Inter-observer variation in gross tumour volume delineation of oesophageal cancer on MR, CT and PET/CT.

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the inter-observer variability in delineation of the gross tumour volume (GTV) of oesophageal cancer on magnetic resonance (MR) in comparison to computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography and CT (PET/CT).

Patients And Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients with oesophageal cancer treated with chemo-radiotherapy were enrolled. All patients had PET/CT and MR imaging in treatment position.

Local control and survival after stereotactic body radiation therapy of early-stage lung cancer patients in Slovenia.

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) precisely and non-invasively delivers ablative radiation dose to tumors in early-stage lung cancer patients who are not candidates for surgery or refuse it. The aim of research was to evaluate local control, overall survival (OS), local progression free survival (LPFS), distant metastases free survival (DMFS), disease free survival (DFS) and toxicity in early-stage lung cancer patients treated with SBRT in a single tertiary cancer centre.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively evaluated medical records and radiation treatment plan parameters of 228 tumors irradiated in 206 early-stage lung cancer patients between 2016 and 2021 at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana.

The spine and carina as a surrogate for target registration in cone-beam CT imaging verification in locally advanced lung cancer radiotherapy.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of volumetric lung image guidance using the spine or carina as a surrogate to target for image registration, as the best approach is not established.

Patients And Methods: Cone beam computed tomography images from the 1, 10, 15, and 20 fraction in 40 lung cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy were retrospectively registered to planning CT, using three approaches. The spine and carina alignment set-up deviations from a reference (tumour/lymph nodes) registration in the lateral (LAT), longitudinal (LONG) and vertical (VRT) directions were analysed and compared.

Metastases-directed stereotactic body radiotherapy in combination with targeted therapy or immunotherapy: systematic review and consensus recommendations by the EORTC-ESTRO OligoCare consortium.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with metastatic cancer, especially when characterised by a low tumour burden (ie, oligometastatic disease), receiving targeted therapy or immunotherapy has become a frequently practised and guideline-supported treatment strategy. Despite the increasing use in routine clinical practice, there is little information on the safety of combining SBRT with modern targeted therapy or immunotherapy and a paucity of high-level evidence to guide clinical management. A systematic literature review was performed to identify the toxicity profiles of combined metastases-directed SBRT and targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Clinical outcomes in stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with durvalumab after sequential or concurrent platinum-based chemoradiotherapy - single institute experience.

Background: Chemoradiotherapy (ChT-RT) followed by 12-month durvalumab is the new standard treatment for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Survival data for patients from everyday routine clinical practice is scarce, as well as potential impact on treatment efficacy of sequential or concomitant chemotherapy and the usage of gemcitabine.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analysed unresectable stage III NSCLC patients who were treated with durvalumab after radical concurrent or sequential chemotherapy (ChT) from December 2017 and completed treatment until December 2020.

Preoperative intensity-modulated chemoradiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in rectal cancer: five-year follow-up results of a phase II study.

Background: We conducted a phase II study to investigate the feasibility and safety of preoperative radiochemo-therapy experimental fractionation, using intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT SIB) to shorten the overall treatment time without dose escalation in intermediate/locally advanced rectal cancer with the aim to improving treatment outcome.

Patients And Methods: A total of 51 patients with operable stage II-III rectal carcinoma were included between January 2014 and January 2015. Fifty patients completed preoperative IMRT treatment with an elective dose of 41.

Six-Minute Walk Distance in Breast Cancer Survivors-A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a widely used test for the indirect measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in various cancer populations. Although the 6MWT is a simple test, there are no normative values for breast cancer survivors (BCS) or comparisons of results with healthy counterparts. A systematic review with a meta-analysis was carried out, which included studies from 2007 to 2020.

Consolidation radiotherapy for patients with extended disease small cell lung cancer in a single tertiary institution: impact of dose and perspectives in the era of immunotherapy.

Background Consolidation radiotherapy (cRT) in extended disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) showed improved 2-year overall survival in patients who responded to chemotherapy (ChT) in CREST trial, however results of two meta - analysis were contradictive. Recently, immunotherapy was introduced to the treatment of ED-SCLC, making the role of cRT even more unclear. The aim of our study was to access if consolidation thoracic irradiation improves survival of ED-SCLC patients treated in a routine clinical practice and to study the impact of cRT dose on survival.

Precision Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: Final Results of the PRE-MODE Trial.

Objective: To investigate precision radiation therapy for metastatic spinal cord compression and compare it to conventional radiation therapy.

Methods And Materials: In a multicenter phase 2 study, 40 patients received 5 Gy × 5 fractions of precision radiation therapy (38 volume modulated arc therapy, 2 intensity modulated radiation therapy) for metastatic spinal cord compression and were evaluated for local progression-free survival (LPFS), motor function, ambulatory status, sensory function, sphincter dysfunction, pain, distress, overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Maximum spinal cord dose was 101.

Definitive radiochemotherapy in esophageal cancer - a single institution experience.

Background Definitive radiochemotherapy is the preferred treatment option in patients with the cancer of the cervical esophagus and a viable treatment option in patients with the cancer of lower two thirds of the esophagus, who decline proposed surgical treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the treatment results with definitive radiochemotherapy of patients with esophageal cancer, treated in a single institution in the period from 2010 to 2017. Patients and methods All available medical data for 55 patients with esophageal cancer, who were treated with definitive radiochemotherapy with curative intent, were analyzed retrospectively.

Overstaged Rectal Cancer by MRI due to Fibrosis Induced by Tattoo Marker.

Endoscopic colorectal tattooing with carbon-based dyes is commonly employed in order to assist with later localization of the lesion. Although carbon is thought to be nontoxic, there usually is some inflammatory reaction with fibrosis and granuloma formation after tissue injection. The aim of this report is to alert to a possible underestimated, late consequence of colorectal carbon-based marker tattooing, namely pronounced fibrosis at the site of the injection that could lead to a blurring and misinterpretation of changes evaluated by radiological techniques.

Induction chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in preoperative treatment of rectal cancer - long-term results of phase II OIGIT-01 Trial.

Background The purpose of the study was to improve treatment efficacy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) by shifting half of adjuvant chemotherapy preoperatively to one induction and two consolidation cycles. Patients and methods Between October 2011 and April 2013, 66 patients with LARC were treated with one induction chemotherapy cycle followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), two consolidation cycles, surgery and three adjuvant capecitabine cycles. Radiation doses were 50.

Preoperative Intensity-modulated Chemoradiation Therapy with Simultaneous Integrated Boost in Rectal Cancer: 2-year Follow-up Results of Phase II Study.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of experimental fractionation using intensity modulated radiation therapy with a simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) to shorten the overall treatment time without dose escalation in preoperative radiochemotherapy of locally advanced rectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2014 and November 2015, a total of 51 patients with operable stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma were treated. The preoperative treatment with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and a pelvic dose of 41.

Health-related Quality of Life Assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 Questionnaire in the General Slovenian Population.

Background: The aim of our study was to obtain reference data of the EORTC QLQ-C30 quality of life dimensions for the general Slovenian population. We intend to provide the researchers and clinicians in our country with the expected mean health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores for distinctive socio-demographic population groups.

Methods: The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire supplemented by a socio-demographic inquiry was mailed or distributed to 1,685 randomly selected individuals in the Slovenian population aged 18 - 90.

Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck: a population-based study from Slovenia, 1985-2013.

Objectives: To assess the incidence and to review experience with the treatment of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) in Slovenia between 1985 and 2013.

Methods: The National Cancer Registry database and clinical records with outcome data of identified patients treated during the period 1985-2013 in Slovenia were reviewed.

Results: In a 29-year period, 61 patients with MMHN were identified, representing 0.

Acute Toxicity and Tumor Response in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy With Shortening of the Overall Treatment Time Using Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy With Simultaneous Integrated Boost: A Phase 2 Trial.

Background And Purpose: This phase 2 study investigated the efficacy and safety of preoperative intensity modulated radiation therapy with a simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) without dose escalation, concomitant with standard capecitabine chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods And Materials: Between January 2014 and March 2015, 51 patients with operable stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma received preoperative IMRT with pelvic dose of 41.8 Gy and simultaneously delivered 46.

The impact of anaemia on treatment outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal and anal margin.

Background: Radiochemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Anaemia is reported to have adverse effect on survival in cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of anaemia on radiochemotherapy treatment outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Preoperative treatment with radiochemotherapy for locally advanced gastroesophageal junction cancer and unresectable locally advanced gastric cancer.

Background: To purpose of the study was to analyze the results of preoperative radiochemotherapy in patients with unresectable gastric or locoregionally advanced gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer treated at a single institution.

Patients And Methods: Between 1/2004 and 6/2012, 90 patients with locoregionally advanced GEJ or unresectable gastric cancer were treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. Planned treatment schedule consisted of induction chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, followed by concomitant radiochemotherapy four weeks later.

Capecitabine in adjuvant radiochemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Background: In patients with non-metastatic gastric cancer surgery still remains the treatment of choice. Postoperative radiochemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin significantly improves the treatment outcome. The oral fluoropyrimidines, such as capecitabine, mimic continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion, are at least as effective as 5-fluorouracil, and such treatment is more comfortable for the patients.

Radiotherapy for inverted papilloma: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a rare, usually benign tumor arising from the respiratory mucosa of the sinonasal tract. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. In histologically overt benign IPs (i.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The aims of the study were to review single-institution experiences with sinonasal inverted papilloma associated with squamous cell carcinoma (IP/SCC), to analyze the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and to evaluate the role of radiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Five patients with IP/SCC were identified in the prospective institutional databases (1995-2005) and HPV status was determined in all five tumors.

Results: Four out of five patients had T3-4 tumors; no nodal involvement was seen in any of them.

The role of radiation therapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the impact of postoperative radiotherapy, whether it was based on the clinical stage at presentation of the disease or on the pathological downstaged disease after initial chemotherapy for non-inflammatory locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). We retrospectively analyzed locoregional recurrence (LRR), relapse free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in 55 patients treated for non-inflammatory LABC with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery with or without radiotherapy. The mean follow-up was 55 months.