Marie-Eve Chand

Long-term functional outcomes and quality of life after oncologic surgery and microvascular reconstruction in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer.

Abstract Conclusions: Surgery for oral or oropharyngeal cancer with free-flap reconstruction is associated with moderate but persistent functional and quality of life (QoL) problems. Patient age, tumor stage, tumor site, and radiotherapy were the main predictors of functional outcome. Objectives: To evaluate long-term functional outcomes and QoL, and to determine their predictive factors in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer after oncologic surgery and free-flap reconstruction. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery with free-flap reconstruction for oral or oropharyngeal cancer between 2000 and 2009 who were alive at least 1 year after therapy were included in this study. Patients completed the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and H&N35. Swallowing was evaluated using the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) and by flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Results: Sixty-four patients were included in the study. VHI-10 mean score was 11.2 ± 9 and its predictive factors were T stage (p = 0.005) and tumor involvement of the tongue base (p = 0.01). The mean DOSS score was 4 ± 0.8. Age (p = 0.008), gender (p = 0.04), and radiotherapy (p = 0.001) were the main predictive factors of the DOSS score.

Salvage surgery for recurrent oropharyngeal cancer: post-operative oncologic and functional outcomes

Abstract Conclusion: Post-operative outcomes of salvage surgery for recurrent oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (OPSCC) were acceptable. Pathologic overall, T- or N-stage and patient comorbidities were the main predictors of patient clinical outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate post-operative outcomes of salvage surgery in patients with recurrent OPSCC and to determine their predictive factors. Materials and methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent OPSCC, between 2000–2013, in our institution. Overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (SS) were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Predictive factors of post-operative outcomes were investigated by using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 34 patients were included in this study. Local and general post-operative complication rates were 26% and 27%, respectively. A high level of comorbidity (Kaplan Feinstein Index: KFI ≥ 2) was the only factor associated with a higher risk of local (p = 0.03) and general (p = 0.04) complications. OS and SS rates at 3 years were 48% and 61%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, pathologic overall stage ≥ III was a significant predictor of OS (p = 0.02) and pathologic T-stage ≥ 3 was a significant predictor of SS (p = 0.01). Mean pre-operative and post-operative DOSS (dysphagia outcome and severity scale) scores were 4.4 and 3.9, respectively.

Prostate cancer boost using high-dose-rate brachytherapy: early toxicity analysis of 3 different fractionation schemes

Purpose To analyse early toxicity of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) boost for prostate cancer using 3 fractionation schemes. Material and methods From February 2009 to May 2012, after the first course of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT 46 Gy/23 f), 124 patients underwent HDRB boost for low (7%), intermediate (19%), and high-risk (73%) prostate cancers. From February to December 2009, Group 1 (G1) = 18 Gy/3 f/2 d (24%); from January 2010 to April 2011, Group 2 (G2) = 18 Gy/2 f/2 d (42%), and from May to September 2011, Group 3 (G3) = 14 Gy/1 f/1 d (34%). Planning and CT-scan was performed before each fraction. Dose constraints for G1/G2 were V100 rectum = 0 and V125 urethra = 0, while for G3 V90 rectum = 0 and V115 urethra = 0. Genito-urinary (GU) and Gastro-intestinal (GI) acute toxicities were assessed at 1 month (for the 3 fractionation schemes) and 6 months (for 18 Gy/3 f and 18 Gy/2 f) after the boost (CTCv3.0). Results Median follow-up was 25 months (8-46.9), median age was 71 years (50-82), and median CTV was 31 cc (16-71). The grades of acute GI and GU toxicities at 1 and 6 months after HDRB were mainly Grade 1 with few Grade 2 (GU: 5% at 1 month; GI: 1% at 6 months). One patient developed G4 sepsis toxicity 2 days after HDRB and recovered without after-effects. No significant differences were observed at 1 and 6 months after the HDRB between treatment groups. Conclusions The right fractionation remains under discussion, but prostate cancer HDRB boost using a single fraction (providing similar results in terms of acute toxicity) is more comfortable for the patient, and less time consuming for the medical staff.

Contemporary therapeutic management of locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer: oncologic and functional outcomes – a report on 100 cases

Abstract Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer could not be managed by larynx-sparing therapy. T4 stage is one of the main predictive factors of oncologic and functional outcomes. Objectives: To analyze the therapeutic management of patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer in clinical practice and to report oncologic and functional outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients treated for a locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2001 and 2012 at our institution. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in this study. Induction chemotherapy (CT) followed by radiotherapy (RT) ± CT, primary RT + CT, and primary total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) comprised the initial therapeutic management for 54, 24, and 20 patients, respectively. Two patients received only supportive care. Overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (SS) were 50% and 60% at 3 years, respectively. In the group of patients referred for induction CT, the 3-year OS and SS were 58% and 70%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, T stage (p = 0.05) and ASA score (p = 0.02) were significant predictive factors of OS. T4 tumor stage had a pejorative impact on swallowing function after therapy (p = 0.006). The rate of patients alive, disease-free, and with a functional larynx at 2 years was 23%.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation for suitable elderly women using a single fraction of multicatheter interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy: Early results of the Single-Fraction Elderly Breast Irradiation (SiFEBI) Phase I/II trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE To evaluate feasibility and early clinical outcomes of a single fraction of multi-catheter interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in the elderly. MATERIAL/METHODS From November 2012 to September 2014, 26 patients (≥70) with early breast cancer were enrolled in a prospective phase II trial (NCT01727011). After lumpectomy, intra-operative catheter implant was performed for post-operative APBI (single fraction 16 Gy). Surveillance was achieved at 1, 3 and 6 months after APBI, then twice a year. Acute toxicity was investigated. Early cosmetic outcome was analyzed (patient, radiation oncologist, 2 observers). Local and regional relapse-free survival, cancer specific survival and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS Median age was 77 years [69-89]. Median CTV was 41 cc [22-95]. Acute toxicity was observed in 18 pts (70%) with a total of 44 events: G1: 75.7%; G2: 22.8%; G3: 4.5%. Breast fibrosis (31.8%), puncture site inflammation (13.6%) and skin hyperpigmentation (11.4%) were the most frequent side effects. Cosmetic evaluation at 6 months was excellent/good in 88%, 92%, 85% and 88% for patient, radiation oncologist, observer #1 and #2 respectively. With a median follow-up of 37.2 months [35.6-42.3], side effects were G1: 4 pts (15%) and G2: 1 pt (4%). Three-year Local and regional relapse-free survival, cancer specific survival and overall survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100% and 95.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS For elderly early breast cancer, a post-operative multi-catheter interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy single dose (16 Gy) appears feasible. Acute toxicity is acceptable as well as early cosmetic outcome. Oncologic outcome seems encouraging and allows going forward with new clinical trials focusing on single fraction APBI.

Traitements de rattrapage par HIFU après radiothérapie première et par radiothérapie après HIFU première dans la récidive locale du cancer de prostate : analyse rétrospective de la toxicité

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the toxicity of therapeutic sequences High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)-salvage radiotherapy (HIFU-RT) or radiotherapy-salvage HIFU (RT-HIFU) in case of locally recurrent prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen patients had a local recurrence of prostate cancer. Among them, 10 patients were treated by HIFU-RT and 9 patients by RT- HIFU (4 by external beam radiotherapy [EBR] and 5 by brachytherapy [BRACHY]). Urinary side effects were assessed using CTCAE v4. RESULTS At the time of the initial management, the median age was 66.5 years (53-72), the median PSA was 10.8ng/mL (3.4-50) and the median initial Gleason score was 6.3 (5-8). Median follow-up after salvage treatment was 46.3 months (2-108). Thirty percent of the patients in the HIFU-RT group and 33.3 % of the patients in the RT-HIFU group, all belonging to the sub-group BRACHY-HIFU, had urinary complication greater than or equal to grade 2. Among all the patients, only 1 had grade 1 gastrointestinal toxicity. CONCLUSION BRACHY-HIFU sequence seems to be purveyor of many significant urinary side effects. A larger database is needed to confirm this conclusion.

Brachytherapy versus external beam radiotherapy boost for prostate cancer: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND Brachytherapy boost after external beam radiotherapy for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer is presented as an attractive technique in numerous retrospective and prospective studies. Currently, three randomized controlled trials comparing brachytherapy versus external beam radiotherapy boost used non-homogenous irradiation features. Therefore, we analyzed the oncological outcomes by a systematic review with meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review of MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases up to 30/04/10 and we considered all published randomized controlled trials comparing brachytherapy versus external beam radiotherapy boost for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The review was assessed using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and the identified reports were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). Eight publications from 3 RCTs were selected. RESULTS There was a significant benefit in 5-year biochemical-progression-free survival in favor of BT versus EBRT boost (HR: 0.49 [95% CI, 0.37-0.66], p < 0.01). There was no difference at 5 years in overall survival (HR: 0.92 [95% CI, 0.64-1.33], p = 0.65), ≥ grade 3 late genito-urinary (RR: 2.19 [95%CI, 0.76-6.30], p = 0.15) and late gastro-intestinal toxicities (RR: 1.85 [95%CI, 1.00-3.41] p = 0.05). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides further evidence in favor of BT boost for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer in terms of b-PFS improvement, leading to suggest BT boost as level I and grade A recommendation. However, the risk of grade ≥ 3 late toxicity must be carefully investigated.

Multi-institutional evaluation of the reproducibility and the accuracy of the objective breast cosmesis scale

PURPOSE The aim of the present work is to assess the Objective Breast Cosmesis Scale (OBCS) in a patient cohort that was treated in two hospitals. Their treatment-related cosmetic changes were recorded on nonstandardized photographs. METHODS AND MATERIALS Nineteen female patients were enrolled in two radiation oncology centers (Nice, France, and Perugia, Italy). All patients had undergone breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and received adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation using interstitial fractionated multicatheter high-dose-rate brachytherapy. One photograph before and another after accelerated partial breast irradiation was taken for each patient to record changes in breast cosmesis. Using the OBCS, before and after photographs were analyzed by measuring distances between anatomic features. OBCS scores from four doctors (two males [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee] and two females [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee]) were compared. RESULTS Agreement was high between trainees and specialist, and males and females before and after treatment. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.867 to 0.950 before treatment and from 0.876 to 0.952 afterward. The coefficient of variation ranged from 12% to 26.5% before treatment, and from 13% to 21.4% afterward. CONCLUSIONS The OBCS is easy, time-efficient, reproducible, cost-effective, and reliable. Its potential practical applications merit further investigation in future studies.