Stefania Martini

Image-guided IMRT with simultaneous integrated boost as per RTOG 0529 for the treatment of anal cancer

To report on clinical outcomes of simultaneous integrated boost intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy as per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0529 protocol in anal cancer patients.

Prospective assessment of oral mucositis and its impact on quality of life and patient-reported outcomes during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common acute side effect during radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancer (HNC), with a potential impact on patient’s compliance to therapy, quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes. Its timely and appropriate management is of paramount importance. Several quantitative scoring scales are available to properly assess OM and its influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and QoL. We prospectively assessed OM in a cohort of HNC patients submitted to radiation using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), while its impact on PROs and QoL was evaluated employing the Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer (OMWQ-HN) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Cancer (FACT-HN). Evaluation of OMAS scores highlighted a progressive increase in OM during treatment and a partial recovery after the end of radiation. These trends were correlated to PROs and QoL as evaluated with OMWQ-HN and FACT-HN questionnaires. In the present study, we provided a quantitative assessment of OM, PROs and QoL in HNC patient undergoing radiotherapy, potentially useful for future comparison.

Pre-operative treatments for adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction: a review of the current evidence from randomized trials

Adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction are a complex clinico-pathological setting. Multimodality therapy is considered mandatory in most disease presentations. Nevertheless, the most appropriate treatment package has yet to be established. We herein summarize the evidence derived from randomized phase III trials on pre-operative treatments in this oncological scenario.

Radiotherapy in breast cancer through a value-based perspective

The standard local therapy for early-stage breast cancer is breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by whole breast adjuvant irradiation (WBI), eventually associated to a boost dose to lumpectomy cavity (1-4). This approach provides high rates of local control and survival with the possibility of breast conservation (1).