Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Definitive Chemoradiotherapy With Salvage Surgery as Needed: The Study Protocol for the Randomized Controlled NEEDS Trial.

Background: The globally dominant treatment with curative intent for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with subsequent esophagectomy. This multimodal treatment leads to around 60% overall 5-year survival, yet with impaired post-surgical quality of life. Observational studies indicate that curatively intended chemoradiotherapy, so-called definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) followed by surveillance of the primary tumor site and regional lymph node stations and surgery only when needed to ensure local tumor control, may lead to similar survival as nCRT with surgery, but with considerably less impairment of quality of life.

Current and future strategies for radiation therapy in gastric cancer.

Gastric cancers are heterogeneous. There are important differences between gastric and junctional tumors and a focus on evidence based on true gastric cancers is important to guide treatment decision and the design of innovative strategies. We present key evidence shaping the current use of radiotherapy, discuss technical radiotherapy considerations that are important to consider in multidisciplinary decision-making, and highlight selected research strategies including radiotherapeutic advances, theranostic approaches and key ongoing clinical trials to watch that will shape the role of radiotherapy in gastric cancers for the future.

Clinical research mentorship programme (CRMP) for radiation oncology residents in Africa-building capacity through mentoring.

Research skills are mandatory for all oncology residency training programmes. Creating the environment to foster skills and passion can be a challenge in all settings, and a unique challenge in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Tremendous clinical workload places exceptional demand on clinician teachers, research infrastructure and access to research collaborators with diverse methodological skill sets can be limited.

Whole brain radiotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple brain metastases.

Background: This is an update to the review published in the Cochrane Library (2012, Issue 4).It is estimated that 20% to 40% of people with cancer will develop brain metastases during the course of their illness. The burden of brain metastases impacts quality and length of survival.

WITHDRAWN. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (without surgery) compared with radiotherapy alone in localized carcinoma of the esophagus.

Background: Esophageal carcinoma can be managed primarily with either a surgical or non-surgical radiotherapeutic approach. Combination chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) has been incorporated into clinical practice and applied increasingly, especially in North America.

Objectives: To evaluate combined CT and RT (CTRT) versus RT alone in patients with localized esophageal carcinoma.

Neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Carcinoma of the esophagus is an aggressive malignancy with an increasing incidence. Its virulence, in terms of symptoms and mortality, justifies a continued search for optimal therapy. The large and growing number of patients affected, the high mortality rates, the worldwide geographic variation in practice, and the large body of good quality research warrants a systematic review with meta-analysis.