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Alex L Dubrava,1,2 Pan Su Pyae Kyaw,1,2 Joseph Newman,1,2 Jarrad Pringle,1,2 Justin Westhuyzen,3 Gina La Hera Fuentes,2 Thomas P Shakespeare,1,2 Renukadas Sakalkale,2,4 Noel J Aherne1– 3 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia; 2Coffs Harbour Rural Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia; 3School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia; 4Coffs Harbour Base Hospital Pathology, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, AustraliaCorrespondence: Noel J Aherne, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Centre, Coffs Harbour Hospital, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia, Tel + 61 2 6656 5125, Fax +61 2 6656 5855, Email noel.aherne@health.nsw.gov.auPurpose: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast carcinoma subtype that neither expresses estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) nor the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Patients with TNBC have been shown to have poorer outcomes mainly owing to the limited treatment options available. However, some studies have shown TNBC tumors expressing androgen receptors (AR), raising hopes of its prognostic role.Patients and Methods: This retrospective study investigated the expression of AR in TNBC and its relationship with known patient demographics, tumor and survival characteristics. From the records of 205 TNBC patients, 36 had available archived tissue samples eligible for AR staining. For statistical purposes, tumors were classified as either “positive” or “negative” for AR expression. The nuclear expression of AR was scored by measuring the percentage of stained tumor cells and its staining intensity.Results: AR was expressed by 50% of the tissue samples in our TNBC cohort. The relationship between AR status with age at the time of TNBC diagnosis was statistically significant, with all AR positive TNBC patients being greater than 50 years old (vs 72.2% in AR negative TNBC). Also, the relationship between AR status and type of surgery received was statistically significant. There were no statistically significant associations between AR status with other tumor characteristics including “TNM status”, tumor grade or treatments received. There was no statistically significant difference in median survival between AR negative and AR positive TNBC patients (3.5 vs 3.1 years; p = 0.581). The relationship between OS time and AR status (p = 0.581), type of surgery (p = 0.061) and treatments (p = 0.917) were not statistically significant.Conclusion: The androgen receptor may be an important prognostic marker in TNBC, with further research warranted. This research may benefit future studies investigating receptor-targeted therapies in TNBC.Keywords: triple negative, breast cancer, androgen receptor

Shelly Wen,1,2 Lucy Manuel,1,2 Moira Doolan,1,2 Justin Westhuyzen,1 Thomas P Shakespeare,1,2 Noel J Aherne1,2 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia; 2University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaCorrespondence: Noel J AherneDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, AustraliaTel +61-2-6656-7000Fax +61-2-6656-5330Email noel.aherne@health.nsw.gov.auPurpose: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer cases and is associated with a poor prognosis. In this retrospective study of patients undergoing radiation therapy as part of their treatment, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of TNBC patients were examined in relation to clinical and treatment-related factors.Patients and Methods: The electronic records of 214 consecutive TNBC patients treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Overall survival and DFS times were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method; multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression modelling was used to assess the significance of prognostic factors.Results: The majority of tumors were T1 (51.9%), followed by T2 (39.2%) and T3 (6.1%). For the whole group, mean DFS was 106.4 (SD 48.7) months; OS 109.4 (SD 52.1) months. Radiotherapy technique, fractionation protocol and laterality were not significant factors for DFS or OS (p> 0.05). However, compared to breast conservation, mastectomy was associated with poorer DFS (mean 114.2 vs 65.2 months; p< 0.0001) and poorer OS (mean 115.5 vs 80.5 months; p=0.0015). The mastectomy group had fewer patients with tumor size T1 (p=0.001) and higher proportions of T3 (p=0.001) and T4 (p=0.02). On multivariate analysis, tumor size T3/T4 and nodal status N2/N3 were significant factors for reduced DFS (p=0.023 and p=0.0003 respectively). Tumor size T3/T4 was the only significant prognostic factor for reduced OS (p=0.019).Conclusion: Advanced disease exhibited by tumor size > 5cm and positive nodal status is associated with poorer DFS in TNBC patients. Radiotherapy technique or fractionation protocol were not associated with differences in DFS or OS in our patient cohort.Keywords: dose fractionation, mastectomy, radiotherapy, survival analysis, triple negative breast neoplasms

PURPOSE: Intergroup 0116 (INT-0116) established adjuvant chemoradiation as the standard of care for resected high-risk adenocarcinoma of the stomach in the United States. However, adjuvant chemoradiation remains controversial in many parts of Asia and Europe, where patients tend to undergo a more thorough D2 dissection. In INT-0116, 90% of patients had a limited or inadequate node dissection (D0 or D1). Also, 17% of patients in the chemoradiation arm had to discontinue treatment because of toxicities. The objectives of this retrospective study are to report the clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients who were mostly treated with a D2 node dissection and received adjuvant chemoradiation as per INT-0116, and the toxicities of chemoradiation in the context of more aggressive surgery. METHODS: After the results of INT-0116 became apparent, we adopted an institutional policy whereby patients who would otherwise fit the inclusion criteria of INT-0116 received adjuvant chemoradiation. Between March 1999 and November 2004, 70 consecutive patients with pathologic stage T3, T4, or node-positive disease were treated according to the chemoradiation arm of INT-0116. Patients received intravenous 5-fluorouracil 425 mg/m and leucovorin 20 mg/m in cycles 1, 3, and 4. Concurrent chemoradiation was given in cycle 2 and consisted of bolus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin and radiotherapy (45 Gy over 25 fractions in 5 weeks). All patients were operated on by dedicated Japan-trained Surgical Oncologists. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (96%) had a D2 nodal dissection. Sixty-five patients (93%) had negative pathologic margins (R0 resection) and 5 (7%) had microscopically involved margins (R1 resection). The median follow-up was 27 months (range, 10.1-60.3). The 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control were 60.6%, 54.1%, and 84.3%, respectively. Of the 30 patients who relapsed, 5 (17%) had isolated locoregional recurrences only. The National Cancer Institute--Common Terminology Criteria version 3.0 acute grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity rates were 15.7% and 4.3%, respectively. Toxicities led to chemotherapy dose-reductions in 18 patients and dose-delay in 19 patients. Including chemotherapy dose-reductions and delays, 66 patients (94%) completed the entire chemoradiation regimen. There were no toxicity-related deaths. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of 70 patients who had a more thorough D2 node dissection, adjuvant chemoradiation was well tolerated with acceptable toxicities and reasonable tumor control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The manner of presentation of research results may affect how clinicians interpret research and make clinical decisions. The authors evaluate whether the use of confidence levels improve research interpretation and decision making compared with P values and 95% confidence intervals. METHODS: The 2 Presentation and Interpretation of Medical Research (PRIMER) studies were 3-arm randomized trials. PRIMER 1 presented results of 5 fictitious scenarios with P values (P), P plus 95% confidence intervals (P + CI), or P, CI, and confidence levels (P + CI + CL); PRIMER 2 compared P + CI + CL, P + CI, and P + CL. Clinicians were asked to identify the correct interpretation of scenarios in terms of statistical and clinical significance and then indicate the intended decision making in terms of treatment recommendation. RESULTS: Seventy-five and 246 clinicians participated in PRIMER 1 and PRIMER 2, respectively. In PRIMER 1, P+CI+CL was superior to P + CI and P (P < 0.05); the latter 2 arms did not differ significantly. Decision making was not significantly different between arms. In PRIMER 2, P+CI+CL resulted in better interpretation than P + CI (P = 0.03), with no difference between P + CI and P + CL. In combined analysis, the odds of correct interpretation were higher for P+CI+CL than P+CI (odds ratio = 1.73, P=0.005, 95% CI= 1.19--2.52). Decision making was better for P + CI+ CL (P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, the P + CI+ CL arm and clinicians with statistics training, not in private practice, or participating in PRIMER 1 had better interpretation. The P + CI+ CL arm was the only factor improving decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Presenting research with a combination of P values, confidence intervals, and confidence levels leads to better interpretation and decision making by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of posttreatment computed tomography (CT) scans in assessing response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to definitive radiotherapy. Material and Methods: Between March 1999 and October 2003, a total of 132 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NPC were studied. Sixty-one patients with AJCC stage I or II NPC were treated with radiation only; 71 patients with stage III or IV disease but no evidence of distant metastasis were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. All patients received CT scans of the head and neck, nasopharyngoscopy, and biopsies of primary sites at 4 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Clinical response of the primary tumor as determined by comparison of pre- and posttreatment CT scans was correlated to pathology results. Results: The median follow-up time for all patients was 25 months (range, 9-40 months). Radiologic progression was seen in five patients, stable disease in 18 patients, and radiographic partial (rPR) and complete responses (rCR) were seen in 67 and 42 patients, respectively, at 4 to 6 months of follow up. Biopsies of the nasopharynx were positive in six patients. For patients with rCR, two patients (4.8%) had positive biopsies. Four patients with residual disease (rPR, stable, or progressive disease) after treatment had positive biopsies. The positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of CT scans in evaluating the NPC response to radiotherapy were 0.04, 0.95, 0.67, and 0.32, respectively. Conclusions: Pathologic CR for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is usually evident at 4 to 6 months after definitive radiotherapy; however, there is no correlation between pathologic and radiographic response. Although longer follow up is required to define the relationship between radiographic and pathologic responses with respect to disease control, we find CT scan at 4 to 6 months after radiotherapy to be neither sensitive nor specific in predicting the response of primary NPC to radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Confidence levels, clinical significance curves and risk - benefit contours have recently been developed with the aim of improving the interpretation of clinical studies. It has been suggested that their use may complement traditional methods of result reporting (i.e. p values and 95% confidence intervals), and subsequently improve medical decision-making. These new methods have been used to report study results; however, widespread use may be hampered by the lack of available computer software. Our objective was to design user-friendly software to enable researchers to use these statistical methods. RESEARCH DESIGN: A spreadsheet was designed to calculate these statistics for the assessment of two arm medical studies. The spreadsheet was tested using a wide range of input data and operating systems. User-friendliness was tested by researchers who had no background in statistics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The confidence calculator was successfully designed, and found to be user-friendly. The spreadsheet is MS Excel-based to allow wide usage. The spreadsheet is freely available from the author and from the web site http://www.primercollaboration.com/Tools/tools.html. CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully designed a spreadsheet that is simple to use and freely accessible for researchers. This is the first such software that calculates confidence levels, clinical significance curves, and risk - benefit contours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses demonstrate audit with feedback (AWF) is effective continuing medical education (CME). However, efficacy varies between specialties, with little published radiation oncologist (RO)-specific evidence. We evaluated an AWF CME intervention for ROs determining efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and participant satisfaction. METHODS: CME program: The CME incorporated fortnightly random patient chart audit, scoring management adequacy via a checklist. Scores were presented at a same-day institutional meeting, and case management discussed. Senior peers provided individualized, educational feedback. EVALUATION: Changes in behavior and performance were evaluated by chart review of new patients seen by ROs in the 2 months before commencement of AWF (T0), and at months 13-14 of the program (T1). Behavior and performance were evaluated with a validated, reproducible, 19-item instrument. Criteria for each case audited included 10 targeted and 3 nontargeted behavior items and 6 performance items; each scored 1 point if deemed adequate (maximum score 19). Cost-effectiveness was reported as cost to the institution per item point gained. The mean score (out of 5) of a 14-item questionnaire evaluated program perception. RESULTS: A total of 113 and 118 charts were evaluated at T0 and T1, respectively. Mean score of targeted behavior improved between T0 and T1 (from 8.7 to 9.2 out of 10, P = .0001), with no significant improvement of nontargeted behavior/performance items. Annual costs and cost-per-point gained were US 7,897 dollars and 15 dollars. Participant satisfaction was positive, increasing after efficacy result distribution (P = .0001). CONCLUSION: Audit with comparative, individualized, educational feedback is cost-effective and positively perceived CME, significantly improving targeted RO behavior. Oncologists' CME design and evaluation require further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy results in suboptimal outcome. This report aims to document the outcome of Stage II NPC patients treated with external beam radiotherapy delivered using an accelerated concomitant boost (C-Boost) schedule. Forty-seven 1997 AJCC Stage II NPC patients were enrolled and analyzed in this prospective phase II clinical trial. The primary tumor and clinically involved nodes received a total dose of 72Gy in 42 fractions. C-Boost for gross disease consisted of 18Gy in 12 fractions commencing on day 19, and delivered at least 6h after the first dose. Patients were assessed for response, survival and toxicity. With a median follow-up of 30 months, 4 patients developed local recurrence only, 2 had persistent neck nodal disease or recurrence, and 1 with both locoregional recurrences. Distant metastases were seen in 5 patients, with or without locoregional recurrence. A total of 5 patients succumbed from nasopharyngeal cancer: four from effects of distant metastases and 1 from progressive local disease. The 3-year local, regional, and overall survival rates were 87.1%, 92%, and 85.9%, respectively. All patients experienced some degree of acute and/or late toxicity. Moderate to severe late toxicities (grade 3 and 4) were observed in 17% of cases. This C-Boost radiotherapy regimen administers a higher biologically effective dose compared with conventional radiation schedules. The local control after C-Boost radiation seems high for patients with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma, thus justifies further investigation to confirm its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular cell tumour is a rare, mostly benign, soft tissue, neuroectodermal tumour, most commonly seen in the skin and peripheral soft tissue. There are no publications to date of PSMA-PET avidity in a granular cell tumour. In this 60 year old male, staging PSMA-PET for a localized intermediate risk prostate cancer incidentally identified a PSMA-avid left supraspinatus lesion, which was subsequently biopsy-proven as a granular cell tumour. We present the first case of PSMA-avid granular cell tumour and add to the growing literature documenting PSMA-PET avidity in benign and malignant lesions apart from prostate cancer., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Institute of Radiology.)

Introduction: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care in the curative intent treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anus. Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) is a highly conformal radiation therapy technique that has been implemented to reduce toxicity for these patients. However, there are few reports evaluating the long-term outcomes of VMAT. Thus, we evaluated the survival and toxicity outcomes of anal cancer patients treated in our regional cancer centre undergoing curative intent chemoradiotherapy using VMAT and following the Australian EviQ guidelines., Methods: All consecutive patients treated with the VMAT technique for curative-intent definitive chemoradiotherapy for anal SCC at our institution from 2013 until 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for survival and toxicity outcomes. Kaplan-Meier estimates of locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were obtained., Results: In total, 44 patients were analysed. The median follow-up was 48.9 months (Range 7.8-107). 97.7% of patients completed the prescribed radiation therapy and 88.6% chemotherapy. Five patients (11.4%) recurred. Four (9.1%) had isolated local failures, and one (2.3%) had an isolated distant failure. There were no regional nodal failures. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 97.1% and 87% at 3 years, and 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 93.0% and 72.3% at 5 years, respectively. Acute grade 3 genitourinary (GU), gastrointestinal (GI) and skin toxicities occurred in 2.2%, 6.8% and 13.6% of patients, respectively. There were no acute grade 4 toxicities. Late grade 2 GU and GI toxicities occurred in 6.8% and 11.3% of patients, respectively. There were no late grade 3 or 4 toxicities or treatment-related deaths. The 5 -year colostomy-free survival rate was 86.4%., Conclusion: Outcomes for anal SCC after definitive chemoradiotherapy using VMAT in our regional cancer centre results in low rates of grade 3/4 toxicity, high rates of organ preservation and excellent survival outcomes., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Introduction: The Australian Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genitourinary Group (FROGG) developed prostate bed clinical target volume (CTV) contouring guidelines which were subsequently used to develop the National EviQ guidelines for adjuvant and salvage post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (PPRT). These guidelines were based mainly upon consensus agreement. With the advent of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET), sites of recurrence can now be detected with low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels following radical prostatectomy. We evaluated sites of recurrence in patients treated with FROGG/EviQ CTVs to inform upcoming modifications of these guidelines., Methods: At our institution, we use the FROGG/EviQ guidelines for PPRT. From 2015, patients with PSA failure following PPRT have been re-staged using PSMA PET imaging. We identified patients with PET-avid local, nodal, and distant recurrences, fusing them with original treatment plans to determine whether recurrences were within or outside the prostate bed CTV. Regional nodal failures were reviewed to determine if they were within current elective node contouring guidelines., Results: Ninety-four patients had positive PSMA PET following PPRT. Nine (9.6%) recurrences were local, seven being local-only. One local recurrence (1.1%) was just superior to the contoured prostate bed CTV, located within the vas deferens. Seventy-three (77.7%) patients had a component of node failure, with 56 (59.6%) having node-only failure. Sites of nodal relapses were covered by standard contouring guidelines 60.3% of the time., Conclusion: The low recurrence rate outside of current prostate bed CTV contouring guidelines is consistent with other studies using contemporary contouring, and validates the efficacy of the current FROGG/EviQ prostate bed CTV definition., (© 2023 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of practices of radiation oncologists (ROs) and urologists in Australia and New Zealand with respect to the utilisation of post-prostatectomy radiation therapy (RT) and help guide the development of an update to the existing Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genito-Urinary Group post-prostatectomy guidelines., Methods: ROs and urologists with subspecialty practice in prostate cancer from Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in an online survey comprised of clinical scenarios regarding post-prostatectomy RT., Results: Sixty-five ROs and 28 urologists responded to the survey. In the setting of low-risk biochemical relapse, the threshold for initiating RT was lower for ROs than urologists. ROs were more likely than urologists to recommend adjuvant RT for node-positive disease. When salvage RT was advised for a pT3N0R1 recurrence, there was no consensus amongst ROs on whether to add either ADT or nodal treatment over prostate bed RT alone. For a solitary PSMA-avid pelvic lymph node recurrence, whole pelvis RT with androgen deprivation therapy was the preferred treatment option (72% ROs, 43% urologists). Most ROs (92%) recommended conventionally fractionated RT to 66-70 Gy, with a boost to any PSMA PET avid recurrent disease., Conclusion: This survey highlights the marked discordance in practice for the management of prostate cancer relapse post-prostatectomy. This is seen not only between specialties but also within the radiation oncology community. This emphasises the need for an updated evidence-based guideline to be produced., (© 2023 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Introduction: We evaluated long-term outcomes for octogenarians with localised prostate cancer treated using dose-escalated image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at our institution., Methods: The charts of octogenarians treated for localised prostate cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCaSS), toxicity rates and changes from baseline were collected., Results: The median follow-up was 97 months. Of 107 eligible patients, 27.1% had intermediate-risk and 72.9% had high-risk localised prostate cancer. Median dose was 78Gy, and 97.2% received ADT. OS was 91.4% and 67.2% at 5 and 10 years. PCaSS was 98.0% and 88.7% at 5 and 10 years. In all, 39 (36.4%) of patients died, with the cause of death known in 30: in 26.7% of these patients, prostate cancer was the cause of death. Grade ≥ 2 late GI and GU toxicity was 0.9% and 24.3% respectively. In all, 11.2% and 22.4% of patients reported worsening of GI or GU function from baseline, and 13.1% and 21.5% reported improvement in GI and GU function compared to baseline., Conclusion: Selected octogenarian patients with localised prostate cancer appear to benefit from radiation therapy and ADT. Despite excellent long-term PCaSS, 26.7% of patients died of prostate cancer. Rates of GI and GU toxicity were acceptable, and deterioration of urinary and bowel function compared to baseline was just as common as improvement in function from baseline., (© 2023 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Introduction: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genitourinary Group (FROGG) guidelines and online EviQ protocols incorporate prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)-guided dose-escalated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (DE-IMRT) for newly diagnosed lymph node (LN) positive prostate cancer. We evaluated late toxicity and efficacy outcomes following the FROGG and EviQ approach., Methods: Patients with LN-positive-only metastases on PSMA-PET imaging were offered curative therapy with 3 months neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) followed by DE-IMRT and 3 years adjuvant ADT. IMRT was delivered via volumetric arc therapy (VMAT). We aimed to deliver 81 Gy in 45 fractions (Fx) to the prostate and PET-positive LNs, and 60 Gy in 45 Fx to elective pelvic nodes, contoured using the PIVOTAL guidelines., Results: Forty-five patients were included. The median number of PET-positive nodes boosted was 2 (range 1-6) and median boost volume 1.16 cc (range 0.15-4.14). Seventeen (38%) patients had PET-positive nodes outside of PIVOTAL contouring guidelines. With 60 months median follow-up, disease-free, metastasis-free, prostate cancer-specific and overall survival were 88.1%, 95.3%, 100% and 91.5%. There were no in-field nodal failures. Late grade 1, 2 and 3 gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in 4%, 2% and 0% of patients, and genitourinary toxicity in 18%, 18% and 4%. Lower limb grade 2 lymphoedema occurred in three patients (7%)., Conclusion: Outcomes following FROGG guidelines and EviQ are promising, with high long-term disease control and low toxicity. Contouring guidelines require modification due to the high rate of PET-positive nodes demonstrated beyond recommended coverage., (© 2023 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a key component of therapy for patients with high-risk prostate carcinoma, but it may be deleterious for bone health. We sought to determine the frequency of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning in patients commencing adjuvant ADT for treatment of high-risk prostate cancer at a large integrated regional cancer centre., Material and Methods: The electronic medical records (EMR) of all patients with high-risk prostate carcinoma commenced on adjuvant ADT between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 at the Mid-North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour, Australia were reviewed. Patients commenced on neoadjuvant ADT and long-term suppressive ADT for metastatic disease were excluded. The following data were obtained: socio-demographic information, prostate cancer data, ADT details and DXA results., Results: 188 men (mean age ± SD, 75.4 ± 7 years) were commenced on adjuvant ADT for a total duration (mean ± SD) of 23.4 ± 7 months. Most (n = 155/188, 82%) were commenced on leuprorelin acetate . While only 26/188 (14%) had a DXA scan performed prior to ADT, another 133 (71%) had a DXA scan at a median of 20 days (interquartile range 7-98), later. Of the 159 men with DXA readings, 76 (48%) were osteopaenic and 38 (24%) were osteoporotic by DXA criteria., Conclusion: A high level (85%) of DXA scanning in men commencing ADT for prostate cancer can be achieved at a regional centre. The high prevalence (72%) of low bone mass in our unselected cohort underscores the importance of routine DXA scanning to guide bone health management during ADT., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Authors declare no competing interests., (© 2022 Greater Poland Cancer Centre.)

Introduction: Evidence-based Australian guidelines (eviQ) recommend adjuvant supraclavicular fossa irradiation after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in node-positive breast cancer patients. Disparity between surgically determined versus computed tomography (CT) determined nodal volumes may result in discontiguous nodal volumes and untreated nodal tissue. We examine the extent of untreated nodal tissue in women with breast cancer post-level II or III ALND and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) using ESTRO contouring guidelines., Methods: Female breast cancer patients who underwent level II and III ALND with apical clip placement from 2016 to 2020 and CT simulated in supine position were included. CT-defined axillary level II-IV volumes were contoured using ESTRO guidelines. The distance between the apical clip and RT nodal volumes was measured to indicate extent of untreated tissue., Results: Of 34 eligible patients treated by 7 surgeons, 76% had level II ALND and 24% level III ALND. Only 5.9% of clips entirely encompassed the corresponding RT nodal volumes. 55.9% of clips fell within and 44.1% fell inferolaterally outside the corresponding RT nodal volumes. A median 3.6 cm (range 0-7.5 cm) of undissected nodal tissue would not be included within standard RT target volumes following eviQ recommendations., Conclusion: There is a disparity between surgically determined versus CT determined axillary nodal volumes, leading to discontiguous nodal volumes and untreated axillary nodal tissue, despite following standard radiation contouring guidelines. Intraoperatively placed apical axillary clips may assist radiation oncologists to accurately delineate undissected nodal tissues at risk., (© 2021 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a cohort of triple-negative breast cancer patients (TNBC) treated in a regional cancer center., Methods: The electronic medical records of 214 consecutive patients treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. The prognostic significance of the NLR for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was examined in relation to clinical and treatment-related factors. Overall survival and DFS were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method; Cox semi-parametric regression modelling was used for multivariate analysis., Results: Ninety patients were eligible; median follow-up was 45.6 months (range, 6-105 months). The 3-year OS rate was 77.9% and the 5-year OS rate 61.7%. Patients with an NLR of ≤1.7 had significantly better DFS ( P =0.029) than patients with an NLR>1.7; OS approached statistical significance ( P =0.055). When treatment-related factors - significant on univariate analysis - were entered into the multivariate model, only nodal status N2/N3 remained as significant for DFS ( P =0.0078) and advanced T-stage (T3, T4) significant for OS ( P =0.014)., Conclusion: While NLR is associated with survival in TNBC patients on univariate analysis, the prognostic value of NLR is likely due to its association with other clinicopathological factors., (© 2022 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.)

Purpose: The five grade group system has been validated for men treated with radical prostatectomy. However, the prognostic value for men treated with radiation therapy is uncertain, with prior studies utilising old techniques and doses. We aimed to validate the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) groupings for men treated with contemporary radiation therapy., Methods: Men with localised prostate cancer treated with image-guided, dose-escalated (≥78 Gy) external beam radiation were identified across four institutions. Primary outcome was time to biochemical failure. Harrell's C index assessed performance of the ISUP system against other grading stratifications., Results: 2205 men were included, withmedian follow-up of 5.6 years. Seven-year actuarial rates of biochemical failure for grade groups 1-5 were 9.3%, 10.4%, 13.2%, 12.4% and 23.4%. On multivariate analysis, hazard ratios for biochemical failure were1.19, 1.00, 1.10, 1.05 and 2.10 for grade groups 1-5, relative to 2. P values were only significant for grade group 5. Harrell's C index favoured an alternative three group model (comprising Gleason scores [6 and 3 + 4 = 7] vs [4 + 3 = 7 and 8] vs [9 and 10]) over ISUP grade groups., Conclusions: The ISUP grade groups were not validated in a contemporary cohort treated with dose-escalated, image-guided radiation therapy. Grade groups 1-4 were not statistically different from each other; however, grade group 5 had a significantly worse prognosis. We identified a new three group model that better predicted biochemical outcomes. Further work is requiredto validate optimal groupings for modern radiation therapy and investigate the contrasting prognostic capability of grade groups in surgical and radiation therapy patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: For patients with breast cancer who decline recommended treatments, available data examining survival outcomes are sparse. We compared overall survival and relapse-free survival outcomes between patients with breast cancer who declined recommended primary treatments and those who received recommended primary treatments., Methods: Using data from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit database, a retrospective cohort study was performed for patients diagnosed with breast carcinoma (stage 0-IV) between 2001 and 2014 who were treated in our integrated cancer centre. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare overall survival and relapse-free survival between patients who either declined or received the standard recommended treatment., Results: A total of 56/912 (6.1%) patients declined one or more recommended therapies. Five-year overall survival for those who declined or received treatment as recommended was 81.8% versus 88.9% (P = 0.17), respectively. Ten-year survival was 61.3% versus 67.8% (P = 0.22), respectively. For patients who declined treatments, 5-year relapse-free survival was 72.4%, compared to 87.4% for those who received them (P = 0.005). Ten-year relapse-free survival was 61.0% versus 80.6% (P = 0.002), respectively. On adjusted Cox regression analysis, treatment refusal was associated with poorer relapse-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio 2.76 (95% confidence interval 1.52-5.00), P < 0.001)., Conclusion: In conclusion, patients who declined recommended treatment for breast cancer had poorer relapse-free survival compared to those who received them. These data may help clinicians assist patients with breast cancer in their decision-making., (© 2021 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Metaplastic breast carcinoma is an uncommon subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma with a tendency towards poorer clinical outcomes. Following ethical approval, the current study reviewed the institutional records of ~2,500 women with breast cancer. A total of 14 cases of metaplastic breast cancer were reviewed for management and treatment outcomes. The results demonstrated that patients had median follow up of 30 months, a 5-year disease-free survival of 57.1% and 5-year overall survival of 57.1%. The majority of patients had at least T2 disease and all tumours were high grade. Additionally, most patients were triple negative and nodal metastases were uncommon. Metaplastic breast cancer is an aggressive variant of invasive breast cancer. Most patients can be treated with breast conservation and survival parameters tend to be worse than more common breast cancer subtypes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020, Spandidos Publications.)

The rapid rise in cancer incidence within the world's poorest nations highlights the need for equitable access to evidence-based cancer care. It has been previously demonstrated that radiotherapy is a cost-effective and necessary tool in cancer treatment. However, globally there is a growing divide between demand and supply of radiotherapy services. In low- and middle-income countries, this resource gap is particularly problematic. By region, the Asia-Pacific has been demonstrated to have the highest absolute deficit in radiotherapy services. Radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand are geographically well positioned to assist departments within the Asia-Pacific to help to reduce these inequities. The Asia-Pacific Radiation Oncology Special Interest Group (APROSIG) aims to support oncology professionals in the Asia-Pacific to develop safe and sustainable cancer services. Members have already contributed to multiple projects throughout the region, supported by grants and departmental funding. However, the backbone of support comes from volunteers sharing their time and expertise. The Australasian oncological community has the skills and knowledge to help not only those within our borders but also beyond. Such efforts provide the potential to develop valuable clinical, educational, research and leadership experiences whilst establishing networking opportunities throughout the most populated regions of the world. More options for growth and work in global health must be investigated, encouraging future trainees to consider a role within the global cancer community. Without prompt and continued action, the resource deficit is likely to grow and the inequity in accessing radiotherapy and other cancer services further magnified., (© 2021 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Background: Guidelines for referral to cancer genetics service for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer have changed over time. This study was conducted to assess the changing referral patterns and outcomes for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer across three regional cancer centres during the years 2014-2018., Methods: Following ethical approval, a retrospective electronic medical record review was performed to identify those women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and whether they were referred to a genetics service and if so, the outcome of that genetics assessment and/or genetic testing., Results: There were 2441 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer seen at our cancer services during the years 2014-2018, of whom 237 women were diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Based on age of diagnosis criteria alone, 13% (31/237) of our cohort fulfilled criteria for genetic testing, with 81% (25/31) being referred to a cancer genetics service. Of this group 68% (21/31) were referred to genetics services within our regions and went on to have genetic testing with 10 pathogenic variants identified; 5x BRCA1, 4x BRCA2 and × 1 ATM:c.7271 T > G., Conclusions: Referral pathways for women diagnosed with TNBC to cancer genetics services are performing well across our cancer centres. We identified a group of women who did not meet eligibility criteria for referral at their time of diagnosis, but would now be eligible, as guidelines have changed. The use of cross-discipline retrospective data reviews is a useful tool to identify patients who could benefit from being re-contacted over time for an updated cancer genetics assessment.

Introduction: New techniques for adjuvant radiation therapy after breast conservation include prone positioning, hypofractionation and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Long-term evaluations of this combination are lacking, and we report our own experience., Methods: Patients with invasive breast cancer followed for a minimum 36 months post-IMRT were eligible. Dose used was 40 Gray in 15 fractions over 3 weeks to the whole breast via forward-planned prone, whole breast IMRT. A 10 Gy in 5 fraction supine boost was offered., Results: Between January 2012 and January 2020, 2199 patients had breast conservation and adjuvant radiation: 489 received hypofractionated prone breast IMRT, with 155 eligible for our evaluation. Median follow-up was 52 months. Median age was 62 (range 36-80), 78.7% were T1, 20.6% were T2, and 12.3% were node-positive. Grade was 1 in 26.5%, 2 in 43.9% and 3 in 29.7%; 87.1% were oestrogen receptor positive, 3.2% were HER2 positive, and 11.0% were triple negative. 58.6% received a boost, 74.8% endocrine therapy and 32.3% chemotherapy. No patient developed local recurrence. One regional recurrence was successfully salvaged. Six patients (3.9%) developed metastases, and 1.9% died. Five-year actuarial local recurrence-free, regional recurrence-free and breast cancer-specific survival rates were 100.0%, 98.2% and 94.8%. Late grade 1 and 2 breast pain occurred in 20.0% and 1.3% of patients. Only 11.0% had new pain compared to pre-radiation. No patient developed radiation-induced pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, rib fracture or cardiac toxicity. All patients scored cosmesis as 'good' or better., Conclusion: Adjuvant hypofractionated prone breast IMRT has excellent locoregional control and minimal toxicity., (© 2020 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)

Aim: To evaluate patient choice of prostate cancer radiotherapy fractionation, using a decision aid., Background: Recent ASTRO guidelines recommend patients with localised prostate cancer be offered moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy after discussing increased acute toxicity and uncertainty of long-term results compared to conventional fractionation., Materials and Methods: A decision aid was designed to outline the benefits and potential downsides of conventionally and moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy. The aid incorporated the ASTRO guideline to outline risks and benefits., Results: In all, 124 patients with localised prostate cancer were seen from June-December 2018. Median age was 72 (range 50-90), 49.6 % were intermediate risk (50.4 % high risk). All except three patients made a choice using the aid; the three undecided patients were hypofractionated. In all, 33.9 % of patients chose hypofractionation: falling to 25.3 % for patients under 75 years, 24.3 % for patients living within 30 miles of the cancer centre, and 14.3 % for patients with baseline gastrointestinal symptoms. On multivariate analysis, younger age, proximity to the centre, and having baseline gastrointestinal symptoms significantly predicted for choosing conventional fractionation. Insurance status, attending clinician, baseline genitourinary symptoms, work/carer status, ECOG, cancer risk group and driving status did not impact choice. Reasons for choosing conventional fractionation were certainty of long-term results (84 %) and lower acute bowel toxicity (51 %)., Conclusions: Most patients declined the convenience of moderate hypofractionation due to potentially increased acute toxicity, and the uncertainty of long-term outcomes. We advocate that no patient should be offered hypofractionation without a thorough discussion of uncertainty and acute toxicity., (© 2020 Greater Poland Cancer Centre. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose/objectives: There are no published reports of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) guided dose-escalated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (DE-IMRT) in newly diagnosed lymph node (LN) positive prostate cancer. We report early toxicity and efficacy outcomes with this approach., Materials/methods: Patients with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer were staged using PSMA PET, computed tomography (CT) and bone scans. Patients with LN positive-only metastases were offered curative therapy using 3 months androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) followed by DE-IMRT (using volumetric arc therapy), and 3 years adjuvant ADT. All patients had fiducial marker insertion, with privately insured patients having spacer hydrogel insertion. PET and prostate magnetic resonance imaging were fused with the planning CT. We aimed to deliver 81 Gy in 45 fractions (Fx) to the prostate and PET-positive LNs, and 60 Gy in 45Fx to bilateral elective pelvic LNs., Results: In all, 46 patients were treated, with 83% Gleason 8-10, 67% T3/T4, median number of LNs 2 (range 1-6), and median PET-positive LN volume 1.14 cc (range 0.15-4.14). LNs were outside of standard contouring guidelines in 37% of patients. The mean PET-positive LN clinical target volume dose ranged from 73.3 to 85.9 Gy (median 83.6 Gy). With 24 months median follow-up, two year failure-free survival was 100%, and 2 year overall survival 95.7%. Acute grade 1 and 2 GI toxicity occurred in 48 and 11% of patients, and GU toxicity in 72 and 24%. Late grade 1, 2 and 3 GI toxicity occurred in 13, 2 and 0%, and GU toxicity 28, 13 and 4%. No toxicity was attributable to the high dose LN boost., Conclusions: PSMA PET-guided DE-IMRT up to 81 Gy to the prostate and involved LNs, and long term ADT, is a promising approach for newly diagnosed LN positive prostate cancer. LN contouring guidelines require re-evaluation in the era of PSMA PET imaging., (Crown Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: To investigate whether the implantation of a hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR) reduces long-term rectal toxicity for prostate cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)., Methods: Patients with localised prostate cancer treated with 81 Gy in 45 fx of IMRT over 9 weeks were retrospectively compared: 65 patients with SpaceOAR and 56 patients without SpaceOAR. Planning aims restricted rectal doses to V40 Gy < 35%, V65 Gy < 17%, V75 Gy < 10%. Toxicities were evaluated between 3 months and 3 years after the completion of radiotherapy and were based on the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) assessment tool for diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, faecal incontinence and proctitis., Results: The cumulative incidence of low-grade diarrhoea (G1) was significantly higher in the non-SpaceOAR group (21.4% vs 6.2%; P = 0.016). The cumulative incidence of proctitis (grades G1 and G2) was also higher in the non-SpaceOAR group (26.7% vs 9.2%; P = 0.015); the cumulative incidence of G2 proctitis was higher in the latter group (P = 0.043). There were no differences between the treatment groups for cumulative incidences of faecal incontinence and/or haemorrhoids. Three years after IMRT, diarrhoea and proctitis were higher in the non-SpaceOAR group, without reaching statistical significance. This finding was unchanged after correcting for baseline symptoms., Conclusion: SpaceOAR is of benefit in reducing the cumulative incidence of low-grade diarrhoea and proctitis for up to 3 years after intensity-modulated radiotherapy., (© 2019 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.)