Survival benefit of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced ampulla of Vater cancer

BACKGROUND Currently,there is no standard adjuvant therapy for patients with resected ampulla of Vater(AoV)cancer.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)in patients with advanced AoV cancer who underwent curative resection.METHODS This single-centered,retrospective study included 29 patients with advanced AoV cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2006 and 2018.The impact of CCRT on advanced AoV cancer was analyzed.RESULTS The 1-,3-,and 5-yr recurrence-free survival(RFS)rates for patients with advanced AoV cancer were 82.8%,48.3%,and 40.8%,respectively,and the overall survival(OS)rates were 89.7%,62.1%,and 51.7%,respectively.Lymphovas-cular invasion was found to be a significant risk factor for RFS and OS in patients with advanced AoV cancer in the univariate analysis,whereas T stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with OS in the multivariate analysis.Compared to the patients who did not receive adjuvant CCRT,those who received adjuvant CCRT did not show statistically significant improvements in the RFS and OS,although they had a significantly lower average age and significantly higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio.CONCLUSION Adjuvant CCRT did not improve survival outcomes in patients with advanced AoV cancer.These findings contribute to existing knowledge on the effectiveness of CCRT in this patient population and provide important insights for clinical decision-making.

Programmed cell death 1 inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma,a malignancy that arises in the cells of the pancreas,is a devastating disease with unclear etiology and often poor prognosis.Locally advanced pancreatic cancer,a stage where the tumor has grown significantly but has not yet spread to distant organs,presents unique challenges in treatment.This article aims to discuss the current strategies,challenges,and future directions in the management of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma(LAPC).AIM To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of programmed cell death 1(PD-1)inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LAPC.METHODS Eligible patients had LAPC,an Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status of 0 or 1,adequate organ and marrow functions,and no prior anticancer therapy.In the observation group,participants received intravenous sintilimab 200 mg once every 3 wk,and received concurrent chemoradiotherapy(concurrent conventional fractionated radiotherapy with doses planning target volume 50.4 Gy and gross tumor volume 60 Gy in 28 fractions and oral S-140 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14 of a 21-d cycle and intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle for eight cycles until disease progression,death,or unacceptable toxicity).In the control group,participants only received concurrent chemoradiotherapy.From April 2020 to November 2021,64 participants were finally enrolled with 34 in the observation group and 30 in the control group.RESULTS Thirty-four patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy,while 32(94.1%)received sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 2 patients discontinuing sintilimab in the observation group.Thirty patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy in the control group.Based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines,the analysis of the observation group revealed that a partial response was observed in 11 patients(32.4%),stable disease was evident in 19 patients(55.9%),and 4 patients(11.8%)experienced progressive disease;a partial response was observed in 6(20.0%)patients,stable disease in 18(60%),and progressive disease in 6(20%)in the control group.The major toxic effects were leukopenia and nausea.The incidence of severe adverse events(AEs)(grade 3 or 4)was 26.5%(9/34)in the observation group and 23.3%(7/30)in the control group.There were no treatment-related deaths.The observation group demonstrated a significantly longer median overall survival(22.1 mo compared to 15.8 mo)(P<0.05)and progression-free survival(12.2 mo vs 10.1 mo)(P<0.05)in comparison to the control group.The occurrence of severe AEs did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the observation group and the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy was effective and safe for LAPC patients,and warrants further investigation.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with thalidomide and S-1 for esophageal carcinoma and its influence on serum tumor markers

BACKGROUND Although the current conventional treatment strategies for esophageal carcinoma(EC)have been proven effective,they are often accompanied by serious adverse events.Therefore,it is still necessary to continue to explore new therapeutic strategies for EC to improve the clinical outcome of patients.AIM To elucidate the clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)with thalidomide(THAL)and S-1(tegafur,gimeracil,and oteracil potassium capsules)in the treatment of EC as well as its influence on serum tumor markers(STMs).METHODS First,62 patients with EC treated at the Zibo 148 Hospital between November 2019 and November 2022 were selected and grouped according to the received treatment.Among these,30 patients undergoing CCRT with cis-platinum and 5-fluorouracil were assigned to the control group(Con),and 32 patients receiving CCRT with THAL and S-1 were assigned to the research group(Res).Second,inter-group comparisons were carried out with respect to curative efficacy,incidence of drug toxicities,STMs[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125)and macrophage inflammatory protein-3α(MIP-3α)],angiogenesis-related indicators[vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF);VEGF receptor-1(VEGFR-1);basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF);angiogenin-2(Ang-2)],and quality of life(QoL)[QoL core 30(QLQ-C30)]after one month of treatment.RESULTS The analysis showed no statistical difference in the overall response rate and disease control rate between the two patient cohorts;however,the incidences of grade I–II myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reactions were significantly lower in the Res than in the Con.Besides,the post-treatment CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels in the Res were markedly lower compared with the pre-treatment levels and the corresponding post-treatment levels in the Con.Furthermore,more evident improvements in QLQ-C30 scores from the dimensions of physical,role,emotional,and social functions were determined in the Res.CONCLUSION The above results demonstrate the effectiveness of THAL+S-1 CCRT for EC,which contributes to mild side effects and significant reduction of CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels,thus inhibiting tumors from malignant progression and enhancing patients’QoL.

Radiotherapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for ascending-type nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a retrospective comparison of toxicity and prognosis

Background:In the era of intensity?modulated radiotherapy(IMRT),the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT)in treating ascending?type nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is under?evaluated.This study was to compare the efficacy of NACT followed by IMRT(NACT+RT)with the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)on ascending?type NPC.Methods:Clinical data of 214 patients with ascending?type NPC treated with NACT+RT or CCRT between Decem?ber 2009 and July 2011 were analyzed.Of the 214 patients,98 were treated with NACT followed by IMRT,and 116 were treated with CCRT.The survival rates were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis,and the survival curves were compared using a log?rank test.Results:The 4?year overall survival,locoregional failure?free survival,distant failure?free survival,and failure?free sur?vival rates were not significantly different between the two groups(all P>0.05).However,patients in the CCRT group exhibited more severe acute adverse events than did patients in the NACT+RT group during radiotherapy,includ?ing leukopenia(30.2%vs.15.3%,P=0.016),neutropenia(25.9%vs.11.2%,P=0.011),and mucositis(57.8%vs.40.8%,P=0.028).After radiotherapy,patients in the CCRT group exhibited significantly higher rates of xerostomia(21.6%vs.Conclusions:The treatment outcomes of the NACT+RT and CCRT groups were similar;however,CCRT led to higher rates of acute and late toxicities.NACT+RT may therefore be a better treatment strategy for ascending?type NPC.

PhaseⅡstudy of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy with raltitrexed and cisplatin in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective:For locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(LA-NPC)patients,high incidences of distant metastases and severe treatment related toxicities are the main obstacles needed to be overcome.Raltitrexed,a specific thymidylate synthase inhibitor with a convenient administration schedule,has an acceptable and manageable toxicity,and possesses radio-sensitizing properties.To investigate the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed and cisplatin induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy(IC+CCRT)in patients with LA-NPC,a phaseⅡclinical study was conducted.Methods:Sixty eligible patients with LA-NPC were enrolled into this study.A raltitrexed-cisplatin combination was used as part of an IC+CCRT regimen.Raltitrexed-cisplatin IC was given once every 3 weeks(q3 w)for two cycles,followed by raltitrexed-cisplatin based CCRT q3 w for two cycles.Intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)was given for all enrolled patients.Results:All patients were included in survival analysis according to the intent-to-treat principle.The objective response rate(ORR)3 months after treatment was 98%.The 2-year overall survival(OS)rate was 92%.The median relapse-free survival(RFS)time was 30.5[95%confidence interval(95%CI),28.4-32.3]months.The 2-year RFS rate was 85%.The 2-year local failure-free survival(LFFS)rate was 97%and the 2-year distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS)rate was 88%.Acute toxicities were mostly grade 2 and 3 reactions in bone marrow suppression,gastrointestinal side effect and oropharyngeal mucositis.Only two patients occurred grade 4 acute toxicities,one was bone marrow suppression and the other was dermatitis radiation.Conclusions:The combination of raltitrexed and cisplatin has a comparable efficacy to those in standard firstline therapy.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer： background including evidence-based data, pitfalls of the data, limitation of treatment in certain groups

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy （CCRT） is regarded as the standard treatment for locally advanced uterine cervical cancer （LACC）, including stage Ib2-IVa disease [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics （FIGO） staging]. However, approximately a third of eligible patients in previous studies died of LACC despite receiving CCRT. The therapeutic significance of CCRT alone in stage Ⅲ-IVa disease has not yet been confirmed. Effective treatment of some LACC is beyond the scope of CCRT. The objective of the present review is to highlight some challenging work aimed at overcoming this seemingly intractable disease. CCRT with increased peak concentrations of cisplatin （CDDP）, surgery following CCRT, adjuvant chemotherapy （CT） following CCRT, and neoadjuvant CT followed by CCRT are strategies expected to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CCRT. If patients with LACC were divided into those with low-risk or high-risk systemic disease or prognoses, novel strategies should be assessed in the group with high-risk disease.

A randomized controlled trial of two chemotherapy regimens-paclitaxel liposome combined with platinum and paclitaxel combined with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical carcinoma

Objective:The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy,side effect and influence on the survival rate of two chemotherapy regimens,paclitaxel liposome combined with platinum and paclitaxel combined with platinum,in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.Methods:The 162 cases with primary cervical carcinoma diagnosed between January 2008 and November 2009 in Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital(China) were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial.Seventy-one cases were included in paclitaxel group and 91 in paclitaxel liposome group.And the chemotherapy doses were as follows:paclitaxel liposome and paclitaxel 135 mg/m2;cisplatin 80 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 4-6;then repeated every 21 days for two or three times.Radical radiotherapy was given to both groups at the same time.Efficacy was evaluated according to the tumor regression six months later and follow-up was done consistently.Results:The overall response rates of paclitaxel group and paclitaxel liposome group were 90.1% and 89 % respectively(P > 0.05).The one year cumulative survival was 91.4% for paclitaxel group and 89.2% for paclitaxel liposome group(P > 0.05).The incidence rates of adverse effects such as rash,gastrointestinal toxicity,bone marrow suppression and muscle/joint pain in paclitaxel liposome group were much lower than those in paclitaxel group(P < 0.05),while there was no difference regarding hair loss,hepatic function damage,peripheral neuritis and other aspects(P > 0.05).Conclusion:Paclitaxel liposome plus platinum is a safe and effective method for staging IIa-IV cervical carcinomas.While the long-term efficacy should be further observed.

Phase 1/2 study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly irinotecan hydrochloride for advanced/recurrence uterine cancer:A multi-institutional study of Kansai Clinical Oncology Group

Objective:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using cisplatin was thought to be standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of cervix,but it had not been effective for adenocarcinoma.Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using irinotecan hydrochloride(CPT-11)had been effective for colorectal cancer,thus,we chose CPT-11 as a candidate for gynecologic adenocarcinoma.To evaluate the maximum tolerated dose(MTD)of weekly CPT-11 with external pelvic radiotherapy,a phase 1/2 study was conducted according to modified Fibonacci method.Methods:Eligible patients were advanced uterine cancer with measurable diseases[performance score(PS):0-2].Study period was from August 1 st,2002 to December 31 st,2008.The starting dose level(DL)of CPT-11 was 30 mg/m2(DL1)given weekly for 4 weeks.Subsequently,dose escalation was scheduled in 10 mg/m2 increments to 60 mg/m^2(DL4).The fixed radiotherapy consisted of whole pelvic 1.8 Gy/d,once a day in weekday for five weeks and it amounted to 45 Gy(25 fractions)in total.Results:Seventeen patients were enrolled.As for toxicities,one(1/17:5.9%)grade(G)4 neutropenia lasting 7 days had been seen in DL4.G2 diarrhea was identified in 35.3%(6/17)of the patients,and 11.8%(2/17)G3 diarrhea was observed in DL3 and DL4.Thus,the MTD of CPT-11 was defined as dose of 60 mg/m^2.The recommended dose was decided as 50 mg/m^2.The response rate was 88.2%[9 complete response(CR),3 partial response(PR),3 stable disease(SD),2 not evaluable(NE)].Disease control rate at 1 month after treatment completion was 100%but distant metastases were found in 24%(4/17)in longer outcome.Conclusions:MTD was 60 mg/m^2 and recommended dose was set as 50 mg/m2.This concurrent chemoradiation using weekly CPT-11 was feasible at 50 mg/m^2,and it might be effective even in adenocarcinoma of the uterus.

Clinical study on concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with Kanglaite injection in the treatment of regionally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer

Objective： To evaluate the clinical effects and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with Kanglaite injection in the treatment of regionally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Methods： 48 patients with regionally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer were randomized to two groups, 25 patients in the combination group （concurrent chemoradiotherapy ＋ Kanglaite） and 23 patients in the control group （concurrent chemoradiotherapy）. The combination group received chemotherapy of vinorelbine （NVB） plus cisplatin （DDP） regimen, radiotherapy was given with conventional fraction in 2 Gy per fraction and five fractions per week concurrently. The total tumor doses were 56-60 Gy. Combined with Kanglaite injection 200 mud for twenty-one days for two courses in the combination group, the control group was chemoradiotherapy only. Effects and toxicities were evaluated according to the criteria of WHO. Results： The CR rates in the combination group and control group were 24.0% （6/25） and 13.0% （3/23）, respectively （P 〉 0.05）. Response （CR ＋ PR） rates of combination group were 76.0 % （19/25） and 69.6% （16/23） in control group, P 〉 0.05. The incidence rates of grades 3-4 leukocytopenia, grades 3-4 digestive system （nausea and vomiting） and grades 3-4 esophagitis in the combination group and control group were 40.0% （10/25）, 8.0% （2/25）, 16.0% （4/25） and 69.6% （16/23）, 34.8% （8/23）, 43.5% （10/23）, respectively （P 〈 0.05）. KPS and body weight score significantly increased in combination group after the combined treatment, P 〈 0.05. Conclusion： Concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with Kanglaite injection can relieve side effects of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of regionally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, and improve quality of life. Kanglaite injection may increase effective rate of regionally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Clinical observation of Shengxuebao Mixture in treating anemia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the Shengxuebao Mixture in treating anemia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.Methods:The patients who met the criteria were randomly divided into the study group(n=30)and the control group(n=30).The study group was treated with Shengxuebao Mixture(15 ml once,three times a day)for 30 days,and the control group was treated with ferrous succinate tablets(0.1 g,twice a day),folic acid tablets(5 mg,three times a day),and vitamin B12 tablets(25μg,once a day)for 30 days.Observed the hemoglobin level,erythropoietin level,TCM syndrome score,karnofsky performance status score before and after treatment in the two groups,compared the relevant data and clinical efficacy between the two groups and observed the adverse drug reactions at the same time.Results:The age,pathological type,stage,baseline hemoglobin level,erythropoietin level,TCM syndrome score,and karnofsky performance status score were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05).The hemoglobin level of the two groups after treatment was higher than before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the hemoglobin level in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the number of effective cases in the study group was more than that in the control group,and the effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The erythropoietin level of the two groups after treatment was lower than before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the erythropoietin level in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The TCM syndrome score of the study group decreased significantly after treatment(P<0.05),but there was no significant change in the control group(P>0.05).After treatment,the TCM syndrome score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the number of effective cases in the study group was more than that in the control group,and the effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant change in the karnofsky performance status score of the study group after treatment(P>0.05),but the karnofsky performance status score of the control group decreased significantly(P<0.05).After treatment,the karnofsky performance status score of the study group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the number of effective cases in the study group was more than that of the control group,and the effective rate was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).And there were no obvious adverse reactions in this study.Conclusion:To some extent,this study showed that the Shengxuebao Mixture has a definite effect in treating anemia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer,can promote the use of erythropoietin,improve TCM syndromes and stabilize the quality of life of patients.

Analysis of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for superior sulcus lung tumor

Objective： To compare the clinical effect and toxicities of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy （CT/RT） with radiotherapy （RT） alone in patients with superior sulcus lung tumor. Methods： Fifty-six patients with superior sulcus lung tumor were divided randomly into two groups： twenty-six patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, the other thirty patients received only radiotherapy. For both groups, the same radiation technic was given with the convention fraction. The total dose was 45 Gy/25 Fr/5 Wk. For the CT/RT group, the patients were also given with concurrent chemotherapy （navelbine 15-18 mg/m^2 on the 1st and 8th day, cisplatin 60 mg/m^2 on the 1st day）. Results： The rate of complete resection in the CT/RT group was significantly higher than that in the RT group （92.3% vs 80%, P 〈 0.05）. The complete pathological response rate and 2-year survival rate in the CT/RT group were significantly higher than those in the RT group （P 〈 0.01, P 〈 0.01）. The incidences of grades Ill-IV radiation esophagitis and leukopenia in the CT/RT group were significantly higher than those in the RT group （23.1% and 23.1% vs 6.7% and 0, P 〈 0.01, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion： Preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy has the potential of improving the survival rate of superior sulcus lung tumors. Though this treatment regimen also increases the acute toxic effect, all patients can tolerate it. It is expected to be a new ＂standard treatment＂ for this malignant tumor.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapyof different radiation doses and different irradiation fields for locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma:A randomized,multicenter,phase Ⅲ clinical trial

Background:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).However,the optimal radiotherapy regimen,particularly in terms of total dose and planned range of irradiation field,remains unclear.This phase III clinical trial aimed to compare the survival benefits between different radiation doses and different target fields.Methods:This trial compared two aspects of radiation treatment,total dose and field,using a two-by-two factorial design.The high-dose(HD)group received 59.4 Gy radiation,and the standard-dose(SD)group received 50.4 Gy.The involved field irradiation(IFI)group and elective nodal irradiation(ENI)group adopted different irradiation ranges.The participants were assigned to one of the four groups(HD+ENI,HD+IFI,SD+ENI and SD+IFI).The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS),and the secondary endpoints included progressionfree survival(PFS).The synergy indexwas used to measure the interaction effect between dose and field.Results:The interaction analysis did not reveal significant synergistic effects between the dose and irradiation field.In comparison to the target field,patients in IFI or ENI showed similar OS(hazard ratio[HR]=0.99,95%CI:0.80-1.23,p=0.930)and PFS(HR=1.02,95%CI:0.82–1.25).TheHDtreatment did not show significantly prolonged OS compared with SD(HR=0.90,95%CI:0.72–1.11,p=0.318),but it suggested improved PFS(25.2 months to 18.0 months).Among the four groups,the HD+IFI group presented the best survival,while the SD+IFI group had the worst prognosis.No significant difference in the occurrence of severe adverse events was found in dose or field comparisons.Conclusions:IFI demonstrated similar treatment efficacy to ENI in CCRT of ESCC.The HD demonstrated improved PFS,but did not significantly improve OS.The dose escalation based on IFI(HD+IFI)showed better therapeutic efficacy than the current recommendation(SD+ENI)and is worth further validation.

Adjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy after radical surgery for early-stage cervical cancer:a randomized,non-inferiority,multicenter trial

We conducted a prospective study to assess the non-inferiority of adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as an alternative strategy for patients with early-stage (FIGO 2009 stage IB–IIA) cervical cancer having risk factors after surgery. The condition was assessed in terms of prognosis, adverse effects, and quality of life. This randomized trial involved nine centers across China. Eligible patients were randomized to receive adjuvant chemotherapy or CCRT after surgery. The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). From December 2012 to December 2014, 337 patients were subjected to randomization. Final analysis included 329 patients, including 165 in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and 164 in the adjuvant CCRT group. The median follow-up was 72.1 months. The three-year PFS rates were both 91.9%, and the five-year OS was 90.6% versus 90.0% in adjuvant chemotherapy and CCRT groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the PFS or OS between groups. The adjusted HR for PFS was 0.854 (95% confidence interval 0.415–1.757;P = 0.667) favoring adjuvant chemotherapy, excluding the predefined non-inferiority boundary of 1.9. The chemotherapy group showed a tendency toward good quality of life. In comparison with post-operative adjuvant CCRT, adjuvant chemotherapy treatment showed non-inferior efficacy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer having pathological risk factors. Adjuvant chemotherapy alone is a favorable alternative post-operative treatment.

Computed tomography-based delta-radiomics enabling early prediction ofshort-term responses to concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients withnon-small cell lung cancer

Objective:To explore the potential of computed tomography(CT)-based delta-radiomics in predicting early shortterm responses to concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),in order to determine the optimal time point for the prediction.Methods:A total of 20 patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC were prospectively enrolled in this study,who did not receive surgical treatment between February 2021 and February 2022.For each case,a total of 1,210 radiomic features(RFs)were extracted from both planning CT(pCT)images along with each of the subsequent three weeks of CT images.EffectiveΔRFs were selected using intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC)analysis,Pearson's correlation,ANOVA test(or Mann-Whitney U-test),and univariate logistic regression.The area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the potential to predict short-term responses of different time points.Results:Among the 1,210ΔRFs for 1-3 weeks,121 common features were retained after processing using ICC analysis and Pearson's correlation.These retained features included 54 and 58 of all time points that differed significantly between the response and non-response groups for the first and third months,respectively(P<0.05).After univariate logistic regression,11 and 44 features remained for the first and third months,respectively.Finally,eightΔRFs(P<0.05,AUC=0.77-0.91)that can discriminate short-term responses in both at 1 and 3 months with statistical accuracy were identified.Conclusion:CT-based delta-radiomics has the potential to provide reasonable biomarkers of short-term responses to concurrent chemoradiotherapy for NSCLC patients,and it can help improve clinical decisions for early treatment adaptation.

Association between IDEAL-IQ MRI fat fraction quantification and pelvic bone marrow reserve function in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer

Objective:To analyze the association between iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantification sequence(IDEAL-IQ)magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of bone marrow fat fraction and bone marrow reserve function during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.Methods:The study retrospectively analyzed twenty-six patients with stage IB1 to IVA cervical cancer treated between February 2020 and November 2020.All patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy that included platinum alone or combined paclitaxel and platinum.Pelvic IDEAL-IQ MRI(plain and enhanced)was performed before and after treatment.Regions of interest,including the fifth lumbar vertebra,sacrum,ilium,ischium,and femoral neck,were manually delineated,and the bone marrow fat fraction was measured.Peripheral blood cell counts were recorded during treatment,and the relationship between the fat fraction values and changes in the blood cell counts was explored.Results:IDEAL-IQ MRI bone marrow fat fraction was associated with platelet nadir and platelet decline during treatment.The average pelvic bone marrow fat fraction before chemoradiotherapy was moderately negatively correlated with platelet count nadir during concurrent chemoradiotherapy(r=-0.450,P?0.021).The change in average pelvic bone marrow fat fraction through chemoradiotherapy was moderately positively correlated with the degree of thrombocytopenia(r=0.399,P=0.044).Conclusion:Bone marrow fat content quantified by IDEAL-IQ was associated with platelet count nadir and the degree of thrombocytopenia in patients with cervical cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Effect of Endostar combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

ObjectiveTo explore the value of Endostar in the clinical application of locally advanced cervical cancer.MethodsA total of 107 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)in the Department of Radiotherapy,the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study.There were 30 cases in the Endostar combined with CCRT(E-CCRT)group and 77 in the CCRT group.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to reduce confounding factors.The short-term efficacy and long-term survival rate were compared between the E-CCRT group and the CCRT group.ResultsAfter matching,the objective response rates in the E-CCRT group and CCRT group were 86.7%and 63.3%,respectively,with statistically significant difference(χ^(2)=4.356,P=0.037).But there were no statistically significant differences in the disease control rates(96.7%vs.86.7%,χ^(2)=0.873,P=0.350),3-year overall survival(OS)rates(86.7%vs.83.3%,P=0.681),and 3-year disease-free survival(DFS)rates(both 76.7%and 76.7%,P=0.869).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.ConclusionsE-CCRT can improve the response of locally advanced cervical cancer patients without increasing the occurrence of adverse reactions,and has the potential to become a new treatment regimen for cervical cancer.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly docetaxel versus cisplatin in the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a propensity score-matched analysis

Background:Promising efficacy and manageable toxicity of docetaxel-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)were reported in head and neck cancer.In addition,the effect of CCRT in combination with cisplatin and/or 5-fluorouracil on both locoregionally advanced and metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)was verified.However,CCRT with docetaxel for locoregionally advanced NPC are not well studied.This study aimed to compare effectiveness and toxicities of CCRT with weekly docetaxel versus tri-weekly cisplatin for locoregionally advanced NPC.Methods:Clinical data of patients with locoregionally advanced NPC newly diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2014 receiving CCRT with either weekly docetaxel(15 mg/m2)or tri-weekly cisplatin(80-100 mg/m2)were reviewed.Propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio was performed to balance baseline characteristics.Adverse events and survival were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 962 patients were included as the whole cohort,and 448 patients were matched and were regarded as the matched cohort.The median follow-up duration was 48 months for the whole cohort.The 3-year nodal recurrence-free survival rate was significantly increased for patients treated with docetaxel in both the whole(hazard ratio[HR]=0.37,95%confidence interval[CI]0.19-0.72,P=0.030)and matched cohorts(HR=0.33,95%CI 0.14-0.79,P=0.023).However,no significant differences were observed in overall survival,local recurrence-free survival,and distant metastasis-free survival between the two groups in both cohorts.Significantly higher rates of grade 3 radiodermatitis(6.7%vs.1.8%,P=0.001),mucositis(74.5%vs.37.9%,P<0.001),and leucopenia(2.2%vs.11.6%,P<0.001)were observed in the docetaxel group,but any grade of renal injury(1.8%vs.15.1%,P<0.001),vomiting(18.8%vs.88.3%,P<0.001),and ALT elevation(19.2%vs.31.3%,P=0.027)were more common in the cisplatin group.Conclusions:CCRT with weekly low-dose docetaxel is an effective and tolerable therapeutic regimen for locally advanced NPC.It provides a survival benefit mainly by improving the control of regional lymph node metastases,especially for patients with low pretreatment EBV DNA levels.

Prognostic value of serum soluble Fas in patients with locally advanced unresectable rectal cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Objective: This study was designed to detect the changes of serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels in patients with locally advanced unresectable rectal cancer (LAURC),and to explore its prognostic value of response.Methods: Soluble samples were obtained from LAURC subjects,treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy,before treatment and one month after treatment.Healthy donor serum samples were used as controls.sFas concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: The sFas levels before treatment and one month after treatment were both significantly higher in LAURC subjects than in healthy controls [(8.79±1.39) and (7.74±1.32) vs.(5.53±1.13) ng/L,P<0.01].The sFas levels before treatment and one month after treatment were significantly lower in the response group (complete and partial responses) than in the non-response group (stable and progressive diseases) [(8.50±1.25) vs.(10.17±1.26) ng/L,P<0.01 and (7.50±1.24) vs.(8.90±1.13) ng/L,P<0.01,respectively].The one-year survival rate was 54.2% and 82.6% in those with sFas levels >8.79 ng/L and <8.79 ng/L before treatment (P<0.02),respectively,50.0% and 87.0% in those with sFas levels >7.74 ng/L and <7.74 ng/L one month after treatment (P<0.01),respectively.Conclusions: The sFas level is higher in LAURC subjects than in healthy controls.Concurrent chemoradiotherapy can reduce sFas levels in LAURC patients.The monitoring of sFas may provide prognostic information for LAURC patients.

Famitinib in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation Study

Background:Famitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against multiple targets,including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2/3,platelet-derived growth factor receptor,and stem cell factor receptor(c-kit).Previous studies have demonstrated anti-tumour activities of famitinib against a wide variety of advanced-stage solid cancers.We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of famitinib with concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).We also evaluated the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(D-CEUS)as a predictor of early tumour response to famitinib and to correlate functional parameters with clinical efficacy.Methods:The trial was conducted in subjects with stage III or IVa-b NPC using a 3+3 design of escalating fami-tinib doses.Briefly,subjects received 2 weeks of famitinib monotherapy followed by 7 weeks of famitinib plus CCRT.D-CEUS of the neck lymph nodes was performed at day 0,8 and 15 after famitinib was administered before starting concurrent chemoradiotherapy.End points included safety,tolerability and anti-tumour activity.Results:Twenty patients were enrolled(six each for 12.5,16.5 and 20 mg and two for 25 mg).Two patients in the 25 mg cohort developed dose-limiting toxicities,including grade 4 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 hypertension.The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia,neutropenia and radiation mucositis.D-CEUS tests showed that more than 60%of patients achieved a perfusion parameter response after 2 weeks taking famitinib alone,and the parameter response was associated with disease improvement.In the famitinib monotherapy stage,three patients(15%)showed partial responses.The complete response rate was 65%at the completion of treatment and 95%3 months after the treatment ended.After a median follow-up of 44 months,the 3-year progression-free survival(PFS)and distant metastasis-free survival were 70%and 75%,respectively.Subjects with a decrease of perfusion parameter response,such as peak intensity decreased at least 30%after 1 week of famitinib treatment,had higher 3-year PFS(90.9%vs.44.4%,95%CI 73.7%-100%vs.11.9%-76.9%,P<0.001)than those with an increase or a reduction of less than 30%.Conclusions:The recommended famitinib dose for phase II trial is 20 mg with CCRT for patients with local advanced NPC.D-CEUS is a reliable and early measure of efficacy for famitinib therapies.Further investigation is required to confirm the effects of famitinib plus chemoradiotherapy.

A retrospective study of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in preventing neutropenia during definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(PEG-rhG-CSF)for preventive or delayed treatment in neutropenia,completion rate of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and hospitalization rate in patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma during definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Methods:A total of 70 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma in Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020,who received PEG-rhG-CSF during concurrent chemoradiotherapy,were enrolled in this retrospective analysis.There were 32 patients in the preventive group,and 38 patients in the delayed group.The incidence of neutropenia,completion rate of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neutropeniarelated hospitalization rate were compared between PEG-rhG-CSF preventive group and delayed group.Results:The incidence of severe neutropenia(Grades 3–4)in all patients was 31.4%.Comparison between preventive group and delayed group showed that the incidence of severe neutropenia was 6.3%and 39.4%(χ^(2)=10.428,P=0.001),respectively.In preventive group,the incidence of severe neutropenia was 3.7%and 20.0%,respectively,for primary prevention and secondary prevention of PEG-rhG-CSF(χ^(2)=12.321,P=0.001).The completion rate of concurrent chemoradiotherapy was 93.8%in the preventive group and 63.2%in the delayed group(χ^(2)=9.220,P=0.002).The incidence of treatment interruption was 25.7%in the whole group,12.5%in the preventive group and 36.8%in the delayed group(χ^(2)=5.389,P=0.020).Seven patients(7/70,10.0%)were hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics for neutropenia,including 1 in the preventive group and 6 in the delayed group(P=0.078).Conclusions:Prophylactic use of PEG-rhG-CSF during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma can effectively reduce the incidence of neutropenia,ensure the safety of treatment,and improve the completion rate of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.