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Incomplete surgical removal of craniopharyngiomas frequently results in suboptimal oncological control. Radiation therapy is usually offered in these cases to prevent local recurrence of disease; however, the efficacy of radiation is limited by its potential adverse effect, particularly in younger patients. This study was undertaken to compare long-term outcomes and rates of postoperative obesity and endocrinopathy in patients undergoing either upfront adjuvant radiation after surgery, or postoperative surveillance with progression-contingent intervention.Thirty-seven patients aged25 years who had undergone primary incomplete surgical resection of craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively identified and categorized according to the prescribed treatment strategy. Recurrence rates, functional status, neuro-ophthalmologic, and endocrine outcomes were studied in both groups of patients.Twenty-three patients received upfront adjuvant radiation, and 14 patients underwent postoperative surveillance. Adjuvant radiation in the former group was delivered using either conventional (n=10), 3D-conformal (n=4), or fractionated stereotactic (n=9) techniques using a linear accelerator. The mean follow-up duration was 64.7 months (range 14-134 months). Disease progression was significantly higher in patients undergoing surveillance as compared to those undergoing upfront adjuvant radiation (71.4 versus 17.4%; p=0.002). Median progression-free survival times were 129 months and 27 months in the upfront adjuvant radiation and surveillance groups, respectively (p=0.007). In patients undergoing surveillance, 50% ultimately required irradiation, and the median radiation-free survival time in this subgroup was 57 months. Two children in the adjuvant radiation group developed asymptomatic radiation-related vasculopathies on follow-up; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of visual, functional, or pituitary-hypothalamic function at last follow-up.In comparison to upfront adjuvant radiation following incomplete craniopharyngioma resection significantly, a strategy of postoperative surveillance resulted in less durable disease control but allowed radiation therapy to be delayed by a median time of 57 months, without significant detriment to global functional, visual, and neuro-endocrinological outcomes. The merits and demerits of either strategy should be carefully considered in the post-surgical management of these patients.

Purpose The addition of carboplatin has improved pathological complete response (PCR) and event-free survival (EFS) and is becoming a new standard of care for early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, this comes at the expense of increased toxicity. Here, we aimed to evaluate a novel cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen for early TNBC. Methods Women with early TNBC who were administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of four cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide alternated with cisplatin and epirubicin (ddDCEP) given every two weeks over a 16-week period were analyzed in this retrospective real-world study, driven by physician preference. The major outcomes assessed were PCR and EFS. Other outcomes included overall survival, treatment delivery, and adverse events. Results From January 2017 to January 2020, 116 women with stage I-III TNBC received neoadjuvant ddDCEP. PCR (ypT0/TisN0) was observed in 55.2% of evaluable patients. The PCR in stage I/II disease was 62.2%, and stage III was 49.5%. 37.9% of patients developed grade 3 anemia during treatment. Incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia was 16.3%, and febrile neutropenia was 4.3%. 86% of patients completed all 8 cycles of planned chemotherapy, and 98% at least 6 out of 8 cycles. 12% patients required dose reduction of taxane and 19% for cisplatin. At 30 months of median follow-up, the EFS was 91.2%, and overall survival was 97%. Cost analysis showed this regimen was more cost-effective than carboplatin-based regimens. Conclusion Treatment with ddDCEP led to pCR in a significant proportion of patients, with high completion rates and lower toxicity, particularly neutropenia. These findings suggest that ddDCEP may be a promising, cost-effective treatment option for early TNBC.

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with residual disease post chemotherapy, have increased chance of relapse and lower survival with varying degree of pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, the risk of recurrence is high among those who do not achieve pCR and characterizing the mutational landscape of this fairly heterogeneous subset of patients might provide some valuable insights. Methods The archival paired (pre- and post-NAC) samples of 25 patients with histopathologically confirmed TNBC with residual disease who received anthracycline-taxane as NAC, were processed by next-generation sequencing using a 72-gene panel. Somatic mutations were identified using UMI corrected .clc pipeline; gene annotation of the variants performed using VeP program. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics v23 and R v4.1.2 (RStudio 2021.09.1). The K-means algorithm was used to classify the samples into k number of clusters. Results Among all 50 tumour samples, a median of 12 mutations (IQR 7-17.25) per sample was observed. Missense mutations accounted for the overwhelming majority (73.5%). The predominant mutations in the pre-NAC samples were TP53(80%), PMS2(64%), PTEN(64%), ERBB2(48%), NOTCH1(44%) while the mutational profile was slightly different among the post-NAC samples: TP53(84%), AR(60%), PTEN(60%), PMS2(44%), ERBB2(40%). The burden of mutations did not differ among patients who received platinum or not (12.8 ± 6.9 Vs 11.25 ± 4.9; p-value 0.94), though there were several private mutations in the former group. Similarly, the tumor mutation burden was not very different among those with (n = 5) and without recurrence (14 ± 7.2 Vs 12.2 ± 6.6; p-value 0.49). The K-means clustering demonstrated two clusters -all patients with recurrence, except one, in the larger cluster. Conclusions The burden of mutations among the pre- and post-NAC samples mostly remained the same, although, mutations in specific genes for example- increase in mutations in the AR gene post-NAC, was noted. TP53 mutations predominated pre- and post-NAC. There was no significant difference in mutational burden and there were no recurrent / co-occurring mutations among those who received platinum therapy after NAC or among those with recurrence. The data throws significant light on the somatic mutational load, spectrum and heterogeneity, among TNBCs with residual disease.

Background: There are clinical scenarios when it is required to deliver Radiotherapy (RT) to patients who have implanted pacemakers and it is challenging when treatment portals are close to pacemaker. The cumulative dose to the pacemaker needs to be less than 2 to 5 Gy as per the current recommendations.Aim and Methods: To describe the steps undertaken for safe delivery of mediastinal radiotherapy for a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and implanted pacemaker. Case presentation: Sixty-year-old gentleman who had implanted dual-chamber rate adaptive (DDDR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible, permanent pacemaker for complete heart block presented with lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma stage IV. He received consolidation RT (30 Gy in 15 fractions) to the mediastinum after completion of chemotherapy. An algorithm was developed based on AAPM (The American Association of Physicists) report for necessary steps to be taken at various stages of radiotherapy planning and treatment delivery. This approach made it possible to reduce cumulative dose to the pacemaker to < 2Gy.Conclusion: RT can be safely delivered to the patients with cardiac pacemakers. Close follow-up of the patients in conjunction with the Cardiologist, before, during and after radiation is essential for the patient’s safety.

Purpose Carboplatin-containing treatment regimens in early TNBC have shown improved pCR(pathological complete response) and better EFS(event-free survival) but at the expense of increased toxicity, often leading to compromised delivery of planned treatment. We aimed to evaluate a novel alternating regimen to incorporate platinum in early TNBC. Methods We analyzed the data of women with early TNBC who were treated with four cycles each of docetaxel(D;75 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide(C;600 mg/m2) alternating with cisplatin(P;60 mg/m2) and epirubicin(E;90 mg/m2) (ddDCEP) given every two weeks over a duration of 16 weeks. Pathological complete response was the primary endpoint assessed, along with treatment delivery, adverse events, and survival. Results A total of 116 women with stage I-III TNBC received neoadjuvant ddDCEP. Pathological complete response(pCR) defined as no residual invasive cancer in both breast(T0/Tis) and axilla(N0), was observed in 55.2% of all evaluable patients. The proportion of pCR in stage I/II disease was 62.2%, and stage III was 49.5%. 37.9% of patients developed grade 3 anaemia. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 16.3%, and febrile neutropenia in 4.3% of patients. 86% of patients completed all 8 cycles of chemotherapy, and 98% at least 6 out of 8 cycles. 12% of patients required a dose reduction of taxane, 13% for epirubicin, and 19% for platinum. The proportion of patients requiring dose reduction and the average total dose reduction was significantly higher in the pCR compared to the no pCR group for cisplatin and epirubicin. At 2 years of median follow-up, the recurrence-free survival was 91.2%, and overall survival was 97%. Conclusion In non-metastatic TNBC, treatment with ddDCEP as neoadjuvant therapy resulted in a high pCR(55.2%) proportion allowing good delivery of all planned therapy with manageable toxicity.

Aim:The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is bound to put tremendous pressure on the existing healthcare system. This aim of this technical note is to help in triaging patients with brain tumours who are sent for radiotherapy during this pandemic and to provide safe and evidence-based care.Materials and Methods:Published data for this review were identified by systematically searching PubMed database from November 2007 onwards with the following Medical Subject Heading (Mesh) terms ‘Brain tumours’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘coronavirus’, ‘SARS-nCoV-2’, ‘Radiotherapy’, ‘Guidelines’ ‘hypofractionation’ using Boolean search algorithm. Articles in English language were reviewed.Results:We tried to apply the as low as reasonable achievable (ALARA) principle in triaging and management of patients for radiotherapy. We identified protocols which have hypofractionated regimens (reducing patient visits to hospital, time spent in treatment console) with similar outcomes when compared to conventional fractionated regimens and not overburdening the healthcare facility. We also identified the tumours for which we could safely avoid or delay the initiation of radiotherapy.Conclusion:Treatment decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic rely on the safety first/do no harm principle and evidence-based prioritisation of cases for triage. This article is a tool to aid in triaging and prioritising brain tumour patient management. This is for consideration during the pandemic only and certainly not as a strategy for permanent practice change.

Aim:To analyse the presentation, diagnosis and patterns of care of extraosseous Ewing sarcoma treated at our institution between 2008 and 2018.Methods:Electronic medical records of extraosseous Ewing sarcoma patients treated at our institution between January 2008 and April 2018 were reviewed. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to assess the overall and disease-free survival with 95% confidence intervals. A univariate analysis was carried out to assess the impact of variables such as surgical excision, completeness of surgery, completeness of chemotherapy and addition of radiation therapy on the survivorship.Results:The records of 65 patients treated at our institution were available for review. The mean age was 26·4 years. The most frequent sites of extraosseous Ewing tumour were kidney—9/65 (13·8%) and brain—10/65 (15·4%). Sixteen (24·6%) patients presented with inoperable/metastatic disease at diagnosis. The other 49 (75·4%) had localised disease at presentation. The median overall survival of the 49 non-metastatic patients was 46 months, and the disease-free survival was 45 months.Conclusion:Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumour diagnosed by molecular techniques. Multi-modality treatment including surgical resection with wide margins, adjuvant radiation when indicated and completion of systemic chemotherapy results in optimum outcomes.

HYPORT adjuvant trial is a randomised phase III open-label noninferiority trial comparing standard moderately hypofractionated 3 week adjuvant radiation therapy in breast cancer with a novel 1-week schedule. The trial was initiated in March 2019 and is open to recruitment with a total sample size of 2100. We report the results of dosimetric quality assurance, acute toxicity and pre planned first interim safety analysis in the first 271 patients.Stage I-III breast cancer planned for adjuvant radiation therapy to the breast/chest-wall (along with regional nodes as indicated) were randomised to receive 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks or 26 Gy/5 fractions/1 week. For simultaneous integrated boost, the patients in the control arm received 8 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks, while those in the experimental arm received 6 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (to the tumour bed). For sequential boost, the prescribed dose was 12 Gy/4 fractions/4 days in both arms. Compliance to pre specified dosimetric parameters and acute toxicities were evaluated.Data of the first 271 patients was analysed of whom 104 patients received tumour bed boost using SIB. All mandatory dosimetric criteria were met apart from one patient with a higher contralateral breast dose due to optimal internal mammary nodal coverage. Overall three patients (1.1%) experienced grade 3 radiation dermatitis (none received SIB), no other Grade 3 or higher toxicities reported.This acute toxicity interim analysis demonstrates that hypofractionated adjuvant radiotherapy with SIB for patients with breast cancer is feasible, and associated with minimal severe acute toxicities.

Background: Primary intracranial germ cell tumors (ICGCT) are often diagnosed with tumor markers and imaging, which may avoid the need for a biopsy. An intracranial germ cell tumor with mild elevation of markers is seldom stratified as a distinct entity. Methods: Fifty-nine patients were stratified into three groups: pure germinoma (PG), secreting germinoma (SG) and non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs). Results: At 5 years, progression-free survival and overall survival of the three groups (PG vs SG vs NGGCT) were 91% versus 81% versus 59%, and 100% versus 82% versus 68%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome among histologically and clinically diagnosed germinomas. Conclusion: A criterion for clinical diagnosis when a biopsy is not feasible is elucidated, and comparable outcomes were demonstrated with histologically diagnosed germinomas., Lay abstract Intracranial germ cell tumors (ICGCTs) are rare brain tumors, which often require markers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, imaging and a tissue biopsy to establish a diagnosis. However, when tissue sampling is not possible, tumor markers can sometimes be used to diagnose ICGCTs. The authors propose guidelines for a diagnosis and a novel subtype of ICGCT called secreting germinoma, which is also described. Fifty-nine patients were separated into three groups: pure germinoma (PG), secreting germinoma (SG) and non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs). At 5 years, progression-free survival and overall survival of the three groups (PG vs SG vs NGGCT) were 91% versus 81% versus 59%, and 100% versus 82% versus 68%, respectively. There was no significant difference in outcome among tumors diagnosed with markers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid and those diagnosed with a biopsy. The proposed guidelines for diagnosis need to be evaluated in future studies. SGs may not warrant aggressive treatment protocols as used in NGGCT, and their outcome as a distinct group needs to be explored in future studies., Tweetable abstract Central nervous system germinomas can often be diagnosed with tumor markers and imaging, and they may not always need a biopsy. A criterion for clinical diagnosis is elucidated in this retro study. Is secreting germinoma a new entity? #germinoma #cnsoncology #btsm.

Aim of the study:To assess the relapse-free survival (RFS) and the factors influencing local recurrence in patients with desmoid fibromatosis (DF) treated at our centre and to determine the role of post-operative radiotherapy (RT) in improving local control.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 51 patients treated for DF from January 2004 to December 2013 was undertaken. The RFS was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier curve. Univariate analysis was done to assess correlation with tumour size, site, the extent of surgery, margin status and adjuvant RT with RFS.Results:The median age was 28 years with a male:female ratio of 1:3. The most common location of the tumour was anterior abdominal wall (47%). The median tumour size was 10 cm. Wide local excision was done in most patients. Complete resection with negative margin was achieved in eight patients. Post-operative RT was indicated for 43 patients of whom 19 received RT. At a median follow-up of 37 months, RFS in the complete resection with margin negative group was 100%. RFS for the patients with positive or close margins who received RT was 79% and for those who did not receive RT, it was 87%.Conclusions:Complete excision with negative margins gives the best local control in DF. The benefit of post-operative RT could not be ascertained.

Background: Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapy agent known to induce serious adverse reactions that may require hospital readmission. We aimed to analyze the extent and factors associated with unplanned hospital admissions due to cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen-induced adverse reactions. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of those patients who received at least one cycle of chemotherapy with cisplatin-based regimen during a six-month period from March to August 2017. Results: Of the 458 patients who received cisplatin during the study period, 142 patients did not meet inclusion criteria. The remaining 316 patients had a total of 770 episodes of primary admissions for chemotherapy administration. Overall, 187 episodes (24%) of intercycle unplanned hospital admission were recorded of which a major proportion (n=178; 23%) was due to chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions. Underweight patients had higher odds of unplanned admission (OR 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11 to 1.77). Significantly, more number of patients with cancers of head and neck and cancers of musculoskeletal were readmitted (p Conclusion: These findings highlight risk factors that help identify high-risk patients and suggest that therapy modifications may reduce hospital readmissions due to cisplatin-based chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions.

Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis and access to anti-HER2 treatment is still a challenge in lower-middle income countries. The availability of the biosimilar trastuzumab has improved access by lowering the costs. We report the pattern of use of neoadjuvant ± adjuvant trastuzumab and outcomes in patients with HER2-positive non-metastatic breast cancer treated with regimens incorporating shorter durations of therapy and the use of the biosimilar trastuzumab compared to the innovator. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with non-metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant ± adjuvant trastuzumab (innovator (n = 34 (33%)) and biosimilar (n = 70 (67%)) manufactured by Biocon Biologics) with chemotherapy. Information regarding chemotherapy regimens, duration of trastuzumab use (≤12 weeks and >12 weeks), pathological response (Miller Payne grade), disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and safety data were collected from electronic medical records. Results A total of 135 patients were analysed with a median age of 51 years (range: 23-82); of these, 57% were postmenopausal, 31.8% were hormone receptor positive and 62.9% had stage III disease. The overall pathological complete response (p-CR) in both breast and axilla increased to 37.6% in patients treated with trastuzumab preoperatively as compared to 22.2% in patients who did not receive any trastuzumab. Patients receiving innovator trastuzumab and biosimilar trastuzumab showed a p-CR of 28.5% and 41.7%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 42 months (range: 3-114), there were 18 relapses and 11 deaths. The 3-year DFS was 87.1% and OS was 92.2%. Cardiac dysfunction developed in 4 of 78 (5.1%) evaluable patients. Conclusion Access to anti-HER2 therapy in the treatment of non-metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in resource-constrained settings has improved significantly with the availability of the biosimilar trastuzumab. Imbalances in patient profiles at baseline in routine clinical practice led to inconclusive outcomes of ≤12 weeks versus >12 weeks trastuzumab treatment. However, on the basis of historical data, patients could be offered shorter duration of trastuzumab when a standard 1-year treatment of adjuvant trastuzumab is not feasible in resource-constrained settings. The p-CR using the biosimilar trastuzumab in neoadjuvant treatment has been observed to be comparable to the innovator trastuzumab.

Background Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved outcomes for patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with residual disease are at increased risk of relapse and death from breast cancer. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cisplatin added to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced TNBC. Materials and methods All TNBC treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin 60mg/m2 once in 3 weeks with weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks, following 8 weeks of dose-dense epirubicin 90mg/m2 or doxorubicin 60mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2 were analyzed retrospectively. The data related to pathological complete response, adherence to planned therapy, disease-free survival and overall survival were collected. Results Eighty-three patients were included, of whom 80% had stage III disease. Pathological complete response in both breast (T0/Tis) and axilla (N0) was observed in 48.1% of patients. Miller Payne grade 5 pathological response in the breast was seen in 61% of patients. Good partial responses (Miller Payne grades 3,4) were observed in 32.5% of patients. The remaining 6.5% were poor responders. Seventy-seven patients underwent surgery. The disease-free survival at 1 and 3 years for those who had a pathological complete response was 96.7% and 77.6%, respectively, and 92.3% and 62.7% for those who did not, respectively. The predominant adverse events were hematological, with anemia being the most common one. Conclusion The addition of cisplatin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with anthracycline and taxane in TNBC was tolerable and produced a high rate of pathological complete response. Cisplatin added to standard chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced TNBC could improve clinical outcomes.

Background In the present study, we investigated the changes in cyst volume detected on interval computed tomography (CT) in patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) for residual cystic craniopharyngioma after surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of CT scans performed halfway during the course of RT for residual cystic craniopharyngioma from January 2005 to January 2018 to assess the incidence of cyst expansion requiring additional intervention. The possible risk factors for cyst expansion during RT were also analyzed. Results A total of 33 patients (23 males) with a median age of 15 years (interquartile range 8–21 years) who had undergone surgical excision (n = 30) or aspiration (n = 3) of cystic craniopharyngiomas, followed by stereotactic (n = 25) or conformal (n = 8) RT were included. The extent of reduction in tumor volume after surgery was 66.5% ± 17.9% (range, 20.6%–88.9%). Of the 33 patients, 6 (18.2%) experienced a median increase in cyst volume of 11.1 mL (interquartile range, 9.1–12.1 mL; range, 6.3–40 mL) that was beyond the initial planned target volume (PTV) and necessitated additional intervention. Of the 6 patients in whom the cyst showed an increase in volume, 4 underwent cyst aspiration followed by repeat planning of RT and 2 underwent repeat planning of RT alone without additional surgical intervention. In 5 of these 6 patients, the increase in cyst volume was asymptomatic. Younger age (P = 0.002) and a larger residual cyst wall (P = 0.009) were risk factors for early cyst expansion. Conclusions Cyst expansion will occur in nearly one fifth of patients with cystic craniopharyngioma during the course of RT. As nearly all these expansions are asymptomatic, interval CT scans midway through RT are essential to avoid geographic miss of the tumor.

Objective To report the management outcome in a series of patients with advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants Forty-five patients classified as Radkowski stage IIIA or IIIB who presented to us over the past 10 years. Main Outcome Measures Surgical approaches used and disease free outcomes in patients with advanced JNA. Results Surgical access for the extracranial component included open (41.9%) and expanded endonasal approaches (58.1%). Craniotomy (16.3%), endoscopy-assisted open approach (7%), or expanded endonasal approach (20.9%) was performed to excise the skull base or intracranial component. Follow up ranged from 4 to 96 months (mean, 20.3 months). Of 35 patients who underwent imaging at the first postoperative follow up, 25 (71.4%) had negative scans. Three symptomatic patients with residual disease underwent endoscopic excision and had negative scans thereafter. Of two others who had radiation therapy, one was disease free and the other lost to follow up. Five others had stable, residual disease. Three patients (8.6%) with recurrent disease underwent surgical excision, of whom two had minimal, stable residual disease. At the last follow-up, 27 (77.1%) patients had negative scans, and 7 (20%) had stable residual disease with one (2.9%) patient lost to follow-up. Conclusions Advanced JNA may be successfully treated in most cases with expanded endonasal/endoscopy assisted ± craniotomy approach after appropriate preoperative evaluation. At follow-up, only symptomatic patients or those with enlarging residue require treatment; periodic imaging surveillance is adequate for those with stable disease.

The stomach is a very unusual site of metastasis. Published reports on metastatic lesion in the stomach is generally limited to single case reports and case series. Gastric metastasis in an Ewing’s sarcoma is extremely rare and has been reported in English literature but once to our knowledge. We present a case report of Ewing’s sarcoma of the right proximal femur metastasizing to the stomach. A young female treated for Ewing’s sarcoma of the femur in 2012 presented with gastric metastasis after four years of disease-free interval. She was treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy followed by total gastrectomy with esophagojejunal anastomosis and radiation therapy. At one-year follow-up, she was disease free.

AimIndeterminate pulmonary nodules incidentally detected during radiological imaging completed for radiotherapy planning always creates dilemma for the oncologist. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of pulmonary nodules incidentally detected in patients undergoing locoregional radiotherapy for breast cancer and present a retrospective analysis of the natural progression of such nodules.MethodsA retrospective review of computed tomography scans of breast cancer patients who underwent radiotherapy over a period of 3 years to screen out patients with indeterminate lung nodules was undertaken. This was correlated with the patient and tumour characteristics and the status of the disease at last follow-up.ResultsOf the 132 patients reviewed 28 had indeterminate lung nodules. Of the 28 patients, four had progressive lung nodules on follow-up. Subgroup analyses did not show any significant correlation.Discussion and conclusionOne fifth of patients may present with incidentally detected lung nodules. Multiple nodules, ER negative status and locally advanced breast cancer may point to a higher risk of these nodules progressing to metastatic cancer. There is no indication to stop locoregional therapy in the presence of indeterminate nodules, but close follow-up of high-risk group is recommended.

Neurocutaneous melanoma is a rare congenital syndrome associated with congenital melanocytic nevi with meningeal melanosis or melanoma. The disease is aggressive and has a high propensity for leptomeningeal metastases. We present the case history of a man with neurocutaneous melanoma managed with radical excision followed by hypofractionated adjuvant radiotherapy. One year, eight months later, he had a recurrence of the condition with leptomeningeal spread and was managed with re-excision of the recurrent lesion. Although our patient was disease-free for 20 months after the initial surgery, he survived only approximately five months after the second surgery, which reflects the associated poor prognosis of the disease.

Introduction: Phyllodes Tumour (PT) of the breast is a relatively rare breast neoplasm (1 cm) gave excellent local control in B and BL tumours. For patients with BL PT, local radiotherapy is useful, if margins are close or positive even after the best surgical resection. There is a trend towards improved local control with adjuvant radiotherapy for malignant PT. Metastatic malignant PT has a poor outcome.

Introduction: Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) are a subset of breast cancers which are composed of different molecular subtypes. The most common is the basal like subtype, which has an adverse prognosis and limited treatment options. Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the clinico-pathologic and immunohistochemical subtypes of triple negative breast cancers and assess how each of these subtypes correlate with clinical behaviour and survival outcomes. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three (22.2%) of 238 cases of primary invasive breast carcinomas diagnosed from January 2010 to June 2011 were found to be negative for immunohistochemical markers- ER, PR and HER2. These fifty three cases were included in the study and were classified into four histological subtypes proposed by Ishikawa et al. Basal markers- CK5/6, EGFR and CK14 were done on these cases and they were further classified immunohistochemically into basal and non basal subtypes. The morphological features, disease free survival and overall survival were evaluated for both basal and non basal subtypes. Results: Majority (96%) of TNBC cases were classified according to WHO as invasive ductal carcinoma (NOS). Type C Ishikawa histological subtype was found to be the commonest subtype in both basal and non-basal TNBC. Of 53 TNBC cases, basal immunohistochemical markers were performed on 47 cases only because of paucity of tissue. Of these 47 cases, thirty-five (74.4%) were found to be of basal like subtype and all these cases were picked up by a combination of CK5/6 and EGFR. Conclusion: High grade morphological features, hormonal markers with additional use of basal markers can help identify the basal like subtype of TNBC, thereby predicting breast cancer survival. The combination of CK5/6 and EGFR identified all cases of basal subtype. EGFR in addition also has potential therapeutic implications. The morphological features and survival outcomes were not significantly different between basal and non-basal phenotypes.

Context: Setup error significantly affects the accuracy of treatment and outcome in high precision radiotherapy.Aims: To determine total, systematic, random error and clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin with alpha cradle (VL) and ray cast (RC) immobilisation in abdominopelvic region.Methods and material: Setup error was compared by using digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) as reference image with electronic portal image (EPI) taken during the treatment. Statistical analysis used: The total errors in mediolateral (ML), craniocaudal (CC) and anteroposterior (AP) directions were compared by t-test. For systematic and random errors variance ratio test (F-statistics) was used. Margins were calculated using International Commission of Radiation Units (ICRU), Stroom’s and van Herk’s formula.Results: A total number of 306 portal images were analysed with 144 images in RC group and 162 images in VL group. For VL, in ML, CC, AP directions systematic errors were, in cm, (0.45, 0.29, 0.41), random errors (0.48, 0.32, 0.58), CTV to PTV margins (1.24, 0.80, 1.25), respectively. For RC, systematic errors were (0.25, 0.37, 0.80), random error (0.46, 0.80, 0.33), CTV to PTV margins (0.82, 1.30, 1.08), respectively. The difference of random error in CC and AP directions were statistically significant.Conclusions: Geometric errors and CTV to PTV margins are different in different directions. For abdomen and pelvis in VL immobilisation, the margin ranged from 8 mm to 12.4 mm and for RC it was 8.2 mm to 13 mm. Therefore, a margin of 10 mm with online correction would be adequate.

The present study is aimed at determination of accuracy of relocation of Gill‐Thomas‐Cosman frame during fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. The study aims to quantitatively determine the magnitudes of error in anteroposterior, mediolateral and craniocaudal directions, and determine the margin between clinical target volume to planning target volume based on systematic and random errors. Daily relocation error was measured using depth helmet and measuring probe. Based on the measurements, translational displacements in anteroposterior (z), mediolateral (x), and craniocaudal (y) directions were calculated. Based on the displacements in x, y and z directions, systematic and random error were calculated and three‐dimensional radial displacement vector was determined. Systematic and random errors were used to derive CTV to PTV margin. The errors were within ± 2 mm in 99.2% cases in anteroposterior direction (AP), in 99.6% cases in mediolateral direction (ML), and in 97.6% cases in craniocaudal direction (CC). In AP, ML and CC directions, systematic errors were 0.56, 0.38, 0.42 mm and random errors were 1.86, 1.36 and 0.73 mm, respectively. Mean radial displacement was 1.03 mm ± 0.34. CTV to PTV margins calculated by ICRU formula were 1.86, 1.45 and 0.93 mm; by Stroom's formula they were 2.42, 1.74 and 1.35 mm; by van Herk's formula they were 2.7, 1.93 and 1.56 mm (AP, ML and CC directions). Depth helmet with measuring probe provides a clinically viable way for assessing the relocation accuracy of GTC frame. The errors were within ± 2 mm in all directions. Systematic and random errors were more along the anteroposterior axes. According to the ICRU formula, a margin of 2 mm around the tumor seems to be adequate. PACS number: 87.55.‐x

Background Loco-regional radiotherapy is an important treatment modality in breast cancer and radiation pneumonitis (RP) is one of the early toxicities. Aim To study the occurrence, correlation of RP with patient and radiotherapy related factors and the effects on pulmonary function following conventional radiotherapy in breast cancer. Settings and design Prospective study, from a tertiary hospital in a developing country. Materials and methods Prospective analysis of clinical symptoms, pulmonary function and radiologic changes was done prior to and 12 weeks after adjuvant radiotherapy (n=46). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 10 software. Results Radiological and clinical RP was seen in 45.65% (n=21) and 19.56% (n=9) respectively. RP was significantly higher with age >50 years (OR 4.4), chest wall irradiation with electrons, (electrons 83.3% vs cobalt60 32.4%, p=0.02) and supraclavicular field treatment with 6 MV photons (p= 0.011). There was significant relationship between Inferior Lung Distance (ILD) and RP (p=0.013). The fall in Total Lung Capacity (TLC) was significantly more in those with RP (p=0.02). Conclusion Clinical RP occurs in almost one-fifth of breast cancer patients treated with conventional radiotherapy. Chest wall irradiation with electrons, supraclavicular field irradiation with 6 MV photons, higher ILD and age >50 years was associated with increased RP. The pulmonary function parameter most affected was TLC. The factors associated with increased RP should be considered when adjuvant radiotherapy is planned to minimize its likelihood and intervene appropriately.

We report the rare occurrence of an opticochiasmatic glioblastoma multiforme 6 years following conventional radiotherapy for Cushing's disease. This article highlights the risks of collateral damage to the optic apparatus when irradiating the sellar region.

We present a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma cervix with solitary bone metastases to the right tibia and multiple cutaneous metastases. A woman aged 52 years with cancer of the cervix and lung metastases, after 21 months of initial diagnosis and palliative chemotherapy presented with pain in the right knee and multiple nodular skin lesions. Bone scintigraphy revealed intense increased tracer activity in the proximal and mid shaft of the right tibia. Biopsy from the tibial lesion confirmed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The presentation, diagnosis and management of this rare case are discussed.

Primary glioblastoma of spinal cord are rare and are associated with poor survival especially in adults. We report a case of glioblastoma of thoracic spinal cord (D3 to D6) in an adult treated with partial resection surgery and radiation therapy with a survival of six years with good quality of life. The patient had paraplegia at presentation but improved after surgery and radiation therapy to grade 4 in both lower limbs. After 5 years, he developed new lesion in a different location of the spine (L1, L2 & L5) along with multiple lesions over entire spine and was treated with radiation therapy and a year later developed a new lesion intracranially in the posterior fossa involving cerebellopontine angle region infiltrating brainstem. He was treated with palliative radiotherapy and is on chemotherapy with Temozolomide and is still alive with ability to do activities of daily living at the time of this report. Radiation therapy provided prolonged local control with effective palliation of symptoms and good quality of life in this patient enabling to do activities of daily living.

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS) is a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. Its cell of origin is unclear. It usually presents in the second to fourth decade of life. The most common reported sites of ASPS are the lower extremities, the head and the neck. Because of the rarity of this disease, there is no standard treatment plan. Surgical excision with negative margins is considered as the treatment of choice. We are reporting a rare presentation of ASPS as a male breast lump.

Metastasis to the tongue, duodenum or pancreas from primary lung cancer is uncommon. Primary lung cancer presenting with symptoms related to metastases at these sites, at initial presentation is extremely rare. We report a 45-year-old man with disseminated lung malignancy who presented with dyspepsia, melena, symptoms due to anaemia and swelling in the tongue. Oral examination revealed a hard submucosal anterior tongue lesion. Biopsies from the tongue lesion and the duodenal ulcer seen on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were suggestive of metastasis from lung primary. CT revealed lung primary with disseminated metastasis to lung, liver, adrenals, kidneys, head and body of pancreas, duodenum and intra-abdominal lymph nodes. The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy. The unusual presentation and diagnostic details are discussed.

We present a case of intermediate-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid with late local recurrence and colonic metastasis. A 69-year-old man who had undergone right total conservative parotidectomy followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for intermediate-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma 10 years prior, presented with a recurrent swelling in the postoperative site and cardiac failure. On evaluation, he was found to have severe anaemia with positive stool occult blood. Colonoscopic evaluation revealed a globular submucosal bulge with erosion 40 cm from the anal verge, the biopsy of which was consistent with mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The presentation, diagnostic details and management of this rare case are discussed.

A 50-year-old man with esophageal carcinoma developed severe, refractory, retrosternal chest pain. The diagnosis was made four days later when contrast studies showed an intramural dissecting hematoma of the esophagus. The patient responded to conservative management.

Context: Nanotechnology is an empowering technology that holds promise in cancer therapeutics by increasing the ratio of tumor control probability to normal tissue complication probability. It can increase the bioavailability of the drug at the target site, reduce the frequency of administration and reach otherwise lesser-accessible sites. The present study shows the feasibility of the cisplatin-loaded albumin nanoparticle as a sustained delivery system. Aims: Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of malignant disorders. Conventional cisplatin formulation given as intravenous infusion has low bioavailability to the target organ in addition to significant side-effects, like ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to develop a protein-based nanoparticulate system for sustained release of cisplatin. Materials and Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared by the coacervaton method of microcapsulation and chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Particle size was characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Results and Conclusions: Using the coacervation method, nanoparticles of less than 70 nm diameter were produced. Drug encapsulation measured by ultraviolet spectroscopy varied from 30% to 80% for different ratios of cisplatin and protein. In vitro release kinetics shows that the nanoparticle-based formulation has biphasic release kinetics and is capable of sustained release compared with the free drug (80% release in 45 h). The study proves the feasibility of the albumin-based cisplatin nanoparticle formulation as a sustained release vehicle of cisplatin.