Aims: The efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for Stage II and T3N0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), particularly during the shift from two-dimensional conventional radiotherapy (2DCRT) to intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is debated.Therefore this study aims to systematically evaluate and meta-analyze survival benefits of CCRT versus radiotherapy alone for Stage II and T3N0 NPC, stratified by radiotherapy techniques.
Materials and methods: As of April 1, 2024, we conducted an exhaustive literature search across databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with the aim of identifying and screening studies that compare the efficacy of CCRT versus radiotherapy alone in the treatment of Stage II and T3N0 NPC.
Results: A total of 10 studies encompassing 5015 patients were included in this comprehensive analysis. The findings indicate that, apart from progression-free survival (PFS), CCRT did not improve survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), and failure-free survival (FFS), with all P values exceeding 0.05. Concurrently, the incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events associated with CCRT was significantly elevated (odds ratio [OR] = 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.75-5.15, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with RT, the combination of 2DCRT with concurrent chemotherapy significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.46-0.71, P < 0.00001), PFS (HR = 0.65, 95% CI=0.53-0.78, P < 0.00001), DMFS (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.37-0.79, P = 0.002), and LRRFS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.49-0.82, P = 0.0005). In contrast, the combination of IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy failed to demonstrate improvements in OS, PFS, DMFS, or LRRFS, with all P values exceeding 0.05.
Conclusion: In contrast with RT, CCRT did not enhance survival in stage II and T3N0 NPC patients, yet caused more adverse reactions. 2DCRT combined with concurrent chemotherapy significantly improved OS, PFS, DMFS, and LRRFS, while IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy showed no clinical benefits.
Aims: This study evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment trends, and overall survival (OS) in male breast cancer (BC) in Sao Paulo State of Brazil.
Materials and methods: Men diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 2000 and June 2020 were identified from Fundação Oncocentro de Sao Paulo database encompasses data pertinent to 46 million residents of the Sao Paulo State of Brazil. Patients were described according to age, education level, clinical stage, treatment modalities, and medical practice. Categorical variables were described as percentages and frequencies. Demographic, treatment factors, and OS were associated using a Cox proportional hazard regression model while accounting for different lengths of participant follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier curves were used to display survival curves.
Results: A total of 907 male BC patients were included. The age distribution at diagnosis was <51 years, 51-70 years, and >70 years in 21.5%, 51.5% and 27.0% of patients, respectively. The proportions of stages I, II, III, and IV were 19.5%, 36.6%, 31.5%, and 12.3%. For each stage I, II, III, and IV, 5- and 10-years OS were 87.9% and 77.8%, 79.9% and 58.9%, 51.6% and 24.5%, 20.0% and 5.6%, respectively. Patients who received postoperative radiotherapy experienced a significant improvement in OS (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53-0.84; p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis adjusted for practice (public or private), education (low or medium/high), age, stage at diagnosis, and treatment modalities, the significant independent predictor for OS was stage at diagnosis.
Conclusion: Male BC tends to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage and older age at the time of diagnosis. Age and educational level did not influence survival outcomes. Stage at diagnosis and the use of postoperative radiotherapy were factors associated with improved OS.