• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2009

Purpose: To examine the effect of suboptimal chemotherapy in patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 43 patients who received preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery for the treatment of pathologically proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum from April 2003 to April 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. The delivered radiation dose ranged from 41.4 to 50.4 Gy. The standard group consisted of patients receiving two cycles of a 5-FU bolus injection for three days on the first and fifth week of radiotherapy or twice daily with capecitabine. The standard group included six patients for each regimen. The non-standard group consisted of patients receiving one cycle of 5-FU bolus injection for three days on the first week of radiotherapy. The non-standard group included 31 patients. Radical surgery was performed at a median of 58 days after the end of radiotherapy. A low anterior resection was performed in 36 patients, whereas an abdominoperineal resection was performed in 7 patients. Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to pathologic responses ranging from grades 3 to 5 (83.3% vs. 67.7%, p=0.456), downstaging (75.0% vs. 67.7%, p=0.727), and a radial resection margin greater than 2 mm (66.7% vs. 83.9%, p=0.237). The sphincter-saving surgery rate in low-lying rectal cancers was lower in the non-standard group (100% vs. 75%, p=0.068). There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity observed in all patients. Conclusion: Considering that the sphincter-saving surgery rate in low-lying rectal cancer was marginally lower for patients treated with non-standard, suboptimal chemotherapy, and that toxicity higher than grade 2 was not observed in the both groups, suboptimal chemotherapy should be avoided in this setting.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.160-169
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• 2007

Purpose: This study reports the results of the use of preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy (CRCT) for the treatment of locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: From 1998 through 2005, 61 patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer at stages II-IVB (without distant organ metastasis and presumed to be respectable) received preoperative CRCT. CRCT consisted of radiotherapy (45 Gy /25 fractions /5 weeks) and FP chemotherapy (5-FU 1 g/$m^{2}$/day, days 1-4 and 29-32, Cisplatin 60 mg/$m^{2}$/day, days 1 and 29). An esophagectomy was planned in $4{\sim}6$ weeks after the completion of CRCT. Results: There were two treatment-related deaths. Among the 61 patients, 53 patients underwent surgery and 17 patients achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). The overall survival (OS) rates of all 61 patients at 2 and 5 years were 59.0% and 38.0%, respectively. The rates of OS and disease-free survival (DFS) of the surgically resected patients at 2 and 5 years were 61.6%, 40.1 % and 53.3%, 41.8%, respectively. By univariate analysis, achieviement of pCR and a clinically uninvolved distant lymph node (cMO) were favorable prognostic factors for OS and DFS. There were 27 patients that experienced a relapse-a locoregional relapse occurred in 5 patients, a distant metastasis occurred in 12 patients and combined failure occurred in 10 patients. Conclusion: The results of the current study are favorable. pCR and an uninvolved distant lymph node were found to be favorable prognostic factors.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the pathological and clinical effects of preoperative chemoradiation (CCRT) in cases of locally advanced rectal cancer and to determine the predictive factors for tumor downstaging. Materials and Methods: From March 2004 to August 2008, 33 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with preoperative CCRT. Twenty-eight patients (84.8%) were treated using a concomitant boost technique while five (15.2%) patients were treated using a cone down boost technique. All patients received 50.4 Gy of irradiation and concurrent chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil. The median follow-up duration was 24.2 months (range, 9.8 to 64.7 months). Results: Thirty-one (93.9%) patients underwent surgery. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) underwent anal sphincter-preserving surgery. The 3-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival rates were 63.4% and 78.8%, respectively. Post-operative factors were more important for DFS. Pathologic N stage, margin status, and pathologic differentiation were significant prognostic factors (p=0.001, 0.029, 0.030). Tumor size and lymphovascular invasion were also associated with marginal significance (p=0.081, 0.073). However, only pre-treatment T stage was a significant pre-operative factor (p=0.018). The complete pathological response rate was 9.1 %. T-downstaging was observed in ten (30.3%) patients, whereas N-downstaging was found in 24 (72.7%) patients. Pre-treatment T stage and the interval between CCRT and operation were the predictive factors for downstaging in a univariate analysis (p=0.029, 0.027). Pre-treatment carcinoembryogenic antigen was also associated with marginal significance (p=0.068). Conclusion: The survival of rectal cancer patients can be better determined based on post-operative findings. Therefore, pre-operative CCRT for downstaging of the tumor seems to be important. Pre-treatment T stage and the interval between CCRT and operation can be used to predict downstaging.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.293-299
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• 2000

Purpose :We conducted a prospective non-randomized clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and toxic of the preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced unresectable rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 1995 and June 1998, 37 conecutive patients with locally unresectable advanced rectal cancer were entered into the study. With 3- or 4- fields technique, a total of 45 Gy radiation was delivered on whole pelvis, followed by 5.4 Gy boost to the primary tumor in some cases. Chemotherapy was done at the first and fifth week of radiation with bolus i.v. 5-Fluorouracil (FU) 370$\~$450 mg/m$^{2}$, days 1$\~$5, plus Leucovorin 20 mg/m$^{2}$, days 1$\~$5. OF 37 patients, 6 patients did not receive all planned treatment course (refusal in 4, disease progression in 1, metastasis to lung in 1). Surgical resection was undergone 4$\~$6 weeks after preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Results :Complete resection rate with negative margins was 94$\%$ (29/31). Complete response was seen in 7 patients (23$\%$) clinically and 2 patients (6$\%$) pathologically. Down staging of tumor occured in 21 patients (68$\%$). Treatment related toxicity was minimal except grade III & IV leukopenia in 2 patients, respectively. Conclusion : Preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer was effective in inducing down staging and complete resection rate. Treatment related toxicity was minimal. Further follow up is on-going to determine long term survival following this treatment.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.177-181
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• 2000

Purpose : Rarity of olfactory neuroblastoma makes it difficult for treating Physician to Practice with a consistent protocol. This study is peformed to analyze our experience with various treatment modalities for patients with olfactory neuroblastoma. Discussion includes review of some recently published literatures. Methods and Materials : Between June of 1979 and April of 1997, 20 patients were treated under the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma at Seoul National University Hospital. There were 14 male and 6 female patients. Age at initial treatment ranged from l3 to 77 years with median or 24 years. fifteen or 20 patients had Kadish stage C. They were treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy; surgery+postoperative radiation therapy+adjuvant chemotherapy for 2 patients, surgery+postoperative radiation therapy for 6, neoadjuvant chemotherapy+surgery for 1, surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy for 1, surgery only for 2, neoadiuvant chemotherapy+ radiation therapy for 3, radiation therapy+adjuvant chemotherapy for 1, radiation therapy only for 3, and no treatment for 1 patient. Results : Follow-up ranged from 2 month to 204 months with mean of 39.6 months. The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates are 20% and 10%, respectably. Four patients are alive at the time of data analysis. One of four living patients was treated with radical surgery, postoperative radiation therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, two patients with radical surgery and postoperative radiation therapy, and one with radical surgery only. Conclusion : Multidisciplinary approach, including radical surgery, pre- or post-operative radiation therapy and chemotherapy, should be addressed at the initial time of diagnosis. Although limited by small number of the patients, this study suggests importance of local treatment modality, especially radical surgery in the treatment of lofactory neuroblastoma.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2014

We investigated whether regional hyperthermia (HT) increased post-surgical complications in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Between 1996 and 2007, 205 patients treated with preoperative CCRT and curative surgery were evaluable for the analysis of acute and late toxicities. A total dose of 39.6 Gy or 45 Gy was delivered concurrently with one or two cycles of chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin). Eighty-eight patients received regional HT twice a week using an 8-MHz radiofrequency capacitive heating device. Surgery was performed 4~6 weeks after the completion of preoperative CCRT. The median age was 59 years (range, 18~83) and the median follow-up period was 61months (range, 2~191). The 5-year overall survival and complication-free survival rate of all patients was 77.4% and 73.7%, respectively. Early leakage, delayed leakage, anastomotic stricture, fistula, and small bowel obstruction occurred in 1.0%, 2.9%, 1.5%, 5.9%, and 17.1%, respectively. HT did not increase all kinds of complications. The 5-year complication-free survival rate was 71.8% in the non-HT group and 76.3% in the HT group (p=0.293). Regional HT did not increase postoperative complications in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative CCRT followed by curative surgery.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1534-1539
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was designed to exclude radiation in advanced(stage 3, 4) Wilms tumor (WT) by increasing the chance of complete surgical removal with preceding neoadjuvant chemotherapy, thereby reducing the incidence of late effects. Methods : Between December 1998 and July 2002, we conducted neoadjuvant chemotherapy after needle aspiration biopsy on patients who had advanced WT. If needle biopsy was accessible, we conducted neoadjuvant chemotherapy(vincristine, adriamycin, dactinomycin) for 12 weeks and then performed surgical removal, excluded radiation therapy and conducted postoperative chemotherapy (vincristine, dactinomycin${\pm}$adriamycin). In other cases, we firstly conducted the operation and then performed radiation and postoperative chemotherapy. Results : Of the 17 patients diagnosed as WT, 12 patients had an advanced stage of disease. In two of the 12 patients, initial surgical removal was conducted. The median age of patients was 21 months(5-103 months). Of the 10 the patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, eight patients were stage 1, one patient was stage 2, and the other was stage 3 at operation. In nine patients except one with stage 3 disease, we could perform complete surgical resection and therefore could omit radiation. In four cases we could also exclude adriamycin after operation. All but one patient was alive, disease-free, for a median follow-up of 21 months(9-43 months). Conclusion : After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we could increase the chance of complete tumor resection, exclude radiation and decrease the intensity of postoperative chemotherapy in selected cases. Long term follow-up is needed to determine whether our method would significantly decrease late effects.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2003

Purpose: To report the early results of preopeartive concurrent radio-chemotherapy (CRCT) for treating rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: From June 1999 to April 2002, 40 rectal cancer patients who either had lesions with a questionable resectability or were candidates for sphincter-sacrificing surgery received preoperative CRCT. Thirty-seven patients completed the planned CRCT course. 45 Gy by 1.8 Gy daily fraction over 5 weeks was delivered to the whole pelvis in the prone position. The chemotherapy regimens were oral UFT plus oral leucovorin (LV) in 12 patients, intravenous bolus 5-FU plus LV in 10 patients, and intravenous 5-FU alone in 15 patients (bolus infusion in 10, continuous infusion in 5). Surgery was planned in 4$\~$6 weeks of the completion of the preoperative CRCT course, and surgery was attempted in 35 patients. Results: The compliance to the current preoperative CRCT protocol was excellent, where 92.5$\%$ (37/40) completed the planned treatment. Among 35 patients, in whom surgery was attempted after excluding two patients with new metastatic lesions in the liver and the lung, sphincter-preservation was achieved in 22 patients (62.9$\%$), while resection was abandoned during laparotomy in two patients (5.7$\%$). Gross complete resection was peformed in 30 patients, gross incomplete resection was peformed in one patient, and no detailed information on the extent of surgery was available in two patients. Based on the surgical and pathological findings, the down-staging rate was 45.5$\%$ (15/33), and the complete resection rate with the negative resection margin 78.8$\%$ (26/33). During the CRCT course, grade 3 $\~$4 neutropenia developed in four patients (10.8$\%$). Local recurrence after surgical resection developed in 12.1$\%$ (4/33), and distant metastases after the preoperative CRCT start developed in 21.6$\%$ (8/37). The overall 3-years survival rate was 87$\%$. Conclusion: Preoperative CRCT in locally advanced rectal cancer is well tolerated and can lead to high resection rate, down-staging rate, sphincter preservation rate, however, longer term follow-up will be necessary to confirm these results.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.247-256
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate anal sphincter preservation rates, survival rates, and prognostic factors in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty patients with pathologic confirmed rectal cancer and treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy between January 1999 and June 2007. Of the 150 patients, the 82 who completed the scheduled chemoradiotherapy, received definitive surgery at our hospital, and did not have distant metastasis upon initial diagnosis were enrolled in this study. The radiation dose delivered to the whole pelvis ranged from 41.4 to 46.0 Gy (median 44.0 Gy) using daily fractions of $1.8{\sim}2.0\;Gy$ at 5 days per week and a boost dose to the primary tumor and high risk area up to a total of $43.2{\sim}54\;Gy$ (median 50.4 Gy). Sixty patients (80.5%) received 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and cisplatin, while 16 patients (19.5%) were administered 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin every 4 weeks concurrently during radiotherapy. Surgery was performed for 3 to 45 weeks (median 7 weeks) after completion of chemoradiotherapy. Results: The sphincter preservation rates for all patients were 73.2% (60/82). Of the 48 patients whose tumor was located at less than 5 cm away from the anal verge, 31 (64.6%) underwent sphincter-saving surgery. Moreover, of the 34 patients whose tumor was located at greater than or equal to 5 cm away from the anal verge, 29 (85.3%) were able to preserve their anal sphincter. A pathologic complete response was achieved in 14.6% (12/82) of all patients. The downstaging rates were 42.7% (35/82) for the T stage, 75.5% (37/49) for the N stage, and 67.1% (55/82) for the overall stages. The median follow-up period was 38 months (range $11{\sim}107$ months). The overall 5-year survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional control rates were 67.4%, 58.9% and 84.4%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates based on the pathologic stage were 100% for stage 0 (n=12), 59.1% for stage I (n=16), 78.6% for stage II (n=30), 36.9% for stage III (n=23), and one patient with pathologic stage IV was alive for 43 months (p=0.02). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 77.8% for stage 0, 63.6% for stage I, 58.9% for stage II, 51.1% for stage III, and 0% for stage IV (p<0.001). The 5-year locoregional control rates were 88.9% for stage 0, 93.8% for stage I, 91.1% for stage II, 68.2% for stage III, and one patient with pathologic stage IV was alive without local recurrence (p=0.01). The results of a multivariate analysis with age (${\leq}55$ vs. >55), clinical stage (I+II vs. III), radiotherapy to surgery interval (${\leq}6$ weeks vs. >6 weeks), operation type (sphincter preservation vs. no preservation), pathologic T stage, pathologic N stage, pathologic overall stage (0 vs. I+II vs. III+IV), and pathologic response (complete vs. non-CR), only age and pathologic N stage were significant predictors of overall survival, pathologic overall stage for disease-free survival, and pathologic N stage for locoregional control rates, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 25 patients (local recurrence in 10 patients, distant metastasis in 13 patients, and both in 2 patients). Acute hematologic toxicity ($\geq$grade 3) during chemoradiotherapy was observed in 2 patients, while skin toxicity was observed in 1 patient. Complications developing within 60 days after surgery and required admission or surgical intervention, were observed in 11 patients: anastomotic leakage in 5 patients, pelvic abscess in 2 patients, and others in 4 patients. Conclusion: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy was an effective modality to achieve downstaging and sphincter preservation in rectal cancer cases with a relatively low toxicity. Pathologic N stage was a statistically significant prognostic factor for survival and locoregional control and so, more intensified postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered in these patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.137-142
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• 2005

Purpose: To analyze the outcome of radiation therapy for patients with a metastatic carcinoma of cervical lymph nodes from an unknown primary (MUO), and identify the prognostic factors for these patients. Materials and Methods: Between July 1981 and June 1999, 39 patients with MUO underwent radiation therapy with curative intent. Twelve patients were treated with radiation therapy alone (Group 1), 8 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy (Group 2), and 19 with either an excision or neck dissection and postoperative radiation therapy (Group 3). There were 31 males and 8 females, with a median age of 55 years, ranging from 25 to 77 ears. The median duration of follow-up was 38 months, ranging from 3 to 249 months. Results: The 5-year overall survival rate was $55\%$. According to the treatment modality, the 5-year disease-free survival rates of Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 48, 19 and $75\%$, respectively (p=0.0324). In addition to the treatment modality, the appearance of the primary site was a significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival (p=0.0085). Conclusion: Surgical resection and radiation therapy achieves a superior disease-free survival compared to radiation therapy alone, either with or without chemotherapy Further investigation Is needed to evaluate the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of MUO.