Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Lung Oligometastases: Predictive Parameters of Early Response by (18)FDG-PET/CT

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate fludeoxyglucose F 18 positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 FDG-PET/CT) parameters as predictive of response after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for lung oligometastases. Methods The inclusion criteria of the current retrospective study were as follows: (1) lung oligometastases treated by SABR, (2) presence of 18 FDG-PET/CT before and after SABR for at least two subsequent evaluations, (3) Karnofsky performance status higher than 80, and (4) life expectancy longer than 6 months. All patients were treated with a biologically equivalent dose of at least 100 Gy with an alpha/beta ratio of 10. The foll…

Weekly Cisplatin and Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy With Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Radical Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer in Elderly Patients: Feasibility and Clinical Preliminary Results

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical preliminary results of weekly cisplatin and volumetric-modulated arc therapy to the pelvis with simultaneous integrated boost to macroscopic disease in a cohort of elderly patients. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria of this prospective study were age ≥70 years, Karnofsky performance status 70 to 100, locally advanced histologically proven squamous cervical carcinoma, and patients unable to undergo brachytherapy. Radiation doses prescribed were 66 Gy to the macroscopic disease and 54 Gy to the pelvic nodes in 30 fractions. Weekly cisplatin dose was 40 mg/mq. Results: A total of 30 patients were recruited. Median follow-up was 32 mo…

In Regard to Chung et al

Predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer in patients treated with volumetric modulated radiation treatment: A dose-volume analysis

Background The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer after definitive or adjuvant volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) +/− chemotherapy. Methods Fifty patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed for the following parameters as potential predictors of mucositis ≥ G2: total oral mucosa and oral mucosa minus target high-low radiation dose regions (planning target volumes [PTVs]), mean dose (Dmean), maximum dose (Dmax), chemotherapy, weight loss, and dysphagia. Results Mucositis ≥ G2 was found to be statistically related to chemotherapy, weight loss, dysphagia ≥ G2, total oral mucosa Dmean ≥50 Gy and Dmax ≥65 …

Impact of 18F-Choline PET/CT in the Decision-Making Strategy of Treatment Volumes in Definitive Prostate Cancer Volumetric Modulated Radiation Therapy

INTRODUCTION Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of Cho-PET/CT in decision-making strategy of patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) eligible to definitive radiotherapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty patients Cho-PET/CT before RT were prospectively enrolled. All patients were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy with simultaneous integrated boost in 28 fractions. Androgen deprivation therapy was prescribed according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk classification. Therapeutic strategy based on the Cho-PET/CT evaluation was compared with the strategy that would have been proposed in case of PET not available and/or not strictly indicated, accordin…

Cone-beam computed tomography in lung stereotactic ablative radiation therapy: predictive parameters of early response

To analyze lung lesion volume variations by contouring on cone-beam CT (CBCT) images to evaluate the early predictive parameters of stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) treatment response.The prescribed dose of SABR was varied according to the tumour site (central or peripheral) and maximum diameter of the lesions by using a strategy of risk-adapted dose prescription with a dose range between 48 and 70 Gy in 3-10 consecutive fractions. For the purpose of the analysis, the gross tumour volume (GTV) was recontoured for each patient at first and last CBCT using two lung levels/windows: (a) -600/1000 HU and (b) -1000/250 HU. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate a correlation …