Pattern of care for re-irradiation in locally recurrent rectal cancer: a national survey on behalf of the AIRO gastrointestinal tumors study group.

Purpose: Radical resection (R0) represents the best curative treatment for local recurrence (LR) rectal cancer. Re-irradiation (re-RT) can increase the rate of R0 resection. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines on Re-RT for LR rectal cancer.

Clinical nutrition in surgical oncology: Young AIOM-AIRO-SICO multidisciplinary national survey on behalf of NutriOnc research group.

Malnutrition is a common condition in cancer patients which is usually associated with functional limitations, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Based on the support of the young sections of Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) and Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO) merged into the NutriOnc Research Group, we performed a multidisciplinary national survey with the aim to define the awareness of nutritional issues among healthcare professionals delivering anticancer care. The questionnaire was organized in four sections, as follows: Knowledge and practices regarding Nutritional Management of cancer patients; Timing of screening and assessment of Nutritional Status; Nutritional Treatment and prescription criteria; Immunonutrition and educational topics.

Clinical Outcomes and Toxicity of CT-guided High Dose-rate Brachytherapy in Women With Locally-advanced Cervical Cancer.

Background/aim: To evaluate the outcome and toxicities in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with radiochemotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy.

Patients And Methods: This study included 67 patients with LACC treated between 2010 and 2018. The most represented stage was FIGO IIB.

Clinicians' and Patients' Perceptions and Use of the Word "Cured" in Cancer Care: An Italian Survey.

Background: The words "hope" and "cure" were used in a greater number of articles and sentences in narrative and editorial papers than in primary research. Despite concomitant improvements in cancer outcomes, the related reluctance to use these terms in more scientifically oriented original reports may reflect a bias worthy of future exploration. This study aims to survey a group of physicians and cancer patients regarding their perception and use of the word cure.

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) oligometastases: an AIRO (Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology) systematic review.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to examine efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with oligometastatic thyroid cancer.

Materials And Methods: A systematic search was conducted by means of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library.

Clinicaltrials: gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews.

The role of radiation therapy technologist in interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in Italy: Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) and Italian Association of Radiation Therapy and Medical Physics Technologists (AITRO) joint project.

Purpose: Interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy and intra-operative radiotherapy) is a complex treatment approach that requires a multi-professional approach. The aim of this work was to assess the role of radiation therapy technologist (RTT) in IRT team, with a special focus on brachytherapy as well as to define more appropriate ways to improve skills and training to promote cooperation of multi-professional team.

Material And Methods: A nationwide survey consisting of 16 questions was proposed between April and May 2020, with collaboration between the Italian Association of Radiation Therapy and Medical Physics Technologists (AITRO) and the Interventional Radiotherapy Study Group of Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

The Multidisciplinary Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review and Clinical Recommendations by a Panel of Experts.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC) account for about 20% of all keratinocyte carcinomas, which are the most common form of cancer. Heterogeneity of treatments and low mortality are a challenge in obtaining accurate incidence data and consistent registration in cancer registries. Indeed, CSCC mostly presents as an indolent, low-risk lesion, with five-year cure rates greater than 90% after surgical excision, and only few tumors are associated with a high-risk of local or distant relapse; therefore, it is particularly relevant to identify high-risk lesions among all other low-risk CSCCs for the proper diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Thoracic re-irradiation with 3D-conformal or more advanced techniques: A systematic review of treatment safety by the Re-irradiation Study Group of the Italian Association of Radiation and Oncology AIRO.

Re-irradiation (re-RT) is a treatment modality that has been actively investigated in recurrent lung cancer or in lung metastases appeared in previously irradiated areas. A literature search, according PRISMA recommendations and a meta-analysis technique were performed with the aims to identify possible factors related to the toxicity incidence and severity of ≥ G3 acute toxicity. 1243 patients and 36 studies, met inclusion criteria.

Palliative radiotherapy indications during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future complex logistic settings: the NORMALITY model.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems worldwide over the last few months, and it continues to do so. Although some restrictions are being removed, it is not certain when the pandemic is going to be definitively over. Pandemics can be seen as a highly complex logistic scenario.

Radiotherapy with Intensity-Modulated (IMRT) Techniques in the Treatment of Anal Carcinoma (RAINSTORM): A Multicenter Study on Behalf of AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology) Gastrointestinal Study Group.

A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of care and clinical outcomes of anal cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. In a cohort of 987 patients, the clinical complete response (CR) rate (beyond 6 months) was 90.6%.

Treatment Volume, Dose Prescription and Delivery Techniques for Dose-intensification in Rectal Cancer: A National Survey.

Background/aim: The aim of the study was to investigate boost volume definition, doses, and delivery techniques for rectal cancer dose intensification.

Patients And Methods: An online survey was made on 25 items (characteristics, simulation, imaging, volumes, doses, planning and treatment).

Results: Thirty-eight radiation oncologists joined the study.

Outcomes and toxicities of re-irradiation for prostate cancer: A systematic review on behalf of the Re-Irradiation Working Group of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

Aims: The best therapeutic approach for local relapses of previously irradiated prostate cancer (PC) is still not defined. Re-irradiation (Re-I) could offer a chance of cure for highly selected patients, although high quality evidences are lacking. The aim of our study is to provide a literature review on efficacy and safety of Re-I.

Radiation treatment for adult rare cancers: Oldest and newest indication.

Aim: Aim of this analysis is to review the role of RT in the management of several rare tumors for adult patients.

Methods: Collection data regarding RT and rare tumors was made by Pubmed.

Results: For mucosal melanomas, RT is prescribed, being associated with lower local recurrence rate.

INTERACTS (INTErventional Radiotherapy ACtive Teaching School) consensus conference on sarcoma interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) endorsed by AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology).

Purpose: To report the results of INTERACTS (INTErventional Radiotherapy ACtive Teaching School) consensus conference on sarcoma interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy).

Material And Methods: An international board of multidisciplinary experts was invited to a consensus conference on the state-of-the-art of sarcoma interventional oncology during the 9 Rome INTER-MEETING (INTERventional Radiotherapy Multidisciplinary Meeting), proposing 3 statements for each one speech. At the end of each lecture, the entire group of experts was invited to vote with an electronic device.

A snapshot on radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) head and neck working group.

Objectives: The objective of the paper was to assess real-life experience in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in radiotherapy departments and to evaluate the variability in terms of adherence to American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) recommendations.

Materials And Methods: In May 2020, an anonymous 30-question online survey, comparing acute phase of outbreak and pre-COVID-19 period, was conducted. Two sections exploited changes in general management of HNC patients and different HNC primary tumors, addressing specific statements from ASTRO ESTRO consensus statement as well.

Italian consensus conference on management of uterine sarcomas on behalf of S.I.G.O. (Societa' italiana di Ginecologia E Ostetricia).

Background: Uterine sarcomas are very rare tumours with different histotypes, molecular features and clinical outcomes; therefore, it is difficult to carry out prospective clinical trials, and this often results in heterogeneous management of patients in the clinical practice.

Aim: We planned to set up an Italian consensus conference on these diseases in order to provide recommendations on treatments and quality of care in our country.

Results: Early-stage uterine sarcomas are managed by hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy according to menopausal status and histology; lymphadenectomy is not indicated in patients without bulky nodes, and morcellation must be avoided.

Head and neck radiotherapy amid the COVID-19 pandemic: practice recommendations of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

Management of patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) is challenging for the Radiation Oncologist, especially in the COVID-19 era. The Italian Society of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) identified the need of practice recommendations on logistic issues, treatment delivery and healthcare personnel's protection in a time of limited resources. A panel of 15 national experts on HNCs completed a modified Delphi process.

COVID-19 outbreak and cancer radiotherapy disruption in Italy: Survey endorsed by the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

Italy experienced one of the world's deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks and healthcare systems had to instantly reorganise activity. The Italian Radiation Oncology Departments adapted numerous solutions to minimize the disruptions. Information technologies, treatment prioritization and implementation of hypofractionation and protection procedures allowed balancing between cancer patient care and patient/healthcare workers safety.

Re-irradiation with curative intent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a national survey of usual practice on behalf of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO).

Objective: To report the results of a national survey investigating the pattern of practice of curative re-irradiation (ReRT) for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Methods: In March 2016, a 22-item, 4-section questionnaire was sent to all Italian Radiation Oncology centers. Sections were focused on assessing the expertise level of each center and collecting specific information on reRT prescription modalities in the adjuvant and definitive settings.

Policies for reirradiation of recurrent high-grade gliomas: a survey among Italian radiation oncologists.

Purpose: To assess the contribution of Italian radiation oncologists in the current management of recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGG), focusing on a reirradiation (reRT) approach.

Methods: In 2015, the Reirradiation and the Central Nervous System Study Groups on behalf of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO) proposed a survey. All Italian radiation oncologists were individually invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their clinical management of recurrent HGG, focusing on a reRT approach.

Treatment outcomes and patterns of radiologic appearance after hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy delivered with helical tomotherapy (HHT) for lung tumours.

Objective: To evaluate treatment outcomes and patterns of CT lung injury after hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy delivered with helical tomotherapy (HHT) in a series of inoperable lung lesions.

Methods: 68 patients who were medically inoperable (69 lesions) without evidence of viable extrathoracic disease were included. Dose prescription was driven by tumour location (hilar/pericentral vs peripheral) and/or target volume.