Intracavitary VEGF, bFGF, IL-8, IL-12 levels in primary and recurrent malignant glioma.

Intracavitary levels of VEGF,bFGF,IL-8 and IL-12 were evaluated by ELISA in 45 patients,7 with recurrentanaplastic astrocytoma(rAA),12 with glioblastoma(GBM)and 26 with recurrent glioblastoma(rGBM).In 25patients plasma levels of the molecules were also quantitated.Twenty-three healthy controls were also studied forplasma concentrations of the same molecules.Plasma levels of VEGF(mean 33.89+/-6.71 pg/ml)and bFGF(mean l 1.1+/-3.24 pg/ml)were higher in patients than in controls(mean 16.78+/-3.7 pg/ml forVEGF,mean 0.21+/-0.09 pg/ml for bFGF)(p=0.04 and p=0.001,respectively)while plasma

Organ at Risk Doses during High Dose Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Dosimetric Study

Background: Treatment of Cervical cancer includes a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). ICBT helps to boost radiation dose to primary disease. Organs like rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel lie close to the cervix region and these organs receive dose from EBRT as well as ICBT and we want to know the dose to these organ at risk (OAR). Materials & Methods: Dosimetric details of 174 ICBT applications done in 58 patients were retrospectively analysed. All patients received EBRT dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. All patients had ICBT, three sessions with 7 Gy prescribed to point A. Dosimetric data including dose to right and left point A and dose to OARs were recorded from Oncentra Planning System. Results: Mean dose to point A on right side was 6.89 Gy and left side was 6.91 Gy. Mean D2cc dose to rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 3.5 Gy, 5.25 Gy, 4.75 Gy and 4.2 Gy respectively. Mean EQD2 dose combining EBRT and ICBT in point A was 78.7 Gy on right side and 79 Gy on left side. Mean EQD2 doses to D2cc of rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 62 Gy, 74.4 Gy, 70.5 Gy and 66.5 Gy respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this dosimetric study it is evident that OARs like rectum, sigmoid, bladder & bowel are receiving only acceptable doses of radiation using point A prescribed CT based ICBT planning. Hence with regards to OAR doses, CT based ICBT planning with dose prescribed to point A is a feasible option.

An <i>In-Vivo</i>Study during Combined Intracavitary and Interstitial Brachytherapy of Gynaecological Malignancies Using microMOSFET

Aim: To analyze the inter-fraction, intra-fraction uncertainties and to verify the delivered total dose with planned dose in the combined intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy of gynaecological cancer patients using microMOSFET in-vivo dosimeter. Materials and Methods: Between May 2014 and March 2016, 22 patients who underwent brachytherapy treatments with an applicator combination of CT/MR compatible tandem, ring and Syed-Neblett template-guided rigid needles were included in this study. Specially designed microMOSFET, after calibration, was used to analyze the variations in dosimetry of combined intracavitary-interstitial application. Results: The standard deviation for Inter-fraction variation among 22 combined intracavitary interstitial applications ranged between 0.86% and 10.92%. When compared with the first fraction dose, the minimum and maximum dose variations were &minus;9.5% and 26.36%, respectively. However, the mean doses varied between &minus;5.95% and 14.49%. Intra-fraction variation, which is the difference of TPS calculated dose with first fraction microMOSFET-measured dose ranges from &minus;6.77% to 8.68%. The variations in the delivered total mean dose in 66 sessions with planned doses were &minus;3.09% to 10.83%. Conclusions: It is found that there was a gradual increase in microMOSFET measured doses as compared to the first fraction with that of subsequent fractions in 19 out of 22 applications. Tumor deformation and edema may be the influencing factors, but the applicator movements played a major role for the variations. We find that the microMOSFET is an easy and reliable system for independent verification of uncertainties during ICBT-ISBT treatments.

An Innovative Concept of High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Intracavitary Brachytherapy with an Intrauterine Inflatable Balloon for Endometrial Carcinoma

Purpose: Curative radiation therapy is an established treatment option for non-surgical patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Dosimetric analyses were performed using a single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and an inflatable intrauterine balloon to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality in the definitive treatment of inoperable endometrial cancer. Methods and Materials: Patients’ informed-consent was obtained. Dosimetric analyses were performed using four different after-loading applicators to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality of isodose to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the target volume (uterus) based on CT data in four patients (n = 4). The single tandem and double tandems were standard Fletcher-type (Nucletron Corporation, Columbia, MD). Heyman capsules were the disposable after-loading type (Radiation Products Design, Inc., Albertville, MN). The inflatable balloon with a central bi-lumen catheter was the Mammo Site Radiation Therapy System (Proxima Therapeutics, Alpharetta, GA) that is currently used for local breast brachytherapy. Treatment planning and dosimetric analyses for all four techniques were done with HDR PLATO Brachytherapy (v14.2.3) Software (Nucletron Corporation). Results: The average dose gradient within the target (uterine wall) is highest with the tandem methods, followed by Heyman capsules. The intrauterine balloon method showed the least dose gradient across the uterine wall. The corresponding average homogeneity indices were 3.81, 3.83, 2.97, 2.50 for single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and intrauterine balloon respectively. Conclusions: The intra-uterine inflatable balloon appears to have the best overall dosimetric advantages for the treatment of the uterine wall. Furthermore, the potential ease of use, shorter time of applicator placement, and better patient comfort warrant further investigation and subsequent clinical implementation.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy:Rationale and technique

The combination of complete cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy provides the only chance for long-term survival for selected patients diagnosed with a variety of peritoneal neoplasms,either primary or secondary to digestive or gynecologic malignancy.Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivered in the operating room once the cytoreductive surgical procedure is fi nalized,constitutes the most common form of administration of perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.This may be complemented in some instances with early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC).HIPEC combines the pharmacokinetic advantage inherent to the intracavitary delivery of certain cytotoxic drugs,which results in regional dose intensification,with the direct cytotoxic effect of hyperthermia.Hyperthermia exhibits a selective cell-killing effect in malignant cells by itself,potentiates the cytotoxic effect of certain chemotherapy agents and enhances the tissue penetration of the administered drug.The chemotherapeutic agents employed in HIPEC need to have a cell cycle nonspecific mechanism of action and should ideally show a heat-synergistic cytotoxic effect.Delivery of HIPEC requires an apparatus that heats and circulates the chemotherapeutic solution so that a stable temperature is maintained in the peritoneal cavity during the procedure.An open abdomen (Coliseum) or closed abdomen technique may be used,with no signif icant differences in eff icacy proven to date.Specif ic technical training and a solid knowledge of regional chemotherapy management are required.Concerns about safety of the procedure for operating room personnel are expected but are manageable if universal precautions and standard chemotherapy handling procedures are used.Different HIPEC drug regimens and dosages are currently in use.A tendency for concurrent intravenous chemotherapy administration (bidirectional chemotherapy,so-called "HIPEC plus") has been observed in recent years,with the aim to further enhance the cytotoxic potential of HIPEC.Future trials to ascertain the ideal HIPEC regimen in different diseases and to evaluate the efficacy of new drugs or drug combinations in this context are warranted.

Brachytherapy in cancer cervix: Time to move ahead from point A?

Brachytherapy forms an integral part of the radiation therapy in cancer cervix. The dose prescription for intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) in cancer cervix is based on Tod and Meredith's point A and has been in practice since 1938. This was proposed at a time when accessibility to imaging technology and dose computation facilities was limited. The concept has been in practice worldwide for more than half a century and has been the fulcrum of all ICBT treatments, strategies and outcome measures. The method is simple and can be adapted by all centres practicing ICBT in cancer cervix. However, with the widespread availability of imaging techniques, clinical use of different dose-rates, availability of a host of applicators fabricated with image compatible materials, radiobiological implications of dose equivalence and its impact on tumour and organs at risk; more and more weight is being laid down on individualised image based brachytherapy. Thus, computed tomography, magnetic-resonance imaging and even positron emission computerized tomographyalong with brachytherapy treatment planning system are being increasingly adopted with promising outcomes. The present article reviews the evolution of dose prescription concepts in ICBT in cancer cervix and brings forward the need for image based brachytherapy to evaluate clinical outcomes. As is evident, a gradual transition from "point" based brachytherapy to "profile" based image guided brachytherapy is gaining widespread acceptance for dose prescription, reporting and outcome evaluation in the clinical practice of ICBT in cancer cervix.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation: Past, present, and future

Accelerated partial breast irradiation(APBI) focuses higher doses of radiation during a shorter interval to the lumpectomy cavity, in the setting of breast conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer. The utilization of APBI has increased in the past decade because of the shorter treatment schedule and a growing body of outcome data showing positive cosmetic outcomes and high local control rates in selected patients undergoing breast conserving therapy. Technological advances in various APBI modalities, including intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and external beam radiation therapy, have made APBI more accessible in the community. Results of early APBI trials served as the basis for the current consensus guidelines, and multiple prospective randomized clinical trials are currently ongoing. The pending long term results of these trials will help us identify optimal candidates that can benefit from ABPI. Here we provide an overview of the clinical and cosmetic outcomes of various APBI techniques and review the current guidelines for selecting suitable breast cancer patients. We also discuss the impact of APBI on the economics of cancer care and patient reported quality of life.

Dosimetric Comparison of Fixed and Flexible Geometry ICRT Applicators in Patients Treated for Carcinoma Cervix

In intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) for cancer cervix, applicator geometry has the potential to impact the doses to organs at risk (OARs) and the coverage of the target volume. At our centre two Varian made Fletcher-style applicator sets, namely defined (fixed) geometry and flexible geometry, are used for ICRT. In the present work, the two types of applicators were compared dosimetrically as per the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU-38) while delivering high dose rate brachytherapy. Twenty four patients who underwent ICRT were considered for this study. Radiographic method was used for treatment planning on Abacus planning system. ICRU-38 recommended parameters were estimated and compared. Flexible geometry applicator showed 8.8% and 16% higher bladder and rectum point doses as compared to the fixed geometry one but the difference was statistically not significant. The thickness of the pear-shaped isodose volume was larger for the flexible geometry implant also indicating towards higher doses to OARs. The higher bladder and rectum point doses in the case of flexible applicator will need to be validated by a larger data set.

Intra-atrial course of right coronary artery:A case report

BACKGROUND Intra-atrial right coronary artery(RCA)is a rare and generally asymptomatic anomaly of development of the coronary arteries.This malformation could potentially expose the patient to a catastrophic outcome in the case of injury during interventional or surgical procedures.Currently,only a few case reports and no systematic reviews are available in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 54-year-old man with atypical chest pain who underwent multi-detector computed tomography angiography(MDCTA).The exam revealed no significant coronary artery stenoses;however,an intra-atrial course of mid RCA was evident.Medical therapy was administered,and the patient was discharged to home without undergoing a conventional angiography.Previously reported autoptic and clinical cases were retrieved from the PubMed literature database to compare the clinicopathological features of this case.CONCLUSION MDCTA depicted the abnormal course of the coronary artery in this patient as an intra-atrial course of the mid RCA.Finding this abnormality was crucial to avoid an inadvertent injury during interventional or surgical procedures.