• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 1992

A total of 20 patients (male: female=10:10, adult:children=8:12) with brainstem tumors had been received radiation therapy in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine between 1980 and 1990. Thirteen of 20 patients were treated with conventional radiation therapy (before 1989, 180~200 cGy per fraction, 5 days a week, total dose 4680~5400 cGy), and seven patients were treated with hyperfractionated radiation therapy (in 1990, 100 cGy per fraction, twice daily 10 fractions a week, total dose 7200 cGy). Median follow up Periods for conventional radiation therapy group and hyperfractionated radiation therapy group were 36 months and 10 months, respectively. Four of 20 Patients had histopathologic diagnosis prior to treatment; 3 cases were low grade astrocytoma and 1 case was high grade astrocytoma. Overall 2-year actuarial survival rate was 30%. The prognosis of patients with a longer duration of symptom and sign was better (60%, vs 12%), and the adult (52%) was better than children (14%). There was no significant difference between the focal (29%) and diffuse (26%) type. The initial clinical response was better in the hyperfractionated radiation therapy group. Because of the relatively small number of Patients and short follow up Period in hyperfractionated radiation therapy group, there was no comparison between two group.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.24-34
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• 2008

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the use of accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy(AHRT) for locally advanced uterine cervix cancers. Materials and Methods: Between May 2000 and September 2002, 179 patients were identified with FIGO stage IIB, IIIB, and IVA cancers. Of the 179 patients, 45 patients were treated with AHRT(AHRT group) and 134 patients were treated with conventional radiotherapy(CRT group), respectively. Patients undergoing the AHRT regimen received a dose of 30 Gy in 20 fractions(1.5 $Gy{\times}2$ fractions/day) to the whole pelvis. Subsequently, with a midline block, we administered a parametrial boost with a dose of 20 Gy using 2 Gy fractions. Patients also received two courses of low-dose-rate brachytherapy, up to a total dose of 85{\sim}90 Gy to point A. In the CRT group of patients, the total dose to point A was $85{\sim}90$ Gy. The overall treatment duration was a median of 37 and 66 days for patients that received AHRT and CRT, respectively. Statistical analysis was calculated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and Chi-squared test. Results: For patients that received cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the local control rate at 5 years was 100% and 79.2% for the AHRT and CRT group of patients, respectively(p=0.028). The 5-year survival rate for patients with a stage IIB bulky tumor was 82.6% and 62.1% for the AHRT group and CRT group, respectively(p=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference for severe late toxicity between the two groups(p=0.561). Conclusion: In this study, we observed that treatment with AHRT with concurrent chemotherapy allows a significant advantage of local control and survival for locally advanced uterine cervix cancers.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2000

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate treatment results, toxicity and efficacy of hypefractionated radiation therapy combined with paclitaxel for paraaortic node recurrence in cervix cancer. Materials and Methods: Between September 1997 to March 1999, 12 patients with paraaortic node recurrence in cervix cancer who previously received radical or postoperative radiotherapy were treated with hypefractionated radiation therapy combined with paclitaxel. Of these, 2 patients who irradiated less than 30 Gy were excluded, 10 patients were eligible for this study. Median age was 51 years. Initial FIGO stage was 1 stage IBI, 2 stage IIA, 7 stage IIB. For initial treatment, 7 patients received radical radiotherapy and 3 received postoperative radiotherapy. The paraaortic field encompassed the gross recurrent disease with superior margin at T12, and inferior margin was between L5 and S1 with gap for previously pelvic radiation field. The radiation field was initially anterior and posterior opposed field followed by both lateral field. The daily dose was 1.2 Gy, twice daily fractions, and total radiotherapy dose was between 50.4 and 60 Gy(median, 58.8 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapy was done with paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer. Dose range was from 20 mg/m$^{3}$ to 30 mg/m$^{3}$ (median, 25 mg/m$^{3}$), and cycle of chemotherapy was from 3 to 6 (median, 4.5 cycle). Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 21 months. Results : Interval between initial diagnosis and paraaortic node recurrence was range from 2 to 63 months (median, 8 months). The 1 year overall survival rate and median survival were 75$\%$ and 9.5 months, respectively. The 1 year disease free survival rate and median disease free survival were 30$\%$ and 7 months, respectively. At 1 month after treatment, 4 (40$\%$) achieved a complete response and 6 (60$\%$) experienced a partial response and all patients showed response above the partial response. There was distant metastasis in 6 patients and pelvic node recurrence In 2 patients after paraaortic node irradiation. There was 2 patients with grade 3 to 4 leukopenla and 8 patients with grade 1 to 2 nausea/ vomiting which was usually tolerable with antlemetic drug. There was no chronic complication in abdomen and pelvis during follow up period. Conclusion : hypefractionated radiation therapy combined with paclitaxel chemotherapy diosensitizer showed high response rate and few complication rate in paraaortic node recurrence in cervix cancer Therefore, present results suggest that hypefractionated radiation therapy combined with paclitaxel chemotherapy can be used as optimal treatment modality in this patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.275-282
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• 1998

Purpose : The effect of hyperfractionated radiotherapy on locally advanced non-small lung cancer was studied by a retrospective analysis. Materials & Methods : We analyzed sixty one patients of biopsy-confirmed, IIIA and IIIB non-small cell lung cancer. Using the ECOG performance scale, all the patients were scored less than 2. They were treated by curative hyperfractionated radiotherapy alone from Oct. 1992 to Oct. 1995 at the Department of Radiation Oncology. All the patients received 120cGy b.i.d with more than 6 hours interval between each fraction. The total dose of radiation was reached up to 6400-7080 cGy with a mean dose of 6934 cGy. The results were analyzed retrospectively. Results : The overall survival rate was 53 1$\%$ in 1 year, 9.9$\%$ in 2 years with a median survival time (MST) of 13.9 months. The progression free survival (PFS) rate was 37.0$\%$ in 1 year, 8.9$\%$ in 2 years. Twenty two Patients were classified as complete responders to this treatment and their MST was 19.5 months When this was compared with that of partial responders (MST: 11 7months), it was statistically significant (p=0.0003). Twenty nine patients of stage IIIA showed a better overall survival rate (1yr 63.3$\%$, 2yr 16.8$\%$) than IIIB patients (1yr 43.3$\%$, 2yr 3.6$\%$), which was also statistically significant (p=0.003). Patients with adenocarcinoma showed a better survival rate (1yr 64.3$\%$, 2yr 21.4$\%$) than that of squamous cell counterpart (1yr 49.4$\%$, 2yr 7.4$\%$), although this was not significant statistically (p=0.61). Two patients developed fatal radiation-induced pneumonia right after the completion of the treatment which progressed rapidly and they all died within 2 months. One patient developed radiation-induced fibrosis after 13 months. He refused further treatment and died soon after the development of fibrosis. Conclusion : Among locally advanced NSCLC, hyperfractionated radiotherapy was effective on stage IIIA patients by increasing MST with acceptable toxicities. Acute radiation-induced pneumonia should be carefully monitored and must be avoided during or after this treatment.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.85-91
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• 2000

Purpose : The aim of this study is to look for the possible efficacy of postoperative external irradiation for incompletely resected meningiomas. Methods and Materials : From August 198: to January 1997, forty-four patients with intracranial meningioma were treated by postoperative external irradiation. Of the 44 meningiomas, 18 transitional, 13 meningotheliomatous, 6 hemangiopericytic, 4 atypical, 2 fibroblastic and 1 malignant meningioma were identified. We classified all patients into two groups by the histology. The benign group was consisted of the meningotheliomatous, transitional and fibroblastic types. The malignant group was consisted of the atypical, hemangiopericytic and malignat types. In the means of surgery, 37 patients were resected incompletely and 7 patients were managed by biopsy only. After surgery, all patients were received postoperative external irradiation. Radiotherapy was deliverd using Co-60 or 4 MV photon beam to a total dose of 50 to 65 Gy (mean dose 57.4 Gy) with a 1.8 to 2 Gy per fraction. The median follow-up was 48 months (range : 21 $\~$ 101 months). Multivariate analysis of the Influence by age, sex, location, histology and radiation dose on local control has been done using Cox's proportional hazard model. Results : 5-year local control rate was 93.8$\%$ for the benign histology and 51.8$\%$ for the malignant histology (p=0.0110) and overall local control rate at 5 years was 87.4$\%$. The analysis of the prognostic factors, such as age, sex, location, and radiation dose were not significant except for the histology. Conclusion : Adjuvant postoperative external irradiation appears to be significantly improved local control in the patients with incompletely resected meningiomas.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.206-214
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• 2002

Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, survival rate and complications of radiation therapy and chemoradiation treatment in hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods and Materials : From January 1984 to December 1999, 56 patients who had hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated with curative radiation therapy were retrospectively studied. Twenty four patients $(42.9\%)$ were treated with radiation therapy alone (Group I) and $32\;(57.1\%)$ treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (Group II). Total radiation dose ranged from 40.5 to 83. 5 Gy (median 67.9 Gy). Radiotherapy was given with conventional technique in 9 patients $(16.4\%)$, with hyperfractionation I ($1.15\~1.2$ Gy/fr., BID) in 26 $(47.2\%)$, hyperfractionation II (1.35 Gy/fr., BID) in 18 $(32.7\%)$, and accelerated fractionation (1.6 Gy/fr., BID) in 2 $(3.6\%)$. In chemotherapy, 5-FU ($1,000\;mg/m^2$ daily for 5 consecutive days) and cisplatin ($100\;mg/m^2$ on day 1) were administered in a cycle of 3 weeks interval, and a total of 1 to 3 cycles (average 2..3 cycles) were given prior to radiation therapy. Follow up duration was $1\~195$ months (median 28 months). Results : Overall 2 and 5 year survival rates were $40.6\%\;and\;27.6\%;\;50.0\%\;and\;30.0\%$ in Group I, and $36.4\%\;and\;26.3\%$ in Group II, respectively. Complete local control rates in Group I and II were $70.0\%\;and\;67.7\%$, respectively. The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were statistically significant prognostic factors. The complication rate was increased in Group II and was decreased in hyperfractionation. Conclusion : The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were valid factors to indicate the degree of control over the hypopharyngeal cancer. The induction cisplatin, 5-Fu chemotherapy was not valid in terms of local control rate and survival rate, but did contribute to an increased complication rate. The use of hyperfractionation was valid to reduce the late radiation complications.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.114-119
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• 2002

A immobilizing device that is essential for correct lung and lens shielding with homogenous dose distribution in fractionated total body irradiation was developed and it's efficiency was evaluated. The main frame was made of stainless steel bar (5 cm in diameter) to withstand up to 230 cm in height and 100 kg in weight to prevent any injury even in unconsciousness condition. The saddle was designed to adjust the body weight and hight of standing patients. Chest and back supporter were made of 1 cm acryl which could fix the lung block and cassette holder. Leather and sponge pedding were used for head rest to keep patients comfortable. The device was strongly fixed by specially designed bolts on the bottom panel which was made of 1 cm stainless steel and 10 cm thick wooden board. Precise manipulation ($\pm$2 mm) was possible by upper two pulleys and side handles. Average four minutes twenty five seconds were needed for exact setting in fractionated TBI. No significant difference of lung block location on repeated verification films was confirmed and relatively homogeneous dose distribution was measured in rando phantom experiments and patient treatments ($\pm$5%). This immobilizing device was very efficient to keep correct position of patients, which is essential for better result and less complication in fractionated TBI.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2008

Purpose: To investigate the treatment outcome and failure patterns after definitive chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: From February 1994 to December 2002, 168 patients with locally advanced unresectable or medically inoperable esophageal cancer were treated by definitive chemoradiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) ($42{\sim}46\;Gy$) was delivered to the region encompassing the primary tumor and involved lymph nodes, while the supraclavicular fossa and celiac area were included in the treatment area as a function of disease location. The administered cone-down radiation dose to the gross tumor went up to $54{\sim}66\;Gy$, while the fraction size of the EBRT was 1.8-2.0 Gy/fraction qd or 1.2 Gy/fraction bid. An optional high dose rate (HDR) intraluminal brachytherapy (BT) boost was also administered (Ir-192, $9{\sim}12\;Gy/3{\sim}4\;fx$). Two cycles of concurrent FP chemotherapy (5-FU $1,000\;mg/m^2$/day, days $2{\sim}6$, $30{\sim}34$, cisplatin $60\;mg/m^2$/day, days 1, 29) were delivered during radiotherapy with the addition of two more cycles. Results: One hundred sixty patients were analyzable for this review [median follow-up time: 10 months (range $1{\sim}149$ months)). The number of patients within AJCC stages I, II, III, and IV was 5 (3.1%), 38 (23.8%), 68 (42.5%), and 49 (30.6%), respectively. A HDR intraluminal BT was performed in 26 patients. The 160 patients had a median EBRT radiation dose of 59.4 Gy (range $44.4{\sim}66$) and a total radiation dose, including BT, of 60 Gy (range $44.4{\sim}72$), while 144 patients received a dose higher than 40 Gy. Despite the treatment, the disease recurrence rate was 101/160 (63.1%). Of these, the patterns of recurrence were local in 20 patients (12.5%), persistent disease and local progression in 61 (38.1%), distant metastasis in 15 (9.4%), and concomitant local and distant failure in 5 (3.1%). The overall survival rate was 31.8% at 2 years and 14.2% at 5 years (median 11.1 months). Disease-free survival was 29.0% at 2 years and 22.7% at 5 years (median 10.4 months). The response to treatment and N-stage were significant factors affecting overall survival. In addition, total radiation dose (${\geq}50\;Gy$ vs. < 50 Gy), BT and fractionation scheme (qd. vs. bid.) were not significant factors for overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion: Survival outcome after definitive chemoradiation therapy in unresectable esophageal cancer was comparable to those of other series. The main failure pattern was local recurrence. Survival rate did not improve with increased radiation dose over 50 Gy or the use of brachytherapy or hyperfractionation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.257-264
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• 2004

Background : There are many combinations of treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent studies have showed the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in NSCLC. At present, however, there is no consensus about the optimal dosages and timing of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents. The aims of study were to determine the feasibility, toxicity, response rate, and survival rate in locally advanced NSCLC patients treated with doxetaxel and cisplatin based CCRT. Method : Sixteen patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC were evaluated from May 2000 until September 2001. Induction chemoradiotherapy consisted of 3 cycles of docetaxel (75 $mg/m^2/IV$ on day 1) and cisplatin (60 $mg/m^2/IV$ on day 1) chemotherapy every 3 weeks and concomitant hyperfractionated chest irradiation (1.15 Gy/BID, total dose of 69 Gy) in 6 weeks. Patient who had complete or partial response, and stable disease were applied consolidation chemotherapy of docetaxel and cisplatin. Results : All patients showed response to CCRT. Four patients achieved complete response (25%), partial responses in 12 patients (75%). The major common toxicities were grade III or more of neutropenia (87.3%), grade III esophagitis (68.8%), pneumonia (18.8%) and grade III radiation pneumonitis (12.5%). Thirteen patients were ceased during follow-up period. Median survival time was 19.9 months (95% CI; 4.3-39.7 months). The survival rates in one, two, and three years are 68.7%, 43.7%, and 29.1%, respectively. Local recurrence was found in 11 patients (66.8%), bone metastasis in 2, and brain metastasis in 1 patient. Conclusion : The response rate and survival time of CCRT with docetaxel/cisplatin in locally advanced NSCLC were encouraging, but treatment related toxicities were high. Further modification of therapy seems to be warranted.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2000

Purpose : Tumor hypoxia can be overcome with hypoxic cytotoxin. In mouse tumor, tirapazamine's efficacy of the potentiating radiation effect was tested by the tumor oxygenation status combined with hype facti on ated rad iotherapy .:The control and hypoxic mouse tumors we established by inoculation of RIF-1 tumor cells into the normal or previously irradiated back and thigh of C3H mice. When the tumors reached a proper size, both the control and hypoxic tumors were given hypefractionated treatments (8fractions/4 days) with saline (0.02 ml/g), tirapazamin (0.08 mM/0.02 ml/kg), irradiation (2.5 Gy), irradiation combined with tirapazamine given 30 minutes prior to each irradiation. The response was evaluated by the growth delay assay by measuring tumor size from day 0 (12 hrs prior to the first fractionation) to the day when the volume had 4-fold increase or cross sectional area had 2-fold increase. Results : Overall growth pattern showed that tirapazamine Potentiated radiation effect in back and thigh tumors grew in the normal and preirradiated tumor bed. With growth delay assay using reference point of initial tumor volume or cross sectional area, tirapazamine potentiated radiation effect 1.9 times for the control and 2.4 times for the hypoxic tumors in back, and 1.85 times for the control and 1.6 times for the hypoxic tumors. With reference of 4-fold increase of the initial volume or 2-fold increase of the cross sectional area, tirapazamine potentiated radiation effect 1.48 times for the control and 2.02 times for the hypxic tumors in back, and 1.85 times for the control and 1.6 times for the hypoxic tumors. Conclusions : Present result indicated that radiation response of hypoxic tumors was potentiated by tirapazamine in the back or thigh tumors grew in the control or preirradiated tumor bed, and potentiation of the hypoxic tumors was eDual to or greater than that of the control tumors in the back or thigh.