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BACKGROUND: Cancer therapy is associated with severe financial burden. However, the magnitude and longitudinal patient relationship with financial toxicity (FT) in the initial course of therapy is unclear. METHODS: Patients with stage II-IV lung cancer were recruited in a prospective longitudinal study between July 2018 and March 2020. FT was measured via the validated COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) at the time of cancer diagnosis and at 6-month follow-up (6MFU). 6MFU data were compared with corresponding baseline data. A lower COST score indicates increased financial hardship. RESULTS: At the time of analysis, 215 agreed to participate. Subsequently, 112 patients completed 6MFU. On average, slightly more FT was observed at diagnosis compared with 6MFU (median COSTbase 25 v COST6M 27; P < .001); however, individual patients experienced large changes in FT. At 6MFU, 27.7% of patients had made financial sacrifices to pay for treatment but only 4.5% refused medical care based on cost. Median reported out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for the initial 6 months of cancer treatment was $2,496 (range, $0-25,900). Risk factors for FT at diagnosis were unique from risk factors at 6MFU. Actual OOP expenses were not correlated with FT; however, inability to predict upcoming treatment expenses resulted in higher FT at 6MFU. DISCUSSION: FT is a pervasive challenge during the initiation of lung cancer treatment. Few patients are willing to sacrifice medical care regardless of the cost. Risk factors for FT evolve, resulting in unique interventional targets throughout therapy.

BACKGROUND Patients with stage IV oligometastatic (≤ 3 sites) non-small-cell lung cancer have a progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival benefit when all sites of metastatic disease and the primary tumor are treated radically with consolidative radiotherapy (cRT). However, the optimal selection of patients most likely from cRT is yet to be defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy to all metastatic sites and primary tumor (2008-2019) were retrospectively identified. Univariable Cox proportional-hazards model was used to compare outcomes with demographic and clinical characteristics. A predictive nomogram model for selection of patients most likely to benefit from cRT was constructed. RESULTS There were 91 patients identified with a total of 114 metastases treated. Median PFS from the start of cRT was 10.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1-16.6), while the median survival time was 37.0 months (95% CI, 31.3-NR). On univariable modeling, patients with squamous histology (hazard ratio, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.99-8.71; P < .001) and those treated with non-stereotactic body radiotherapy hypofractionated therapy (hazard ratio, 5.43; 95% CI, 2.10-14.01; P < .001) had worse overall survival, while patients with targetable mutations (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.98; P = .04) had a longer survival. Using a predictive nomogram model, patients with a solitary site of metastasis, targetable mutations, intracranial disease, and metachronous timing of oligometastases had a larger PFS benefit from cRT. CONCLUSION cRT is associated with favorable outcomes in PFS and overall survival. These results may aid in patient counseling, selection for aggressive local therapy, and stratification in future prospective clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Progressive, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often requires the initiation of new systemic therapy. However, in patients with NSCLC that is oligoprogressive (≤3 lesions), local radiotherapy (RT) may allow for the eradication of resistant microclones and, therefore, the continuation of otherwise effective systemic therapy. METHODS: Patients treated from 2008 to 2019 with definitive doses of RT to all sites of intracranial or extracranial oligoprogression without a change in systemic therapy were identified. Radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and time to new therapy (TNT) were measured. Associations between baseline clinical and treatment-related variables were correlated with progression-free survival via Cox proportional hazards modeling. RESULTS: Among 198 unique patients, 253 oligoprogressive events were identified. Intracranial progression occurred in 51% of the patients, and extracranial progression occurred in 49%. In the entire cohort, the median rPFS was 7.9 months (95% CI, 6.5-10.0 months), and the median TNT was 8.8 months (95% CI, 7.2-10.9 months). On adjusted modeling, patients with the following disease characteristics were associated with better rPFS: better performance status (P = .003), fewer metastases (P = .03), longer time to oligoprogression (P = .009), and fewer previous systemic therapies (P = .02). Having multiple sites of oligoprogression was associated with worse rPFS (P

PURPOSE: We investigate whether esophageal dose–length parameters (L(dose)) can robustly predict significant weight loss—≥5% weight loss during radiation therapy (RT) compared with the weight before RT—in patients with lung cancer treated with definitive intent. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with lung cancer treated with conventionally fractionated RT between 2010 and 2018 were retro-spectively identified. L(Fdose) and L(Pdose), the length of full- and partial-circumferential esophagus receiving greater than a threshold dose in Gy, respectively, were created. Multivariate logistic regression examined the associations between individual L(dose) and weight loss after adjusting for clinical parameters and correcting for multiple comparisons. Ridge logistic regression examined the relative importance of L(dose) compared with dose–volume (V(dose)), mean dose (D(mean)), and clinical parameters in determining weight loss. Univariate logistic regression examined the unadjusted probability of weight loss for important L(dose) parameters. RESULTS: Among the 214 patients identified, median age was 66.9 years (range, 31.5–88.9 years), 50.5% (n = 108) were male, 68.2% (n = 146) had stage III lung cancer, median RT dose was 63 Gy (range, 60–66 Gy), and 88.3% (n = 189) received concurrent chemotherapy. Esophagus lengths receiving high full-circumferential (L(F50)-L(F60)) and high partial-circumferential doses (L(P60)) were associated with significant weight loss (P ≤.05). L(F65) and L(P65) reached near significance (P = .06 and .053, respectively). L(F65) > L(F60) > L(P65) were the most important dose parameters in determining weight loss compared with other L(dose), V(dose), and D(mean) parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal L(dose) parameters are an efficient way of interpreting complex dose parameters in relation to weight loss toxicity among patients with lung cancer receiving definitive RT.

Purpose: Patients with large, high-grade soft tissue sarcomas are commonly treated with aggressive limb preservation regimens. This study aimed to assess cancer control outcomes of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) compared with radiation therapy (RT) alone. Methods: We reviewed records of patients with high-grade extremity or trunk soft tissue sarcomas ≥5 cm who were treated with neoadjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy. Patient and disease characteristics were compared using t test and χ2 tests. Standardized mortality ratio weighted method was used to compare overall survival (OS), local control, and disease-free (DFS) survival. Acute radiation and surgical toxicity were reported. Results: In the study, 64 patients (34 CRT and 30 RT) treated between 1997 and 2015 were analyzed. In the RT group compared with the CRT group, the patient population was older, with a median age of 65 versus 50 years (P < .001), and more likely to have cardiovascular disease (CVD; 30% vs 0%, P < .001). At a median follow-up of 41 months, after adjusting for propensity score of receiving RT, the 3-year LC was 87.3% versus 86.1%, DFS was 58.5% versus 56.6%, and OS was 75.6% versus 69.0% for the CRT and RT groups, respectively (P > .05). Acute dermatitis occurred in 18% versus 3% and surgical complications occurred in 32% versus 17% of CRT and RT patients, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, patients receiving RT alone were more likely to be older and have comorbid cardiovascular disease. When controlling for baseline differences, neoadjuvant CRT and RT provided similar rates of LC, DFS, and OS.

Advances in lung cancer therapy have resulted in improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, advances can come at a financial cost to patients and their families that poses a significant risk to overall quality of life (QoL). Financial distress has been shown to be associated with increased symptom burden and decreased treatment compliance but the magnitude of financial distress is not well characterized in lung cancer populations.Patients with stage II-IV newly diagnosed lung cancer and starting first-line therapy were recruited at a tertiary academic institution between July 2018 and April 2019. The comprehensive score for financial toxicity (COST) was used to assess financial toxicity and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) was used to assess QoL. Associations between financial toxicity and baseline variables were assessed using multivariable linear regression and correlations were assessed using the Pearson correlation.In this study, 143 consecutive patients were approached and 91.6% agreed to participate (N = 131). The median age was 65 years (35-90); 52.7% were male (n = 69), and 75.6% were white (n = 99). The inability to afford basic necessities and having1 month of savings was associated with increased financial toxicity (P0.001) after adjusting for other factors such as age, race, insurance, and income. There was also a trend toward increased financial toxicity among those who were employed but on sick leave (P = 0.06). Increased financial toxicity was correlated with a decrease in QoL (correlation coefficient 0.41, P0.001). Patients' anticipated out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses for the upcoming 6 months ranged from $0 to $50 000 (median $2150). However, there was no correlation between anticipated OOP expenses and either financial toxicity or QoL.These data identify key factors for identifying at-risk patients and builds a framework for exploring the benefit of financial counseling interventions, which may improve QoL and oncologic outcomes.

The incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging in brachytherapy has resulted in an increased use of interstitial catheters in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan that covers the visualized tumor. However, the insertion with passive, image-guidance requires estimating the location of the tumor during the insertion process, rather than visualizing and inserting the catheters directly to the desired location under active tracking. In order to treat residual disease, multiparametric MR sequences can enhance the information available to the clinician. The precision availed by MR-guided brachytherapy results in substantial improvements in needle positioning, and resulting treatment plans.

Nonhomogeneous dose optimization (NHDO) is exploited in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to increase dose delivery to the tumor and allow rapid dose falloff to surrounding normal tissues. We investigate changes in plan quality when NHDO is applied to inverse-planned conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CF-RT) plans in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Patients with near-central non-small cell lung cancer treated with CF-RT in 2018 at a single institution were identified. CF-RT plans were replanned using NHDO techniques, including normalizing to a lower isodose line, while maintaining clinically acceptable normal tissue constraints and target coverage. Tumor control probabilities were calculated. We compared delivered CF-RT plans using homogenous dose optimization (HDO) versus NHDO using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Median values are reported.Thirteen patients were replanned with NHDO techniques. Planning target volume coverage by the prescription dose was similar (NHDO = 96% vs HDO = 97%, P = .3). All normal-tissue dose constraints were met. NHDO plans were prescribed to a lower-prescription isodose line compared with HDO plans (85% vs 97%, P = .001). NHDO increased mean dose to the planning target volume (73 Gy vs 67 Gy), dose heterogeneity, and dose falloff gradient (P .03). NHDO decreased mean dose to surrounding lungs, esophagus, and heart (relative reduction of 6%, 14%, and 15%, respectively; P .05). Other normal tissue objectives improved with NHDO, including total lung V40 and V60, heart V30, and maximum esophageal dose (P .05). Tumor control probabilities doubled from 31.6% to 65.4% with NHDO (P = .001).In select patients, NHDO principles used in SBRT optimization can be applied to CF-RT. NHDO results in increased tumor dose, reduction in select organ-at-risk dose objectives, and better maintenance of target coverage and normal-tissue constraints compared with HDO. Our data demonstrate that principles of NHDO used in SBRT can also improve plan quality in CF-RT.

In patients with non–small-cell lung cancer treated with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 agents, no specific radiation parameter was significantly associated with immune-related (IR) pneumonitis. We identify on subset analysis of patients who developed IR pneumonitis and received chest radiation, patients were numerically more likely to have received chest radiation with curative intent than with palliative intent (89% vs. 11 that approached statistical significance. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between radiotherapy (RT), in particular chest RT, and development of immune-related (IR) pneumonitis in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with anti–programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-LI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2011 and July 2017, NSCLC patients treated with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 at a tertiary-care academic cancer center were identified. Patient, treatment, prior RT (intent, technique, timing, courses), and IR pneumonitis details were collected. Treating investigators diagnosed IR pneumonitis clinically. Diagnostic IR pneumonitis scans were overlaid with available chest RT plans to describe IR pneumonitis in relation to prior chest RT. We evaluated associations between patient, treatment, RT details, and development of IR pneumonitis by Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Of the 188 NSCLC patients we identified, median follow-up was 6.78 (range, 0.30–79.3) months and median age 66 (range, 39–91) years; 54% (n = 102) were male; and 42% (n = 79) had stage I-III NSCLC at initial diagnosis. Patients received anti–PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy (n = 127, 68%) or PD-I/PD-LI -based combinations (n = 61, 32%). In the entire cohort, 70% (132/188) received any RT, 53% (100/188) chest RT, and 37% (70/188) curative-intent chest RT. Any grade IR pneumonitis occurred in 19% (36/188; 95% confidence interval, 13.8–25.6). Of those who developed IR pneumonitis and received chest RT (n = 19), patients were more likely to have received curative-intent versus palliative-intent chest RT (17/19, 89%, vs. 2/19, 11%; P = .051). Predominant IR pneumonitis appearances were ground-glass opacities outside high-dose chest RT regions. CONCLUSION: No RT parameter was significantly associated with IR pneumonitis. On subset analysis of patients who developed IR pneumonitis and who had received prior chest RT, IR pneumonitis was more common in patients who received curative-intent chest RT. Attention should be paid to NSCLC patients receiving curative-intent RT followed by anti –PD-I/PD-LI agents.

Background Unplanned hospitalization during cancer treatment is costly, can disrupt treatment, and affect patient quality of life. However, incidence and risks factors for hospitalization during lung cancer radiotherapy are not well characterized. Methods Patients treated with definitive intent radiation (≥45 Gy) for lung cancer between 2008 and 2018 at a tertiary academic institution were identified. In addition to patient, tumor, and treatment related characteristics, specific baseline frailty markers (Charlson comorbidity index, ECOG, patient reported weight loss, BMI, hemoglobin, creatinine, albumin) were recorded. All cancer-related hospitalizations during or within 30 days of completing radiation were identified. Associations between baseline variables and any hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and overall survival were identified using multivariable linear regression and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models, respectively. Results Of 270 patients included: median age was 66.6 years (31–88), 50.4% of patients were male (n = 136), 62% were Caucasian (n = 168). Cancer-related hospitalization incidence was 17% (n = 47), of which 21% of patients hospitalized (n = 10/47) had > 1 hospitalization. On multivariable analysis, each 1 g/dL baseline drop in albumin was associated with a 2.4 times higher risk of any hospitalization (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–5.0, P = 0.01), and baseline hemoglobin ≤10 was associated with, on average, 2.7 more hospitalizations than having pre-treatment hemoglobin > 10 (95% CI 1.3–5.4, P = 0.01). After controlling for baseline variables, cancer-related hospitalization was associated with 1.8 times increased risk of all-cause death (95% CI: 1.02–3.1, P = 0.04). Conclusions Our data show baseline factors can predict those who may be at increased risk for hospitalization, which was independently associated with increased mortality. Taken together, these data support the need for developing further studies aimed at early and aggressive interventions to decrease hospitalizations during treatment.

Highlights • Radical trachelectomy is a fertility sparing option for select stage I cervical patients. • Indications for adjuvant treatment following trachelectomy are based on standard recommendations following hysterectomy. • Case report outlining specifics of imaged-guided brachytherapy as part of the adjuvant treatment after trachelectomy.

Radiation is a component of treatment for many pelvic malignancies, most often originating in the gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. Therefore, the management of acute and long-term side effects is an important part of practice as a radiation oncologist, and limiting morbidity is a primary goal. Toxicities vary and are dependent on treatment techniques. Advances in radiation delivery, imaging, and knowledge of underlying biologic determinants of radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity can guide treatment of acute and long-term side effects from pelvic radiation.

Background: Improvements in systemic therapy continue to increase survival for patients with brain metastases. Updated dosimetric models are required to optimize long-term safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for this indication. Methods: Patients at a single institution receiving SRS from December 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with radiographic progression of at least one lesion, and with at least 6 months of follow-up from the start of SRS were included. Grade 3 necrosis was defined as requiring surgical intervention. This data were combined with two additional published datasets to construct logistic models describing necrosis risk as a function of dose and volume. Results: From our institution, 294 brain metastases across 57 patients in 139 treatment plans met inclusion criteria. Primary histologies included non-small cell lung cancer (n = 19), melanoma (n = 13), breast carcinoma (n = 9), renal cell carcinoma (n = 7), and other (n = 9). Median follow-up from SRS of first cranial metastasis was 21.7 months (range: 6.3–56.6) and median overall survival was 25.6 months (range: 6.5–56.6). There were eight cases of Grade 1–2 and two cases of Grade 3 necrosis. As a useful clinical reference point, 20 cc of total brain receiving a single-fraction equivalent dose ≥14 Gy corresponded to 12.1% risk for Grade 1–3 (P < 0.003) and 3.4% risk for Grade 3 necrosis (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These results compare favorably with the QUANTEC brain tolerance estimates for radiosurgery, providing optimism for lower toxicity in the modern era. Additional studies are needed to determine dose tolerance parameters across a broad spectrum of patients.