblastoma in the era of intraarterial chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma shows high rates of recurrence after initial chemotherapy (systemic or intraarterial). Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of iodine-125 radioactive plaque brachytherapy as a salvage treatment with globe-preserving attributes after initial chemotherapy in patients with intraocular retinoblastoma. METHODS: The effect of brachytherapy was investigated retrospectively in 17 eyes of 17 patients who were followed up due to retinoblastoma between May 2012 and June 2018 and who received iodine-125 radioactive plaque brachytherapy as a salvage treatment after systemic or intra-arterial chemotherapy. The regression, ocular toxicity, and enucleation rates were evaluated at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: The tumor locations were post equator, macular, anterior to the equator, and peripapillary in 5, 3, 7, and 2 patients, respectively. Regression was initially and rapidly observed in 17 of the 17 eyes that underwent brachytherapy. Enucleation was performed in 5 (29.42%) of these patients due to recurrence with diffuse tumor involvement, and 4 of the tumors were located anterior to the equator. In 12 (70.58%) patients, the eyes were protected from enucleation following local brachytherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Radioactive plaque brachytherapy can be applied as an effective salvage therapy with successful results in retinoblastoma patients who have received initial systemic or intra-arterial chemotherapy. Post equator-located solitary tumors have the highest success rate.

Evaluation of Retinal and Optic Disc Vascular Changes and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Following Image Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) is one of the most important late complications during head and neck radiotherapy and is recognized usually between 2-9 years after RT. Our study aims to prospectively without baseline measurement evaluate retinal and optic disc vascular changes and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients previously treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and with optic nerve doses are above 45 Gy. METHODS: Fourteen NPC patients and sixteen age-matched healthy control subjects were included in our study. A complete ophthalmological examination including the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopic, fundoscopic examination and OCTA were performed for all patients and healthy volunteers. OCTA findings of RT and control groups were compared and correlation analysis was performed to find the association between the radiation-related factors and OCTA findings. RESULTS: Inferior hemi disc, parafovea and perifovea superficial/deep vessel densities were were statistically significantly lower in RT patients. Negative correlations were found between Dmax of optic tract and both RNFL and vessel densities. Furthermore, there were negative correlations found between the Dmean of glob and vessel densities. CONCLUSION: Although none of the patients in our study had marked vision loss and retinal abnormalities with the examination, OCTA findings showed that perifoveal and parafoveal vascularity were statistically significantly affected due to the RT.

Is Single Cord Irradiation Going to Be a New Standard for T1a Glottic Carcinoma?

Purpose and Objective: To evaluate the disease-free survival, overall survival, dosimetric, and voice handicap index (VHI) results of T1a glottic invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients who underwent hypofractionated single vocal cord irradiation (HSVCI). Materials and Methods: The data of 18 patients with stage T1a glottic SCC were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively between July 2016 and July 2019. Patients were immobilized using a custom-fitted thermoplastic face and shoulder mask in hyperextension position. The CT scan was performed with 1-mm-thick slices. A planned target volume (PTV) margin of 3 mm was given to clinical target volume (CTV) in all directions, and 13 organs at risk were identified. Patients were prescribed a total of 5760-5808 cGy in 15-16 fractions. Patients had daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and the treatment was carried out with the physician. VHI test was applied to patients before and at the end of radiotherapy (RT) and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months after the completion of RT. Results: Local control and overall survival rate is 100% for a median of 18 months (6-44 months) of follow-up. A patient was diagnosed with 2nd primary lung cancer and active treatment still continues. All patients completed the treatment within the scheduled time. Grade 1-2 dysphagia and dermatitis occurred in all patients, and no grade 3 and above side effects were observed. The mean values of VHI were 37.00, 39.83, 38.28, 17.17, 12.22, 8.56, and 6.06 at the beginning of RT, at the end of RT, and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months after RT, respectively. Conclusion: Compared to surgery and conventional laryngeal radiotherapy, HSVCI is an alternative treatment method for T1a glottic cancer by reducing the treatment time to 3 weeks, facilitating recurrence treatment, and providing effective sound quality without compromising local control. Considering that ~80% of recurrences in glottic cancer occur within the first 2 years, 100% local control in a median of 18 months is extremely successful, but long-term follow-up is essential to observe possible late side effects.

Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer: Current and Future Role.

Lung cancer is divided into two subgroups concerning its natural course and treatment strategies as follows: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this review, for NSCLC, the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in early-stage, chemoradiation in the locally advanced stage, post-operative radiotherapy for patients with high risk after surgery and radiotherapy for metastatic disease will be discussed. Also, for SCLC, the role and timing of thoracic irradiation and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for the limited and extensive stages will be discussed.

Nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Patients with head and neck cancers are susceptible to malnutrition during radiotherapy. This study aimed to determine the changes in the nutritional status and its determinants in patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy. METHODS: This prospective observational study was performed in an outpatient Radiation Oncology clinic with a sample of 54 patients. An interview form (including anthropometric and laboratory parameters), the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment to assess nutritional status, quality of life scales, and toxicity criteria were used for data collection at the baseline, the end of radiotherapy and 1 and 3 months after radiotherapy. RESULTS: While the majority of the patients (90%) were well nourished at baseline, most of the patients (74%) were malnourished at the end of radiotherapy (p < 0.001). During radiotherapy, patients developed malnutrition, reflected in a decrease in food intake, approximately 5% loss of body weight, a reduction in mid-arm upper circumference and mid-arm muscle mass, and reduced serum protein and albumin levels. The nutritional status was worse in oropharyngeal cancers (p = 0.021), advanced stage (p = 0.004), use of concomitant chemotherapy (p = 0.041), and worse toxicity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the nutritional status was strongly associated with the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated negative impact of radiotherapy on the nutritional status of patients with head and neck cancer. The study also showed the association of the nutritional status and the quality of life. The nutritional status should be assessed during different periods in the trajectory of treatment due to its significant contribution to the quality of life.

Total-body irradiation using linac-based volumetric modulated arc therapy: Its clinical accuracy, feasibility and reliability.

PURPOSE: To report the feasibility, accuracy, and reliability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-based total-body irradiation (TBI) treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2015 to 2018, 30 patients with AML or ALL were planned and treated with VMAT-based TBI, which consisted of three isocenters and three overlapping arcs. TBI dose was prescribed to 90% of the planning treatment volume (PTV) receiving 12 Gy in six fractions, at two fractions per day. Mean lung and kidney doses were restricted less than 10 Gy, and maximum lens dose less than 6 Gy. Quality assurance (QA) comprised the verification of the irradiation plans via dose-volume histogram (DVH) based 3D patient QA system. RESULTS: Average mean lung dose was 9.7 ±â€¯0.2 Gy, mean kidney dose 9.6 ±â€¯0.2 Gy, maximum lens dose 4.5 ±â€¯0.4 Gy, mean PTV dose 12.7 ±â€¯0.1 Gy, and heterogeneity index of PTV was 1.16 ±â€¯0.02 in all patients. Grade 3 or more acute radiation toxicity was not observed. When comparing plan and DVH-based 3D patient QA results, average differences of 3.3% ±â€¯1.3 in mean kidney doses, 1.1% ±â€¯0.7 in mean lung doses, and 0.9% ±â€¯0.4 in mean target doses were observed. CONCLUSION: Linac-based VMAT increased the dose homogeneity of TBI treatment more than extended SSD techniques. Partial cone-beam CT and optical surface-guided system assure patient positioning. DVH-based 3D patient dose verification QA was possible with linac-based VMAT showing small differences between planned and delivered doses. It is feasible, accurate, and reliable.

[Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of larynx as an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma]. / Skuamöz hücreli kanserin nadir bir varyanti olarak larenks akantolitik skuamöz hücreli kanseri.

Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the sun-exposed areas of the skin and lip. It is rarely observed in the respiratory and digestive tract and may present more aggressively. The incidence of distant metastases of squamous cell head and neck cancers is low and the lungs are the most common metastatic sites. Metastasis to the soft tissue, skin, and adrenal glands from the laryngeal region is very uncommon. In this article, we report a 58-year-old female case who underwent postoperative radiation therapy with the diagnosis of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and developed metastasis to the soft tissue and adrenal gland at the early period.

Acute toxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with IMRT/VMAT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate acute toxicity in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with or without cisplatin-based chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 newly diagnosed, histologically proven non-metastatic NPC patients treated with IMRT between May 2010 and December 2012, were evaluated retrospectively, 37 planned with Eclipse and 8 with Prowess Panther treatment planning system. The doses to the planning target volumes of primary tumor and involved lymph nodes, high risk region, and uninvolved regional nodal areas were 70 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy respectively and delivered simultaneously over 33 fractions to 39 patients. Another 6 patients irradiated with sequential boost technique. Some 84.4% of patients received chemotherapy. Acute toxicities were graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) for chemotherapy side effects. RESULTS: Median age was 43 years (14-79) and all patients were WHO type II. Grade 1 mucositis and dysphagia were observed in 17 (37.8%), and 10 (22.2%) patients, respectively. The incidence of acute grade 2 mucositis and dysphagia was 55.6% and 68.9%, respectively. The most common chemoradiotherapy related acute toxicities were nausea, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 toxicity was detected in 13 (28.8%) cases. No grade 4 toxicity was occurred. Mean weight loss was 9%. None of the patients required the insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for nutritional support. Radiation therapy was completed without interruption in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT is a safe and effective treatment modality, and well tolerated by patients in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. No unexpected side effects were observed.

Dosimetric evaluation of nasopharyngeal carcinomas irradiated with different IMRT techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), dynamic intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and step-and-shoot IMRT techniques in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients. METHODS: IMRT plans of 48 NPC patients treated between May 2010 and December 2012, were evaluated. Twenty two patients were planned with VMAT, 18 with dynamic IMRT and 8 with step-and-shoot IMRT. Conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI), the dosimetry of the planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) and the monitor units (MU) were evaluated for each IMRT modality. RESULTS: The conformity indices of VMAT and dynamic IMRT were better than step-and-shoot IMRT plans (p<0.05). Step-and-shoot IMRT plans provided better homogeneity than VMAT (p=0.01). MUs for dynamic IMRT were much higher compared to VMAT (p<0.01) and step and- shoot IMRT (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the 3 techniques in terms of PTV70 mean doses. When compared with step-and-shoot IMRT, VMAT and dynamic IMRT had a better sparing effect on optic nerves, eyes and optic chiasm (p<0.05). VMAT plans performed better sparing for brain stem than dynamic IMRT (p=0.01). There was a remarkable decrease in the maximum doses of VMAT to the eye. CONCLUSIONS: VMAT outperforms dynamic IMRT by effectively reducing the MU and the dose to some OARs, with adequate PTV coverage. Also, VMAT provides better sparing of normal tissue and conformity than step-and-shoot IMRT. Differences between step-and-shoot IMRT and dynamic IMRT are thought to be due to technical differences of linear accelerator devices like fiber size, variable fiber, dose rate and gantry.

Relationship between survival and increased radiation dose to subventricular zone in glioblastoma is controversial.

To test the hypothesis on prolonged survival in glioblastoma cases with increased subventricular zone (SVZ) radiation dose. Sixty glioblastoma cases were previously treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and Temozolamide. Ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral SVZs were contoured and their doses were retrospectively evaluated. Median follow-up, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 24.5, 8.5 and 19.3 months respectively. Log-rank tests showed a statistically significant correlation between contralateral SVZ (cSVZ) dose > 59.2 Gy (75th percentile) and poor median PFS (10.37 [95% CI 8.37-13.53] vs 7.1 [95% CI 3.5-8.97] months, p = 0.009). cSVZ dose > 59.2 Gy was associated with poor OS in the subgroup with subtotal resection/biopsy (HR: 4.83 [95% CI 1.71-13.97], p = 0.004). High ipsilateral SVZ dose of > 62.25 Gy (75th percentile) was associated with poor PFS in both subgroups of high performance status (HR: 2.58 [95% CI 1.03-6.05], p = 0.044) and SVZ without tumoral contact (HR: 10.57 [95% CI 2.04-49], p = 0.008). The effect of high cSVZ dose on PFS lost its statistical significance in multivariate Cox regression analysis. We report contradictory results compared to previous publications. Changing the clinical practice based on retrospective studies which even do not indicate consistent results among each other will be dangerous. We need carefully designed prospective randomized studies to evaluate any impact of radiation to SVZ in glioblastoma.

Increase in the rate of HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers during 1996-2011 in a case study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Primary aim of this study is to assess whether or not there is an increase at rate of HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers during 1996-2011 in Turkey, for comparison with prior reports from Western countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 138 newly diagnosed patients with oropharyngeal cancer were identified, 39 of which had no primary tumor specimen available and 18 patients with invalid HPV status, therefore HPV status for remaining 81 patients was evaluated. The presence and type of HPV DNA were determined with formalin- fixed paraffin embedded specimens, using an HPV DNA-based multiplex PCR assay. Associations between HPV status and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated using a two-sample t-test for the continuous variables and the categorical variables were compared by chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) periods were calculated with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The proportion of HPV-positive cancer has continued to increase during 2004-2011 as compared with 1996-2003. Notably, 33% (6/18) of the cases were HPV-positive in 1996-1999, 43% (9/21) in 2000-2003, 55% (11/20) in 2004-2007 and 70% (16/23) in 2008-2011. Thus, when we compared the results obtained during the 2004-2011with results of 1996-2003 period, we found that increase at HPV-positivity ratio was statistically significant (38% vs 64% p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers are increasing in Turkish patients as in the Western world.

Is FDG -PET-CT a valuable tool in prediction of persistent disease in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate accuracy of FDG-PET CT in prediction of persistent disease in head and neck cancer cases and to determine prognostic value of metabolic tumor response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 46 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck receiving PET-CT were treated with definitive radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy. There were 29 nasopharyngeal, 11 hypopharyngeal, 3 oropharyngeal and 3 laryngeal cancer patients, with a median age of 50.5 years (range 16-84), 32 males and 14 females. All patients were evaluated with PET-CT median 3-5 months (2.4-9.4) after completion of radiotherapy. RESULTS: After a median 20 months of follow up, complete metabolic response was observed in 63% of patients. Suspicious residual uptake was present in 10.9% and residual metabolic uptake in 26.0% of patients. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FDG-PET-CT for detection of residual disease was 91% and 81%, 64% and 96% respectively. Two year LRC was 95% in complete responders while it was 34% in non-complete responders. CONCLUSIONS: FDG PET CT is a valuable tool for assessment of treatment response, especially in patients at high risk of local recurrence, and also as an indicator of prognosis. Definitely more precise criteria are required for assessment of response, there being no clear cut uptake value indicating residual disease. Futhermore, repair processes of normal tissue may consume glucose which appear as increased uptake in control FDG PET CT.

Human papillomavirus is independent prognostic factor on outcome of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The primary aim of this study is to assess differences in patients' clinicopathological characteristics based on human papillomavirus (HPV) status and the effect of HPV status on outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The medical registry of 81 patients who were treated for OSCC was retrospectively analyzed. Factors that are found to be predictive of poor overall survival and event risk by univariate Cox's regression analysis included age greater than 60 years (hazard ratio (HR), 1.2, p = 0.02, and HR, 1.12, p = 0.05), poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance (HR,1.6, p = 0.01, and HR,1.32, p = 0.001), advanced T stage (HR,1.38, p = 0.01, and HR,1.4, p = 0.02), advanced N stage(HR, 1.6, p = 0.03, and HR,1.5, p = 0.03), smoking history (HR,1.4, p = 0.04, and HR, 1.6, p = 0.03), and HPV-negative patients (HR, 2.4, p = 0.012, and HR, 1.8, p = 0.01). HPV-positive tumors were estimated to have a 36 % reduction in risk of death and 32% reduction in event risk. HPV status had independent prognostic effects on survival and event-free survival.

Olfactory neuroblastomas: an experience of 24 years.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and the efficacy of the treatment modalities used in patients with olfactory neuroblastomas. Study Design. Retrospective record review. Setting. Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, medical oncology outpatient clinic. Subjects and Methods. There were 3 stage A tumors, 5 stage B and 11 stage C according to the Kadish staging system. There were 5 grade I/II and 12 grade III/IV according to the Hyams' histopathologic system. Involvement to orbita was detected in eight patients at the time of diagnosis. Results. The median follow-up period was 23.7 months. The 5-year survival rate for the whole group was 26%. The stage A/B groups exhibited a better survival rate than the C group with 2-year survival rates being 25 versus 71% respectively (P = .008). The grade I/II groups exhibited a better survival rate than the grade III/IV groups with 2-year survival rates being 50 versus 16% respectively (P = .001). The group who had orbital involvement exhibited a poor survival rate than the group of patients who had no involvement of the orbital. Conclusion. In our study, tumor stage, histopathologic grading, involvement of the orbita, brain and bone marow metastases were the statistically significant prognostic factors.

Significance of laryngeal edema after partial laryngectomy and radiotherapy in supraglottic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the presence of laryngeal edema on outcome and the other potential prognostic factors in patients with supraglottic larynx carcinoma treated with radiotherapy after partial laryngectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with supraglottic carcinoma of the larynx were treated with radiotherapy after partial laryngectomy between January 1980 and July 2003. Neck dissection was not performed in 46 patients. The median follow-up time was 64 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of laryngeal edema grade on local control, disease-free, and actuarial survival rates. RESULTS: The 5-year locoregional progression-free and overall survival rates were 86% and 75%, respectively. In univariate analysis, histologically positive neck disease reduced regional (p = .0045) and disease-free survival (p = .01). Patients with edema grade III-IV had lower local control (p = .0004), disease-free (p = .0034), and actuarial survival (p = .0041) rates. In the multivariate analysis, a significant negative association of laryngeal edema with local control (p = .012), disease-free survival (p = .002), and actuarial survival (p = .003) was found. Nodal status was a significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival (p = .027). Grade III-IV laryngeal edema was observed in 17 patients. Owing to laryngeal edema, tracheostomy dependence and total laryngectomy were required in three patients and one patient, respectively. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy after partial laryngectomy can be performed in patients with poor prognostic factors with reasonable complication rates. However, in the presence of grade III-IV laryngeal edema, tumour recurrence should be suspected, and these patients have to be managed with close follow-up and further evaluation to improve outcome.

Treatment results of 165 pediatric patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a Rare Cancer Network study.

PURPOSE: This Rare Cancer Network (RCN) study was performed in pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma (PNPC) patients to evaluate the optimal dose of radiotherapy and to determine prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 165 patients with the diagnosis of PNPC treated between 1978 and 2003. The median age was 14 years. There were 3 (1.8%) patients with stage I, 1 (0.6%) with IIA, 10 (6.1%) with IIB, 60 (36.4%) with III, 44 (26.7%) with IVA, and 47 (29%) with IVB disease. While 21 (12.7%) patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone, 144 (87.3%) received chemotherapy and RT. The median follow-up time was 48 months. RESULTS: The actuarial 5-year overall survival (OS) was 77.4% (95% CI: 70.06-84.72), whereas the actuarial 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.8% (95% CI: 61.33-76.31). In multivariate analysis, unfavorable factors were age >14 years for LRC (p=0.04); male gender for DMFS (p=0.03); T3/T4 disease for LRFS (p=0.01); and N3 disease for DFS (p=0.002) and OS (p=0.002); EBRT dose of less than 66 Gy for LRFS (p=0.02) and LRRFS (p=0.0028); and patients treated with RT alone for LRFS (p=0.0001), LRRFS (p=0.007) and DFS (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Our results support the current practice of using combined radiation and chemotherapy for optimal treatment of NPC. However, research should be encouraged in an attempt to reduce the potential for long-term sequelae in pediatric patients given their relatively favorable prognosis and potential for longevity.