Berardino De Bari

Salvage therapy of intraprostatic failure after radical external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: A review

Radical external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer (PC) patients. Despite this, the rate of intraprostatic relapses after primary EBRT is still not negligible. There is no consensus on the most appropriate management of these patients after EBRT failure. Treatment strategies after PC relapse are strongly influenced by the effective site of the tumor recurrence, and thus the instrumental evaluation with different imaging techniques becomes crucial. In cases of demonstrated intraprostatic failure, several systemic (androgen deprivation therapy) or local (salvage prostatectomy, cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, brachytherapy, stereotactic EBRT) treatment options could be proposed and are currently delivered by clinicians with a variety of results. In this review we analyze the correct definition of intraprostatic relapse after radiotherapy, focusing on the recent developments in imaging to detect intraprostatic recurrence. Furthermore, all available salvage treatment options after a radiation therapy local failure are presented and thoroughly discussed.

Low-dose fractionated radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme with poor prognosis: a feasibility study

We explored the feasibility of concurrent palliative chemotherapy and low-dose fractionated radiotherapy (LD-FRT) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Patients with recurrent/progressive GBM at least 3 months after the end of primary radiotherapy received 0.3 Gy twice daily with cisplatin and fotemustine if progressing on temozolomide, or 0.4 Gy twice daily with temozolomide if recurrent 4-6 months later (retreatment group). Newly diagnosed GBM with gross residual mass received 30 Gy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide and 0.4 Gy twice daily from the second adjuvant cycle (naive group) for 2-4 cycles. Twenty-six patients were enrolled. In the retreatment group (n = 17; median LD-FRT total dose 7.2 Gy [range 2.4-11.6]), grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity was observed in 5.9% of patients. Median follow-up time was 20 months (range 4-35). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of recurrence or progression were 4 and 8 months, respectively (OS at 6 months, 69%; at 12 months, 16.7%). In the naive group (n = 9; median LD-FRT total dose 8 Gy [range 3.2-16]), grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity was observed in 11.1% of patients. Median follow-up time was 17 months (range 8-20)-median PFS was 9 months, with PFS at 6 months and at 1 year of 66.7% and 26.7%, respectively; and median OS was 12 months, with OS at 6 months and at 1 year of 77.8% and 34.6%, respectively. LD-FRT with concurrent chemotherapy was well tolerated.

Choline-PET in prostate cancer management: The point of view of the radiation oncologist

Among PET radiotracers, FDG seems to be quite accepted as an accurate oncology diagnostic tool, frequently helpful also in the evaluation of treatment response and in radiation therapy treatment planning for several cancer sites. To the contrary, the reliability of Choline as a tracer for prostate cancer (PC) still remains an object of debate for clinicians, including radiation oncologists. This review focuses on the available data about the potential impact of Choline-PET in the daily clinical practice of radiation oncologists managing PC patients. In summary, routine Choline-PET is not indicated for initial local T staging, but it seems better than conventional imaging for nodal staging and for all patients with suspected metastases. In these settings, Choline-PET showed the potential to change patient management. A critical limit remains spatial resolution, limiting the accuracy and reliability for small lesions. After a PSA rise, the problem of the trigger PSA value remains crucial. Indeed, the overall detection rate of Choline-PET is significantly increased when the trigger PSA, or the doubling time, increases, but higher PSA levels are often a sign of metastatic spread, a contraindication for potentially curable local treatments such as radiation therapy. Even if several published data seem to be promising, the current role of PET in treatment planning in PC patients to be irradiated still remains under investigation. Based on available literature data, all these issues are addressed and discussed in this review.

Four years with FALCON - an ESTRO educational project: achievements and perspectives.

Variability in anatomical contouring is one of the important uncertainties in radiotherapy. FALCON (Fellowship in Anatomic deLineation and CONtouring) is an educational ESTRO (European SocieTy for Radiation and Oncology) project devoted to improve interactive teaching, the homogeneity in contouring and to compare individual contours with endorsed guidelines or expert opinions. This report summarizes the experience from the first 4 years using FALCON for educational activities within ESTRO School and presents the perspectives for the future.

Impact of radiotherapy on pain relief and recalcification in plasma cell neoplasms: long-term experience

Purpose:To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on pain relief and on recalcification in patients with osteolytic lesions due to plasma cell neoplasm.Patients and Methods:Pain relief was evaluated according to a 0–10 verbal numerical rating scale (NRS) and recalcification was measured using radiological imaging.Results:From 1996–2007, 52 patients were treated (Table 1). Median total dose was 38 Gy (range, 16–50 Gy). Pain be-fore radiotherapy was reported by 45 of 52 (86.5%) patients (Table 2) as being severe (8 ≤ NRS ≤ 10) in 5 (11%), moderate (5 ≤ NRS ≤ 7) in 27 (60%), and mild in 13 (29%). Pain relief was achieved in 41 of 45 patients (91%): complete relief was ob-tained in 21 (51.2%) and partial relief in 20 patients (48.8%); patients with severe pain experienced resolution and none present-ed an increase of pain. Drugs reduction/suspension was achieved in 7 of the 21 patients with complete response. Of 42 patients evaluable for recalcification (Table 3), 21 (50%) presented a radiological response, which was identified as complete in 16 (38%).Conclusion:Our data confirm the effectiveness of radiotherapy for pain relief, including a reduction in drug intake, and on recalcification, thus, supporting its use in a multidisciplinary approach.Ziel:Beurteilung der Wirkung der Strahlentherapie auf Schmerzlinderung und Rekalzifizierung bei Patienten mit Osteolysen auf Grund von malignen Plasmazellerkrankungen.Patienten und Methodik:Die Schmerzlinderung wurde anhand einer 0–10 numerischen Verbalskala (NVS) beurteilt, während die Rekalzifizierungsrate mittels radiologischer bildgebender Verfahren gemessen wurde.Ergebnisse:Von 1996 bis 2007 wurden 52 Patienten behandelt (Tabelle 1). Die mittlere Bestrahlungsdosis betrug 38 Gy (range 16–50 Gy). Schmerzen wurden vor der Strahlentherapie von 45 der 52 (86,5%) Patienten beurteilt (Tablle 2): als schwer (8 ≤ NVS ≤ 10) von 5 (11%), als mittelgradig (5 ≤ NRS ≤ 7) von 27 (60%) und als leicht von 13/45 (29%). Eine Schmerzlinderung wurde bei 41 der 45 (91%) Patienten erreicht: eine vollständige Schmerzkontrolle bei 21 (51,2%) und eine teilweise Linderung bei 20 Patienten (48,8%); alle Patienten mit ausgeprägter Schmerzsymptomatik erfuhren eine Reduktion der Schmerzen, und bei keinem Patienten nahmen die Schmerzen zu. Die Schmerzmedikation konnte bei 7/21 Patienten mit vollständiger Schmerzkontrolle verringert oder abgesetzt werden. Eine Rekalzifizierung wurde bei 42 Patienten radiologisch beurteilt (Tabelle 3): 21 (50%) zeigten eine Verbesserung, eine komplette Rekalzifizierung wurde bei 16 (38%) Patienten beobachtet.Schlussfolgerung:Unsere Daten bestätigen die Wirksamkeit der Strahlentherapie, die in einer multidisziplinären Strategie bei malignen Plasmazellerkrankungen eingesetzt werden kann, um eine Schmerzlinderung mit Reduzierung der Schmerzmittelmedikation und eine Rekalzifizierung zu erreichen.

Treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma with radiotherapy and imiquimod (Aldara): a case report.

Aims and background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin tumor occurring mostly in older people. Postoperative radiotherapy is strongly recommended to improve local control. A case of a MCC treated by radiotherapy associated with imiquimod (Aldara) is presented. A possible physiopathological rationale for this concomitant treatment is also given. Materials and methods We treated a diabetic 82-year-old man presenting with a MCC of the right zygomatic area. Despite surgery, postoperative ultrasonography showed a firm, painless residual mass of about 11 × 10 cm, fixed to the deep tissues. Parotid and zygomatic areas were treated along with the ipsilateral laterocervical lymph nodes. The total dose to the planning target volume was 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/day). Imiquimod was applied once a day to the zygomatic area with macroscopic infiltration and to the surrounding erythema. Results During the combination treatment, the patient showed acute G3 skin toxicity (RTOG) and a scab that resolved after a 3-week interruption of the radiotherapy and imiquimod treatment. When the scab was removed, the underlying skin appeared completely re-epithelialized. Imiquimod was suspended and treatment was continued only with irradiation. During this second phase of the treatment, the patient developed G2 dermatitis and G2 stomatitis. Clinical and instrumental re-evaluation showed a complete response 7 months after the end of radiotherapy, with very good local tropism. Conclusion This case report suggests the possible effective use of immunomodulators, in this case imiquimod, combined with radiation therapy for cutaneous malignancies such as MCC. Skin tolerance should be an important issue to consider.

The “PROCAINA (PROstate CAncer INdication Attitudes) Project” (Part II) — A survey among Italian radiation oncologists on radical radiotherapy in prostate cancer

PurposeRadiotherapy (RT) has an established role in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. Despite the large number of patients treated with RT, some issues about optimal techniques, doses, volumes, timing, and association with androgen deprivation are still subject of debate. The aim of this survey was to determine the patterns of choice of Italian radiation oncologists in two different clinical cases of prostate cancer patients treated with radical RT.Study designDuring the 2010 Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO) National congress, four different clinical cases were presented to attending radiation oncologists. Two of them were prostate cancer cases that could be treated by RT +/− hormonal therapy (HT), different for T stage of primary tumour according to TNM, preoperative diagnostic procedures for staging, initial prostate specific antigen (iPSA), and Gleason Score sum of biopsy. For each clinical case, radiation oncologists were asked to: (a) give indication to pretreatment procedures for staging; (b) give indication to treatment; (c) define specifically, where indicated, total dose, type of fractionation, volumes of treatment, type of technique, type of image-guided setup control; (d) indicate if HT should be prescribed; (e) define criteria that particularly influenced prescription. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThree hundred questionnaires were given to radiation oncologists attending the congress, 128 questionnaires were completed and considered for this analysis (41%). Some important differences were shown in prescribing and delivering RT, particularly with regards to treatment volumes and fractionation.ConclusionsDespite the results of clinical trials, several differences still exist among Italian radiation oncologists in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. These patients probably deserve a more uniform approach, based on upto-date, detailed, and evidence-based recommendations.RiassuntoObiettivoLa radioterapia (RT) ricopre un ruolo ben stabilito nel trattamento dei pazienti con tumore della prostata. Nonostante il grande numero di pazienti trattati con RT, alcune controversie circa la tecnica ottimale di trattamento, le dosi, i volumi, il timing rispetto alla chirurgia e l’associazione con la terapia ormonale sono ancora oggetto di dibattito. Lo scopo di questa indagine è stato di determinare la modalità di scelta di trattamento degli oncologi radioterapisti italiani in 2 diversi casi clinici di pazienti affetti da tumore prostatico trattati con RT a scopo radicale.Disegno di studioDurante il Congresso Nazionale dell’Associazione Italiana di Radioterapia Oncologica (AIRO) del 2010, 4 casi clinici sono stati proposti agli oncologi radioterapisti presenti. Due di questi casi clinici si presentavano adeguati alla RT a scopo radicale +/− ormonoterapia (OT), ed erano diversi per stadio clinico, procedure diagnostiche di staging pre-trattamento, antigene specifico della prostata (PSA) iniziale, Gleason Score bioptico. Per ogni caso clinico si chiedeva di (a) dare indicazione a nuove procedure di staging pre-trattamento; (b) dare indicazione al trattamento; (c) definire in particolare, se indicato, la dose totale, il tipo di frazionamento, i volumi di trattamento, il tipo di tecnica, il tipo di controllo del set-up guidato dalle immagini; (d) dare indicazione a un trattamento ormonale eventuale; (e) definire i criteri maggiormente influenzanti la prescrizione. è stata eseguita un’analisi descrittiva delle risposte.RisultatiTrecento questionari sono stati consegnati agli oncologi radioterapisti partecipanti; 128 sono stati correttamente compilati e considerati per questa analisi (41%). Alcune importanti differenze sono state messe in evidenza nella prescrizione e nell’erogazione della RT, particolarmente riguardanti i volumi di trattamento e il frazionamento della dose. Sono state evidenziate alcune differenze con le raccomandazioni internazionali e i dati disponibili in letteratura sono stati rivisti e discussi.ConclusioniConclusioniNonostante i risultati di diversi studi clinici, persistono alcune differenze significative tra gli oncologi radioterapisti italiani nel trattamento dei pazienti con tumore prostatico. Questi pazienti meriterebbero un approccio più uniforme basato su raccomandazioni aggiornate, dettagliate e condivise sulla base delle evidenze disponibili.

The “BUONGIORNO” Project: Burnout Syndrome Among Young Italian Radiation Oncologists

Few data exist about the prevalence of burnout syndrome among young radiation oncologists. A national survey to assess its prevalence among junior members (under 40 yrs of age) of the Italian Society of Radiation Oncology was conducted. One hundred and twelve young radiation oncologists completed the questionnaire: the prevalence of burnout syndrome was 35%, and it was related to the presence of different personal, organizational, and work-related aspects, with an impact also on the private life (p < .005). Burnout syndrome is relatively common among young Italian radiation oncologists, and specific educational tools to help improve the management of workload and stress are needed.

Impact of Radiotherapy on Pain Relief and Recalcification in Plasma Cell Neoplasms

Purpose:To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on pain relief and on recalcification in patients with osteolytic lesions due to plasma cell neoplasm.Patients and Methods:Pain relief was evaluated according to a 0–10 verbal numerical rating scale (NRS) and recalcification was measured using radiological imaging.Results:From 1996–2007, 52 patients were treated (Table 1). Median total dose was 38 Gy (range, 16–50 Gy). Pain be-fore radiotherapy was reported by 45 of 52 (86.5%) patients (Table 2) as being severe (8 ≤ NRS ≤ 10) in 5 (11%), moderate (5 ≤ NRS ≤ 7) in 27 (60%), and mild in 13 (29%). Pain relief was achieved in 41 of 45 patients (91%): complete relief was ob-tained in 21 (51.2%) and partial relief in 20 patients (48.8%); patients with severe pain experienced resolution and none present-ed an increase of pain. Drugs reduction/suspension was achieved in 7 of the 21 patients with complete response. Of 42 patients evaluable for recalcification (Table 3), 21 (50%) presented a radiological response, which was identified as complete in 16 (38%).Conclusion:Our data confirm the effectiveness of radiotherapy for pain relief, including a reduction in drug intake, and on recalcification, thus, supporting its use in a multidisciplinary approach.Ziel:Beurteilung der Wirkung der Strahlentherapie auf Schmerzlinderung und Rekalzifizierung bei Patienten mit Osteolysen auf Grund von malignen Plasmazellerkrankungen.Patienten und Methodik:Die Schmerzlinderung wurde anhand einer 0–10 numerischen Verbalskala (NVS) beurteilt, während die Rekalzifizierungsrate mittels radiologischer bildgebender Verfahren gemessen wurde.Ergebnisse:Von 1996 bis 2007 wurden 52 Patienten behandelt (Tabelle 1). Die mittlere Bestrahlungsdosis betrug 38 Gy (range 16–50 Gy). Schmerzen wurden vor der Strahlentherapie von 45 der 52 (86,5%) Patienten beurteilt (Tablle 2): als schwer (8 ≤ NVS ≤ 10) von 5 (11%), als mittelgradig (5 ≤ NRS ≤ 7) von 27 (60%) und als leicht von 13/45 (29%). Eine Schmerzlinderung wurde bei 41 der 45 (91%) Patienten erreicht: eine vollständige Schmerzkontrolle bei 21 (51,2%) und eine teilweise Linderung bei 20 Patienten (48,8%); alle Patienten mit ausgeprägter Schmerzsymptomatik erfuhren eine Reduktion der Schmerzen, und bei keinem Patienten nahmen die Schmerzen zu. Die Schmerzmedikation konnte bei 7/21 Patienten mit vollständiger Schmerzkontrolle verringert oder abgesetzt werden. Eine Rekalzifizierung wurde bei 42 Patienten radiologisch beurteilt (Tabelle 3): 21 (50%) zeigten eine Verbesserung, eine komplette Rekalzifizierung wurde bei 16 (38%) Patienten beobachtet.Schlussfolgerung:Unsere Daten bestätigen die Wirksamkeit der Strahlentherapie, die in einer multidisziplinären Strategie bei malignen Plasmazellerkrankungen eingesetzt werden kann, um eine Schmerzlinderung mit Reduzierung der Schmerzmittelmedikation und eine Rekalzifizierung zu erreichen.

Spinal metastases: Is stereotactic body radiation therapy supported by evidences?

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is becoming widely adopted in the treatment of primary and secondary tumors. Spinal bone metastases are frequently discovered in cancer patients, and in the past have been usually treated with a palliative goal. Nevertheless, in some particular clinical settings, such as oligometastatic patients and/or those with a long life expectancy, spinal SBRT could be considered a valid therapeutic option to obtain long-lasting palliation and, when possible, with a curative goal. This review aims to summarize available clinical and dosimetric data of published studies about spinal SBRT.