Acta Oncologica最新文献

Background: This study assessed the biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), overall survival (OS), and side effects in patients aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years following definitive radiotherapy (RT). It also analysed the correlation between age at diagnosis and clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods: The prognostic factors for bDFS, PCSS, and OS were determined through univariable and multivariable analyses. Two age groups were also compared in terms of acute and late grade ≥ 2 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities, the predictors of which were determined through logistic regression analysis.

Results: Of the 1,328 patients, 715 (53.8%) and 613 (46.2%) were aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years, respectively. Median follow-up time was 84.5 months. No significant differences in the 7-year bDFS (86.3% vs. 86.8%) and PCSS rates (92.9% vs. 93.3%) were found between the ≥ 70 and < 70 age groups. The multivariable analysis showed that advanced clinical T stage, high International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade, and high-risk disease independently predicted poor bDFS and PCSS. Metastatic lymph nodes were another bDFS prognostic factor. The multivariable analysis identified age ≥ 70 years, cardiac events at diagnosis, advanced stage, higher ISUP grade, and non-use of simultaneous integrated boost technique as negative factors for OS. Additionally, diabetes and transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) independently predict late-grade ≥ 2 GU toxicity.

Interpretation: Definitive RT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with localised PCa no matter their age. Although patients over 70 years have higher risk factors and comorbidities, their bDFS, PCSS, and toxicities were comparable to those of patients aged < 70 years.

Background and purpose: Many non-neoplastic diseases have been established to be tumorigenic, and cancers are sometimes misdiagnosed as non-neoplastic diseases. We conducted a comprehensive registry-based study of site-specific cancer diagnosis risk following the diagnosis of any preceding medical condition (PMC) encoded by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 classification.

Material and methods: We analyzed healthcare data and cancer data for a random population-based sample of 2.5 million individuals living in Finland on January 1, 2000. Hazard ratios for each PMC and cancer pair were estimated using piecewise constant hazard regression models. P-values were corrected for multiple testing with the Bonferroni method.

Results: Several lifestyle-related PMCs were associated with the risk of cancer diagnosis, exemplified by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and subsequent lung cancer diagnosis risk (female hazard ratio [HR] = 9.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.18-19.7, p-adj. < 0.0001; male HR = 5.69, 95% CI: 5.43-5.96, p-adj. < 0.0001). Diagnosis risk of ill-defined cancers appeared to increase following diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We identified rare PMCs of potential interest.

Interpretation: A considerable proportion of the statistically significant associations were explainable by tobacco smoking and alcohol use. The enrichment of ill-defined cancer diagnoses in persons with AD, together with the overall inverse association between AD and cancer, may reflect underdiagnosis of cancer in this patient population. Our results provide a useful resource for research on the prevention and early detection of cancer.

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare disease and most studies have therefore been conducted in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to describe epidemiology and treatment outcomes of NPC in a population-based, non-endemic setting.

Material and methods: Patients with NPC diagnosed in Denmark from 2000 to 2018 were identified in the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Study Group (DAHANCA) database. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain missing data and confirm outcome, histological subtypes, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-status, prognostic factors, and treatment.

Results: NPC was identified in 394 patients corresponding to age-standardized incidence rates of 0.5 and 0.2 per 100,000 in men and women, respectively. The 5-year overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 56 and 66%. In multivariate analysis, stage, smoking, and histology affected both OS and DSS, as patients with undifferentiated carcinomas had superior outcomes. Tumor EBV-status was determined in 221 patients, of whom 160 (72%) tested positive. EBV-positivity was associated with an improved OS in univariate analysis, but not after adjustment for relevant clinical factors.

Interpretation: NPC is a rare malignancy in Denmark, and three in four patients have EBV-associated tumors. Tumor histology, smoking status, and stage, but not EBV-status, had independent prognostic impact on survival.

Introduction: In recent decades, attendance to organized breast cancer screening has been decreasing in European countries. This could be partly due to an increase in the use of opportunistic screening. The aim of this study was to assess the coverage of imaging in and outside the screening program in Finland during the period of 1999-2018. We also compared the usage of imaging services across sociodemographic groups in the more recent years (2017-2018).

Methods: Our initial data consisted of 1,159,000 screening-target-aged women (50-69 years) in 1999-2018 and 1,849,000 women aged 30-89 years in 2017-2018. Data on organized breast cancer screening program was drawn from the Finnish Cancer Registry and supplemented with comprehensive individual data on mammograms and ultrasounds performed outside the program.

Results: Among the screening-aged women (50-69), a clear decline in the overall imaging coverage was observed during the study period (from 89 to 85%). The use of outside imaging increased slightly but not enough to compensate for the overall decrease. There were large differences in coverages between sociodemographic groups. Compared to manual workers and the unemployed, upper-level employees were around two times more active in using outside imaging (8.2% vs. 3.6% and 4.3%, respectively).

Interpretation: Overall breast imaging coverage has slowly decreased during the 2000s, while outside imaging has increased slightly. The coverage of imaging in and outside the program largely followed the same trends, with the highest usage concentrating on higher socioeconomical groups, native speakers and highly educated women.

Background and purpose: Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) faces challenges in lung cancer treatment, like maintaining plan robustness for moving tumors against setup, range errors, and interplay effects. Proton Arc Therapy (PAT) is an alternative to maintain target coverage, potentially improving organ at risk (OAR) sparing, reducing beam delivery time (BDT), and enhancing patient experience. We aim to perform a systematic plan comparison study between IMPT and energy layer (EL) and spot assignment algorithm - Proton Arc Therapy (ELSA-PAT) to assess its potential for lung cancer treatment.

Material and methods: A total of 14 Lung ELSA-PAT plans were compared retrospectively with IMPT plans. 4D worst-case minimax robust optimization was performed, including 84 scenarios (3%, 3 mm). Dosimetry assessment included target (clinical tumor volume [CTV]) and important OARs, on nominal and worst-case scenarios. Most relevant normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP), target coverage robustness against interplay effect, and BDT were evaluated.

Results: CTV D95% and D98% showed no significant difference in comparison. PAT demonstrated better conformality by 66% (p = 0.00012) but delivered a higher heart mean dose (HMD, 23%). There was a 2% increase in NTCP 2-year mortality risk with PAT. Total BDT was comparable among techniques. IMPT was more robust than PAT against interplay effect, considering both D1% (1.0 ± 0.8 Gy vs 1.1 ± 1.4 Gy) and D98% bandwidths (0.9 ± 0.9 Gy vs 1.1 ± 1.3 Gy).

Interpretation: Both techniques provide a similar level of dose coverage to the target volume. Although PAT improved dose conformality, higher HMD translated into increased heart toxicity, presumably due to chosen planning methodology and OAR proximity to target. Increased ELs and spots raised PAT BDT, although it could improve daily treatment workflow.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of AI-assisted reading of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Organized Prostate cancer Testing (OPT).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 57 men with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ≥3 µg/L that performed bi-parametric MRI in OPT. The results of a CE-marked deep learning (DL) algorithm for prostate MRI lesion detection were compared with assessments performed by on-site radiologists and reference radiologists. Per patient PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System)/Likert scores were cross-tabulated and compared with biopsy outcomes, if performed. Positive MRI was defined as PI-RADS/Likert ≥4. Reader variability was assessed with weighted kappa scores.

Results: The number of positive MRIs was 13 (23%), 8 (14%), and 29 (51%) for the local radiologists, expert consensus, and DL, respectively. Kappa scores were moderate for local radiologists versus expert consensus 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.74), slight for local radiologists versus DL 0.12 (95% CI: -0.07 to 0.32), and slight for expert consensus versus DL 0.17 (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.35). Out of 10 cases with biopsy proven prostate cancer with Gleason ≥3+4 the DL scored 7 as Likert ≥4.

Interpretation: The Dl-algorithm showed low agreement with both local and expert radiologists. Training and validation of DL-algorithms in specific screening cohorts is essential before introduction in organized testing.

Background and purpose: To review available data on toxicity during and/or after treatment of abdominal-pelvic lymph node oligometastases (A-P LN) with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to provide an overview of adverse events and its relation to dose or fractionation.

Material and methods: For this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and CINAH for studies published between the database inception and October 3rd, 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients with 1-5 A-P LN oligometastases, (2) treatment with SBRT to a median prescribed dose of ≥55 Gy BED10, and (3) description of acute and/or late toxicity. There were no language or date restrictions.

Results: A total of 35 studies, including 1,512 patients, were selected. Late grade 3 and 4 adverse events occurred in 0.6% and 0.1% of the patients treated for A-P LN oligometastases. All late adverse events grade ≥ 3 occurred after treatment of the tumor with a minimum BED10 of 72 Gy. Of the 11 patients with severe late toxicity, five patients were re-irradiated. Late grade 2 and 1 toxicity was reported in 3.4% and 8.3% of the patients. Acute toxicity grades 4, 3, 2, and 1 occurred in 0.1%, 0.2%, 4.4%, and 19.8% of the patients, respectively.

Interpretation: SBRT for A-P LN oligometastases show low toxicity rates. Nearly 50% of late adverse events ≥ grade 3 were associated with re-irradiation.

Background and purpose: Progression-free survival (PFS) remains to be validated as an outcome measure for diffuse WHO grade 2 gliomas, and knowledge about the relationships between PFS, post-progression survival (PPS), and overall survival (OS) in this subset of tumors is limited. We sought to assess correlations between PFS and OS, and identify factors associated with PFS, PPS, and OS in patients treated for diffuse supratentorial WHO grade 2 gliomas.

Material and methods: We included 319 patients from three independent observational cohorts. The correlation between PFS and OS was analyzed using independent exponential distributions for PFS and time from progression to death. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the effects of covariates on PFS, PPS, and OS.

Results: The overall correlation between PFS and OS was rs0.31. The correlation was rs 0.37 for astrocytomas and rs 0.19 for oligodendrogliomas. Longer PFS did not predict longer PPS. Patients with astrocytomas had shorter PFS, PPS, and OS. Larger preoperative tumor volume was a risk factor for shorter PFS, while older age was a risk factor for shorter PPS and OS. Patients who received early radio- and chemotherapy had longer PFS, but shorter PPS and OS.

Interpretation: We found a weak correlation between PFS and OS in WHO grade 2 gliomas, with the weakest correlation observed in oligodendrogliomas. Our analyses did not demonstrate any association between PFS and PPS. Critically, predictors of PFS are not necessarily predictors of OS. There is a need for validation of PFS as an endpoint in diffuse WHO grade 2 gliomas.

Purpose: Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a dose-limiting toxicity associated with increased mortality for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study aims to assess the incidence of symptomatic RP (grade 2-5), rate of recovery and associated predictive factors.

Material and methods: We performed a retrospective population-based study including 602 patients with NSCLC who were treated with CRT between 2002 and 2016. RP and rate of recovery were analysed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to analyse potential predictive factors for the two endpoints RP grade ≥ 2 and RP grade ≥ 3.

Results: A total of 136 (23%) patients developed symptomatic RP and 37 (6%) developed RP grade ≥ 3. A total of 67 (71%) recovered, whereas the remaining 27 (29%), with the major proportion of patients belonging to the RP grade ≥ 3 group, suffered from prevailing sequelae. On multivariable analysis, the selected model for predicting RP grade ≥ 2 included the factors V20, smoking status, average fractions per week and chemotherapy agent. V20 and age were selected factors for RP grade ≥ 3.

Interpretation: The results suggest that regardless of all proposed factors predictive for RP, the most important influenceable significant factor still is dose to the lung. The main aim should be to avoid RP grade ≥ 3, where a substantial proportion of patients suffer from prevailing sequalae. Consequently, the technical improvement and precision of radiotherapy delivery should continue to focus on lung sparing techniques also in the ongoing immunotherapy-containing schedules where the risk of pneumonitis may be increased. e factor still is dose to the lung. Consequently, the technical improvement and precision of radiotherapy delivery should continue to focus on lung sparing techniques also in the ongoing immunotherapy-containing schedules where the risk of pneumonitis may be increased.

Background and purpose: Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) is a rare vascular disease mainly found in populations of Mediterranean origin. The pathogenesis involves Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8) and genetic mutations such as SNP309 in the MDM2 gene. The recently discovered BPTF mutation in cells of CKS patients demonstrated higher latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) staining and altered vital transcriptomics, implicating a potential role in tumorigenesis. This review explores the genetic underpinnings and treatments for CKS.

Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from 2004 to 2024, yielding 70 relevant papers. Ongoing clinical trials investigating novel treatments such as talimogene and abemaciclib were included in the search and presented in the results.

Results: Clinical diagnosis and treatment can be challenging as the number of studies on CKS and treatment modalities is limited. Treatment strategies vary by disease stage, with local therapies like surgical intervention and radiation therapy recommended for early stages, while systemic therapies are considered in cases of systemic disease.

Interpretation: While advancements in CKS treatment offer hope, further studies on immunotherapy are warranted to broaden the therapeutic options, such as anti-bromodomain or BPTF-targeted therapy.