Chong-Jong Wang

The treatment responses in cases of radiation therapy to portal vein thrombosis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSEnTo review the response to radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and determine the factors favoring its efficacy.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnPatients with HCC and PVT referred for radiation therapy between 1997 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had undergone treatment to primary HCC before radiation or had extrahepatic metastasis were excluded. A radiation dose of 60 Gy with 2 to 3Gy per fraction was prescribed. Clinical features before therapy were investigated, and the most significant imaging change after radiotherapy was regarded as the treatment response. Survival times were compared and the hazard ratios of independent variables were determined.nnnRESULTSnThe treatment response rate of the 326 patients included in the study was 25.2% (n = 82). The median survival times were 13.3, 11.6, 9.0, 4.5, and 2.1 months for complete response, partial response, vascular transformation, no response, and the lost follow-up patients, respectively. Statistically significant differences in survival were not found among responder groups (p = 0.224-0.916) but were found between responders and nonresponders (p = 0.002). The most significant independent variables associated with survival (p < 0.001) were performance status and radiation dose. Minor independent factors were ascites, alfa-fetoprotein, albumin, and HBsAg (p = 0.009-0.038). In patients with favorable performance status, those with no more than one minor risk factor had a superior prognosis after radiation therapy (p = 0.013). This result was verified by a review of similar patients in 2006.nnnCONCLUSIONnRadiation therapy is the treatment of choice for selected HCC patients with PVT.

Changing Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer after Primary Radiotherapy or Chemoradiation

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in quality of life (QoL) for patients with advanced stage (stage III or IV) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) following primary radiotherapy (RT) or concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Methods: From January 2001 to January 2003, 149 patients with advanced HNSCC were enrolled. The data pertaining to their QoL were collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35) before and 1 year after RT. Results: Sixty-eight (46%) patients dropped out during the study period. Thirty-nine (57%) of them died of cancer. Those who were older, stage IV, treated by RT alone, or had worse pretreatment EORTC QoL scales were significantly more likely to drop out. For those completing the study, only the problems of swallowing, dry mouth, and sticky saliva were found to become more serious with both statistical (p < 0.05) and clinical (difference >10 points) significance 1 year after RT. Those subjects with cancer at the hypopharynx/larynx had a 3.3-fold higher probability to report an improvement in global QoL (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.11–6.82) than those with cancer at the oral cavity/oropharynx. Those alive without cancer 1 year after RT had a 3.6-fold higher probability to report an improvement in global QoL (95% CI: 1.32–7.13) than those alive with cancer. Conclusion: The study showed a high dropout rate in this longitudinal QoL study for patients with advanced HNSCC. Pretreatment cancer sites and living with cancer or not after treatment significantly affected the change in global QoL 1 year after RT.

Incidence of needle tract seeding and responses of soft tissue metastasis by hepatocellular carcinoma postradiotherapy.

Aim: To determine the incidence of needle tract seeding after fine needle aspiration (FNA) or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) and compare iatrogenic or spontaneous soft tissue metastasis (STM) by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) postradiotherapy (RT) in responses.

Changes in quality of life of head-and-neck cancer patients following postoperative radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in quality of life (QoL) for 77 head-and-neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy (RT). The data pertaining to their QoL were collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35) before and two years after postoperative RT. The differences in all the QLQ-C30 scales between the two time points were not statistically (p<0.01) or clinically (difference ≧+10 points) significant. Of all the scales in the QLQ-H&N35, only problems in social eating, teeth, dry mouth, and sticky saliva became worse with both statistical and clinical significance. Clinical cancer stage and marital status were the only variables significantly associated with the change in global QoL. The subjects with stage IV disease (5.0-fold) and those with a spouse (5.5-fold) had a lower risk of reporting negative changes in global QoL. The study indicates that some individual HNSCC patients, after receiving postoperative RT, suffered from a deterioration of QoL scales, especially in some specific head-and-neck symptoms. Meanwhile, we found some patients, especially those with more advanced HNSCC, might have developed somewhat tougher coping abilities to deal with the adverse effects of adjuvant RT on their global QoL.

A modified TNM-based Japan Integrated Score combined with AFP level may serve as a better staging system for early-stage predominant hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUNDnCombinations of Child-Pugh classification and Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan/Tumor-Node-Metastasis (LCSGJ/TNM) have been reported as Japan Integrated Staging (JIS). We previously modified the 6th AJCC/TNM to serve as a better staging system than the 5th and 6th AJCC/TNM.nnnAIMSnTo develop a modified TNM-based JIS to predict the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients more accurately.nnnMETHODSn3764 HCC patients were enrolled from 1986 to 2002 (2882 patients from 1986 to 2000 and 882 patients from 2001 to 2002). We compared the performance of original JIS, modified TNM-based JIS, modified TNM-based JIS combined alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), BCLC, and CLIP. Lower Akaike information criteria (AIC) values indicated better discriminatory abilities.nnnRESULTSnAIC value was lowest in CLIP during all periods. However, during 2001-2002, when early-stage HCC patients were predominant, AIC value was lowest when modified TNM-based JIS combined AFP was used.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe CLIP system provided the best prognostic stratification in the present cohort of HCC patients who were mainly at late stages. However, early detection of HCCs has become more common in Taiwan in recent years, which has led to the predominance of early-stage HCC patients. Therefore, modified TNM-based JIS combined AFP may now be the most applicable system in recent years.

Multivariate Analysis of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Recurrence After Definitive Radiotherapy for Stage IB-IVA Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Uterine Cervix

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the pretreatment risk factors of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) recurrence after primary radiotherapy for cervical cancer.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnBetween May 1992 and January 2006, the data from 758 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were retrospectively analyzed. No patient had undergone PALN radiotherapy as their initial treatment. PALN recurrence was diagnosed by computed tomography. PALN relapse-free status was determined clinically or radiographically. We analyzed the actuarial rates of PALN recurrence using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate analyses were performed with Cox regression models.nnnRESULTSnOf the 758 patients, 38 (5%) and 42 (6%) had isolated and nonisolated PALN recurrences after a median follow-up of 50 months (range, 2-159 months), respectively. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rate after PALN recurrence was 35% and 28%, respectively. A squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) level >40 ng/mL (p <0.001), advanced parametrial involvement (score 4-6; p = 0.002), and the presence of pelvic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.007) were independent factors associated with PALN relapse on multivariate analysis. The 5-year PALN recurrence rate in patients with a SCC-Ag level >40 ng/mL, SCC-Ag level of 20-40 ng/mL, parametrial score of 4-6, pelvic lymphadenopathy, and no risk factors was 57%, 22%, 34%, 37%, and 9%, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPatients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and a high SCC-Ag level, pelvic lymphadenopathy, or advanced PM involvement were predisposed to PALN recurrence after definitive radiotherapy. More intensive follow-up schedules are suggested for early detection and salvage in high-risk patients.

LOCAL VAGINAL ANESTHESIA DURING HIGH-DOSE-RATE INTRACAVITARY BRACHYTHERAPY FOR CERVICAL CANCER

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of local vaginal lidocaine application for pain relief during high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy for patients with cervical cancer, and to investigate sequential changes in serum levels of lidocaine during the procedures.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnThis prospective study was designed to examine the analgesic effect, physical response, and side effects of local anesthesia during HDR intracavitary brachytherapy. Forty patients were enrolled. All patients received 10-15 MV X-rays to the pelvis with a total dose of 45-59.4 Gy 5-6 weeks before undergoing HDR intracavitary brachytherapy. All patients underwent first intracavitary brachytherapy under general anesthesia. These patients were randomly allocated to receive one of two different treatment protocols as follows: (1) treatment session - control session - treatment session - control session; or (2) control session - treatment session- control session - treatment session. In the treatment sessions, topical anesthesia was administered using 4 ml of 10% lidocaine solution sprayed liberally on the cervix and vagina during intracavitary brachytherapy. In the control sessions, a placebo was administered in the same manner during brachytherapy. The Hensches applicators for brachytherapy were inserted into the cervix and vagina 5 min after lidocaine application. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain and discomfort during brachytherapy. Blood pressure and heart rates were measured to evaluate the physiological response. Another prospective study was then performed to investigate the sequential changes of serum lidocaine levels during the anesthetic procedure. Eleven additional patients with similar disease state and demographic characteristics were enrolled and blood samples were obtained before, and 5, 15, 30, and 45 min after the initiation of lidocaine application.nnnRESULTSnThe mean VAS values recorded during the treatment sessions and control sessions were 49.9 +/- 24.1 versus 60.1 +/- 24.8, respectively. The value of VAS in the treatment session was significantly lower than that of the control session (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the changes of blood pressure and heart rate and in the incidence of side effects during these two types of sessions (p > 0.05). In the drug-level study, serum levels of lidocaine reached a peak 5 min after the initiation of local anesthesia. The mean peak concentrations (Cmax) of lidocaine were 0.50 +/- 0.45 microg/ml.nnnCONCLUSIONnLocal vaginal anesthesia with 10% lidocaine solution can significantly decrease the degree of painful sensation during HDR intracavitary brachytherapy, and is safe to administer for the procedure for cervical cancer.

Galectin-1 Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Local Recurrence and Survival After Definitive Radiation Therapy for Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

PURPOSEnTo investigate the role of galectin-1 in patients with cervical cancer after definitive radiation therapy.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnWe reviewed 154 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-II squamous cell carcinoma. Patients underwent curative-intent radiation therapy. Paraffin-embedded tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining for galectin-1. The rates of cancer-specific survival (CSS), local recurrence (LR), and distant metastasis were compared among patient tissue samples with no, weak, and strong galectin-1 expression. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.nnnRESULTSnThe areas under the curve for the intracellular expression scores of galectin-1 for both LR and CSS were significantly higher than those for stromal expression. There were no significant differences in the demographic data, such as stage and serum tumor markers, between patients with and without intracellular expression of galectin-1 in cancer tissue samples. Using multivariate analyses, the hazard ratios of LR and CSS were 2.60 (95% CI 1.50-4.52) (P=.001) and 1.94 (95% CI 1.18-3.19) (P=.010), respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnGalectin-1 is an independent prognostic factor associated with LR and CSS in stage I-II cervical cancer patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy. Further studies targeting galectin-1 may improve the local control of cervical cancer.

Pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level is a risk factor for para-aortic lymph node recurrence in addition to squamous cell carcinoma antigen following definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

BackgroundTo identify pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels as a risk factor for para-aortic lymph node (PALN) recurrence following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for cervical cancer.MethodsFrom March 1995 to January 2008, 188 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix were analyzed retrospectively. No patient received PALN irradiation as the initial treatment. CEA and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) were measured before and after radiotherapy. PALN recurrence was detected by computer tomography (CT) scans. We analyzed the actuarial rates of PALN recurrence by using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate analyses were carried out with Cox regression models. We stratified the risk groups based on the hazard ratios (HR).ResultsBoth pretreatment CEA levels ≥ 10 ng/mL and SCC-Ag levels < 10 ng/mL (p < 0.001, HR = 8.838), SCC-Ag levels ≥ 40 ng/mL (p < 0.001, HR = 12.551), and SCC-Ag levels of 10-40 ng/mL (p < 0.001, HR = 4.2464) were significant factors for PALN recurrence. The corresponding 5-year PALN recurrence rates were 51.5%, 84.8%, and 27.5%, respectively. The 5-year PALN recurrence rate for patients with both low (< 10 ng/mL) SCC and CEA was only 9.6%. CEA levels ≥ 10 ng/mL or SCC-Ag levels ≥ 10 ng/mL at PALN recurrence were associated with overall survival after an isolated PALN recurrence. Pretreatment CEA levels ≥ 10 ng/mL were also associated with survival after an isolated PALN recurrence.ConclusionsPretreatment CEA ≥ 10 ng/mL is an additional risk factor of PALN relapse following definitive CCRT for SCC of the uterine cervix in patients with pretreatment SCC-Ag levels < 10 ng/mL. More comprehensive examinations before CCRT and intensive follow-up schedules are suggested for early detection and salvage in patients with SCC-Ag or CEA levels ≥ 10 ng/mL.

Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Carcinoembryonic Antigen After Definitive Radiotherapy With or Without Concurrent Chemotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

PURPOSEnTo evaluate whether pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels have a prognostic role in patients after definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnA retrospective study of 550 patients was performed. The SCC antigen (SCC-Ag) and CEA levels were regarded as elevated when they were ≥2 and ≥5 ng/mL, respectively. A total of 208 patients underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the distant metastasis (DM), local failure (LF), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was evaluated for the risk of a poor prognosis.nnnRESULTSnCompared with the patients with normal CEA/SCC-Ag levels, CEA levels ≥10 ng/mL but without elevated SCC-Ag levels was an independent factor for LF (HR, 51.81; 95% CI, 11.51-233.23; p < .001), DM (HR, 6.04; 95% CI, 1.58-23.01; p = .008), DFS (HR, 10.17; 95% CI, 3.18-32.56; p < .001), and OS (HR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.82-18.18; p = .003) after RT alone. However, no significant role for CEA was noted in patients with SCC-Ag levels ≥2 ng/mL. In patients undergoing CCRT, a CEA level ≥10 ng/mL was an independent factor for LF (HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.01-6.21; p = .047), DM (HR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.56-7.46; p = .002), DFS (HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.39-5.36; p = .003), and OS (HR, 3.93; 95% CI 1.99-7.75; p < .001). A SCC-Ag level of ≥40 ng/mL was another prognostic factor for DM, DFS, and OS in patients undergoing not only CCRT, but also RT alone. The 5-year OS rate for CCRT patients with CEA <10 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL was 75.3% and 35.8%, respectively (p < .001). CCRT was an independent factor for better OS (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50-0.97; p = .034).nnnCONCLUSIONnPretreatment CEA levels in patients with SCC of the uterine cervix provide complementary information for predicting LF, DM, DFS, and OS, except for in patients with abnormal SCC-Ag levels before RT alone. More aggressive therapy might be advisable for patients with CEA levels of ≥10 ng/mL.