Dosimetric analysis and clinical outcomes of brachial plexus as an organ-at-risk in head-and-neck cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To document the dose received by brachial plexus (BP) in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and report the incidence of brachial plexopathy. METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients of HNSCC treated with radical or adjuvant IMRT were included in this retrospective study. No dosimetric constraints were applied for BP maximum dose equivalent dose (EQD2 α/ß = 3). Patients with minimum 6-month follow-up were included and patients with suspicion of plexopathy were evaluated further. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were eligible and 127 BP were analyzed. The mean BP maximum dose (BPmax) was 62.4 Gy (+6.9), while mean BP volume was 28.1 cc (+4.1). Proportion of patients receiving BPmax >66 and >70 Gy were 34.7% and 14.2%. The mean BPmax for T4 tumors was significantly higher than T1 tumors (65 vs. 57.5 Gy, P = 0.005) but when adjusted for N-category, T-category was not independently significant in accounting for BPmax >66 or >70 Gy. Mean BPmax for N0 versus N2+ was 59.8 versus 65.6 Gy (P = 0.0001) and N1 versus N2+ was 61.6 versus 65.6 Gy (P = 0.018). After adjusting for T-category, patients with N2+ had a mean 4.2 Gy higher BPmax than N0-N1 (P = 0.0001). Stage III-IV patients had a mean six Gy higher BPmax doses than Stage I-II disease (P = 0.0001). With a median follow-up of 28 months (interquartile range 16-42), no patient had brachial plexopathy. CONCLUSION: Clinically significant plexopathy was not seen in spite of majority having over 2-years follow-up and a third of patients having dose above the recommended tolerance. Only nodal category independently influenced dose to the brachial plexii.

A study on the impact of patient-related parameters in the ability to spare parotid glands by intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to study the effect of geometric- and patient-related variables in achieving the desired dose-volume constraints to parotid for patients undergoing definitive/adjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study considered HNSCC patients who underwent IMRT at our center between 2009 and 2014. Patients' details and dose-volume parameters were collected, and correlated with dose to parotids using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were found to be eligible. Oral primary predominated (37.3%) and 53 (79%) had locally advanced disease. The parotid volume (PV) had no impact on mean dose. There was a negative linear correlation between the ratio (Parotid-planning target volume [PTV] overlap)/PV and mean dose to the whole parotid (y = 1.14-0.011×; R2 = 0.509; P = 0.001), suggesting that a ratio of 0.7 resulted in mean dose ≥ 40 Gy and potentially irreversible xerostomia. No association was found between site of primary and parotid dose, but node-positive (N+) patients received significantly higher dose compared to N0 patients (34.5 Gy vs. 29.5 Gy; P = 0.001). N + patients persisted to receive higher dose even when T stage was accounted for (32.5 Gy vs. 28.9 Gy for T2; P = 0.003). On the last follow-up, 35 patients (52%) had >/=Grade II xerostomia. Average mean dose to combined PV was higher in patients with > grade I xerostomia compared to patients with

Patterns of Recurrence, Long-term Survival and Toxicity Analysis of Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Patients Reclassified Under the Recent ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO Stratification: Seven-Year Results From a Single Institution.

AIM: The aim of this study was to report the patterns of recurrence, locoregional control, and survival of patients diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinomas over a 7-year period after reclassifying them under the recent ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO (European Society of Medical Oncology/European Society of Gynaecological Oncology/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology) consensus classification. METHODS: Archives of a single institution from 2008 to 2014 were studied and patients with stages I-II endometrial adenocarcinoma were reclassified as per the new classification for uniformity. On magnetic resonance imaging, if found to be stage I, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy alone was performed. The indications for adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) were based on standard recommendations. Survival was calculated from Kaplan-Meier curves, and toxicity was recorded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. RESULTS: Of the 132 patients registered, 101 patients were included for analysis. A total of 18 patients have died, and information on outcome is available for 84% of patients. Five patients were metastatic at presentation. Five patients received definitive EBRT + intracavitary brachytherapy because of surgical inoperability, four of whom are disease-free locoregionally with median overall survival of 33.8 months. Of the 91 patients operated on, the incidence of low, intermediate, high-intermediate, and high risk was 34%, 29%, 2%, and 19%, whereas 16% were stage III. The overall recurrence rates were 10%, 15%, and 23% for low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. With median follow-up of 32 months (range, 2-93 months), the disease-free survival for low, intermediate, and high risk and stage III were 92%, 81%, and 64% and 55%, whereas the mean survival for the same groups were 53, 44, and 34 and 22 months, respectively (P = 0.047). External beam radiotherapy resulted in significantly higher proctitis than VBT alone (P = 0.02). The median time to cystitis, proctitis, and enteritis were 27, 19, and 28 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence rates, survival rates, and the patterns of recurrence are comparable with published literature and partly validates the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO consensus statement. Addition of EBRT significantly increases risk of late proctitis as compared with VBT alone.

Unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of upper trachea with long-term survival after concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Upper tracheal malignancies are rare, and long-term survival is even rarer, especially among the unresectable malignancies. A 66-year-old chronic smoker was diagnosed as a locally advanced, non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the upper trachea. Being unresectable, he was treated with six cycles of concurrent weekly cisplatin and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy to a dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks. Follow-up imaging at 6 and 12 months revealed no disease. Our patient is presently 36 months post-treatment and is disease free without tracheal necrosis, fistula or radiation pneumonitis but developed hypothyroidism and is presently euthyroid. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy appears safe up to 3 years at least without any necrosis and is effective in controlling local disease. Meticulous planning obviates the need for higher technology like motion management techniques or intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Rebamipide gargle in preventive management of chemo-radiotherapy induced oral mucositis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Oral mucositis is inflammation of mucosa of oral cavity which is an inevitable and acute side effect in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head & neck cancer. Though many agents have been tried in prevention & treatment of oral mucositis, until date no single agent exists that is universally established to be effective. METHODS: 60 Patients diagnosed with Head & Neck cancer recruited for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy were assigned in a double blind fashion into 2 groups using computer based 1:1 ratio randomization. Subjects in Group 1 were given Rebamipide gargle while subjects in Group 2 were given Placebo gargle in similar colour coded bottles to gargle 6 times/day. Subjective assessment of oral mucositis was done by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and objective scoring according to RTOG system. RESULTS: All subjects in the Group 1 reported good treatment compliance but 4 subjects in Group 2 developed burning sensation to gargle and were excluded. Onset of oral mucositis was 3.5days earlier in Group 2 (mean=11.17) as compared to Group 1 (mean=14.63). At the end of chemo-radiotherapy, severity of oral mucositis was significantly lower in Group 1 (mean=1.97) than in Group 2 (mean=2.81). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Findings of this study revealed that Rebamipide gargle may be an effective means to prolong the onset of oral mucositis and may reduce the severity of oral mucositis in undergoing chemo-radiotherapy.

Excellent and durable response to radiotherapy in a rare case of spinal cord compression due to extra-medullary hematopoiesis in ß-thalassemia intermedia: case report and clinicoradiological correlation.

Spinal cord compression (SCC) is an unusual sequale of extra-medullary hematopoiesis (EMH). We report a patient diagnosed with ß-thalassemia intermedia at the age of 7 years presenting as a 24-year-old with symptoms suggestive of paraparesis. MR imaging revealed long masses of EMH opposite T5-T11 and L5-S2 vertebrae with cord compression at T6 vertebrae. Patient was treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to a low dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks. The patient had symptomatic relief of paraparesis by the 5th fraction and nearly regained full power in bilateral lower limbs by EBRT conclusion. Patient was begun on hydroxyurea post EBRT and was symptom free at 2-month follow up. With a follow-up of 18 months so far, he remains asymptomatic and free of recurrence. MRI correlation of pre-EBRT, post-EBRT and at first follow-up showed a significant reduction in the size of EMH, increase in diameter of spinal canal post EBRT but a persistent edema which had no clinical manifestation. Though there was a 58% drop in leukocyte count by the end of EBRT, there was no leukocytopenia. We suggest that EBRT should be treatment of choice for SCC due to EMH as it produces as rapid and durable response with minimal acute hematological side-effects.

A Study on Dosimetric Outcomes and Acute Toxicity of Post Mastectomy Adjuvant Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Hypofractionated External Beam Radiotherapy (HFRT) is a relatively new adjuvant Radiotherapy (RT) schedule for breast cancers following breast conservation surgery and less commonly, following mastectomy. Here we report our experience on normal tissue exposure and acute toxicity of HFRT after mastectomy. AIM: To assess the dosimetric outcomes and acute toxicity profile of adjuvant HFRT following mastectomy for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND MATERIALS: This prospective observational study considered consecutive patients planned for adjuvant HFRT (42.5 Gy in 16 sessions delivered over 3 weeks) to the chest wall with/without regional nodes between October 2014 and June 2015. The dosimetric parameters including dose homogeneity to the target volume and exposure to heart and lung were analyzed. Acute haematological and dermatological toxicity was recorded until upto three months after completion of RT. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients treated with HFRT, the mean age was 49 years (range: 28-69 years). Pathologically positive nodes and ≥pT3 primary was observed in 44 (78.6%) and 12 (21.4%) patients, respectively. Majority (87.5%) received prior adjunct chemotherapy. RT to the supraclavicular fossa was delivered for 39 (69.6%) patients. The mean V90 and V95 to the Planning Target Volume (PTV) were 95% (± 3.3%) and 93% (± 4%), respectively. The maximum dose received was on average 47.7 Gy (112%; range: 46.2-48.5 Gy). The mean lung dose was 10.2 Gy (± 3.5 Gy) and V20 was 20.9% (± 6%). The mean V25 to heart was 6.6% (± 4.8%) for left sided and 0% for right sided tumours (p=0.001). Acute skin toxicity peaked at completion of RT and was tolerable (grade 0, I, II and III reactions were 75%, 16% and 1.8%, respectively). No patient had ≥ grade III haematological toxicity, and treatment was not interrupted for any patient. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant HFRT could be planned while meeting the dose constraints to normal tissues in all patients and was well tolerated, with mild to moderate acute adverse effects that did not warrant any therapeutic intervention or treatment interruption.

Adjuvant treatment for Stage I seminoma: Why radiotherapy is better than carboplatin.

Adjuvant treatment options for Stage I seminoma include active surveillance, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Active surveillance may not be ideal for the average Indian patient. Of the two accepted adjuvant therapy options, namely single-dose carboplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the retroperitoneal nodes, though it intuitively appears more appealing, a deeper review reveals the potential drawbacks of chemotherapy. This article highlights the misconceptions regarding carboplatin and provides reasons for an argument why radiotherapy is better when a patient with Stage I seminoma chooses to undergo adjuvant treatment.

Brain metastasis from nonnasopharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastasis from primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is infrequent and probably under-reported thereby leading to paucity of information. METHODS: Archives of two institutes in India were studied from 2005 to 2013 and relevant information regarding patient demographics, treatment details, and follow-up was obtained for patients having brain metastasis (BM) from HNSCC. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 (IBM Corporation, NY, USA). RESULTS: Metastasis to the brain was detected in 17 patients with an HNSCC primary. The median age for diagnosis of index primary was 55 years (range (R) - 32-71 years) with 88% (15/17) being male. Oral cavity was the most common site of primary disease with 35% (6/17) followed by larynx (24%), oropharynx (18%), and hypopharynx (18%). The median stage at presentation was IVA (47%) and two (12%) were metastatic to the brain at presentation. Human papillomavirus analysis was not available for any of the patients. Neurological symptoms were complained of in 94% patients. The median BM-free-interval was 15 months (R - 1-67 months, SE ± 5.2). While 88% had multiple brain metastases, 82% also had extracranial metastasis and in 53% of patients, the index primary was not controlled. The median overall survival of all patients after the development of BM was 2 months (R - 0.5-6 months, SE ± 0.4). CONCLUSION: BM in HNSCC is mostly multiple, associated with extracranial metastasis and can occur in patients without locoregional relapse or residual disease and carries a dismal outcome.

Prospective randomized controlled trial to compare 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy to intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Grade ≥2 acute xerostomia between 3D conformal radiotherapy (RT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was evaluated in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) treated radically. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2007, 59 patients with HNSCC (T1-3, N0-2b) were randomized to IMRT or 3D-RT. On RT, weekly xerostomia, dysphagia, dermatitis, and mucositis were graded by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute toxicity criteria. Patients underwent examination under anesthesia, positron emission tomography (PET)-CT, and toxicity assessments per protocol (NCT00652613) thereafter. RESULTS: Incidence of grade ≥2 xerostomia at 8 weeks posttreatment was significantly lower with IMRT compared with 3D conformal RT (24% vs 53%; p = .024). At subsequent follow-up, significantly fewer patients receiving IMRT had grade ≥2 xerostomia. Long-term weight loss was higher in patients in the 3D conformal RT arm compared to IMRT (50% vs 21%; p = .038). Disease-related outcomes between arms (median follow-up, 70 months) were similar. CONCLUSION: IMRT significantly reduces incidence of acute and late grade ≥2 xerostomia in patients with HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1481-E1487, 2016.

Nasal mucosal metastasis in a case of carcinoma esophagus: Case report and review of literature.

A 60-year-old male, chronic alcoholic and smoker with decompensated cirrhosis was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma lower-third esophagus with multiple liver metastasis. While on palliative chemotherapy, the patient presented with a lesion at the tip of the nose. Excision of the lesion was performed suspecting mucormycosis. Histopathological examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma esophagus, similar to the initial disease. The nasal lesion recurred in 2 months, which was palliated with external radiotherapy given to the nasal lesion as well as the primary. The aim of this article is to present this rare case and review literature related to metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus with focus on nasal metastasis.

A rare case of multicentric carcinoma left breast synchronous with carcinoma right lung: Therapeutic challenge in radiotherapy.

Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are a known phenomenon. We present a rare case of multicentric carcinoma of left breast synchronous with carcinoma of right lung. There was a diagnostic dilemma about the nature of the lung lesion, which otherwise would have been labeled as a metastasis from the breast primary; however, the immunohistochemistry markers distinguished between the two. The challenges in delivering radiotherapy in such not-so-conventional situations have been discussed. In spite of snag situation, patient can be treated safely with modern techniques and acceptable morbidities.