RESUMEN

Combined modality treatments are indicated for most patients with breast cancer. The definition of a proper treatment schedule and of the timing of each modality is a relevant issue that affects the feasibility and the clinical outcome of the treatment. A review of the literature was done on the timing of radiation therapy (RT) in the post-operative treatment of breast cancer. Retrospective studies and randomized clinical trials addressing the issue were considered and grouped according to the combined modality treatments performed. With regard to breast conserving surgery and adjuvant RT, it was verified that a delay up to 8 weeks between breast surgery and start of RT is not associated with an increased risk of local failure if compared with RT started within 4 weeks. Concerning breast conserving surgery followed by adjuvant RT and chemotherapy, the choice of the best schedule is still a complex unresolved issue. More results on sequential schedule of adjuvant RT and chemotherapy from recently published randomized studies are available. The reconstruction of the breast after conservative surgery is rarely necessary and is usually performed immediately after surgical treatment. With regard to mastectomy followed by adjuvant RT and breast reconstruction, it appears from some retrospective studies that autologous tissue transfer offers better results over implants. Concerning the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) procedure, either immediate reconstruction before RT or delayed reconstruction after RT was feasible without significative differences in complication rates. Further randomized clinical studies are required to address the unresolved issues linked to the timing of RT. At present the treatment plan should be based on the patient's individual circumstances with regard to risk of metastasis and local failure.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de la Mama/radioterapia , Antineoplásicos Hormonales/uso terapéutico , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/mortalidad , Neoplasias de la Mama/cirugía , Quimioterapia Adyuvante , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Mamoplastia , Cuidados Posoperatorios , Radioterapia Adyuvante , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the quality of life (QL) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast treated with conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self-completed questionnaire covering many disease-, symptom-, and treatment-specific issues was administered to 106 conservatively treated patients affected by non-infiltrating breast cancer. The questionnaire was based on a series of 34 items assessing five main fields of post-treatment adjustment: physical well being, sexual adaptation, aesthetic outcome, emotional/psychological well being, relational behaviour. Furthermore, the patients were requested to evaluate the degree of information provided by the medical staff concerning surgical procedures and radiation therapy, and to evaluate the effects of the treatment on their social and overall life. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 83 patients (78%), who had a median follow-up of 54.5 months. This final sample had a median age of 50 years (range 29-88) at the time of treatment and 54 years (range 32-94) at the time of study. The patients claimed to be in good physical condition. Data relating to sexual life were provided by 93% of the sample. Some limitations in sexuality, some interference with sexual desire, and some modifications during intercourse were reported by 5, 6, and 5 patients, respectively. The subjective evaluations of the cosmetic results of the therapies were generally good. Only 13 patients (16%) reported the perception of a worsened body image. Forty-six percent of the sample (38 patients) declared that they felt tense, 48% (39 patients) nervous, 29% (38 patients) lonely, 59% (41 patients) anxious, and 41% (34 patients) depressed. Only seven patients (8%) declared that the treatment had had a bad effect on their social life, and 15 (18%) thought that their current life had been affected by the treatment. The amount of information received concerning the disease and treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) was considered sufficient by 79%, 75%, and 79% of the sample, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a good QL in patients treated with breast conservation and postoperative irradiation, with a preserved favourable body image and a lack of negative impact on sexuality. Radiation therapy did not lead to any significant additional problems capable of affecting the QL.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de la Mama/psicología , Carcinoma in Situ/psicología , Carcinoma Intraductal no Infiltrante/psicología , Calidad de Vida , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Neoplasias de la Mama/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Mama/fisiopatología , Neoplasias de la Mama/cirugía , Carcinoma in Situ/diagnóstico por imagen , Carcinoma in Situ/fisiopatología , Carcinoma in Situ/cirugía , Carcinoma Intraductal no Infiltrante/diagnóstico por imagen , Carcinoma Intraductal no Infiltrante/fisiopatología , Carcinoma Intraductal no Infiltrante/cirugía , Terapia Combinada , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , Salud Mental , Persona de Mediana Edad , Radiografía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Autoevaluación (Psicología) , Conducta Sexual , Factores Socioeconómicos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity, response, and survival of patients with relapsed high-grade gliomas after radiation therapy (RT) combined with lomustine (CCNU). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-one patients with relapsed gliomas at least 6 months after completion of RT were reirradiated. Twenty-four patients had a pathological diagnosis of high-grade gliomas, whereas 7 had a radiological diagnosis of relapsed malignant gliomas. The study focused on patients with high-grade relapsed gliomas. A total dose of 34.5 Gy was delivered in 23 fractions over 4.5 weeks. Oral administration of CCNU (130 mg/m2) was begun at the same time as RT, and was repeated every 6 weeks until disease progression, or up to 12 courses. RESULTS: Twelve of 24 patients had surgery before RT plus CCNU treatment. Median interval between RT courses was 14 months (range 6-73). All patients received a complete course of RT, and 22 of 24 patients received at least one course of CCNU. Objective responses were seen in 14 evaluable patients: 3 with partial response, 5 with stable disease, and 6 with progressive disease. Duration of partial response was 20, 9, and 8 months. Median time to progression and overall survival from the onset of retreatment were 8.4 months (range 1-22) and 13.7 months (range 1-63+), respectively. One case of G4 thrombocytopenia was observed. Five patients had G1 or G2 leucopenia and 3 patients had G3 leucopenia. Moderate nausea and vomiting were reported in 4 patients. One patient, after one course of CCNU, refused further chemotherapy. No significant difference in survival from relapse was found between patients who underwent surgery before RT plus CCNU and those who received only RT plus CCNU (p = 0.74). CONCLUSION: Overall, the acute toxicity was moderate, and patient compliance was good. Reirradiation of high-grade glioma was associated with modest subjective and objective response rates. It is remarkable that median overall survival from relapse was 13.7 months.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Glioma/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioma/radioterapia , Lomustina/uso terapéutico , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/tratamiento farmacológico , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/radioterapia , Adulto , Anciano , Neoplasias Encefálicas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Terapia Combinada , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Femenino , Glioma/mortalidad , Glioma/patología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/mortalidad , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/patología , Dosificación Radioterapéutica

Asunto(s)

Implantación de Mama , Neoplasias de la Mama/etiología , Hemangiosarcoma/etiología , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/etiología , Neoplasias Primarias Secundarias , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Neoplasias de la Mama/terapia , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/terapia , Femenino , Hemangiosarcoma/patología , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/patología , Neoplasias Primarias Secundarias/patología

RESUMEN

The optimal treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast has not yet been established. The effectiveness of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy after conservative surgery is debated. Few data are available in Italy on the combined treatment. A collaborative multi-institutional study on this issue in 10 radiation oncology departments of the north-east of Italy was conducted. One hundred and thirty nine women with DCIS of the breast were treated between 1980 and 1990. Age ranged between 28 and 88 years (median 50 years). Surgical procedures were: quadrantectomy in 108, lumpectomy in 22 and wide excision in 9 cases. The axilla was surgically staged in 97 cases: all the patients were node-negative. Radiation therapy was delivered with 60Co units (78%) or 6 MV linear accelerators (22%) for a median total dose to the entire breast of 50 Gy (mean 49.48 Gy; range 45-60 Gy). The tumour bed was boosted in 109 cases (78%) at a dose of 4-30 Gy (median 10 Gy) for a minimum tumour dose of 58 Gy. Median follow-up was 81 months. Thirteen local recurrences were recorded, 7 intraductal and 6 invasive. All recurrent patients had a salvage mastectomy and are alive and free of disease. Actuarial overall, cause-specific and recurrence-free survival at 10 years are of 93%, 100% and 86%, respectively. The results of this retrospective multicentric study substantiate the favourable data reported in the literature and confirm the efficacy of the breast-conserving treatment of DCIS employing conservative surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de la Mama/radioterapia , Neoplasias de la Mama/cirugía , Carcinoma in Situ/radioterapia , Carcinoma in Situ/cirugía , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/radioterapia , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/cirugía , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Mastectomía Segmentaria , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/terapia , Radioterapia Adyuvante , Radioterapia de Alta Energía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tasa de Supervivencia

RESUMEN

Between 1978 and 1988, 108 consecutive patients with malignant gliomas were treated. The patients were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group I, surgery if possible, otherwise biopsy followed by whole-brain irradiation to a total dose of 34 Gy in 4 fractions, VCR (2 mg i.v.), and BCNU (80 mg/m2 i.v.) repeated every 6 weeks; Group II received irradiation as Group I plus VP16 (75 mg/m2) every 3 weeks and BCNU (50 mg/m2 i.v.) every 6 weeks; Group III received 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the tumor bed plus VCR (2 mg i.v.), BCNU (50 mg/m2 i.v.), and CDDP (15 mg/m2 i.v.) every 6 weeks. In group I, 28 patients had stable disease (SD) and 2 patients showed disease progression (PRO). Median survival time was 9 months (range 1-18). In Group II 22 SD's were observed. Median survival time was 6 months (2-16). In the third group of patients 29 SDs and 14 partial remissions (PR) were recorded. Median survival time in this group was 13 months (range: 3-59+ months). In general, the group of patients treated with radical or subtotal surgery and the group of patients included in neurologic classes I-II and with performance status (PS) > or = 70 had a longer survival. In our experience, patients with grade III and IV astrocytoma receiving treatments similar to those described above showed no difference in survival and response. Regardless of treatment, none of the patients experienced severe toxicity.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Encefálicas/terapia , Glioma/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Neoplasias Encefálicas/fisiopatología , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Glioma/patología , Glioma/fisiopatología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Desempeño Psicomotor , Análisis de Supervivencia , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and toxicity of total body irradiation (TBI) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) were evaluated. METHODS: Between January 1984 and September 1992, 81 consecutive patients, 40 affected with CLL and 41 with low grade NHL, with symptomatic Stage III and IV disease, were treated with TBI followed by prednimustine. TBI was given with a 6 MV linear accelerator, applying two opposite alternating fields, including total body, with two fractions of 15 cGy given per week (3-day interval). A total dose of 150 cGy was given over 5 weeks. Six to nine courses of prednimustine (100 mg/m2 orally for 5 consecutive days every 4 weeks) was administered 2 months after TBI treatment as consolidation therapy. RESULTS: Of 40 patients with CLL, 18 (Group I; median age 58.5 years) were younger than 65 years and 22 (Group II; median age 73 years) were older. The overall response rates were 78% in Group I and 91% in Group II, with a median response time of 16.5 and 16 months, respectively. Hematologic toxicity was 72% in Group I and 73% in Group II. It was reversible in all but one heavily pretreated patient who died of progressive anemia and thrombocytopenia after TBI alone. In the 40 patients with CLL, the response rate was 85%; there were 5 complete responses (CRs) (12.5%) and 29 partial responses (PRs) (72.5%). Of the 41 patients with NHL, 29 (Group I; median age 55 years) were younger than 65 years and 12 (Group II; median age 71.5) were older. The overall response rate in both groups was 83%, with median response times of 18.5+ and 14.5+ months for Groups I and II, respectively. Hematologic toxicity was 59% in Group I, whereas it was 50% in Group II. It was reversible in all patients. Overall, in the 41 patients with symptomatic Stage III and IV low grade NHL, the response rate was 82.8%; there were 10 CRs (24.3%) and 24 PRs (58.5%). The prednimustine regimen was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, TBI given in a dose of 150 cGy in 10 fractions twice a week, followed by prednimustine, is an effective treatment for patients with CLL and patients with low grade NHL. This treatment also is effective in patients older than 65 years. The toxicity is acceptable, particularly when TBI and prednimustine are given as initial treatment. Pretreated patients should be monitored strictly.

Asunto(s)

Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/terapia , Linfoma no Hodgkin/terapia , Prednimustina/administración & dosificación , Irradiación Corporal Total , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Terapia Combinada , Esquema de Medicación , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prednimustina/efectos adversos , Dosificación Radioterapéutica , Resultado del Tratamiento , Irradiación Corporal Total/efectos adversos

RESUMEN

The primary site remains unknown in 0.5-15% of patients with multiple metastases. In 5-20% of these patients bone metastases are the first sign of disease. Survival after diagnosis ranges 2 to 6 months and 1-year survival is less than 25%. First of all, this paper reviews the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to patients with bone metastases from an unknown primary site and then reports the 10-year experience with radiotherapy at the Radiotherapy Division of the Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (Aviano) and of the Pordenone General Hospital in this patient population. Seventy-nine patients with bone metastases were evaluated. In 33 patients histology confirmed the original diagnosis and in 46 patients diagnosis was based on radiological and clinical findings. With respect to pain relief, differences in irradiated areas and in the ages of the patients were not significant. The patient's sex, however, did make a difference both to the degree of pain relief achieved and to survival (more favorable in women). To conclude, this paper suggests the diagnostic procedures necessary for the correct follow-up of patients with bone metastases from an unknown primary site.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Óseas/secundario , Neoplasias Primarias Desconocidas , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Neoplasias Óseas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Óseas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Óseas/radioterapia , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tasa de Supervivencia

RESUMEN

From February 1988 through February 1991, 21 patients were managed by superficial hyperthermia and radiotherapy. Nineteen patients had received previous treatment; the most common histology was breast carcinoma. Twenty-six cycles of combined hyperthermia and radiotherapy were delivered: 4 complete responses (15.4%), 17 partial responses (65.4%), 1 minimal partial response (3.8%), 3 stable diseases (11.6%) and 1 disease progression (3.8%) were obtained. The median duration of response was 7 months (range 1-16) for responding and 4 months (range 2.5-4) for non-responding patients. The toxicity encountered (confined mostly to epithelitis--7/21 patients) was completely reversible. In our experience, hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy proved to be an effective treatment. However, some problem that emerged during treatment planning and delivery showed the need for further development and research into hyperthermic devices and thermometry systems.

Asunto(s)

Hipertermia Inducida , Neoplasias/terapia , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

From January 1984 to December 1986, 94 patients with unresectable, locally advanced, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated to assess both the efficacy and the toxicity of a combined modality treatment including radiation therapy (45 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks) and daily low dose cDDP (6 mg/m2). The overall response rate for the 90 evaluable patients was 54.3% with 16.6% of complete responses. At a minimum follow-up of 4 years, the overall median survival time was 12 months. Provided adequate hydration is ensured, the cDDP regimen chosen as a radiosensitizer can be safely combined with radiation therapy.

Asunto(s)

Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/radioterapia , Cisplatino/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/radioterapia , Adulto , Anciano , Agua Corporal , Cisplatino/efectos adversos , Terapia Combinada , Tolerancia a Medicamentos , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , Dosificación Radioterapéutica , Tasa de Supervivencia

RESUMEN

From April 1983 through December 1989, 42 consecutive patients with diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma were initially managed by aggressive surgery and three courses of endoperitoneal cis-platinum-based chemotherapy followed by an alternating combination chemotherapy and second-look laparotomy. Patients with residual tumor less than or equal to 2 cm subsequently received whole abdominal radiation therapy (WAR). Twenty-eight patients (42% with no residual disease, 21% with microscopic disease, and 36% with residual disease less than 2 cm) were eligible for WAR. WAR was delivered using an open-field technique up to 22 Gy in 20 fractions followed by a pelvic boost of 18 Gy in 10 fractions. The kidneys were shielded posteriorly at 1100 cGy; hepatic shields were not added. One patient did not complete WAR for lung metastases after 5 radiotherapy fractions. The complete treatment program lasted 8 months (range, 6.8-11). The median follow-up of the 28 patients entered into the study was 50 months. Eight patients are alive and disease-free at 5 years. The overall and disease-free survival rates at 5 years are 45 and 30%, respectively. All but 2 patients relapsed within the abdominopelvic cavity and 3 developed brain metastases. Toxic effects, during WAR, required treatment interruption in all but 4 patients: 3 developed a small bowel obstruction requiring surgery and 1 died of surgical complications in complete remission. The poor disease-free survival and the severe toxicity encountered have been valid indications that WAR should be discontinued as a treatment modality in advanced ovarian cancer at our department.

Asunto(s)

Abdomen/cirugía , Neoplasias Ováricas/terapia , Abdomen/efectos de la radiación , Adulto , Anciano , Cisplatino/administración & dosificación , Cisplatino/uso terapéutico , Terapia Combinada , Ciclofosfamida/administración & dosificación , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapéutico , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Relación Dosis-Respuesta en la Radiación , Doxorrubicina/administración & dosificación , Doxorrubicina/uso terapéutico , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Inyecciones Intraperitoneales , Laparotomía , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Ováricas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

From March 1985 to July 1989, 22 patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma entered the study to receive external beam irradiation with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy consisted of 60 Gy in 3 courses (20 Gy each course) delivered over a period of 2 weeks, with a 2-week rest between the courses. Chemotherapy consisted of 5 fluorouracil, 500 mg/m2, plus cisplatinum, 20 mg/m2, administered on days 1, 2 and 3 of each radiation therapy course. Of the 22 evaluable patients, 10 were males and 12 females; their median age was 63 years (range, 32-77), and their median performance status was 80 (range, 60-90). After treatment, 12 partial remissions and 6 no changes were reported. In 4 cases, abdominal progression of disease during treatment required interruption of the therapy program. At the start of treatment, abdominal pain was the most important symptom in 17 patients; improvement of abdominal pain was observed in 10 cases (76%) after treatment and lasted for a median of 5 months. Median survival time was 7.5 months, and time to progression was 6.2 months. Median follow-up was 7 months (range, 14 days -38). In 2 cases, persistent hematologic toxicity did not permit completion of therapy, and in another 3 cases grade II hematologic toxicity required a 2-week rest period over the normal split-course program. In another 4 cases, grade I hematologic toxicity did not require any delay in the therapy program. Our results are comparable with those achieved in other major studies and are acceptable in terms of survival time, palliation of symptoms and toxicity. In our experience, the combination of radiotherapy plus 5-fluorouracil and cisplatinum does not seem to offer any advantage over the combination of radiation therapy and 5-fluorouracil.

Asunto(s)

Adenocarcinoma/radioterapia , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/radioterapia , Adenocarcinoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Adenocarcinoma/mortalidad , Adulto , Anciano , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Manejo del Dolor , Cuidados Paliativos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/mortalidad

RESUMEN

Combined total body irradiation (TBI) and Prednimustine were prospectively evaluated in 30 patients affected either with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) eleven patients were previously treated. Between January 1984 and May 1987, 20 evaluable patients with CLL, median age 66 years (range 43-82), classified according to Rai (4 in stage I, 10 in stage II, 4 in stage III, 2 in stage IV) and 10 evaluable patients with NHL low-grade malignancy according to the Working Formulation, Stages III and IV, median age 54 years (range 32-71) were treated using a 6 MeV Linear Accelerator, applying two opposite alternating fields including total body, with a fraction of 15 cGy, 2 fractions weekly (3-day interval) for a total dose of 150 cGy given over 5 weeks. Prednimustine (100 mg/m2, orally, for 5 consecutive days, every 3-4 weeks, for 6-9 courses) was administered 2 months after TBI treatment, as consolidation therapy. By May 1989, a total of 85% hematological responses (defined as normalization of the differential white cell count, of the total blood cell count and of bone marrow infiltration) were obtained after combined treatment in CLL patients; moreover 3 CR (according to the WHO criteria), 75% with splenomegaly reduction and 40% with lymphadenopathy reduction were seen. Ninety percent objective responses (5 CR and 4 PR) were observed in the NHL patients, with 50% having splenomegaly reduction and 67% lymphadenopathy reduction. The median response time in the two groups was, respectively, 14 and 23 months. The overall toxicity (WHO grades 1,2,3,4) after combined treatment was 65% and 70% in the two patient groups. WHO grade III toxicity, completely reversible, was verified in only 16.6% of the cases; all cases, except one, were previously treated. Additionally, 1 toxic death (grade IV thrombocytopenia and leukopenia) was observed in a heavily pretreated patient affected with CLL after TBI alone. Prednimustine regimen was generally well tolerated. The high response rate and acceptable toxicity, confirms the feasibility and the usefulness of TBI in the context of a combined treatment for CLL and low-grade NHL patients. However in order to further reduce the severe toxic side effects, observed in one patient, white blood cells and platelet count should be plotted and monitored carefully, particularly in pretreated patients.

Asunto(s)

Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/radioterapia , Linfoma no Hodgkin/radioterapia , Irradiación Corporal Total , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Factibilidad , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Dosificación Radioterapéutica , Inducción de Remisión , Trombocitopenia/etiología , Irradiación Corporal Total/efectos adversos

RESUMEN

This retrospective study was conducted on 255 consecutive patients with locally advanced squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx or hypopharynx, treated at the Radiotherapy Department of Pordenone General Hospital between January 1975 and December 1985. All patients underwent radical surgery followed, after an interval ranging from 10 days to 2.9 months, by radiotherapy given either through a 6 MeV linear accelerator or a cobalt-60 unit. Field extension and dose delivered were comparable in relation to stage and involvement of the surgical resection margins. The aims of the study were to evaluate the survival rate and to analyze the clinical parameters which can influence the disease-free survival. The adjusted overall 5-year survival rate was 71%; stage, performance status at diagnosis, and site of the primary tumor were significant factors in determining patient prognosis, whereas infiltration of resection margins was not significant in determining loco-regional control of disease. Seventy-five patients relapsed and 67 died of cancer-related diseases whereas death in 52 patients was not related to the head and neck cancer. The combined modality treatment consisting of surgery followed by radiotherapy was well tolerated and proved to be effective in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck tumors.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/radioterapia , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/mortalidad , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/cirugía , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Metástasis de la Neoplasia , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia , Pronóstico

RESUMEN

Experience with a multiple fractions per day radiation therapy program for inoperable esophageal cancer is reported. The treatment program consisted of 3 daily fractions of 1.6 Gy, with a 4 hr interval between fractions, for 5 consecutive days (24 Gy). After a rest period of 2 weeks, a second course of radiation was given with the same dose and fractionation for a total dose of 48 Gy in an overall treatment time of 4 weeks. Thirty-four patients were treated between February 1981 and July 1983. Acute reactions consisted of mild esophagitis noted in 30% of patients. No treatment related complications were reported. Median survival was 7 months and the 2- and 5-year survival rates were 12 and 9%, respectively. Tumor size and Karnofsky performance status were found to be the most important prognostic indicators for prolonged survival. Prompt palliation of symptoms was noted. Thirty-three per cent of patients had complete resolution and 41% had partial improvement of symptoms after completion of treatment. Four patients (12%) obtained complete tumor regression with negative biopsy at endoscopic examination and 2 of them are free of disease at 58 and 64 months. A partial response was reported in 12 patients (35%) for a median duration of 5 months (3-26). Treatment with multiple fractions per day was feasible in patients with esophageal cancer and could be preferred to more conventional fractionations for promptness of palliation and the shorter treatment time. The expected therapeutic gain is discussed.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Esofágicas/radioterapia , Adenocarcinoma/radioterapia , Anciano , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/radioterapia , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Radioterapia/efectos adversos , Dosificación Radioterapéutica , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

Between July 1981 and December 1983, 63 patients, with brain metastases were treated with an accelerated split course regimen; irradiation was given to the whole brain in 3 daily fractions of 160 cGy each (with 4-h interval between the fractions), for 5 days a week. The cycle was repeated after 2 weeks to a total dose of 4800 cGy. Male-female ratio was 3:1 (48 males and 15 females). Median age was 58 years (range 24 to 75). The most frequent site of primary tumor was lung (squamous cell carcinoma in 33 patients and oat cell carcinoma in 8 patients), breast in 6 patients, melanoma in 3 patients, other sites in 8 patients and unknown cancer in 5 patients. Thirty-five patients had multiple brain metastases localizations. In 33 patients (52.3%), metastases were present in other sites outside the central nervous system. Two patients failed to complete the scheduled treatment: one because of early death and the other by refusal of therapy during treatment. We obtained complete remission (CR) in 4 patients and partial remission (PR) in 24 patients. The median survival time was 21 weeks. The overall response rate was 42.5%. Toxicity was not considerable. The treatment results were not influenced by the site of primary tumor or by disease spreading; only the neurologic status before radiotherapy and the response to treatment influenced survival. The results we obtained are similar to those reported by other studies; however, with the accelerated split course regimen the treatment time was reduced and a shorter period of hospitalization was required.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Adulto , Anciano , Neoplasias Encefálicas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Encefálicas/secundario , Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/mortalidad , Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/radioterapia , Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/secundario , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/mortalidad , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/radioterapia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/secundario , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Melanoma/mortalidad , Melanoma/radioterapia , Melanoma/secundario , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cuidados Paliativos , Proyectos Piloto , Dosificación Radioterapéutica

RESUMEN

A group of 38 patients with a median age of 70 years and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were treated using a cobalt 60 U or a 6-MeV linear accelerator. A direct field or two opposite fields covered the palpable spleen area in most patients. 100 cGy were administered weekly for a total dose of 10 Gy, given over 10 weeks. The stage arrangement (according to Rai) for the 32 evaluable patients was as follows: Stage I: 11 patients, Stage II: nine patients, Stage III: three patients, and Stage IV: nine patients. Patients in Stages I and II were treated when symptomatic. Twenty-five patients (78%) achieved hematologic response (HR), defined as normalization of the differential leukocyte count, of the total blood cell count, and of bone marrow infiltration. However, no complete response according to the standard criteria of response has been obtained. The median response time of HR was 7 months (range, 1.5 months to greater than 120 months). The overall median survival time from the start of splenic irradiation (SI) was 40 months. More than 50% splenomegaly reduction was obtained in 63% of patients, whereas no benefit was verified in the lymphadenopathy. The incidence of second tumor was 29%. Fourteen patients benefited from a further 21 SI cycles. SI does not result in a complete remission and therefore cannot modify the course of CLL. This treatment is most advisable for elderly patients with predominant bone marrow lymphocytosis, for patients with previous extensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and for patients with poor marrow reserve. Moreover, because of the absence of toxicity subsequent treatment is not compromised.

Asunto(s)

Leucemia Linfoide/radioterapia , Bazo/efectos de la radiación , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Leucemia Linfoide/mortalidad , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Radioterapia/efectos adversos