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.

Stage IV malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma palliatively treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant transformation(MT)of mature cystic teratoma(MCT)has a poor prognosis,especially in advanced cases.Concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)has an inhibitory effect on MT.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present a case in which CCRT had a reduction effect preoperatively.A 73-year-old woman with pyelonephritis was referred to our hospital.Computed tomography revealed right hydronephrosis and a 6-cm pelvic mass.Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB)revealed squamous cell carci-noma.The patient was diagnosed with MT of MCT.Due to her poor general con-dition and renal malfunction,we selected CCRT,expecting fewer adverse effects.After CCRT,her performance status improved,and the tumor size was reduced;surgery was performed.Five months postoperatively,the patient developed dis-semination and lymph node metastases.Palliative chemotherapy was ineffective.She died 18 months after treatment initiation.CONCLUSION EUS-FNB was useful in the diagnosis of MT of MCT;CCRT suppressed the disea-se and improved quality of life.

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.

Impact of preoperative chemoradiotherapy using concurrent S-1 and CPT-11 on long-term clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Preoperative chemoradiotherapy regimens using a second drug for locally advanced rectal cancer are still under clinical investigation.AIM To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy using tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil(S-1)plus irinotecan(CPT-11).METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of 82 patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy with S-1(80 mg/m2/d),CPT-11(60 mg/m2/d),and radiation(total 45 Gy)between 2009 and 2016.The median follow-up was 51 mo(range:17–116 mo).RESULTS Twenty-nine patients(35.4%)had T3 or T4 rectal cancer with mesorectal fascia invasion,36(43.9%)had extramural vascular invasion,24(29.8%)had N2 rectal cancer and eight(9.8%)had lateral lymph node swelling.The relative dose intensity was 90.1%for S-1 and 92.9%for CPT-11.Seventy-nine patients(96.3%)underwent R0 resection.With regard to pathological response,13 patients(15.9%)had a pathological complete response and 52(63.4%)a good response(tumor regression grade 2/3).The 5-year local recurrence-free survival,relapsefree survival and overall survival rates were 90.1%,72.5%and 91.3%,respectively.We analyzed the risk factors for local recurrence-free survival by Cox regression analysis and none were detected.Previously described risk factors such as T4 stage,mesorectal fascia invasion or lateral lymph node swelling were not detected as negative factors for local recurrence-free survival.CONCLUSION We demonstrated good compliance and favorable tumor regression in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative S-1 and CPT-11.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ratio of metastatic lymph nodes is more important for rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy

AIM:To evaluate the predictive value of the lymph node(LN) ratio(LNR,number of metastatic LNs/ examined LNs) for recurrence in patients with rectal cancer and to compare its applicability according to preoperative chemoradiotherapy(PCRT).METHODS:From 2000 to 2009,967 patients with metastatic LNs after curative resection for locally advanced rectal cancer were identified.Patients were categorized according to PCRT(PCRT vs No PCRT).The cut-off LNR was determined based on the p N1 vs p N2 when the recommended number of LNs was harvested.The 5-year recurrence-free survival(RFS) rates using the Kaplan-Meier method were compared according to p/yp N stage and the LNR in each group.RESULTS:Among patients with the same p/yp N stage,the 5-year RFS rate differed according to the LNR.In addition,the 5-year RFS rate was significantly different between p N and LNR groups in patients with No PCRT.In PCRT group,however,only LNR was associated with prognosis.On multivariate analysis,both p N and LNR were significant independent prognostic factors for 5-year RFS in the No PCRT group.In the PCRT group,only LNR category was found to be associated with RFS(HR = 2.36,95%CI:1.31-3.84,and P = 0.001).CONCLUSION:The LNR is an important prognostic predictor of RFS in rectal cancer patients especially treated with PCRT.Current p N categories could not discriminate between prognostic groups of RFS after PCRT.

Impression of prognosis regarding pathologic stage after preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer

AIM: To ascertain pathologic stage as a prognostic indicator for rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy(PCRT).METHODS: Patients with mid- and low rectal carcinoma(magnetic resonance imaging- based clinical stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ) between 2000 and 2009 and treated with curative radical resection were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: PCRT and No-PCRT. Recurrence-free survival(RFS) was examined according to pathologic stage and addition of adjuvant treatment.RESULTS: Overall, 894 patients were identified. Of these, 500 patients received PCRT. Adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered to 81.5% of the No-PCRT and 94.8% of the PCRT patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 29.4% of the patients in the No PCRT group. The 5-year RFS for the No-PCRT group was 92.6% for StageⅠ, 83.3% for Stage Ⅱ, and 72.9% for Stage Ⅲ. The 5-year RFS for the PCRT group was 95.2% for yp Stage 0, 91.7% for yp StageⅠ, 73.9% for yp Stage Ⅱ, and 50.7% for yp Stage Ⅲ.CONCLUSION: Pathologic stage can predict prognosis in PCRT patients. Five-year RFS is significantly lower among PCRT patients than No-PCRT patients in pathologic stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ. These results should be taken into account when considering adjuvant treatment for patients treated with PCRT.

Fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy with or without oxaliplatin for stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ rectal cancer:a 3-year follow-up study

Background： Fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy has become the standard treatment for stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ rectal cancer. In order to improve the overall survival （OS） and disease-flee survival （DFS）, we added oxaliplatin to the standard treatment, and compared the effectiveness of these two treatment patterns. Methods： A total of 206 patients enrolled in the prospective study had histologically confirmed rectal cancer of clinical stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ during July 2007 to July 2010. They were randomized into the experimental group received oxaliplatin and capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy, and the control group received capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy. All patients received surgery in 6-10 weeks after chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6. The primary endpoints were DFS and OS, and the secondary endpoints included toxicity, compliance, and histopathological response. Results： The 3-year OS in the experimental group and the control group was 90.29% vs. 86.41% （P〉0.05）, and the 3-year DFS was 80.58% vs. 69.90% （P〉0.05）. The pathological complete remission （pCR） rates were 23.30% and 19.42%, respectively （P=0.497）. The 3-year local recurrence rates were 4.85% vs. 5.83% （P=0.694）, and the 3-year distant metastasis rates were 16.50% and 28.16%, respectively （P=0.045）. There were no significant differences in most grade 3-4 toxicities between two groups, however, grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 16.50% （17/103） of the experimental group, compared with 6.80% （7/103） of the control group （P=0.030）. Also, the total grade 3-4 acute toxicity showed a significant difference （10.68% vs. 21.36%, P=0.037）. Conclusions： The experimental treatment did not lead significantly improved OS and DFS, and thus longer follow-up is warranted for our patient cohort. Adding oxaliplatin to capecitabine-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy can significantly reduce metastasis, but has only minimal impact on local recurrence. Although grade 3-4 toxicity rate increased （primarily gastrointestinal toxicity）, patients can stand to be followed up with allopathic treatment.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a retrospective controlled study

Background:In the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT),the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is under-evaluated.The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NAC plus IMRT and concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)plus adjuvant chemotherapy(AC)on locoregionally advanced NPC.Methods:Between January 2004 and December 2008,240 cases of locoregionally advanced NPC confirmed by pathologic assessment in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were reviewed.Of the 240 patients,117 received NAC followed by IMRT,and 123 were treated with CCRT plus AC.The NAC+IMRT group received a regimen that included cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU).The CCRT+AC group received cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy,and subsequently received adjuvant cisplatin and 5-FU.The survival rates were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis,and the survival curves were compared using a log-rank test.Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The 5-year overall survival(OS),locoregional relapse-free survival(LRRFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS),and disease-free survival(DFS)were 78.0,87.9,79.0,and 69.8%,respectively,for the NAC+IMRT group and78.7,84.8,76.2,and 65.6%,respectively,for the CCRT+AC group.There were no significant differences in survival between the two groups.In multivariate analysis,age(<50 years vs.>50 years)and overall stage(Ⅲvs.Ⅳ)were found to be independent predictors for OS and DFS;furthermore,the overall stage was a significant prognostic factor for DMFS.Compared with the CCRT+AC protocol,the NAC+IMRT protocol significantly reduced the occurrence rates of grade 3-4 nausea-vomiting(6.5 vs.1.5%,P=0.023)and leukopenia(9.7 vs.0.8%,P=0.006).Conclusions:The treatment outcomes of the NAC+IMRT and CCRT+AC groups were similar.Distant metastasis remained the predominant mode of treatment failure.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy on advanced cervical cancer

Background and Objective: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical carcinoma develops rapidly and has become a common and standard therapy in recent years. Both the local control rate and survival rate of patients were increased and the risk of death fell by 30%-50%. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy on and the treatment compliance of the patients with advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: A total of 156 patients with stage IIa-IIIb cervical squamous cell carcinoma were randomly divided into the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (experimental group) and radiotherapy group (control group). Intracavity and external beam radiation therapy were administered. At point A, 40-48 Gy were given by 10-12 fractions; at point B, 46-50 Gy were given by 23-25 fractions. In the same time, experimental group was treated by cisplatin (DDP, 40 mg) on day 1, repeated every week. Ten days after radiation therapy, TP regimen was administered as adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: For the experimental and control groups, the objective response rates were 88.61% and 75.32%, 1-year survival rates were 88.57% and 70.77%, 1-year local control rates were 81.43% and 64.62%, 3-year survival rates were 82.14% and 57.69%, and 3-year local control rates were 75.00% and 46.15%, with significant differences (P < 0.05). Quality of life of all patients were significantly improved after treatment (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer can improve short-term and long-term survival and local control rates of patients, improve the quality of life, and the toxicity can be tolerated.

Current issues in locally advanced colorectal cancer treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy

In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, preoperative chemoradiotherapy has proven to significantly improve local control and cause lower treatment-related toxicity compared with postoperative adjuvant treatment. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision or tumor specific mesorectal excision has evolved as the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. The paradigm shift from postoperative to preoperative therapy has raised a series of concerns however that have practical clinical implications. These include the method used to predict patients who will show good response, sphincter preservation, the application of conservative management such as local excision or &#x0201c;wait-and-watch&#x0201d; in patients obtaining a good response following preoperative chemoradiotherapy, and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy. This review addresses these current issues in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Down-staging depth score could be a survival predictor for locally advanced gastric cancer patients after preoperative chemoradiotherapy

Objective:The predictive effect of preoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT)is low and difficult in guiding individualized treatment.We examined a surrogate endpoint for long-term outcomes in locally advanced gastric cancer patients after preoperative CRT.Methods:From April 2012 to April 2019,95 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who received preoperative concurrent CRT and who were enrolled in three prospective studies were included.All patients were stage T_(3/4) N_(+).Local control,distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS),disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)were evaluated.Clinicopathological factors related to long-term prognosis were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.The down-staging depth score(DDS),which is a novel method of evaluating CRT response,was used to predict long-term outcomes.Results:The median follow-up period for survivors was 30 months.The area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve predicted by the DDS was 0.728,which was better than the pathological complete response(pCR),histological response and ypN0.Decision curve analysis further affirmed that DDS had the largest net benefit.The DDS cut-off value was 4.pCR and ypN0 were associated with OS(P=0.026 and 0.049).Surgery and DDS are correlated with DMFS,DFS and OS(surgery:P=0.001,<0.001 and<0.001,respectively;and DDS:P=0.009,0.013 and 0.032,respectively).Multivariate analysis showed that DDS was an independent prognostic factor of DFS(P=0.021).Conclusions:DDS is a simple,short-term indicator that was a better surrogate endpoint than pCR,histological response and ypN0 for DFS.