Vaginal Recurrence More than 17 Years after Hysterectomy and Adjuvant Treatment for Uterine Carcinoma with Successful Salvage Brachytherapy: A Case Report

Purpose: Although the majority of recurrences occur within the first 3 years of hysterectomy for endometrioid carcinoma, we report herein a successful salvage vaginal brachytherapy in a patient with endometrioid uterine carcinoma which recurred more than 17 years after initial treatment. Materials and Methods: A 61-year-old female was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus and treated with TAH-BSO, followed by adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to the whole pelvis. After remaining free of any recurrent or metastatic disease for more than 17 years, she was diagnosed with isolated vaginal cuff recurrence and successfully treated with a salvage high-dose-rate intracavitary vaginal brachytherapy. Results: The patient remained disease free until her death from unrelated causes 7 years later. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the longest time to recurrence of endometrial cancer in someone who had been treated with TAH-BSO and adjuvant pelvic EBRT. This case highlights that even with adjuvant therapy, late recurrences may occur, and successful salvage brachytherapy is very effective

Pathologic response rates after neoadjuvant therapy for sarcoma: A single institution study

(1) Background: Pathologic necrosis of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has been used to determine treatment response, but its relationship to neoadjuvant treatments remains indeterminate. In this retrospective, single institution study, we hypothesized that neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NA-CRT) yields higher rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) than neoadjuvant radiation (NA-XRT) or chemotherapy (NA-CT) alone. (2) Methods: Patients with extremity STS between 2011–2020 who received neoadjuvant treatment were included. pCR was defined as percent necrosis of the surgical specimen greater than or equal to 90%. (3) Results: 79 patients were analyzed. 51.9% of the population were male with a mean age of 58.4 years. 49.4% identified as Non-Hispanic White. Twenty-six (32.9%) patients achieved pCR while 53 (67.1%) did not. NA-CT (OR 15.82, 95% CI = 2.58–96.9, p = 0.003 in univariate (UVA) and OR 24.7, 95% CI = 2.88–211.2, p = 0.003 in multivariate (MVA), respectively) and NA-XRT (OR 5.73, 95% CI = 1.51–21.8, p = 0.010 in UVA and OR 7.95, 95% CI = 1.87–33.7, p = 0.005 in MVA, respectively) was significantly associated with non-pCR when compared to NA-CRT. The analysis also demonstrated that grade 3 tumors, when using grade 2 as reference, also had significantly higher odds of achieving pCR (OR 0.23, 95% CI = 0.06–0.80, p = 0.022 in UVA and OR 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04–0.70, p = 0.015 in MVA, respectively). (4) Conclusion: NA-CRT yields superior pCR compared to other neoadjuvant regimens. This extends to higher grade tumors

MRI T2 mapping assessment of T2 relaxation time in desmoid tumors as a quantitative imaging biomarker of tumor response: preliminary results

ObjectivesBecause size-based imaging criteria poorly capture biologic response in desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), changes in MRI T2 signal intensity are frequently used as a response surrogate, but remain qualitative. We hypothesized that absolute quantification of DF T2 relaxation time derived from parametric T2 maps would be a feasible and effective imaging biomarker of disease activity.MethodsThis IRB-approved retrospective study included 11 patients with DF, managed by observation or systemic therapy, assessed by 3T MRI. Tumor maximum diameter, volume, and T2-weighted signal intensity were derived from manual tumor segmentations. Tumor:muscle T2 signal ratios were recorded. Two readers measured tumor T2 relaxation times using a commercial T2 scanning sequence, manual ROI delineation and commercial calculation software enabling estimation of reader reliability. Objective response rates based on RECIST1.1 and best responses were compared between size-based and signal-based parameters.ResultsMedian patient age was 52.6 years; 8 subjects were female (73%). Nine patients with longitudinal assessments were followed for an average of 314 days. Median baseline tumor diameter was 7.2 cm (range 4.4 - 18.2 cm). Median baseline T2 was 65.1 ms (range 40.4 - 94.8 ms, n=11); median at last follow-up was 44.3 ms (-32% from baseline; range 29.3 - 94.7 ms, n=9). T2 relaxation times correlated with tumor:muscle T2 signal ratios, Spearman p=0.78 (p<0.001). T2 mapping showed high inter-reader reliability, ICC=0.84. The best response as a percentage change in T2 values was statistically significant (mean -17.9%, p=0.05, paired t-test) while change in diameter was not (mean -8.9%, p=0.12).ConclusionsAnalysis of T2 relaxation time maps of DF may offer a feasible quantitative biomarker for assessing the extent of response to treatment. This approach may have high inter-reader reliability

Oncofertility in sarcoma patients

Treatment for sarcoma can significantly decrease fertility, both due to the irradiation of gonads, and the impact of chemotherapy on gametogenesis. Infertility in cancer survivors causes significant regret and decreased quality of life in their adulthood. As this cancer mainly affects children and young adults, fertility preservation is an essential part of survivorship care, however it remains one of the least implemented services in adolescent and young adult cancer patients. Success of fertility preservation is highly dependent on the referral prior to oncologic treatment. Early patient counseling with possible consult with oncofertility specialists should be offered to every oncologic patient in reproductive age or younger. There are several options available and in continuous evolution for fertility preservation. Cryopreservation of sperm and oocytes constitutes nowadays the standard of care, and should be offered to all patients. Other methods currently under development will potentially bring in the future reliable options for fertility preservation in a wider range of patients, such as those in pre-pubertal age at the time of diagnosis, or with an insufficient sperm count for semen banking. These include testicular sperm extraction (TESE), autologous ovarian tissue transplant, and in vitro maturation of gametes. Novel therapies such as molecular-targeted agents offer a safer toxicity profile regarding fertility, but further research is required to evaluate their impact on the long term, both alone and in combination therapies. Difficulties to access fertility preservation and its costs remain a significant impediment for many patients in need. Warranting access to all sarcoma patients should be a priority in all healthcare professionals involved in their care

Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery of Brain Metastases

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is often performed to treat brain metastases (BrMs). Widely referenced guidelines have suggested post-treatment imaging studies at 3-month intervals. However, clinicians frequently obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies at <3 months after GKRS. We performed a retrospective medical record review study to assess the utility of early (<3 months) MRI after GKRS in patients with BrMs. A total of 415 GKRS procedures were performed. For 325 patients, early MRI studies were obtained. A total of 31 patients had new or worsened neurological symptoms. The early MRI studies showed adverse findings in 25 patients (78%), which in 23 (72%) had resulted in a change in treatment. For 294 patients, no new or worsened neurological symptoms were found on early MRI studies. Of these 294 patients, 86 (29%) had ≥1 adverse finding on MRI, and 60 (20%) had a change in management as a result. However, no rapidly growing tumors or other emergent adverse findings were seen. Early MRI (within 3 months) after post GKRS will frequently show adverse findings even in asymptomatic patients, more often in patients aged <65 years and patients with multiple treated BrMs. However, according to the nature of the adverse findings observed in our retrospective study, it is unlikely that the clinical outcomes would have been affected if the post-GKRS MRI studies had been deferred to 3 months after treatment. Our data support deferring post-GKRS MRI to 3 months after treatment in the absence of new neurological signs or symptoms

The Changing Paradigm of Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Intracranial Metastases

Evaluate safety and efficacy of newer systemic therapies for intracranial metastases (IM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when given alone and with concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and determine which patients with IM may benefit from upfront systemic therapy while withholding RT.In NSCLC, chemotherapy regimens are associated with approximately 20% intracranial overall response rates (ORRs) and immunotherapies 30–50% intracranial ORRs. However, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies for EGFR-mutated patients provide ORRs ranging from 50 to 90%. Prospective data suggest erlotinib, when combined with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), substantially increases grade 3–5 toxicities. For immunotherapy, retrospective studies suggest increased intracranial control rates with concurrent RT, though possibly with increased radiation necrosis rates.Upfront TKIs may allow appropriately selected patients to avoid or delay RT and possible resultant RT side effects. However, delayed RT is counterbalanced by retrospective data that suggests upfront RT prolongs overall survival (OS) when performed before starting TKI therapy

Adjuvant Therapies in Metastatic Bone Disease

Bone is a common site of metastatic disease in both solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. Skeletal involvement of cancer and the complications from these metastases can produce significant morbidity including, but not limited to, pathologic fractures and pain, hypercalcemia, and spinal cord or nerve root compression with neurologic compromise. Modern therapeutic advances have been developed towards the preservation of independence and improvement in quality of life, specifically with loss of mobility and social functioning in patients with metastatic bone disease. As such, the management of bone metastases is often complex, requiring an interdisciplinary and multimodal approach among surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. The aim of this discussion is to highlight the current recommendations regarding adjuvant treatments – local and systemic – in metastatic bone disease, including both radiotherapy and pharmaceutical interventions

Is there a role for neoadjuvant radiation dose escalation in esophageal cancer? A meta-analysis

102 Background: In treating esophageal cancer chemo-radiation is used in the definitive as well as neo-adjuvant setting. Optimal dosage of radiation for best outcome has been debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of lower radiation dosage compared to higher. Methods: Online search for studies comparing radiation dose from 1990 to present was performed. Primary outcome was overall-survival rates for up to 5 years. Secondary outcomes included post-treatment complications and treatment response. A cut point of 51 Gy and less was considered as lower dose and greater than 51 Gy was considered higher dose. Quality of included studies was evaluated by STROBE criteria. Relative Risk (RR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated from pooled data. Results: The search strategy yielded 142 studies, 12 met our selection criteria and included 1876 patients receiving radiation for resectable esophageal carcinoma. Of these patients, 1057 received lower and 819 were treated with greater than 51 Gy. Median age was 63 and 64 years for lower and higher radiation dose respectively. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in survival and toxicities between the two groups. 1 year overall survival (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.84-1.13, p = 0.69), 2 year overall survival (RR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.76-2.19, p = 0.34), 3 year overall survival (RR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.83-1.68, p = 0.37), 4 year overall survival (RR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.64-2.94, p = 0.41), 5 year overall survival (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.72-1.69, p = 0.64), Esophagitis (RR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.39-1.50, p = 0.43), Dermatitis (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.12-7.94, p = 0.99), Fistula formation (RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.32-1.60, p = 0.42), Hematologic complications (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.20-6.02, p = 0.91), Stricture formation (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.54-3.58, p = 0.5). Conclusions: Lower radiation dose appears to be as effective as higher dose in esophageal carcinoma with similar toxicity profile and survival rates. Larger prospective randomized trials, focusing on patient-reported quality-of-life are required to consolidate these results

Partner\u27s Perspective on Long-term Sexual Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Treatment

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer in the United States and the negative effect of prostate cancer treatment on sexual function has been well documented. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term impact of sexual dysfunction on spouses or partners of prostate cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 742 spouses of prostate cancer survivors was mailed surveys by the Michigan Public Health Institute, of which 379 were returned (51%). Nine surveys were excluded owing to study ineligibility. Spouses responding to the survey completed a combination of modified items from the Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire and researcher-developed items. RESULTS: Over 75% of spouses reported a decline in sex life quality after treatment. Communication about sexual issues between survivors and their health care providers was rated as good to excellent by 54.7% of partners, whereas 35.1% reported it as fair to poor. Approximately 60% of physicians initially recommended some form of sexual treatment. However, despite the persistence of sexual dysfunction, only 7% of the prostate cancer survivors were currently receiving treatment. Only 4.1% of health care providers referred the survivor to a sex therapist. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians need to understand the importance of the open, ongoing communication with prostate cancer survivors about sexual issues because sexual dysfunction seems to continue indefinitely after completion of treatment. Research on the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in restoring sexual health is critically needed for this population, especially as first-line sexual aids and medications are often not satisfactory solutions