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Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a superficial soft tissue sarcoma, and surgical excision is the first-line treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an update about the current indications and clinical results regarding the use of postoperative radiotherapy in DSFP, considering both adjuvant and salvage setting. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review using the main scientific database, including Cochrane library, Scopus, and PubMed, for any relevant article about the topic, and we considered all available papers without any time restriction. Results: Twenty-two papers, published between 1989 and 2023, were retrieved and considered eligible for inclusion in this review. Regarding the fractionation schedules, most authors reported using standard fractionation (2 Gy/die) with a wide total dose ranging from 50 to 70 Gy. The local control after postoperative radiotherapy was excellent (75–100%), with a median follow-up time of 69 months. Conclusions: After the primary surgical management of DFSP, postoperative radiotherapy may either be considered as adjuvant treatment (presence of risk factors, i.e., close margins, recurrent tumours, aggressive histological subtypes) or as salvage treatment (positive margins) and should be assessed within the frame of multidisciplinary evaluation.

Introduction: Surgical treatment is the gold standard of care for vulvar cancer and is burdened by a high risk of wound complications due to the poor healing typical of the female genital area. Moreover, this malignancy has a high risk of local relapse even after wide excision. For these reasons, secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area is a relevant and challenging scenario for gynecologists and plastic surgeons. The presence of tissue already operated on and undermined, scars, incisions, the possibility of previous radiation therapy, contamination of urinary and fecal pathogens in the dehiscent wound or ulcerated tumor, and the unavailability of some flaps employed during the primary procedure are typical complexities of this surgery. Due to the rarity of this tumor, a rational approach to secondary reconstruction has never been proposed in the literature. Methods: In this observational retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical data of patients affected by vulvar cancer who underwent secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area in our hospital between 2013 and 2023. Oncological, reconstructive, demographic, and complication data were recorded. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of wound complications. The secondary outcome measure was the indication of the different flaps, according to the defect, to establish an algorithm for decision-making. Results: Sixty-six patients were included; mean age was 71.3 ± 9.4 years, and the mean BMI was 25.1 ± 4.9. The mean size of the defect repaired by secondary vulvar reconstruction was 178 cm2 ± 163 cm2. Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM), anterolateral thigh (ALT), fasciocutaneous V-Y (VY), and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) were the flaps more frequently employed. We observed five cases of wound breakdown, one case of marginal necrosis of an ALT flap, and three cases of wound infection. The algorithm we developed considered the geometry and size of the defect and the flap

Objective: To perform a meta-analysis to determine the effect of loco-regional radiation therapy (RT) compared to no loco-regional RT for operated patients in clinical stage cN2 breast cancer at diagnosis and ypN0 after preoperative chemotherapy (PST). Material and Methods: Eligible studies were identified through a systematic search of the medical literature performed independently by two researchers using a validated search strategy. An electronic search of Medline via PubMed and Embase (Breast cancer AND preoperative chemotherapy AND radiation therapy) was conducted with no language or publication status restrictions. The effect of loco-regional RT on overall (OS), disease free (DFS), loco-regional recurrence-free (LRRFS) survival and local recurrence was evaluated. An electronic search of Medline via PubMed and Embase (Toxicity AND radiation therapy breast cancer AND preoperative therapy; toxicity AND breast surgery AND preoperative chemotherapy) was conducted for outcomes of harm: major acute and late skin toxicity, lymphedema and cardiac events. Results: Of 333 studies identified, 4 retrospective studies reporting on a total of 1107 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Six and 3 reported data of acute and late skin toxicity, while 2 studies provided information on cardiac events. Pooled results showed no difference in terms of hazard ratio for loco-regional RT versus no loco-regional RT [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.68]. Loco-regional RT was associated with an OS benefit in the subgroup analysis: IIIB-C (loco-regional RT 79.3% vs no loco-regional RT 71.2%, p = 0.027) and T3-T4 (loco-regional RT 82.6% vs no loco-regional RT 76.6%, p = 0.025). No difference was shown in terms of 5-year DFS (loco-regional RT 91.2% vs no loco-regional RT 83%, p = 0.441) and LRRFS (loco-regional RT 98.1% vs no loco-regional RT 92.3%, p = 0.148). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of acute and late skin toxicities

Objective: To perform a meta-analysis to determine the effect of loco-regional radiation therapy (RT) compared to no loco-regional RT for operated patients in clinical stage cN2 breast cancer at diagnosis and ypN0 after preoperative chemotherapy (PST). Material and Methods: Eligible studies were identified through a systematic search of the medical literature performed independently by two researchers using a validated search strategy. An electronic search of Medline via PubMed and Embase (Breast cancer AND preoperative chemotherapy AND radiation therapy) was conducted with no language or publication status restrictions. The effect of loco-regional RT on overall (OS), disease free (DFS), loco-regional recurrence-free (LRRFS) survival and local recurrence was evaluated. An electronic search of Medline via PubMed and Embase (Toxicity AND radiation therapy breast cancer AND preoperative therapy; toxicity AND breast surgery AND preoperative chemotherapy) was conducted for outcomes of harm: major acute and late skin toxicity, lymphedema and cardiac events. Results: Of 333 studies identified, 4 retrospective studies reporting on a total of 1107 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Six and 3 reported data of acute and late skin toxicity, while 2 studies provided information on cardiac events. Pooled results showed no difference in terms of hazard ratio for loco-regional RT versus no loco-regional RT [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.68]. Loco-regional RT was associated with an OS benefit in the subgroup analysis: IIIB-C (loco-regional RT 79.3% vs no loco-regional RT 71.2%, p = 0.027) and T3-T4 (loco-regional RT 82.6% vs no loco-regional RT 76.6%, p = 0.025). No difference was shown in terms of 5-year DFS (loco-regional RT 91.2% vs no loco-regional RT 83%, p = 0.441) and LRRFS (loco-regional RT 98.1% vs no loco-regional RT 92.3%, p = 0.148). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of acute and late skin toxicities

Aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in combination with immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The literature was searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Studies comparing SRT plus immunotherapy versus SRT or immunotherapy alone were deemed eligible for inclusion. Two studies showed improved overall survival after SRT plus immunotherapy in melanoma cancer patients with brain metastases. Three studies reported data on LC and DFS showing as SRT plus immunotherapy did not improve local control and DFS rates. G3-G4 toxicity was reported in only one study (20% in the SRT plus immunotherapy group versus 23% in the immunotherapy group). Despite SRT plus concurrent immunotherapy seems associated with possible survival advantage and low ≥ G3 late toxicity rates, the quality of evidence is very low. Therefore, in patients with brain metastases from melanoma, SRT plus immunotherapy should be evaluated on an individual basis after discussion by a multidisciplinary team.

In patients with kidney graft neoplasms, the treatment of choice is still represented by surgical approach, mainly based on partial nephrectomy/nephron sparing surgery (NSS). In this oncologic setting, focal treatments (FT) are becoming more and more useful to avoid the risk of dialysis, considering graft viability of utmost importance. There is still little evidence on which is the best FT option in kidney graft neoplasms and on its therapeutic indications. We performed a systematic review to assess the role of FT such as thermal ablation, interventional radiotherapy, electrochemotherapy, and stereotactic body radiotherapy, as alternative to NSS in the treatment of Stage I kidney cancer. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between 2010 and 2020 focusing on kidney transplant recipients with kidney graft neoplasm who had undergone FT. The review is framed by the population, intervention, control, and outcomes criteria. The studies underlined safety and efficacy of FT, with low morbidity and good graft survival, but none of them provided a direct comparison with graft nephrectomy or NSS. There is still no clear evidence that FTs, and percutaneous ones in particular, are indicated as a standard treatment in kidney graft neoplasms as opposed to total or partial graft nephrectomy.

(1) Background: Periorificial face cancer (PFC), defined as both squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising around the eyelids, the nose vestibule and the lips, has very high incidence rates worldwide. The aim of our retrospective analysis, focusing on local control (LC) and patients’ degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, is to present the results of a single institutional series of patients affected by PFC and treated by interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy–IRT). (2) Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients affected by PFC who were treated at our Interventional Oncology Center (IOC) with interstitial IRT from 2012 to 2021 with doses and volumes specific for each subsite considered. (3) Results: We report the results of 40 patients affected by PFC and treated by HDR interstitial IRT. The median follow-up was 24 months. The actuarial 3-year LC was 94%. Regarding patients’ satisfaction, we found that 93% of patients were satisfied and only 7% of patients were not completely satisfied with the final cosmetic result. (4) Conclusions: Interstitial HDR IRT could be an effective therapeutic option providing adequate disease control and preventing potentially disfiguring surgical approaches. More numerous and standardized studies are warranted to confirm the available evidence.

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Introduction: Paget disease is a rare neoplasm of the skin that mainly involves the vulvar region. Vulvar Paget’s disease (VPD) can spread beyond the apparent edges of the lesion resulting in a high risk of involved surgical margins. Our aim is to verify the efficacy of a preoperative vulvo-vaginal intensive clock mapping in the prediction of the invasiveness and the extension of VPD. Materials and methods: All consecutive patients with primary VPD referred to our institution from July 2005 to December 2018 were subjected to a preoperative intensive biopsy mapping (clock mapping) of the vulvo-vaginal area: inside and outside the vulvar skin visible lesion, according to o’clock positions, and in the vagina. Patients with positive biopsies “only inside” or “also beyond” the visible lesion were included, respectively, in Group A and B. Surgical excision was drawn passing by the points with negative histology. Pathological findings of mapping biopsies were compared with those from radical surgery. Results: A total of 28 women were enrolled. After clock mapping definitive histology: 17 (60.7%) and 11 (39.3%) patients were included in Group A and B. Definitive histology showed non-invasive, micro-invasive and invasive VPD, respectively, in 13 (46.4%), 11 (39.3%) and 4 (14.3%) patients, with 4 patients further upstaged. Overall, negative margins were found in 14 (50%) patients: 9 (32.1%) from Group A and 5 (17.9%) from Group B. In 23 cases (82.1%), clock mapping identified free surgical margins along the vulvo-perineal skin excision front. Conclusions: Preoperative clock mapping emerged as potentially useful workup tool to predict invasiveness and extension of VPD, to tailor surgical excision.

The modern management of esophageal cancer is crucially based on a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. Radiotherapy is involved in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings; moreover, it includes radical and palliative treatment intention (with a focus on the use of a stent and its potential integration with radiotherapy). In this review, the above-mentioned settings and approaches will be described. Referring to available international guidelines, the background evidence bases will be reviewed, and the ongoing, more relevant trials will be outlined. Target definitions and radiotherapy doses to administer will be mentioned. Peculiar applications such as brachytherapy (interventional radiation oncology), and data regarding innovative approaches including MRI-guided-RT and radiomic analysis will be reported. A focus on the avoidance of surgery for major clinical responses (particularly for SCC) is detailed.

OBJECTIVE: Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a malignant adnexal tumor accounting for about 0.005% of skin tumors. The standard treatment of EPC is the complete surgical excision of the primary lesion and of the clinically involved lymph nodes. There is limited evidence regarding the role of radiotherapy (RT) in managing EPC after surgery. Therefore, the aim of this multidisciplinary systematic review is to analyze the available evidence about postoperative RT in the curative treatment of EPC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search strategy was launched trough the main scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane. An additional manual search and a chain citation were performed about potentially relevant papers. The key words used for the search included "eccrine porocarcinoma", "porocarcinoma", "radiotherapy", "radiation therapy", "adjuvant radiotherapy" and "postoperative radiotherapy". RESULTS: A total of 104 publications were identified and 14 papers were included in the final analysis. The only articles found on adjuvant RT in EPC were case reports published between 1996 and 2019. There was a slight female prevalence (57% female/43% male) with a mean age of 65 years (range 37-85). Head-andneck region was the most frequently involved anatomical site followed by legs. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical removal of EPC could be considered in cases with positive or close margins and in cases with unfavorable histological features. In view of limited literature data and the rarity of EPC the best treatment sequence should always be discussed within the frame of a multidisciplinary setting. Advances in knowledge: adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical removal of EPC could be considered in cases with positive or close margins and in cases with unfavorable histological features.

BACKGROUND: 'Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2' (SARS-CoV-2) infection has dramatically affected the management of patients with cancer, who are most vulnerable to the consequences of the infection. Patients with vulvar cancer are frequently elderly and affected by multiple co-morbidities, thus representing a particularly frail population. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients scheduled for treatment for active vulvar cancer. METHODS: Data on patients with vulvar tumors referred to Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS between February 2020 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in nasopharyngeal swab were considered as positive for SARS-Cov-2. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-one patients with vulvar cancer were evaluated and scheduled for treatment. The median age was 72 years (range 35-94). Seven (3.7%) patients were diagnosed with SARS-Cov-2 infection: three (42.9%) had their treatment delayed, with no apparent consequences, two (28.6%) had their treatment delayed and later abandoned because of clinical worsening due to oncologic disease progression, and two (28.6%) contracted the infection in the post-operative period and died due to respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases the infection had major clinical implications, being associated with significant delays in oncologic treatments and extremely high mortality when contracted in the post-operative period.

In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is important to ensure the quality of cancer treatment as well as patients and health professionals' safety. Individual-based treatment options should be considered in patients with advanced epithelial skin cancer, who are typically elderly and frail. Aim of this study was to assess feasibility and safety of Contact Skin Radiation Therapy (CSRT) to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients with advanced and difficult-to-treat BCC or SCC were discussed at skin multidisciplinary tumor board (S-MDTB) from February the 21st to May the 4th (phase 1 Italian Pandemic) and retrospectively analyzed. Patient's triage following internal recommendations was daily performed. CSRT was delivered in 8 fractions of 5 Gy each, twice a day. Beyond the clinical outcomes, treatment success indicators, such as the completion of CSRT without SARS-CoV-2 occurrence, were identified to evaluate the feasibility of CSRT during pandemic. A post-treatment psychological assessment regarding patient's safety perception was performed. Six male patients (median age 80 years; range 62–92) with histologically confirmed BCC or SCC were treated with CSRT. Complete clinical remission was achieved in 5/6 patients (83.4%). No high-grade acute toxicities occurred during treatment. No patients or healthcare personnel developed SARS-CoV-2 infection. All the treatment success indicators were achieved. CSRT represents a safe, and feasible treatment option even during the pandemic emergency period. Hypofractionation could be an option to reduce total number of fractions and, consequently, infective risk exposition.

Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, frequently performed for vulvar cancer, is burdened with substantial immediate and long-term morbidity. One of the most disabling treatment-related sequelae is lower limb lymphedema (LLL). The present study aims to describe the wound complications and the severity of LLL in patients who have undergone groin dissection for vulvar cancer and immediate inguinal reconstruction with the Lymphatic Superficial Circumflex Iliac Perforator flap (L-SCIP). We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent bilateral groin dissection and unilateral inguinal reconstruction with the L-SCIP. The presence and severity of postoperative LLL during the follow-up period were assessed by lymphoscintigraphy and limbs’ volume mea-surement. In addition, immediate complications at the level of the inguinal area were registered. The changes between preoperative and postoperative limb volumes were analyzed by Student’s t test. p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Thirty-one patients were included. The mean variation of volume was 479 ± 330 cc3 in the side where groin reconstruction had been performed, and 683 ± 425 cc3 in the contralateral side, showing smaller variation in the treated side (p = 0.022). Lymphoscintigraphy confirmed the clinical findings. Based on our results, inguinal reconstruction with L-SCIP performed at the same time of groin dissection in patients treated for vulvar cancer can provide a significant protective effect on LLL.

Kidney transplantation leads to an increased risk of cancer. Melanoma is one of the most frequent neoplasms in kidney transplant recipients. Transplanted patients were excluded from trials with checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma. The authors performed a systematic review regarding the use of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 agents in renal transplanted patients with melanoma. Thirty-four cases were included (24 progressive disease, eight partial responses and one stable disease) but no complete response were reported. Fourteen graft rejections were observed, especially with anti-PD1 agent. The median time from the start of immune-checkpoint inhibitor and rejection was 21 days. Response rate was similar between patients with rejection and patients without rejection. The benefit of immune-checkpoint inhibitors versus the risk of allograft rejection should be carefully weighted for each patient. A multidisciplinary approach should be considered to discuss the most appropriate treatment for every case, given the aggressiveness of melanoma in these subsets of patients.

Melanoma is an extremely aggressive tumor and is considered to be an extremely immunogenic tumor because compared to other cancers it usually presents a well-expressed lymphoid infiltration. The aim of this paper is to perform a multidisciplinary comprehensive review of the evidence available about the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for melanoma. Radiation, in fact, can increase tumor antigens visibility and promote priming of T cells but can also exert immunosuppressive action on tumor microenvironment. Combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy provides an opportunity to increase immunostimulatory potential of radiation. We therefore provide the latest clinical evidence about radiobiological rationale, radiotherapy techniques, timing, and role both in advanced and systemic disease (with a special focus on ocular melanoma and brain, liver, and bone metastases) with a particular attention also in geriatric patients. The combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy seems to be a safe therapeutic option, supported by a clear biological rationale, even though the available data confirm that radiotherapy is employed more for metastatic than for non-metastatic disease. Such a combination shows promising results in terms of survival outcomes; however, further studies, hopefully prospective, are needed to confirm such evidence.

– OBJECTIVE: From a clinical point of view, Kimura’s disease is typically characterized by a subcutaneous mass occurring predominantly in the head and neck region. It occurs predominantly in young men of Asian descent, with a peak incidence in the second and third decades of life. However, KD has been also reported in other ethnic groups and in children. The most frequently used local treatments are surgical excision, radiotherapy, and surgical excision followed by radiotherapy. The aim of this multicenter systematic review is to highlight the available literature evidence about the outcome of RT in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of any relevant literature in the principal medical databases, such as PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library, was conducted. The inclusion criteria were original articles specifically reporting about KD and RT, including both prospective and retrospective studies. RESULTS: We were able to identify 11 studies, published from 1989 to 2021, eligible for inclusion in this review. Overall, data on 124 patients were recorded and are presented in this systematic review. The median recurrence rate, considering all patients, was 11% (ranging from 0% to 41.2%). In seven out of 11 studies, the relapse rate was less than 20%. Moreover, the relapse rate was 0% in four studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this multicenter systematic literature review show that evidence on RT of KD is limited and derives only from retrospective studies. In this setting RT seems to be well-tolerated and able to produce very high response rates in unresected lesions and reasonable results in terms of local control both as an exclusive and adjuvant treatment.

Locally advanced vulvar cancer (LAVC) is a challenging disease, requiring multidisci-plinary management. The aim of this review is to propose an integrated clinical approach including radiotherapy (RT) in the multidisciplinary management of LAVC to customize the treatment. A review of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library to acquire all relevant studies on RT in LAVC. Based on the available evidence, RT, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, has a relevant role as adjuvant and exclusive treatment or in the neoadjuvant setting. However, multicentric prospective trials are needed to define the best treatment options based on tumor and patient characteristics. A multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment can also be useful to identify the most suitable approach, considering patients’ age and comorbidities, in view of a better treatment personalization.

Introduction: Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality and morbidity in Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTRs). Immunosuppression can influence the efficacy of cancer treatment and modification of the immunosuppressive regimen may restore anti-neoplastic immune responses improving oncologic prognosis. However, patients and transplant physicians are usually reluctant to modify immunosuppression, fearing rejection and potential graft loss. Due to the lack of extensive and recognised data supporting how to manage the immunosuppressive therapy in KTRs, in the context of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and loco-regional treatments, a Consensus Conference was organised under the auspices of the European Society of Organ Transplantation and the Italian Society of Organ Transplantation. The conference involved a multidisciplinary group of transplant experts in the field across Europe. Methods: The overall process included a) the formulation of 12 specific questions based on the PICO methodology, b) systematic literature review and summary for experts for each question, c) a two-day conference celebration and the collection of experts' agreements. The conference was articulated in three sessions: “Immunosuppressive therapy and immunotherapy”, “Systemic therapy”, “Integrated Therapy”, while the final experts' agreement was collected with a televoting procedure and defined according to the majority criterion. Results: Twenty-six European experts attended the conference and expressed their vote. A total of 14 statements were finally elaborated and voted. Strong agreement was found for ten statements, moderate agreement for two, moderate disagreement for one and uncertainty for the last one. Conclusions: The consensus statements provide guidance to transplant physicians caring for kidney transplant recipients with cancer and indicate key aspects that need to be addressed by future clinical research.

Background/Aim: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common neoplasms worldwide and their incidence has been proven to increase in recent years and their treatment should aim at cancer cure as well as cosmetic and functional results. The aim of the study was to report the results of our mono-institutional series of high-dose-rate radiotherapy (cHDR-RT) in NMSC, based on a homogenous technique and two different treatment schedules. Patients and Methods: All patients affected by NMSC who were consecutively evaluated and treated at our Interventional Oncology Center from October 2018 to August 2020, were included. Patients underwent cHDR-RT using flap applicators and remotely afterloaded Ir-192 sources. Results: Overall, 51 patients were treated for a total of 67 lesions. Local control (LC) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 94.0% and 100%, respectively. Grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and grade 4 acute toxicity rates were 24.6%, 3.5%, 3.5%, and 0.0%, respectively. The cosmetic results were graded as excellent/good, fair, and poor in 73.7%, 19.3%, and 7.0%. Conclusion: cHDR-RT of NMSC is an effective alternative to surgery due to excellent outcomes both in terms of local control and aesthetic results especially in the face.

Objective: The aim of our systematic review was to assess the role of interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy) in the management of primary and/or recurrent vulvar carcinoma. Evidence acquisition: A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library was performed. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. Only full-text English-language articles related to IRT for treatment of primary or recurrent VC were identified and reviewed. Conference paper, survey, letter, editorial, book chapter and review were excluded. Time restriction (1990–2018) as concerns the years of the publication was considered. Evidence synthesis: Primary disease: the median 5-year LC was 43.5% (range 19–68%); the median 5-year DFS was 44.5% (range 44–81%); the median 5-year OS was 50.5% (range 27–85%). Recurrent disease: the median 5-year DFS was 64% (range 56–72%) and the median 5-year OS was 45% (range 33%-57%). Acute ≥ grade 2 toxicity was reported in three patients (1.6%). The severe late toxicity rates (grade 3–4) ranged from 0% to 14.3% (median 7.7%). Conclusion: IRT as part of primary treatment for primary and/or recurrent vulvar cancer is associated with promising clinical outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide an update about the current clinical indications of RT in this poorly explored field outside the traditional oncological setting. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search on the main databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane from their inception until 31stDecember 2020. An additional manual check of scientific meeting proceedings and books was conducted in order to identify all the potentially useful sources. Only essays published in English have been considered for the purposes of this analysis. The searched items included: "Radiotherapy or Radiation Therapy" and "Benign disorder or Benign disease". Results: We provided a list of current clinical indications for benign disorders based on the latest international surveys available, including major sites: eye, bone, head and neck, skin, brain, heart and peripheral vascular system. Conclusions: Radiotherapy for benign diseases is still a feasible therapeutic strategy, which may allow to treat several invalidating conditions, especially after medical therapies have failed thus avoiding potentially invalidating major surgical procedures. A careful evaluation in selecting the indication is essential and all the choices should be thoroughly discussed with the patients.

Objective: The aim of our systematic review was to assess the role of interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy) in the management of primary and/or recurrent vulvar carcinoma. Evidence acquisition: A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library was performed. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. Only full-text English-language articles related to IRT for treatment of primary or recurrent VC were identified and reviewed. Conference paper, survey, letter, editorial, book chapter and review were excluded. Time restriction (1990–2018) as concerns the years of the publication was considered. Evidence synthesis: Primary disease: the median 5-year LC was 43.5% (range 19–68%); the median 5-year DFS was 44.5% (range 44–81%); the median 5-year OS was 50.5% (range 27–85%). Recurrent disease: the median 5-year DFS was 64% (range 56–72%) and the median 5-year OS was 45% (range 33%-57%). Acute ≥ grade 2 toxicity was reported in three patients (1.6%). The severe late toxicity rates (grade 3–4) ranged from 0% to 14.3% (median 7.7%). Conclusion: IRT as part of primary treatment for primary and/or recurrent vulvar cancer is associated with promising clinical outcomes.

Purpose: Orbital pseudotumor (or pseudotumor orbitae) is a benign entity, also known as idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS), which encompasses a wide range of non-tumoral, space occupying lesions of the orbit. In selected cases of refractory disease or presence of side effects or even comorbidities that limit systemic therapies, radiotherapy could play a role in the management because it has been demonstrated that irradiation is effective in suppressing the inflammatory process. Methods: A systematic review of the literature about the main scientific databases was launched and the time interval included all published articles present in the databases from their inception until September 2020. Results: We were able to identify 19 studies eligible for inclusion in this review from 1978 to 2018. Overall the data of 241 patients were collected and are presented in this systematic review. The response rate varied between 74% and 100% with a median recurrence rate of 10%. The median total dose was 20 Gy whereas the mean total dose was 21 Gy with a range from 4 to 36 Gy. Regarding the fractionation, 2 Gy/fraction daily was the most widely used. Conclusions: Radiotherapy seemed to achieve good response rates however, in most of the studies, inclusion criteria and outcome parameters are not uniform and therefore the results are difficult to compare. Often important parameters such as chronic pain and permanent functional deficits are not assessed in the outcome. Therefore, prospective studies, with good cohort characteristics and a clear definition of the outcome, are required.

Purpose: To evaluate local control and functional and cosmetic outcomes of postoperative high-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (HDR-IRT) in patients affected by conjunctival melanoma with orbit invasion. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 2 patients affected by conjunctival melanoma infiltrating the orbit, treated with surgical excision and HDR-IRT. The treatment procedures consisted of surgical excision of the orbital infiltrating nodule followed, 1 month after surgery, by adjuvant HDR-IRT. A target dose of 34 Gy was delivered in 10 twice-a-day fractions over 5 consecutive days. Data analysis included local tumor control and metastatic rate, acute and late toxicity, functional and aesthetic results. Results: In both patients, treatment was well tolerated, and there was no orbital recurrence at a median follow-up of 37-40 months. There was an excellent functional outcome, without no significant acute or late side effects. Conclusions: HDR-IRT could be considered a promising, feasible, successful, and well-tolerated option for selected patients affected by ocular tumors with orbital invasion.

Purpose: Surgery, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and interventional radiotherapy (IRT, BrachyTherapy BT) are the current therapeutic options for nose vestibule (NV) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In this article, we evaluate the nose functional parameters of patients affected by SCCs of the NV, primarily treated by interstitial IRT comparing them with healthy controls and with patients treated with intensity-modulated EBRT. Methods: Ten patients treated by using IRT (group 1), 10 healthy controls and eight patients treated by EBRT (group 2) on the region of the nose were submitted to clinical evaluation (with the NOSE scale score), rhinomanometry, olfactory testing, nasal citology, and evaluation of mucociliary clearance through saccharine test. Results: No long-term skin or cartilaginous toxicity are recorded. The olfactometry threshold discrimination identification TDI is lower in EB group. The mean NOSE scale score was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 and healthy controls (p < 0.05). The distribution of cytologic patterns resulted significantly different as well. Patients treated by EB have a significantly impaired mucociliary clearance, with a mean time for the transport of the stained marker, which is more than double in the patients treated by EB than in those treated with IRT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nasal function and cytological findings are significantly better, substantially preserved, in patients treated by IRT than in those treated by EBRT, bringing new relevant evidence for the establishment of interstitial IRT as the new standard for the treatment of the primary lesion in cT1 and cT2 -Wang staging NV SCCs.

Background/Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in patients with high- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: We evaluated data of patients from three Radiation Oncology Departments (Rome, Lübeck and Perugia). Patients treated in Rome underwent exclusive intensity-modulated-radiotherapy (IMRT) or IMRT plus high-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (HDR-IRT). IMRT plus two fractions HDR-IRT was performed in Lübeck, while in Perugia Helical Tomotherapy was performed. The Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Event (Version 4.03) scale was used to describe acute and late toxicity. Results: At a median follow-up of 28 months, all 51 patients were alive and disease-free. Patients treated by HDR-IRT plus VMAT showed only G1-2 genitourinary- gastrointestinal (GU-GI) acute and late toxicity. Univariate analysis showed a lower risk of acute GU toxicity (p=0.048) in IMRT+HDR-IRT. Conclusion: Low grade and less acute GU toxicity was observed in patients undergoing HDR-IRT boost.

We report on the second Assisi Think Tank Meeting (ATTM) on breast cancer which was held under the auspices of the European Society for RadioTherapy & Oncology (ESTRO). In discussing in-depth current evidence and practice it was designed to identify grey areas in diverse forms of the disease. It aimed at addressing uncertainties and proposing future trials to improve patient care. Before the meeting, three key topics were selected: 1) primary systemic therapy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation therapy, 2) therapeutic options in ductal carcinoma in situ, and 3) therapy de-escalation in early stage breast cancer. Clinical practice in these areas was investigated by means of an online questionnaire. The time lapse period between the survey and the meeting was used to review the literature and on-going clinical trials. At the ATTM both were discussed in depth and research protocols were proposed.

Introduction. Elderly patients are underrepresented from a majority of clinical trials and the choice of the best treatment becomes a challenge. The optimal treatment should be personalized and based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes radiation oncologists, surgeons, geriatricians, medical oncologists, social workers, and support services. The global evaluation of the patients and the creation of nomograms may facilitate the definition of long-term treatment benefits minimizing the use of unnecessary therapy. Material and Method. A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library was performed to identify full articles analyzing the efficacy of APBI in elderly patients with breast cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. Results. Seven papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The number of evaluated patients was 405 and the median age was 77.7 years. The disease-free survival (DFS) range was 96.1%-100%, the grade 3-4 toxicity range was 0%-6.6%, the cancer-specific survival (CSS) range was 97.9%-100%, and the overall survival (OS) range was 87%-100%. All studies reported excellent/good cosmetic results in a range of 74% to 99%. Conclusion. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) results in a safe and effective substitute for the adjuvant external beam radiotherapy in selected elderly early-stage breast cancer patients. Based on the relatively low toxicity, APBI should be advised in selected patients with life expectancies larger than 5-10 years.

Purpose: Brachytherapy (BT, interventional radiotherapy – IRT) is a kind of radiation therapy, in which the radioactive source is placed nearby or even inside the cancer itself. Even though this kind of radiation therapy appears effective and valuable, BT has been facing a slow but progressive decline over the past decades in Europe, particularly in Italy. Aims of this study were to identify the practical and theoretical reasons why BT is facing a slow decline in Italy, and to define a vision of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) and a strategy about this emerged issues. Material and methods: A programmatic path divided into three steps like a trilogy was launched by AIRO Interventional Radiotherapy study group. The study group performed an initial data collection to highlight both the clinical and the educational topics and problems through specific surveys. After having analyzed the results of the surveys and shared a vision about the emerged issues, a specific strategy was adopted. Results: Four relevant domains were identified and for each ones, a strategy has been discussed and defined. This manuscript shows in detail the individual actions defined (accomplished or in progress). Conclusions: The AIRO vision implies that specific strategic interventions must be carried out in the field of national guidelines, education, research, and communication with patients and colleagues of other specialties in an interdisciplinary setting.

Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in building decision supporting systems (DSS), and its application in healthcare is rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to define the role of AI in healthcare, with main focus on radiation oncology (RO) and interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy). Artificial intelligence in interventional radiation therapy: AI in RO has a large impact in providing clinical decision support, data mining and advanced imaging analysis, automating repetitive tasks, optimizing time, and modelling patients and physicians’ behaviors in heterogeneous contexts. Implementing AI and automation in RO and IRT can successfully facilitate all the steps of treatment workflow, such as patient consultation, target volume delineation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. Conclusions: AI may contribute to improve clinical outcomes through the application of predictive models and DSS optimization. This approach could lead to reducing time-consuming repetitive tasks, healthcare costs, and improving treatment quality assurance and patient’s assistance in IRT.

Purpose: To report the results of INTERACTS (INTErventional Radiotherapy ACtive Teaching School) consensus conference on sarcoma interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy). Material and methods: An international board of multidisciplinary experts was invited to a consensus conference on the state-of-the-art of sarcoma interventional oncology during the 9th Rome INTER-MEETING (INTERventional Radiotherapy Multidisciplinary Meeting), proposing 3 statements for each one speech. At the end of each lecture, the entire group of experts was invited to vote with an electronic device. The preliminary results were presented and discussed at the end of the meeting, during a dedicated session. After the meeting, a survey was distributed within the consensus conference board to share and definitively vote the statements. Results: All the invited authors of the consensus conference board completed the final survey. All the 38 statements received more than 70% of agreement, 31 statements (82%) obtained an agreement of level higher or equal to 90%, 6 statements (15.8%) received an agreement level between 80% and 90%, and 1 statement (2.6%) had less than 80% of agreement. Conclusions: The consensus conference demonstrated that interventional radiotherapy must be considered by a multidisciplinary management of patients affected by sarcoma.

Introduction Multidisciplinary treatment strategy involving adjuvant radiotherapy for advanced vulvar cancer could be useful in offering the best personalized clinical approach. In 2013, the VULvar CANcer Multi-Disciplinary Team (Vul.Can MDT) was set up in our institution, in order to share knowledge and expertise, high-quality diagnosis, and evidence-based decision making in the context of personalized medicine. The aim of this observational study was to report on our series of vulvar cancer patients managed postoperatively with radiotherapy within the framework of a formal multidisciplinary tumor board. Methods Coupling surgical and oncological international guidelines with case-by-case discussions, a multi-specialist consensus was progressively reached and internal recommendations were developed and introduced in the daily routine. Data from vulvar cancer patients who underwent primary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy throughout a 5-year period were retrospectively collected. Actuarial local control was the primary endpoint, while secondary end-points were acute and late toxicities, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Toxicity was evaluated according to the Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Event v 4.0 scale. Results The analysis included 35 patients with squamous vulvar cancer treated with adjuvant radiotherapy±chemotherapy, from April 2013 to September 2017. Median age was 70 years (range 18-87), all patients underwent surgery followed by concomitant chemoradiation (45.7%) or radiotherapy alone (54.3%). The median prophylactic dose on lymphatic drainage was 45 Gy, while positive nodes and perineal area received 51.2 Gy and 52.6 Gy, respectively. Chemotherapy involved the cisplatin-based regimen (45.7%)±5-fluorouracil (37.1%). Median follow-up was 32 months (range 6-72): the 24-months local control, disease-free survival, and actuarial overall survival rates were 88.6%, 82.0%, and 91.0%, respectively. Low rates of severe acute (12%) and late (3%) toxici

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed at examining efficacy of interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy-IRT) alone or combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in stage I esophageal cancer as exclusive treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library was performed. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. We analyzed only clinical study as full-text publication, reporting on patients with stage I esophageal cancer treated with IRT alone or in combination with other treatments (e.g., EBRT). Conference paper, survey, letter, editorial, book chapter, and review were excluded. Patients who underwent previous surgery were excluded. Time restriction (1990-2018) was applied for years of the publication. RESULTS: Twelve studies have been selected. The number of evaluated patients was 514; the median age was 69 years. In the IRT group, the median: Local control (LC) was 77% (range 63%-100%), disease-free survival (DFS) was 68.4% (range 49%-86.3%), the overall survival (OS) was 60% (range 31%-84%), the cancer specific survival (CSS) was 80% (range 55-100%), and grade 3-4 toxicity range was 0%-26%. CONCLUSIONS: IRT alone or combined to EBRT is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with stage I esophageal cancer. Definitive radiation therapy could be an alternative to surgery in patients with superficial cancer.

Introduction: Since the community spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the practice of oncologic care at our comprehensive cancer center has changed. Postponing cancer treatment without consideration of its implications could cost more lives than can be saved. In this special situation, we must continue to provide our cancer patients with the highest quality of medical services assuring the safety. This article provides general guidance on supporting curative treatment strategies in vulvar cancer patients. Methods: At our institution, a vulvar cancer multidisciplinary team (Vul.Can MDT) of specialists is responsible for personalized treatment of this disease. The phase 2 period necessarily requires specific procedures for both outpatient and inpatient pathways and to provide strategies concerning the management of vulvar cancer patients even in case of an eventually concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. In brief, an accurate remote and in person triage must be provided routinely and patients submitted to specific diagnostic tests prior to every major treatment or procedure (surgery, RT, and CT) or in case of suspicion for COVID-19 syndrome. The decisional workflow for these women often old and frail, have been rapidly adjusted by our Vul.Can MDT to mitigate the potential risks of COVID-19. Results: The team produced two types of recommendations concerning: (1) safety regulations of care pathways, patients and health care providers, (2) personalized treatment strategies. We present a protocol that can be applied in clinical practice: the flowcharts provided, include the modulation of treatment intensity designed for surgical procedures and radiation, stratified for FIGO stage of disease and intention. Conclusion: We suggest that our proposals are applicable in this setting of patients, considering anyway current international recommendations and guidelines.

Introduction: Since the community spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the practice of oncologic care at our comprehensive cancer center has changed. Postponing cancer treatment without consideration of its implications could cost more lives than can be saved. In this special situation, we must continue to provide our cancer patients with the highest quality of medical services assuring the safety. This article provides general guidance on supporting curative treatment strategies in vulvar cancer patients. Methods: At our institution, a vulvar cancer multidisciplinary team (Vul.Can MDT) of specialists is responsible for personalized treatment of this disease. The phase 2 period necessarily requires specific procedures for both outpatient and inpatient pathways and to provide strategies concerning the management of vulvar cancer patients even in case of an eventually concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. In brief, an accurate remote and in person triage must be provided routinely and patients submitted to specific diagnostic tests prior to every major treatment or procedure (surgery, RT, and CT) or in case of suspicion for COVID-19 syndrome. The decisional workflow for these women often old and frail, have been rapidly adjusted by our Vul.Can MDT to mitigate the potential risks of COVID-19. Results: The team produced two types of recommendations concerning: (1) safety regulations of care pathways, patients and health care providers, (2) personalized treatment strategies. We present a protocol that can be applied in clinical practice: the flowcharts provided, include the modulation of treatment intensity designed for surgical procedures and radiation, stratified for FIGO stage of disease and intention. Conclusion: We suggest that our proposals are applicable in this setting of patients, considering anyway current international recommendations and guidelines.

Introduction Multidisciplinary treatment strategy involving adjuvant radiotherapy for advanced vulvar cancer could be useful in offering the best personalized clinical approach. In 2013, the VULvar CANcer Multi-Disciplinary Team (Vul.Can MDT) was set up in our institution, in order to share knowledge and expertise, high-quality diagnosis, and evidence-based decision making in the context of personalized medicine. The aim of this observational study was to report on our series of vulvar cancer patients managed postoperatively with radiotherapy within the framework of a formal multidisciplinary tumor board. Methods Coupling surgical and oncological international guidelines with case-by-case discussions, a multi-specialist consensus was progressively reached and internal recommendations were developed and introduced in the daily routine. Data from vulvar cancer patients who underwent primary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy throughout a 5-year period were retrospectively collected. Actuarial local control was the primary endpoint, while secondary end-points were acute and late toxicities, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Toxicity was evaluated according to the Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Event v 4.0 scale. Results The analysis included 35 patients with squamous vulvar cancer treated with adjuvant radiotherapy±chemotherapy, from April 2013 to September 2017. Median age was 70 years (range 18-87), all patients underwent surgery followed by concomitant chemoradiation (45.7%) or radiotherapy alone (54.3%). The median prophylactic dose on lymphatic drainage was 45 Gy, while positive nodes and perineal area received 51.2 Gy and 52.6 Gy, respectively. Chemotherapy involved the cisplatin-based regimen (45.7%)±5-fluorouracil (37.1%). Median follow-up was 32 months (range 6-72): the 24-months local control, disease-free survival, and actuarial overall survival rates were 88.6%, 82.0%, and 91.0%, respectively. Low rates of severe acute (12%) and late (3%) toxici

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to evaluate treatment outcomes following interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy – BT) for nasal vestibule cancer. Material and methods: Considering histological diagnosis and staging, a multidisciplinary tumor board indicated an exclusive interventional radiotherapy for all patients. Plastic tubes were placed mainly with interstitial approach. The total dose was 44 Gy in 14 fractions, 3 Gy/fraction (except for the first and last fractions, 4 Gy), 2 fractions per day (b.i.d.), 5 days a week. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were: patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma with follow-up more than 6 months. Results: 20 patients with primary nasal vestibule cancer were treated with IRT from May 2012 to June 2019. We excluded 4 patients due to follow-up less than 6 months and 2 patients affected by basal cell carcinoma. In total, 14 consecutive previously untreated patients were considered for definitive analysis, median age was 67.5 (range, 51-83) years, median follow-up was 53 (range, 6-84) months. All patients followed the protocol except one, who received a total dose of 42 Gy in 12 fractions, 3 Gy per 6 fractions, and 4 Gy per 6 fractions. Local control at 12, 24, and 36 months was 85.7%. Overall survival at 12 months was 92.3%, at 24 months was 76.9%, and at 36 months was 69.2%. Staging system proposed by Wang was statistically significant on local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Excellent cosmetic results were observed. Conclusions: This study confirms that interventional radiotherapy could be considered as a definitive treatment in nasal vestibule cancer with excellent oncological and cosmetic outcomes.

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) are rare types of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The choice of treatment usually depends on the variant of PCBCL, number, size, and location of the lesions, involved body surface area as well as patient's age and health condition. The efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of PCBCL has been widely reported conversely, data about the acute and late skin toxicity, patient's treatment satisfaction and quality of life are scarce. A systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library was performed to identify full original articles analyzing the safety of RT in patients with PCBCL with the primary outcome to assess the acute and late skin toxicity. Secondary outcomes were complete remission, disease free survival, and overall survival. The literature search resulted in 276 articles including eight studies assessing the safety of RT for the treatment of PCBCL. Most patients (median 73%, range 11.9–99.9%) were recorded as having acute skin toxicity of grade 1–2, while acute grade 3–4 toxicity occurred in a median of 8% (range 4–23%) of patients. A median of 20% (range 4–54%) of patients had late skin toxicity of grade 1–2. No late grade 3–4 toxicity was reported. Only one study evaluated patient's satisfaction showing that the 97% of patients were satisfied with radiation therapy. This systematic review confirms the safety of RT in the treatment of PCBCL. Patients with a PCBCL should be managed in highly specialized centers in the context of a multidisciplinary team including dermatologist, hematologist, pathologist, and radiation oncologist.

Purpose: The primary objective of the SKIN-COBRA (Consortium for Brachytherapy data Analysis) ontology is to define a specific terminological system to standardize data collection for non-melanoma skin cancer patients treated with brachytherapy (BT, interventional radiotherapy). Through ontological characterization of information, it is possible to find, isolate, organize, and integrate its meaning. Material and methods: SKIN-COBRA is a standardized data collection consortium for non-melanoma skin patients treated with BT, including 8 cancer centers. Its ontology was firstly defined by a multicentric and multidisciplinary working group and evaluated by the consortium, followed by a multi-professional technical commission involving a mathematician, an engineer, a physician with experience in data storage, a programmer, and a software expert. Results: Two hundred and ninety variables were defined in 10 input forms. There are 3 levels, with each offering a specific type of analysis: 1. Registry level (epidemiology analysis); 2. Procedures level (standard oncology analysis); 3. Research level (radiomics analysis). The ontology was approved by the technical commission and consortium, and an ad-hoc software system was defined to be implemented in the SKIN-COBRA consortium. Conclusions: Large databases are natural extension of traditional statistical approaches, a valuable and increasingly necessary tool for modern healthcare system. Future analysis of the collected multinational and multicenter data will show whether the use of the system can produce high-quality evidence to support multidisciplinary management of non-melanoma skin cancer and utilizing this information for personalized treatment decisions.

Aim: The aim of this study was to detect clinical factors predictive of loss of visual acuity after treatment in order to develop a predictive model to help identify patients at risk of visual loss. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) with 106Ru plaque for primary uveal melanoma. A predictive nomogram for visual acuity loss at 3 years from treatment was developed. Results: A total of 152 patients were selected for the study. The actuarial probability of conservation of 20/40 vision or better was 0.74 at 1 year, 0.59 at 3 years, and 0.54 at 5 years after treatment. Factors positively correlated with loss of visual acuity included: age at start of treatment (p=0.004) and longitudinal basal diameter (p=0.057), while distance of the posterior margin of the tumor from the foveola was inversely correlated (p=0.0007). Conclusion: We identified risk factors affecting visual function and developed a predictive model and decision support tool (AVATAR nomogram).

Purpose: The aim of this review was to examine efficacy of palliative interventional radiotherapy (IRT) in esophageal cancer compared with other treatment in terms of dysphagia-free survival (DyFS) and safety. Methods and Material: A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library was performed to identify full articles evaluating the efficacy of IRT as palliation in patients with esophageal cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. We analyzed only clinical study as full text of patients with symptomatic esophageal cancer treated with IRT alone or in combination with other treatment. Conference paper, survey, letter, editorial, book chapter, and review were excluded. Time restriction (1990–2018) as concerns the years of the publication was considered. The primary outcome was the duration of dysphagia relief (DyFS) after brachytherapy vs. other treatment (external-beam radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation, stent, and laser) during followup. Secondary outcomes included overall survival and adverse event rates. Results: The literature search resulted in 554 articles. Sixty-six articles were assessed via full text for eligibility. Of these, 59 articles were excluded for various reasons, leaving seven randomized studies. The number of evaluated patients was 905 patients, and median age was 70.5 years. In the IRT group, the median DyFS was 99 days, the most relevant G3–G4 toxicity were fistula development and stenosis reported, respectively, in 8.3% and 12.2%; the overall median survival was 175.5 days. Conclusion: In conclusion, we provided evidence-based support that IRT is an effective and safe treatment option; therefore, its underuse is no longer justified.

Aim: The aim of this study was to detect clinical factors predictive of loss of visual acuity after treatment in order to develop a predictive model to help identify patients at risk of visual loss. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) with 106Ru plaque for primary uveal melanoma. A predictive nomogram for visual acuity loss at 3 years from treatment was developed. Results: A total of 152 patients were selected for the study. The actuarial probability of conservation of 20/40 vision or better was 0.74 at 1 year, 0.59 at 3 years, and 0.54 at 5 years after treatment. Factors positively correlated with loss of visual acuity included: age at start of treatment (p=0.004) and longitudinal basal diameter (p=0.057), while distance of the posterior margin of the tumor from the foveola was inversely correlated (p=0.0007). Conclusion: We identified risk factors affecting visual function and developed a predictive model and decision support tool (AVATAR nomogram).

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. We report on the second Assisi Think Tank Meeting (ATTM) on breast cancer which was held under the auspices of the European Society for RadioTherapy & Oncology (ESTRO). In discussing in-depth current evidence and practice it was designed to identify grey areas in diverse forms of the disease. It aimed at addressing uncertainties and proposing future trials to improve patient care. Before the meeting, three key topics were selected: 1) primary systemic therapy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation therapy, 2) therapeutic options in ductal carcinoma in situ, and 3) therapy de-escalation in early stage breast cancer. Clinical practice in these areas was investigated by means of an online questionnaire. The time lapse period between the survey and the meeting was used to review the literature and on-going clinical trials. At the ATTM both were discussed in depth and research protocols were proposed.

Purpose: Interventional procedures may produce emotional distress, particularly in interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy - BT). This work would like to propose a series of recommendations/interventions to guarantee a human approach in order to favor the psychological well-being of the patient during interventional radiotherapy. Material and methods: Thirty patients affected by gynecological cancer and treated with endovaginal high-doserate IRT (HDR-IRT) were selected from January to March 2019. A specific Multiprofessional Task Group (MTG) was defined in order to analyze the needs of patients. Each component of the task group spoke with the patients to examine their needs and to investigate their fears and perception. The results of the MTG were subjected to evaluation by an Expert Team (ET) of 4 physicians from 4 different institutions for a final evaluation. Both teams discussed the patient's needs to generate a list of necessary interventions to fulfill every single need in order to obtain their inner well-being. Another team (Master Team - MT) performed an independent check. Results: All patients suggest that the main issue is the "lack of information and fear of the unknown". The fear of feeling pain was a significant source of concern, sadness, and vulnerability for the majority of the patients (76.6%). All patients do not appreciate the use of the word "bunker" to describe the treatment place. In 33.3% of patients the word "brachytherapy" (often unknown) determines insecurity while the term "interventional radiotherapy" reassures. Ninety percent of patients preferred to perform the external genital depilation at home and 80% of them would like the bladder catheter to be placed immediately before the procedure. MTG and ET defined nine "HAPPY recommendations". The MT approved the protocol without changes. Conclusions: The aim of the present paper was to produce a protocol consisting in intervention that could improve the internal serendipity and emoti

Local non-surgical interventional percutaneous ablation represents nowadays an important part of the potential treatment strategies. Although surgical ablation represents the gold standard, in the past decade there was an expansion in the use of non-surgical ablative techniques: Radiofrequency, microwave, laser, cryoablation, irreversible electroporation, and interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in primary as well as secondary liver cancers. With the growing experience in the field, there was implemented a new pillar for cancer treatment, together with surgery, chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy, so-called interventional oncology (IO). To date, there are no published papers regarding a comparative interdisciplinary evaluation of all these non-surgical interventional local ablation therapies. Our paper offers a critical interdisciplinary overview of the treatments in both primary and secondary liver tumors, including from a cost-effective point of view. Furthermore, the present status of education in IO and a comparison of actual economic aspects of the treatments are also provided.

Background: Interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy; IRT) reemerged in the last decades as a potentially useful tool in head and neck oncology after a set of clear technical improvements were developed. Methods: Sixty-one high dose ratio (HDR) IRT treatments were recommended and performed on 58 patients. We classified the cases into four relatively homogeneous groups based on the clinical needs that led to the recommended IRT. Also, we separately evaluated primary and recurrent cases. Results: Disease-specific survival was significantly different among the four treatment groups. The group with the best prognosis was the cohort treated locally by exclusive interstitial IRT for resectable midface malignancies (2-year relapse-free survival = 82%, disease-specific survival = 89%). Conclusion: HDR IRT is a valuable tool in well-defined clinical situations and, in particular, in recurrences. In midface malignancies, it could become the preferred primary treatment.

Purpose: To report the results of a patient’s tailored therapeutic approach using a second course of interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in patients with locally recurrent uveal melanoma. Material and methods: Patients who had already undergone ocular brachytherapy treated at our IOC (Interventional Oncology Center) were considered. Five patients who has received a second course of treatment with a plaque after local recurrences were included in our study. Re-irradiation was performed with Ruthenium-106 (prescribed dose to the apex 100 Gy) or with Iodine-125 plaques (prescribed dose to the apex 85 Gy). Moreover, a systematic literature search was conducted through three electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Results: All patients were initially treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque; the re-irradiation was performed with Ruthenium-106 plaque in three cases and with Iodine in two cases. Mean time between the first and the second plaque was 56.8 months (range, 25-93 months). Local tumor control rate was 100%, no patient underwent secondary enucleation owing to re-treatment failure. Distant metastasis occurred in 1 patient after 6 months from re-treatment. After a median follow-up of 44.2 months (range, 26-65 months) from re-treatment, all patients experienced worsening of the visual acuity (median visual acuity was 0.42 at time of recurrence and decline to 0.24 at the most recent follow-up); cataract occurred in two cases, no patient developed scleral necrosis. We considered 2 papers for a systematic review. Conclusions: In selected cases, especially in presence of marginal local recurrence, a personalized re-treatment strategy with a plaque may offer high probability of tumor control and organ preservation but worsening of visual acuity.

Purpose: Clinical data collecting is expensive in terms of time and human resources. Data can be collected in different ways; therefore, performing multicentric research based on previously stored data is often difficult. The primary objective of the ENT COBRA (COnsortium for BRachytherapy data Analysis) ontology is to define a specific terminological system to standardized data collection for head and neck (H&N) cancer patients treated with interventional radiotherapy. Material and methods: ENT-COBRA is a consortium for standardized data collection for H&N patients treated with interventional radiotherapy. It is linked to H&N and Skin GEC-ESTRO Working Group and includes 11 centers from 6 countries. Its ontology was firstly defined by a multicentric working group, then evaluated by the consortium followed by a multi-professional technical commission involving a mathematician, an engineer, a physician with experience in data storage, a programmer, and a software expert. Results: Two hundred and forty variables were defined on 13 input forms. There are 3 levels, each offering a specific type of analysis: 1. Registry level (epidemiology analysis); 2. Procedures level (standard oncology analysis); 3. Research level (radiomics analysis). The ontology was approved by the consortium and technical commission; an ad-hoc software architecture (“broker”) remaps the data present in already existing storage systems of the various centers according to the shared terminology system. The first data sharing was successfully performed using COBRA software and the ENT COBRA Ontology, automatically collecting data directly from 3 different hospital databases (Lübeck, Navarra, and Rome) in November 2017. Conclusions: The COBRA Ontology is a good response to the multi-dimensional criticalities of data collection, retrieval, and usability. It allows to create a software for large multicentric databases with implementation of specific remapping functions wherever necessary. Th

Purpose: The aim of the present work is to assess the Objective Breast Cosmesis Scale (OBCS) in a patient cohort that was treated in two hospitals. Their treatment-related cosmetic changes were recorded on nonstandardized photographs. Methods and Materials: Nineteen female patients were enrolled in two radiation oncology centers (Nice, France, and Perugia, Italy). All patients had undergone breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and received adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation using interstitial fractionated multicatheter high-dose-rate brachytherapy. One photograph before and another after accelerated partial breast irradiation was taken for each patient to record changes in breast cosmesis. Using the OBCS, before and after photographs were analyzed by measuring distances between anatomic features. OBCS scores from four doctors (two males [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee] and two females [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee]) were compared. Results: Agreement was high between trainees and specialist, and males and females before and after treatment. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.867 to 0.950 before treatment and from 0.876 to 0.952 afterward. The coefficient of variation ranged from 12% to 26.5% before treatment, and from 13% to 21.4% afterward. Conclusions: The OBCS is easy, time-efficient, reproducible, cost-effective, and reliable. Its potential practical applications merit further investigation in future studies.