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Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are non-endemic in most parts of India except in the northeastern region. We aimed to evaluate the use of estimation of plasma EBV (Epstein Bar Virus) DNA copy numbers on epidemiology and its impact on survival in NPC at a tertiary cancer center in India. In this ambispective study, we included treatment naïve biopsy-proven NPC treated at our institute between December 2013 and March 2023. Estimation of plasma EBV DNA was done at baseline, and at first follow-up, 3 months post-treatment completion. Plasma EBV analysis was done using the EBNA probe (n= 240) till September 2019 and the BAMH1 (n= 76) probe thereafter. The endpoints estimated were baseline EBV positivity rates, response rates based on EBV positivity/EBV copy numbers, and correlation of EBV positivity/EBV copy numbers with clinicoradiologic stage, FDG-PETCT parameters, and survival endpoints: Loco-regional Control (LRC), Distant Control (DC), Event Free Survival (EFS) and Overall Survival (OS). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Three hundred and sixteen patients were accrued in the study. The median age of patients was 43 (IQR: 28-54) years, and the majority were males (n=222, 70.3%). Sixty-two (19.6%) patients were from Endemic (Northeast India) regions out of which only 24 (36.1%) were plasma EBV positive. The most common histology was non-keratinizing or undifferentiated (WHO Types IIA & B) {n=248, (78.5%)}. T1/T2 and T3/T4 were equally distributed among the entire cohort (n=158, 50%) and N2/N3 (n=234, 74.1%) was the most common nodal classification. Metastatic disease (M1) was present in 25 (7.9%) patients. Most of the patients had stage III (n=105, 33.2%) or stage IV (n=169, 53.5%) disease. One hundred and seventeen (37%) patients were EBV-positive at baseline {n=82, (34.1%) with EBNA and n=35, (46.1%) with BAM H1}. Tissue diagnosis by IHC was available for 91 out of these patients. Out of these, there was a discordance in EBV status between EBV status by DNA copy number and tissue diagnosis in 36 (39.6%). The median copy numbers in those with detectable EBV (EBV positive) with EBNA was 712 copies/ml (IQR:332-1989), and BAM H1 was 425 copies/ml (IQR:162-1210). A high baseline EBV DNA copy number with BAMH1 (but not EBNA) was associated with a higher T stage (p=0.02). At the first follow-up, 283 (89.5%) patients had a complete response, and 33 (10.5%) patients had residual disease. Higher baseline EBV DNA copy numbers with BAMH1 (but not EBNA) correlated with an inferior complete response rate at the first follow-up (p=0.05). The median follow-up was 63.2 (IQR:33.5–87.4) months. At the last follow-up, 90 patients had failed, 27 (30%) locoregional (LR), 45 (50%) distant, and 18 (20%) combined locoregional and distant relapses. The 5-year LRC, DC, EFS, and OS for the entire cohort were 83.2% (95%CI:78.4-88), 77.5% (95% CI:72.3-82.7), 68.2% (95%CI: 62.6-73.8), 74.5 (95% CI:68.9-80.1). There was no significant difference in LRC, DC, EFS, and OS rates based on the overall EBV positivity vs negativity at baseline. None of the survival outcomes correlated with EBV positivity or EBV DNA copy number using the EBNA probe. The median follow-up of patients with BAMH1 probe analysis was 21 (IQR:13.1-33.5) months. There was no difference in survival outcomes based on EBV positivity vs negativity with the BAMH1 probe. However, in the patients with detectable EBV DNA with BAMH1, a higher DNA copy number/ml was associated with an inferior EFS (p=0.05). A cut-off value of 335 copies/ml (BAMH1) was most sensitive for predicting an inferior EFS. EBV positivity remained low in this nonendemic NPC population with both EBNA and BAMH1 probes, even amongst patients from the northeast. Hence, EBV DNA estimation cannot be routinely used as a screening, predictive, or prognostic marker uniformly for NPC patients in India. However, in those patients who have measurable EBV DNA copies, we found that the BAMH1 probe assay at baseline has a better predictive and prognostic value than the EBNA probe. The BAM H1 DNA copy number values may be incorporated as a baseline evaluation tool into routine clinical practice for further validation as a treatment decision aid in NPC in nonendemic regions. However, we would also like to further strengthen this estimation in a larger number of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Institutional audit of 89 EAC Squamous Cell Carcinomas treated with RT. • Improved late toxicity with IMRT as compared to conventional /3D-CRT technique. • No nodal relapse in tumors where elective nodal RT was omitted post operatively. • Out of 12 patients who received NACT, 8 could undergo surgery. Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) and Temporal Bone (TB) are rare entities with very few large reports on outcomes and toxicities. A retrospective audit of all SCC of EAC/TB tumors treated with curative intent RT at our Institute between January 2007 and December 2019 was undertaken. The primary endpoint of the study was event-free survival (EFS). Eighty-nine patients were eligible for analysis. The median age was 54 years. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 61 months. Sixty-five patients received adjuvant RT, and 24 received definitive RT. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for aiding resectability was used in 12 patients, out of which 8 underwent surgery. The 5-year LRC, EFS, and OS were 66.2%, 57.8%, and 63.5%. The predominant pattern of failure was local (n = 36, 40.4%). Regional failure was seen in only five patients, none of which were in patients in whom elective nodal irradiation had been omitted post-operatively. On multivariable analysis adjuvant RT was associated with superior outcomes than definitive RT. Treatment with IMRT resulted in lower ≥ grade 2 late subcutaneous fibrosis (8.7% vs. 38.1%) compared to conventional/3D-CRT technique. Surgery followed by adjuvant therapy should remain the mainstay of treatment for EAC and TB SCC. IMRT should be the preferred modality for RT due to lower late morbidity. Elective nodal irradiation is routinely not warranted in the adjuvant setting for EAC and TB squamous cell carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been tremendous technological development in the field of radiation oncology, mainly during the last few decades. Parallel advancements in imaging and accelerator technologies have contributed significantly to the same. Present-day radiation therapy is aimed at precision, in terms of physical accuracy of both its planning and delivery. This has been made possible by improvements in defining the target (use of various radiological and functional imaging modalities), advanced radiotherapy planning methods (intensity-modulated radiation therapy and recent emergence of particle therapy), and robust verification techniques (image-guided radiation therapy). These developments have enabled delivery of adequate tumoricidal doses conforming to the target, thereby improving disease control with reduced normal tissue toxicity in a wide range of malignancies. Elucidation of molecular pathways determining radioresistance or systemic effects of radiotherapy and strategies for therapeutic manipulation of the same are also being explored. Overall, we look forward to ensuring basic radiotherapy access to all patients, and precision radiation therapy to appropriate candidates (triaged by disease anatomy or biology and associated cost-effectiveness). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is an emerging modality for staging and response evaluation in carcinoma nasopharynx. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of PET-CT in assessing response and outcomes in carcinoma nasopharynx. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients of nonmetastatic carcinoma nasopharynx who underwent PET-CT for response evaluation at 10-12 weeks posttherapy between 2004 and 2009 were evaluated. Patients were classified as responders (Group A) if there was a complete response on PET-CT or as nonresponders (Group B) if there was any uptake above the background activity. Data regarding demographics, treatment, and outcomes were collected from their records and compared across the Groups A and B. Results: The median age was 41 years. 42 out of 45 (93.3%) patients had WHO Grade 2B disease (undifferentiated squamous carcinoma). 24.4%, 31.1%, 15.6, and 28.8% patients were in American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage IIb, III, Iva, and IVb. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Forty-five patients, 28 (62.2%) were classified as responders, whereas 17 (37.8%) were classified as nonresponders. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, WHO grade, and stage distribution between the groups. Compliance to treatment was comparable across both groups. The median follow-up was 25.3 months (759 days). The diseasefree survival (DFS) of the group was 57.3% at 3 years. The DFS at 3 years was 87.3% and 19.7% for Group A and B, respectively (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed Groups to be the only significant factor predicting DFS (P value 0.002 and < 0.001, respectively). In Group B, the most common site of disease failure was distant (9, 53%). Conclusion: PET-CT can be used to evaluate response and as a tool to identify patients at higher risk of distant failure. Further, this could be exploited to identify patients who may need treatment intensification. This needs to be validated prospectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Palliation of dysphagia is a challenge in advanced esophageal cancer. The addition of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) has shown significant improvement in dysphagia relief and symptom scores. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined use of ILBT and EBRT. Material and methods: The medical records of 148 patients with advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer were screened from January 2008 to April 2014, and 74 patients were found eligible for the analysis. All patients received two fractions of 8 Gy each of ILBT, followed by EBRT. Patients were assessed for the symptom scores of dysphagia, odynophagia, regurgitation, and chest pain and weight was recorded periodically. Results: For a median follow-up of 6 months, the median OS was 9.5 months (95% CI: 7.5-10.5). The median dysphagia free survival was 6 months (95% CI: 4.8-7.1). The scores for dysphagia significantly improved after completion of 1st ILBT (p = 0.000), 2nd ILBT (p = 0.000), and at 3 months after EBRT compared to ILBT (p = 0.02). Overall 47% had improvement in dysphagia scores and 35% maintained the improvement of scores till last follow up. There was significant improvement in weight after completion of ILBT (p = 0.001) and at 3 months after completion of EBRT (p = 0.00). Twenty nine (39%) patients required nasogastric (NGT) insertions and 12 (16%) needed hospitalization for supportive care. 36.4% had complications in the form of stricture (27%), fistula (5.4%), and bleeding (4%). Conclusions: Palliative radiotherapy is an effective alternative for palliation of dysphagia with improvement in symptom scores being evident and sustained. The results of this clinical audit were comparable with those from the trial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been change in trends in the incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) showing an increased incidence, attributable specifically to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV). At the same time there is change in demographic characteristics and prognosis of this subset of HNSCC. Considering the better prognosis, researchers are trying to reduce the acute and long-term toxicities by alteration of various components of treatment protocols. Although treatment deintensification is an option for this group of patients, there is no standard protocol available and should be tried only in the protocol setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyse feasibility and safety of postoperative interstitial brachytherapy (IBRT) in patients of eyelid cancer treated primarily by surgical excision. Material and methods: In this series, 8 patients with eyelid cancer were treated using postoperative interstitial brachytherapy. Patients were followed up for local control, cosmetic outcome, and acute and late toxicities. Cosmetic outcome was measured using a 6 point indigenous Cosmesis After Interstitial Brachytherapy (CAIB) scale. Results: The patients were between 23-82 years (median: 71 years). There were 3 females and 5 males, and 3 patients had lesions in upper eyelid. Postoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy was used in all with 2 catheters implanted in most of them (6 out of 8). Local control was calculated from end of treatment to last follow-up. At last follow-up, all patients remained locally controlled. Two patients had nodal recurrence 6 months after interstitial brachytherapy and were salvaged effectively by external beam radiotherapy. At last follow-up, 7 patients were loco-regionally controlled and one was lost to follow up. All patients had Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 1 acute toxicity and 2 had grade 1 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version.3 late toxicities. The cosmesis score for the whole group ranged between 0-1 indicating excellent to very good cosmesis. Conclusions: Postoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy resulted in excellent disease control and cosmesis without significant acute or late toxicities. It is an effective modality for treatment of eyelid cancers in selected patients. Future prospective studies with the validation of CAIB scale would give us more insight to this effective yet often ignored modality of IBRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early oral cavity cancers comprise a favorable entity, amenable to clinical staging and single modality treatment. Surgery typically forms the mainstay of treatment and should ideally address both the primary and the neck in all cases. Careful attention must be paid to reconstruction and rehabilitation of such patients. Radical radiotherapy mainly in the form of brachytherapy can achieve excellent disease related and functional outcomes in a carefully chosen subset of patients. Increasingly, a subset of patients is being recognized, who harbor single or multiple adverse features on histopathology and may therefore benefit from escalation of adjuvant therapy. This review discusses the management of early oral cavity squamous carcinomas (Early OSCCs) in detail and highlights the dilemmas and controversies faced in the management of the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) alone versus IMRT + brachytherapy (BT) in patients with T1-T2N0M0 oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers (OPSCC). This open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. Patients with stage I and II OPSCC were considered for IMRT to a dose of 50 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks in phase I followed by randomization (1:1) to further treatment with IMRT (20 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks) or BT (192Ir high dose rate, 21 Gy/7 fractions/2 fractions per day). The primary endpoint of the trial was the reduction in xerostomia at 6 months evaluated using 99mTc salivary scintigraphy. Severe salivary toxicity (xerostomia) was defined as posttreatment salivary excretion fraction ratio <45%. Secondary endpoints were local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Between November 2010 and February 2020, 90 patients were randomized to IMRT (n = 46) alone or IMRT + BT (n = 44). Eleven patients (8 residual/recurrent disease, 2 lost to follow-up, 1 second primary) in the IMRT arm and 9 patients (8 residual/recurrence, 1 lost to follow-up) in the BT arm were not evaluable at 6 months for the primary endpoint. At 6 months, xerostomia rates using salivary scintigraphy were 14% (5/35: 95% CI, 5%-30%) in the BT arm while it was seen in 44% (14/32: 95% CI, 26%-62%) in the IMRT arm (P =.008). Physician-rated Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥2 xerostomia at any time point was observed in 30% of patients (9/30) in the IMRT arm and 6.7% (2/30) in the BT arm (P =.02). At a median follow-up of 42.5 months, the 3-year local control in the IMRT arm was 56.4% (95% CI, 43%-73%) while it was 66.2% (95% CI, 53%-82%) in the BT arm (P =.24). The addition of BT to IMRT for T1-T2N0M0 OPSCC results in a significant reduction in xerostomia. This strongly supports the addition of BT to IMRT in suitable cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brachytherapy (BT) forms major treatment modality in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cancers (HNC). However, there is a dearth of literature and guidelines for the use in various indications. High-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in Indian scenario is an important treatment modality, and the recommendations in this guidelines aim to provide the necessary recommendations for the use of HDR-BT for uniform application across the country in patients with HNC. Material and methods: A panel consisting of members of the Indian Brachytherapy Society (IBS), based on their clinical experience was invited. The process involved defining important steps, precautions, target volumes and indications, thorough literature review, and discussion with fellow members. The guidelines were established and formulated the recommendations for HDR-BT based on available evidences and individual experience for sites, relevant to Indian settings. Results: The IBS recommends the use of HDR brachytherapy as a part of treatment of head and neck tumors. The scope of these guidelines and recommendations included practical suggestions, ensuring efficient use of brachytherapy treatment as radical with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) boost, palliative and adjuvant as definitive, or re-radiation as salvage for HNC in India. The IBS has made specific site-wise recommendations for previously untreated and recurrent HNC patients on their selection criteria, implant techniques, target volume definition, and HDR treatment parameters, such as time, dose rate, total dose, and fractionation schedules. Limited experience exists with HDR-BT in patients with head and neck cancers in India and across the globe. Conclusions: IBS provided a consensus statement and guidelines for the head and neck brachytherapy and believed that these recommendations will overcome the fear of practicing radiation oncologists. This should generate interest amongst students and will help radiation oncologists all across the country to use the art of brachytherapy carefully in HNC patients, with better curative and salvage options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sinonasal carcinomas are a rare type of head and neck malignancy with various histologies. The outcomes of patients with unresectable locally advanced sinonasal carcinomas are poor. Hence, we performed this analysis to study the long-term outcomes of sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUC) where neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been given followed by local therapy. Methods: 16 patients with SNUC and adenocarcinoma who received NACT were found eligible for the study. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for baseline characteristics, adverse events and treatment compliance. Kaplan Meir methods were used for the estimation of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Seven (43.75%) adenocarcinoma and nine (56.25%) SNUC patients were identified. The median age of the whole cohort was 48.5 years. The median number of cycles delivered was 3 (IQR 1-8). The incidence of grade 3-4 toxicity (CTCAE version 5.0) was 18.75%. The response was partial response or better in seven patients (43.75%). Post-NACT 11 patients (n = 15, 73%) were eligible for definitive therapy. The median PFS was 7.63 months (95% CI, 3.23 - NA months) and the median OS was 10.6 months (95% CI, 5.2-51.5 months). Median PFS and OS for those who underwent surgery post-NACT versus those who did not undergo surgery were 36.267 versus 3.7 months (p = 0.012) and 51.5 versus 10.633 months (p = 0.190), respectively. Conclusion: The study shows a favourable role of NACT in improving resectability, significant improvement in PFS and non-significant improvement in OS after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachytherapy has been widely employed as a salvage or adjuvant modality in localized early and/or recurrent lesions. In recent years, advances in brachytherapy techniques have helped to achieve better loco-regional disease control and higher survival rates at the cost of limited morbidity. This is mainly owing to the development of technologically advanced three-dimensional computer planning systems and treatment delivery techniques. Low-doserate brachytherapy has been substituted by high-dose-rate and pulsed-dose-rate techniques, which allow better dose optimization. Inter-disciplinary approach results in fabrication of customized intra-oral surface mould, which allows accurate dose delivery, excellent dose distribution, and is less time-consuming. However, fabrication of surface mould becomes extremely challenging when intra-oral anatomic factors are unfavorable. We present a report on the management of a previously-irradiated completely edentulous patient with severe trismus for whom high-dose-rate surface mould brachytherapy had been prescribed. A unique, reliable, and practical solution has been presented based firmly on the scientific knowledge of contemporary implant dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our aim was to investigate the added prognostic value of a patient-reported functional outcome score over Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with brain metastases. Materials and methods: The baseline data are from a prospective cohort study involving 140 consecutive patients presenting at our institute. A patient reported performance status (PRPS) was obtained by summing the physical- and role-functioning scale scores of the EORTC QLQ C30 questionnaire. Nested cox proportional hazards models predicting survival were developed including both KPS and PRPS (full model), KPS only (KPS Model), and PRPS only (PRPS model). The incremental value of the addition of KPS or PRPS was ascertained using the likelihood ratio test, model adequacy index and integrated discrimination Improvement (IDI). Results: PRPS was an independent and statistically significant prognostic factor and had only a moderate degree of agreement with KPS. All models showed nearly the same discrimination and calibration accuracy, but the likelihood ratio test comparing the full model to the KPS model was significant (L.R. Chi2 = 5.34, p = 0.02). Model adequacy index for the KPS model was 85% versus 95% for the PRPS model. IDI when comparing the KPS model to the full model was 0.0279, while it was 0.008 for the PRPS model versus the Full model. Conclusions: Use of patient-reported functional outcomes like PRPS can provide the same prognostic information as KPS in patients of NSCLC with brain metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cavity cancers contribute to a majority of cancers in India. Clinical examination alone cannot determine the deeper extent of the disease; therefore, need for cross-sectional imaging including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging becomes indispensable for pre-treatment evaluation to decide optimal plan of management. Oral cavity squamous cell cancers (OSCC) can be treated with surgery alone, whereas deep muscle, neurovascular, osseous, or nodal involvement on imaging suggests advanced disease that requires a combination of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Because of the complex anatomy of the oral cavity and its surrounding structures, imaging is crucial for locoregional staging and early detection of distant metastases. Imaging plays indispensable role not only in diagnosis but also in planning the management. An optimal guideline paper for developing countries like India is lacking that not only helps standardize the management but will also assist oncologists make reasonable decisions and reduce the unnecessary imaging. This imaging guideline paper will discuss the optimal imaging in diagnosis and management OSCC for Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer ranks as the leading endocrine malignancy in adults. The foundation for primary diagnosis of thyroid cancer is a high-resolution ultrasound (US) of the thyroid gland including US-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB) of suspected thyroid nodules. Advanced cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, can be useful in selected patients. The mainstay of treatment of thyroid cancer is surgery. It may be supplemented by radioactive iodine ablation/therapy in high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Radiology plays a crucial role in both diagnostic and posttreatment follow-up imaging. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disorder with single parathyroid adenoma being its most common cause. The radiologist's aim in parathyroid imaging is to provide the clinician with an illustrative picture of the neck, locating lesions with respect to landmarks. Imaging helps in the detection of solitary versus multiglandular disease, ectopic and supernumerary glands with precise localization. US, nuclear imaging, and four-dimensional CT are the most commonly used imaging modalities for the preoperative localization of the parathyroid disease. Salivary gland tumors account for approximately 0.5% of all neoplasms, the most common location being the parotid gland (70%). Imaging is crucial in salivary gland tumors by defining its location, detecting malignant features, assessing local extension and invasion, staging the tumors according to the tumor-node-metastasis classification, and assessing the feasibility of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discussed the imaging recommendations for diagnosis, staging, and management of larynx and hypopharynx cancer. Carcinoma of the larynx is a common cancer, with males being affected more. Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is less common than laryngeal malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type. Nonsquamous cell malignant lesions are rare and mostly submucosal lesions. Clinical examination and endoscopy play an integral role in its detection and staging. Imaging also plays a major role in its staging, including local disease extent, nodal and distant metastatic status, as well as to assess response to therapy. Follow-up of treated cases and differentiation of recurrence from post treatment changes can be done on imaging. Early stage disease is treated with single modalities such as radiotherapy or surgery. Advanced disease is treated with multimodality of either chemoradiotherapy or surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate outcomes in resectable gingivobuccal SCC patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and assess the impact of unilateral irradiation on nodal failure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 129 patients of newly diagnosed resectable gingivobuccal SCC who underwent radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy between April 2005 and March 2009. 123 patients (95%) were pathological AJCC stage IV. 20 patients (15.5%) had bilateral neck nodal dissection. All patients received postoperative radiation using 60Cobalt with shrinking fields to a median dose of 60Gy/30 fractions. 86.8% (112/129) patients received unilateral irradiation with anterolateral fields. The remaining 17 patients received bilateral nodal irradiation in view of disease involving midline, multiple ipsilateral or bilateral nodal metastases. About 187.6% patients completed planned radiotherapy. Concurrent weekly cisplatin (30mg/m2) was offered to 34 patients with multiple nodal metastases, extracapsular extension and/or inadequate cut margins. Results: With median follow up of 16months, 2year local control, locoregional control (LRC) and disease free survival were 83.6%, 70% and 61% respectively. The 2year LRC for pN0-N1 and pN2 was 78.8% and 56.3% respectively (p =0.008). The 2year LRC with N0, 1, 2–3 and ⩾4 metastatic neck nodes was 80.3%, 69.1%, 64.3% and 43.2% respectively (p =0.02). Among node positive patients with and without extracapsular extension, the 2year LRC was 52.9% vs. 100% respectively (p =0.01). The incidence of contralateral nodal failure was 8.5% (11/23). 9 of these 11 patients had received unilateral neck irradiation. These had a combination of deep infiltrating tumours, nodal metastases at multiple levels and/ or extracapsular extension. Conclusions: Risk of contralateral nodal failure is high in patients with lateralised gingivobuccal SCC having multiple high risk factors. They should be offered elective bilateral nodal irradiation. In patients without high risk features, unilateral nodal irradiation may allow acceptable outcomes with the potential for reduced late toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: This trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of low dose once‐a‐week cisplatin and once‐every‐3‐weeks cisplatin with radiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). The current analysis focuses on the quality of life (QoL) of patients in this trial. Methods: In this phase III randomized trial, patients with nonmetastatic LAHNSCC were randomized to receive cisplatin 30 mg/m2 once‐a‐week or 100 mg/m2 once every‐ 3‐weeks concurrently with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was locoregional control. QoL was a key secondary endpoint. QoL was assessed using EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35. QoL data were assessed at baseline, days 22 and 43 during treatment; and at 6, 12, 24 months. The linear mixed‐effects model was used for longitudinal analysis of QoL to determine the impact of treatment (arm) and time on QoL. Results: Three hundred patients were enrolled, data of 150 patients with available baseline QoL were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the global health status/QoL of the two treatment arms (p = 0.8664). There was no significant difference in the longitudinal QoL scores between the two treatment arms in all scales except constipation (p = 0.0096), less sexuality (p = 0.0002,), and financial difficulty (p = 0.0219). There was a worsening of the QoL scores in all scales in both arms during treatment, which improved after treatment completion in most scales. Conclusion: The use of once‐every‐3‐weeks cisplatin did not adversely impact QoL as compared to once‐a‐week cisplatin in combination with radiotherapy in LAHNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The incidence of conjunctival malignancies is less than 1%. Though surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, the incidence of positive surgical margins and local recurrence rates are high, which is approximately up to 33% in negative margins and 56% in positive margins. Radiotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence in these cases. Brachytherapy using ß emitters such as strontium-90 (90Sr) is an ideal treatment technique for these tumors with the advantage of treating only a few millimeters of tissue while sparing the underlying normal eye. We report the long term outcomes in the form of local control and late sequelae of patients with conjunctival malignancies treated with 90Sr applicator brachytherapy. Material and methods: During 1999-2013, 13 patients with conjunctival tumors, treated using 90Sr brachytherapy were analyzed. Brachytherapy was either in a post-operative adjuvant or in a recurrent setting. Local control (LC), disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and late sequelae were evaluated. Results: The median age at presentation was 47 years (range: 11-71 years). Thirteen patients with 15 tumors were treated. The commonest histology was squamous cell carcinoma. The median dose was 44 Gy over 11 fractions. The median follow up of all the patients was 51 months (range: 3-139 months). The median follow up of patients with carcinoma only was 64 months with a LC and DFS of 90.9% at 5 years. None of the patients developed = grade II Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute toxicities. One patient developed a focal scar and another developed corneal opacification at the limbus. Vision was not impaired in any of the patients. Conclusions: Strontium-90 brachytherapy used in early invasive conjunctival malignancies as an adjunct to surgery in primary and recurrent settings, results in optimal disease control and ocular functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiotherapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy and surgery is the indicated treatment for head and neck cancers. Even with the advent of modern technological advances in RT and improved oral hygiene awareness, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) still remains as one of the most debilitating side effects of RT.Methodology: This is a retrospective review assessing 72 patients aged over 18 years of age reporting in the Dental Department, for treatment of ORN from April 2010 to July 2019. Each patient was clinically examined and treated according to standard protocol. The stage of ORN was noted at the diagnosis and at follow-up. The demographic data, the tumor characteristics, and the treatment of patients were evaluated using descriptive statistics.Results: At the time of diagnosis, 84.7% of the study population was found to have Epstein Type II chronic persistent nonprogressive lesions and 11.1% of the cohort had Type III active progressive lesions. Statistically significant correlation (P = 0.00) was found for ORN grade at diagnosis and at follow-up. ORN being a chronic pathology, stabilization of the disease was observed in 72.3% of cases. The resolution of the necrotic lesion and down staging of the disease was seen only in 2.8% of patients.Conclusion: ORN is mainly a chronic long standing pathology which is difficult to treat completely. Stabilization of symptoms and preventing further spread of the necrotic lesion should be the ultimate aim of the treatment to improve the quality of life of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most new nasopharyngeal cancer cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries, and these patients experience poorer overall survival than that of new nasopharyngeal cancer cases in high-income countries. The goal of this research project is to determine whether the introduction of a radiation therapy quality assurance program can ultimately improve outcomes for nasopharyngeal cancer patients in lower-income and middle-income countries. This study reports the results of the first phase of the International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project (325-E3-TM-47712).Methods and Materials: This prospective study has 2 phases. Phase 1 is a survey of radiation therapy resources, patient characteristics and treatment, and results of radiation therapy quality assurance performed by the expert panel. An educational workshop reviewing phase 1 results for each center was completed before accrual of patients for phase 2. The ultimate aim of the study is to compare the first and second cohort of patients to see if quality assurance can result in fewer major protocol deviations and a 15% improvement in patients' 3-year progression-free survival.Results: Of 14 participating centers, 13 (93%) had computed tomography simulators and linear accelerators (LINAC) with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) capacity, median 3 LINAC (range, 1-13), and median 10 radiation oncologists (range, 5-51). The annual number of nasopharyngeal cancer cases irradiated was median 54 (range, 10-627). Five of 14 centers (36%) had no local radiation therapy quality assurance. For the current phase 1 study, 134 patients were evaluated, 82.1% had MRI staging, 99.3% had metastatic workup, 65.6% undifferentiated histology, 51% stage 3 and 49% stage 4. Radiation therapy quality assurance revealed 81 (60.4%) of 134 patients had major protocol violations in gross tumor volume and high dose planning target volume contours and/or dosimetry, 28.4% patients had borderline plans, 15 (11.2%) acceptable, and only 6 (4.2%) had inevitable compromise due to tumor extent.Conclusions: This is the first International Atomic Energy Agency study to address the fundamental issue of treatment quality rather than altered treatment regimens. The high rate of unacceptable radiation therapy plans is a major concern, and we hope phase 2 will show a significant reduction and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MACH-NC second update with 107 randomized trials (19805 patients) investigating chemotherapy (CT) in non-metastatic HNSCC. • Overall Survival (OS) improved by CT, benefit superior for concomitant CT (HR 0.83 [0.79; 0.86]) over induction or adjuvant CT. • Direct comparison confirmed the superiority of concomitant over induction CT on OS. The Meta-Analysis of Chemotherapy in squamous cell Head and Neck Cancer (MACH-NC) demonstrated that concomitant chemotherapy (CT) improved overall survival (OS) in patients without distant metastasis. We report the updated results. Published or unpublished randomized trials including patients with non-metastatic carcinoma randomized between 1965 and 2016 and comparing curative loco-regional treatment (LRT) to LRT + CT or adding another timing of CT to LRT + CT (main question), or comparing induction CT + radiotherapy to radiotherapy + concomitant (or alternating) CT (secondary question) were eligible. Individual patient data were collected and combined using a fixed-effect model. OS was the main endpoint. For the main question, 101 trials (18951 patients, median follow-up of 6.5 years) were analyzed. For both questions, there were 16 new (2767 patients) and 11 updated trials. Around 90% of the patients had stage III or IV disease. Interaction between treatment effect on OS and the timing of CT was significant (p < 0.0001), the benefit being limited to concomitant CT (HR: 0.83, 95%CI [0.79; 0.86]; 5(10)-year absolute benefit of 6.5% (3.6%)). Efficacy decreased as patients age increased (p_trend = 0.03). OS was not increased by the addition of induction (HR = 0.96 [0.90; 1.01]) or adjuvant CT (1.02 [0.92; 1.13]). Efficacy of induction CT decreased with poorer performance status (p_trend = 0.03). For the secondary question, eight trials (1214 patients) confirmed the superiority of concomitant CT on OS (HR = 0.84 [0.74; 0.95], p = 0.005). The update of MACH-NC confirms the benefit and superiority of the addition of concomitant CT for non-metastatic head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More than 2-drugs NACT has a higher overall survival over 2-drugs NACT. • Patients who become resectable after NACT and undergo surgery correlate with a better survival. • Pathological complete response after NACT correlates with a higher 5-year overall survival. • Age, NACT regimen, response to NACT and surgical resection were significant predictors of overall survival. • The NACT regimen, margin status and extra-nodal extension were significant predictors of overall survival among patients who underwent surgery after NACT. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by response assessment is the standard treatment algorithm for locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC) in the Indian subcontinent. The 3-drug NACT regimen (Docetaxel-Cisplatin-5-FU) has shown improvement in overall survival over 2-drug regimen (Docetaxel-Cisplatin) in a phase-3 randomised study. We have analysed the 10-year outcomes with this treatment algorithm. This was an institutional review board approved retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected dataset of borderline resectable OCSCC patients who underwent NACT. Patients who became resectable after NACT underwent surgery followed by appropriate adjuvant therapy. Patients who were unresectable received definitive chemoradiation (CTRT), palliative chemotherapy, radiotherapy or best supportive care based on general condition. A total of 3266 patients were included. The most common subsite was buccal mucosa and the most frequent indication was peri -tumoral edema upto zygoma. More than 2-drugs NACT was offered to 32.9% patients. Overall, 32.5% patients had a response to NACT. A total of 1358 patients were offered curative treatment, of which 929 (32%) underwent surgery and the rest underwent definitive chemo-radiation (14.8%). Patients who received more than 2-drugs NACT versus those who received 2-drugs had a 10-years OS of 21% vs 5.1% (p < 0.001). Patients who underwent surgery versus those who did not had a 10-year OS of 21.8% vs 4.1% (p < 0.001). Patients who achieved pCR had a 5-year OS of 45.3% vs 13.3% for those who did not (p < 0.001). NACT leads to long term survival benefit in patients of borderline resectable oral cavity cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is now considered the standard treatment for medically inoperable early-stage non-small lung cell cancer (ES-NSCLC).Purpose: There is a paucity of data related to outcomes with SBRT in ES-NSCLC from the developing countries. We report the early outcomes of ES-NSCLC patients treated with SBRT at our institute.Materials and Methods: Between 2007 and 2015, 40 consecutive patients with histologically proven ES-NSCLC were treated with SBRT. Median age was 71 years (range: 46-88 years) and median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 3. The majority had stage I (70%) and 45% of the tumors were centrally located. The median tumor diameter was 3.8 cm (range: 2-7.6 cm). The mean gross tumor volume was 41 cc (range: 4-139 cc) and the mean planning target volume (PTV) was 141 cc (range: 27-251 cc). Varying dose and fraction (fr) sizes were used depending on tumor location, tumor size, and treatment period. The median biologically effective dose (BED) was 77 Gy10 (range: 77-105 Gy10) for the initial cohort (2007-2012) and 105 Gy10 (range: 77-132 Gy10) for the subsequent cohort (2013-2015).Results: After a median follow-up of 16 months (range: 3-99 months), the 2-year local control (LC), overall survival, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 94%, 41%, and 62%, respectively. The univariate and multivariate analysis determined CCI >3 and PTV >80.6 cc as significant predictors of worse OS and CSS (P< 0.01). The clinical stage, tumor location, BED, and treatment period (2007-2012 vs. 2013-2015) did not significantly predict any of the outcomes. The most common acute toxicities were skin erythema (10%), grade 1 esophagitis (8%), and exacerbation of previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10%). Grade ≥2 late radiation pneumonitis was seen in 17.5%. One patient developed a rib fracture. No neurological or vascular complications were seen.Conclusions: SBRT results in excellent local control (LC) and acceptable survival in medically inoperable ES-NSCLC with minimal adverse effects. Charlson comorbidity index and target volume are important prognostic factors and may aid in patient selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the ability of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scans to detect residual disease in neck nodes with the Histopathology (HPR) as the gold standard. To obtain a Standardized Uptake Value max cutoff in these patients to predict residual disease in neck.Methods: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent Salvage neck dissection with or without primary site surgery post Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy (CCRT) during the period January 2008-December 2017 were included. All patients had response assessment PET-CT scan at 10-14 weeks. Agreement analysis was performed between PET-CT and HPR, fine needle aspiration cytology and HPR. Positive predictive value, Negative predictive value of PET-CT to detect residual neck nodal disease in comparison to HPR was analyzed. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted between the SUV max values and the HPR. A SUV max cutoff value was obtained from the ROC curve.Results: A total of 75 patients were included. Thirty-one underwent salvage neck dissection along with surgery for primary disease and 45 underwent salvage neck dissection alone. PET-CT showed good agreement with the HPR to detect residual disease in neck nodes (Kappa=0.604). PET-CT had a PPV and NPV of 87.5% and 79.15% respectively as compared against the HPR. A SUV max cutoff of 4.62 had a specificity of 92.3% and sensitivity of 73.5% to detect residual disease in neck nodes on the HPR.Conclusion: PET-CT surveillance is an accepted treatment strategy. A neck node with SUV max of 4.62 and above is most likely to harbor residual nodal disease.Level Of Evidence: Level 2b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study we have tried to analyze the impact of age on various clinico-pathological parameters, treatment completion and subsequent survival in older patients.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 140 elderly (> 65 years) patients of oral cancer operated between January 2012 and December 2013. The patients were divided into two groups based upon their age that ≤ 70 years and > 70 years.Association of distribution of various clinico-pathological factors between different groups was assessed by using Chi-square test. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan Meir analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.Results: The two groups had similar distribution of various clinico-pathological factors. Disease free survival for the group ≤ 70 and > 70 years was 37.6 months and 36.4 months (p < 0.594). 13.5% and 7.8% patients > 70 years and ≤ 70 years were either advised or received sub-optimal adjuvant therapy (p < 0.002).Conclusion: There is no difference distribution of various clinico-pathological factors and survival in patients of oral cancer ≤ 70 and > 70 years of age. Age did not affect survival. Majority of patients could complete the adjuvant therapy advised. Still, significantly more number of patients > 70 years could not receive/complete appropriate adjuvant therapy. Thus treatment needs to be tailored keeping in mind the individual's performance status and the co-morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Few studies have reported large inter-observer variations in target volume selection and delineation in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Consensus guidelines have been published for the neck nodes (see Grégoire et al., 2003, 2014), but such recommendations are lacking for primary tumour delineation. For the latter, two main schools of thoughts are prevailing, one based on geometric expansion of the Gross Tumour Volume (GTV) as promoted by DAHANCA, and the other one based on anatomical expansion of the GTV using compartmentalization of head and neck anatomy. Method For each anatomic location within the larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx and oral cavity, and for each T-stage, the DAHANCA proposal has been comprehensively reviewed and edited to include anatomic knowledge into the geometric Clinical Target Volume (CTV) delineation concept. A first proposal was put forward by the leading authors of this publication (VG and CG) and discussed with opinion leaders in head and neck radiation oncology from Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, North America and South America to reach a worldwide consensus. Results This consensus proposes two CTVs for the primary tumour, the so called CTV-P1 and CVT-P2, corresponding to a high and lower tumour burden, and which should be associated with a high and a lower dose prescription, respectively. Conclusion Implementation of these guidelines in the daily practice of radiation oncology should contribute to reduce treatment variations from clinicians to clinicians, facilitate the conduct of multi-institutional clinical trials, and contribute to improved care of patients with head and neck carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cancers are one of the most common cancers in India. Surgery is the main modality of treatment for oral cancer patients. It is important to understand the postoperative morbidity and mortality as it influences patient outcomes.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine oral cancer patients' characteristics, treatment details, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and survival outcomes.Settings and Design: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a tertiary cancer center.Materials and Methods: This study included 850 surgically treated oral cancer cases between January and December 2012.Statistical Analysis: We performed univariate survival analysis by log-rank test, and all significant (P < 0.05) variables underwent multivariate analysis using Cox regression.Results: The median age was 52 years and the male-to-female ratio was 3.4:1. Nearly one-third of the patients received some form of prior treatment. Buccal mucosa (BM) was the most common subsite (64.94%). BM cancers (81.1%) were more likely to present in advanced stage compared to tongue cancers (52%) (P = 0.000). The incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality was 36.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Complications were higher in cT3-4 (P = 0.000), cN positive (P = 0.000), and those requiring microvascular reconstruction (P = 0.004). The 5-year overall survival of the entire study group was 70.4%. The survival of early and locally advanced stages was 75.1% and 68.4%, respectively. The factors influencing survival were age (>50 years), advanced cT stage, nodal metastasis, overall stage, and presence of orocutaneous fistula.Conclusion: The morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcomes of surgically treated oral cancer patients at our center are comparable to those treated in the developed world. Aggressive management of postoperative complications is crucial for early recovery and timely initiation of adjuvant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Meta-Analysis of Radiotherapy in squamous cell Carcinomas of Head and neck (MARCH) showed that altered fractionation radiotherapy is associated with improved overall and progression-free survival compared with conventional radiotherapy, with hyperfractionated radiotherapy showing the greatest benefit. This update aims to confirm and explain the superiority of hyperfractionated radiotherapy over other altered fractionation radiotherapy regimens and to assess the benefit of altered fractionation within the context of concomitant chemotherapy with the inclusion of new trials.Methods: For this updated meta-analysis, we searched bibliography databases, trials registries, and meeting proceedings for published or unpublished randomised trials done between Jan 1, 2009, and July 15, 2015, comparing primary or postoperative conventional fractionation radiotherapy versus altered fractionation radiotherapy (comparison 1) or conventional fractionation radiotherapy plus concomitant chemotherapy versus altered fractionation radiotherapy alone (comparison 2). Eligible trials had to start randomisation on or after Jan 1, 1970, and completed accrual before Dec 31, 2010; had to have been randomised in a way that precluded prior knowledge of treatment assignment; and had to include patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx undergoing first-line curative treatment. Trials including a non-conventional radiotherapy control group, investigating hypofractionated radiotherapy, or including mostly nasopharyngeal carcinomas were excluded. Trials were grouped in three types of altered fractionation: hyperfractionated, moderately accelerated, and very accelerated. Individual patient data were collected and combined with a fixed-effects model based on the intention-to-treat principle. The primary endpoint was overall survival.Findings: Comparison 1 (conventional fractionation radiotherapy vs altered fractionation radiotherapy) included 33 trials and 11 423 patients. Altered fractionation radiotherapy was associated with a significant benefit on overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0·94, 95% CI 0·90-0·98; p=0·0033), with an absolute difference at 5 years of 3·1% (95% CI 1·3-4·9) and at 10 years of 1·2% (-0·8 to 3·2). We found a significant interaction (p=0·051) between type of fractionation and treatment effect, the overall survival benefit being restricted to the hyperfractionated group (HR 0·83, 0·74-0·92), with absolute differences at 5 years of 8·1% (3·4 to 12·8) and at 10 years of 3·9% (-0·6 to 8·4). Comparison 2 (conventional fractionation radiotherapy plus concomitant chemotherapy versus altered fractionation radiotherapy alone) included five trials and 986 patients. Overall survival was significantly worse with altered fractionation radiotherapy compared with concomitant chemoradiotherapy (HR 1·22, 1·05-1·42; p=0·0098), with absolute differences at 5 years of -5·8% (-11·9 to 0·3) and at 10 years of -5·1% (-13·0 to 2·8).Interpretation: This update confirms, with more patients and a longer follow-up than the first version of MARCH, that hyperfractionated radiotherapy is, along with concomitant chemoradiotherapy, a standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancers. The comparison between hyperfractionated radiotherapy and concomitant chemoradiotherapy remains to be specifically tested.Funding: Institut National du Cancer; and Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The literature and experience of high-dose-rate (HDR) surface mould brachytherapy (SMB) in head and neck cancer is sparse. We report our institutional experience of SMB for such tumours. Material and methods: Thirty-five patients with malignant localized early T1/T2, N0 (21 intra-oral and 14 skin) tumours treated with SMB during 2008-2014 were analyzed. Treatment was delivered using HDR 192Ir source to a median dose of 49 Gy (range, 38.5-52.5 Gy) as radical brachytherapy and 18 Gy (range, 15.5-30 Gy) as boost with 3-4 Gy/ fraction twice daily using customized surface mould. Results: Median follow-up was 52 months (range, 6 to 98 months). Local control (LC) for skin tumours and intra-oral malignancies at 5 years were 92% and 76%, respectively. Five-year cause specific survival was 92%. For T1 and T2 tumours, 5 year LC was 94.2% and 68.2%, respectively. T stage (p < 0.04) and dose/fractions (p < 0.003) were the only significant prognostic factors for LC on univariate analysis. Conclusions: Surface mould brachytherapy results in excellent LC rates for skin tumours and T1 intraoral tumours when considered as radical treatment, and preferable to consider it as a boost for T2 intraoral tumours. Surface mould brachytherapy results in excellent organ and function preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the treatment plans generated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and helical tomotherapy (HT) for stereotactic body radiotherapy of lung, twenty patients with medically inoperable (early nonsmall cell lung cancer) were retrospectively reviewed for dosimetric evaluation of treatment delivery techniques (3DCRT, IMRT, and HT). A dose of 6 Gy per fraction in 8 fractions was prescribed to deliver 95% of the prescription dose to 95% volume of planning target volume (PTV). Plan quality was assessed using conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI). Doses to critical organs were assessed. Mean CI with 3DCRT, IMRT, and HT was 1.19 (standard deviation [SD] 0.13), 1.18 (SD 0.11), and 1.08 (SD 0.04), respectively. Mean HI with 3DCRT, IMRT, and HT was 1.14 (SD 0.05), 1.08 (SD 0.02), and 1.07 (SD 0.04), respectively. Mean R50% values for 3DCRT, IMRT, and HT was 8.5 (SD 0.35), 7.04 (SD 0.45), and 5.43 (SD 0.29), respectively. D2cm was found superior with IMRT and HT. Significant sparing of critical organs can be achieved with highly conformal techniques (IMRT and HT) without compromising the PTV conformity and homogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prospective subjective evaluation of swallowing function and dietary pattern in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). Materials and Methods: Prospective evaluation of swallowing function with performance status scale for head and neck cancer patients (PSSHN) at pre-CRT, CRT completion and at subsequent follow-ups in adult with loco-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Results: In 47 patients (40 male, seven females; mean age 53; 72% smoker 53%, oropharyngeal cancer), the mean total PSSHN score at pre-CRT was 258.5 and decreased to 225.2 and 219.2 at two and six months respectively. Understandability of speech, normalcy in diet and eating in public at pre-CRT and six months were 91.5 and 84.4; 80.4 and 63.1; 87.3 and 76.6 respectively. In univariate analysis, pre-CRT PSSHN scores were significantly lesser in patients with severe pre-CRT dysphagia (P = 0.001), hypopharyngeal cancer (P = 0.244) and advanced T-stage (T3/4) disease (P = 0.144). At CRT completion, there was significant reduction of PSSHN scores in patients with severe pre-CRT dysphagia (P = 0.008), post-CRT weight loss (>10%) and disease progression (P = 0.039). At two months and six months, 17 (57%) and 11 (73.5%) patients respectively showed change in dietary habit. Mean increase in meal time was 13% and 21% at two and six-month follow-up. Conclusions: HNSCC patients show deterioration in swallowing function after CRT with normalcy of diet in maximum and eating in public least affected. Pre-CRT severity of dysphagia, weight loss >10% and disease progression have significant correlation with higher swallowing function deterioration after CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To report dosimetry and outcome in a case of early stage carcinoma of external ear (T1N0M0) treated with radical radiotherapy alone using a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary irradiation with a high-dose-rate (HDR) 192Ir remote afterloading system. Methods and Methods: A 64-year-old gentleman who was diagnosed as T1N0M0 carcinoma of external ear was treated with combination of external beam radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy (BRT). A total dose of 40Gy was delivered by EBRT, following which a 6-Fr catheter for the HDR 192Ir remote afterloader, fixed by a customized acrylic mold, was inserted into the external auditory canal (EAC) and a total intracavitary radiation dose of 22.5Gy (4.5Gy/F) was given. Results: Evaluation at the completion of treatment and at the end of 4-year followup revealed no evidence of the disease. Conclusions: In the radical treatment of early stage EAC carcinoma, combination of external beam radiation therapy and BRT may be a modality of choice for its efficacy, less severe side effects, and better cosmetic results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Hypopharyngeal cancers have extensive submucosal spread, high risk of nodal involvement and relatively high propensity of distant metastases. Contemporary paradigms for hypopharyngeal cancers aim to maximize loco-regional control while attempting to preserve laryngo-pharyngeal form and function. Aims. To retrospectively review outcome of large cohort of patients with hypopharyngeal cancers treated with curative intent radiotherapy with or without systemic chemotherapy in an academic tertiary referral centre. Material and methods. Medical records of patients with hypopharyneal cancers treated with primary non-surgical approaches over a 15-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Loco-regional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) were considered as outcome measures. Results. Electronic search of database identified 501 patients with hypopharyngeal cancers treated with definitive radiotherapy. The median age was 55 years (range 20-87 years) and median radiotherapy dose 70 Gy (range 5.4-72 Gy). With a mean follow-up period of 22 months (median 12 months), the 3-year LRC and DFS was 47.1% and 40.9% respectively. Stage (T-stage, N-stage, overall stage grouping), and age influenced outcome significantly. The 3-year LRC for T1-T2 disease was 49.7% versus 43.1% for T3-T4 stage (p = 0.056). The 3-year DFS was 49.4% and 36.9% respectively (p = 0.014). The 3-year LRC and DFS for N0; N1; and N2-3 disease was 57.3% & 54.3%; 40.5% & 35.3%; and 33% & 27% respectively with highly significant p-values. Conclusion. This is an outcome analysis of the largest cohort of patients with hypopharyngeal cancers managed with primary non-surgical approaches. Stage and age remain the most important determinants of outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of progressively increasing margin distances on locoregional recurrence-free survival (LFRS) and determine an optimum margin distance for tongue cancers.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with squamous carcinoma of oral tongue, surgically treated between January 2012 and December 2013. The patients were divided based on ROC derived optimal distance and differences in LRFS per millimeter: margin distances with no significant difference in LRFS starting from 0 mm onwards (Group-I), from upper limit of Group-I to ROC cut-off (Group-II), and all values above it (Group-III). Group-II and III were matched for clinicopathologic factors and type of adjuvant therapy received.Results: 451 patients had a median LRFS of 29.4 months that included 32.1% of Stage I/II and 51.7% of Stage III/IV. Group-I consisted of 0--2.0 mm (2.0-2.1 mm (p-0.029)), Group-II form 2.1 to 7.5 (7.5-7.6 mm (p-0.042)) and Group-III were ≥ 7.6 mm. In the matched group, each millimeter increase in margin provided a 3.67 months survival advantage from 2.1 mm to 7.5 mm while a substantial advantage of 15 months was seen from 7.5 to 7.6 mm. No significant advantage was gained in LRFS when the margin was increased by a millimeter from the cut-off value (p-0.602). Among the patients that were not prescribed any adjuvant therapy, a significantly better LRFS was observed in Group III than Group II (HR-3.01, p-value = 0.002).Conclusion: Based on these results, adequacy of surgical margins should be re-considered for oral tongue cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study if pre-treatment CT texture features in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of laryngo-pharynx can predict long-term local control and laryngectomy free survival (LFS). Image texture features of 60 patients treated with chemoradiation (CTRT) within an ethically approved study were studied on contrast-enhanced images using a texture analysis research software (TexRad, UK). A filtration-histogram technique was used where the filtration step extracted and enhanced features of different sizes and intensity variations corresponding to a particular spatial scale filter (SSF): SSF = 0 (without filtration), SSF = 2 mm (fine texture), SSF = 3–5 mm (medium texture) and SSF = 6 mm (coarse texture). Quantification by statistical and histogram technique comprised mean intensity, standard-deviation, entropy, mean positive pixels, skewness and kurtosis. The ability of texture analysis to predict LFS or local control was determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate cox model. Median follow-up of patients was 24 months (95% CI:20–28). 39 (65%) patients were locally controlled at last follow-up. 10 (16%) had undergone salvage laryngectomy after CTRT. For both local control & LFS, threshold optimal cut-off values of texture features were analyzed. Medium filtered-texture feature that were associated with poorer laryngectomy free survival were entropy ≥4.54, (p = 0.006), kurtosis ≥4.18; p = 0.019, skewness ≤−0.59, p = 0.001, and standard deviation ≥43.18; p = 0.009). Inferior local control was associated with medium filtered features entropy ≥4.54; p 0.01 and skewness ≤ – 0.12; p = 0.02. Using fine filters, entropy ≥4.29 and kurtosis ≥−0.27 were also associated with inferior local control (p = 0.01 for both parameters). Multivariate analysis showed medium filter entropy as an independent predictor for LFS and local control (p < 0.001 & p = 0.001). Medium texture entropy is a predictor for inferior local control and laryngectomy free survival in locally advanced laryngo-pharyngeal cancer and this can complement clinico-radiological factors in predicting prognosticating these tumors. Texture features play an important role as a surrogate imaging biomarker for predicting local control and laryngectomy free survival in locally advanced laryngo-pharyngeal tumors treated with definitive chemoradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The role of NACT in T4 oral cancers remains a contentious issue with sparse evidence in literature. • cT4b oral cancers performed better when they received NACT prior to surgery in comparision to cT4a oral cancers. • Results of our matched pair analysis are hypothesis generating which needs to be tested in a randomized trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]