• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2004

Purpose : Evaluate the efficacies and toxicities of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), with or without intraluminal brachytherapy (ILB), using a retrospective analysis in esophageal carcinomas with respect to survival. Materials and Methods : From April 1995 to July 2001, a total of 65 patients, diagnosed with an esophageal carcinoma, were treated by CCRT, with 21 also treated by ILB after CCRT. External radiotherapy was peformed using 6 or 10 MV X-rays, with a dose range of $46.8~\69.6$ Gy (median; 59.4). The ILB was peformed using high-dose-rate brachytherapy with Ir-192. The fractionation of ILB was 3 Gy by 4, or 5 Gy by 2 fractions. Cisplatin $(75\;mg/m^2)$ was given on each first day of weeks 1, 5, 9 and 13, and 5-FU $(1,000\;mg/m^2)$ as a continuous infusion for the first 4 days of each course. Results : The median survival time of all patients was 15 months, and the 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 55.4, 29.2 and $20.7\%$, respectively. The 2-year survival rates of the patients with and without ILB were 33.3 and $27.3\%$, respectively (p=0.80). The 2-year survival rates of the patients with a complete, partial and no response were 44.1, 13.8 and $0\%$, respectively (p=0.02). The response to treatment was the only significant factor affecting the overall survival from a multivariate analysis. Conclusion : This study has shown that the survival outcomes of CCRT were much better than previous results with radiotherapy alone. However, the addition of ILB after CCRT showed no advantage over that of CCRT alone.

• 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.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.267-275
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• 1992

Remote afterloading high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) is a new technology and needs new biological principle for time and dose schedule. Here, authors attempt to evaluate the technique and clinical outcome in 116 patients, 590 procedures peformed at Asan Medical Center for 3 years. From Sep. 1989 to Aug 1992, 471 procedures of intracavitary radiation in 58 patients of cervical cancer and 26 of nasopharyngeal cancer,79 intraluminal radiation in 12 of esophageal cancer, 11 of endobronchial cancer and 1 Klatskin tumor and 40 interstitial brachytherapy in 4 of breast cancer, 1 sarcoma and 1 urethral cancer were performed. Median follow-up was 7 months with range $1\~31$ months. All procedures except interstitial were performed under the local anesthesia and they were all well tolerated and completed the planned therapy except 6 patients. 53/58 patients with cervical cancer and 22/26 patients with nasopharynx cancer achieved CR. Among 15 patients with palliative therapy, $80{\%}$ achieved palliation. We will describe the details of the technique and results in the text. To evaluate biologic effects of HDRB and optimal time/dose/fractionation schedule, we need longer follow-up. But authors feel that HDRB with proper fractionation schedule may yield superior results compared to the low dose rate brachytherapy considering the advantages of HDRB in safety factor for operator, better control of radiation dose and volume and patients comfort over the low dose brachytherapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.247-257
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• 1992

Bronchial adenoma, firstly described by Muller[1882] had been reported on the subject stressed their benign nature prior to 1940`s, but these tumors including carcinoid tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, pleomorphic adenoma are now known to possess the various degree of malignant natures from benign course, low grade malignant potential to distant lymphatic or hematogenous metastasis or combination. Although histologically diffeerent, four varieties except carcinoid tumor which is a spectrum of neu-roendocrine tumor originating Kulchitsky cell of the bronchial epithelium and form the part of the APUD tumor spectrum, are morphologically and in many respects clinically similar to the corresponding tumor of the salivary gland is a specific varient of adenocarcinoma that occurs most commonly in the major and minor salivary gland and less frequently tra-cheobronchial tree, esophagus etc. To better understand the clinical characteristics and assess more precisely the malignat nature of bronchial adenoma, we studied 17 cases of bronchial adenoma, which had been experienced at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular surgery of Catholic University Medical College from April 1977 to september 1991. Seventeen cases of bronchial adenoma consist of 2 carcinoid tumors, 6 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 8 mucoepidermoid carcinomas and one pleomorphic adenoma. There is a slight predominace of male patients[10/17] and the age of pt studied varied with a higher incidence occurring between the ages of 40 years and 60 years[mean age, 46.5 years]; the youngest being 15 years and oldest 69 years. Their leading complaints were hemoptysis[4], exertional dyspnea[8], fever & chilness [4], and symptoms mimicking the bronchial asthma[4]. Diagnosis was aided by the radiologic studies such as chest X-ray, polytomography, CT scan, brochography and bronchoscopy. The preferred locations of fumor were in the trachea[4], main stem bronchus[3], bronchus intermedius[3], bronchus of RUL[2], LUL[1], RLL[1], LLL[3] with no peripheral location. Modalities of treatments were single or combination of surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy. Complete resections were permitted in 12 cases with late recurrences of 4 cases ranging from 6 months to 10 years: pneumonectomy[4], lobectomy[4], bil-obectomy[2], sleeve resection[2]. Gross findings of resected specimens in 14 cases showed that 4 cases were polyp-like pedunculated mass[entirely intraluminal mass] with intact mucosa, 8 cases were broad-bas-ed sessile mass[predominatly intraluminal] and the main portions were located below the mucosa similar to tip of iceburg[predominantly extraluminal] in 2 cases. Follow-up information was availble in all 17 cases ; eight were alive without evidence of disese ranging from 1 month to 13 years. But seven cases died of the causes related to tumor[6 cases within 12 months, one case 10 years after pneumonectomy]. We concluded that 8 cases[47%] of 17 cases were metastasizing bronchial adenoma and precise survival rate cannot be answered by the scanty materials available for study.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 1998

Purpose : Carcinomas arising in the gall bladder(GB) or extrahepatic biliary ducts are uncommon and generally have a poor prognosis. The overall 5-year survival rates are less than $10\%$. Early experiences with the external radiation therapy demonstrated a good palliation with occasional long-term survival. The present report describes our experience over the past decade with irradiation of primary carcinomas of the gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary duct. Materials and Methods : From Feb. 1984 to Nov. 1995, thirty-three patients with carcinoma of the GB and extrahepatic biliary duct were treated with external beam radiotherapy with curative intent at our institution. All patients were treated with 4-MV linear accelerator and radiation dose ranged from 31.44Gy to 54.87Gy(median 44.25Gy), and three Patients received additional intraluminal brachytherapy(range, 25Gy to 30Gy). Twenty-seven Patients received postoperative radiation. Among 27 patients, Sixteen patients underwent radical operation with curative aim and the rest of the patients either had bypass surgery or biopsy alone. In seventeen patients, adjuvant chemotherapy was used and eleven patients were treated with 5-FU, mitomycin and leucovorin. Results : Median follow up period was 8.5 months(range 2-97 months). The overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates in all patients were $29.9\%$ and $13.3\%$ respectively. In patients with GB and extrahepatic biliary duct carcinomas, the 2-year survival rates were $34.5\%$ and $27.8\%$ respectively. Patients who underwent radical operation showed better 2-year survival rates than those who underwent palliative operation($43.8\%\;vs.\;20.7\%$), albeit statistically insignificant(p>0.05). The 2-year survival rates in Stage I and II were higher than in Stage III and IV with statistical significance(p<0.05). Patients with good performance status in the beginning showed significantly better survival rates than those with worse status(p<0.05). The 2-year survival rates in combined chemotherapy group and radiation group were $40.5\%$ and $22.0\%$ respectively. There was no statistical differences in two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion : The survival of patients with relatively lower stage and/or initial good performance was significantly superior to that of others. We found an statistically insignificant trend toward better survival in patients with radical operation and/or chemotherapy, More radical treatment strategies, such as total resection with intensive radiation and/or chemotherapy may offer a better chance for cure in selective patients with carcinoma of gall bladder and extrahepatic biliary ducts.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.2
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• pp.218-222
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• 2012

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma is a rare tumor with no characteristic symptoms. It is frequently misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism. We report a case of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma in a 48-year-old man with dyspnea, cough and blood-tinged sputum. He was initially suspected and treated as a pulmonary embolism. Computed tomography of the chest showed filling defects occupying the entire luminal diameter of the right and left pulmonary artery as well as extraluminal extension of the intraluminal mass. Surgical resection of the tumor confirmed pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma. After surgery, he received 8 cycles of combined chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin and ifosfamide. After 8 cycles, Computed tomography of the chest showed interval regression of the residual tumor. Radiotherapy was done as total 6,000 cGy for 5 weeks, following the 8th chemotherapy. The patient's condition was successfully stabilized with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.79-92
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: For the first time, a nationwide survey in the Republic of Korea was conducted to determine the basic parameters for the treatment of esophageal cancer and to offer a solid cooperative system for the Korean Pattern of Care Study database. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: During $1998{\sim}1999$, biopsy-confirmed 246 esophageal cancer patients that received radiotherapy were enrolled from 23 different institutions in South Korea. Random sampling was based on power allocation method. Patient parameters and specific information regarding tumor characteristics and treatment methods were collected and registered through the web based PCS system. The data was analyzed by the use of the Chi-squared test. $\underline{Results}$: The median age of the collected patients was 62 years. The male to female ratio was about 91 to 9 with an absolute male predominance. The performance status ranged from ECOG 0 to 1 in 82.5% of the patients. Diagnostic procedures included an esophagogram (228 patients, 92.7%), endoscopy (226 patients, 91.9%), and a chest CT scan (238 patients, 96.7%). Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 96.3% of the patients; mid-thoracic esophageal cancer was most prevalent (110 patients, 44.7%) and 135 patients presented with clinical stage III disease. Fifty seven patients received radiotherapy alone and 37 patients received surgery with adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. Half of the patients (123 patients) received chemotherapy together with RT and 70 patients (56.9%) received it as concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent was a combination of cisplatin and 5-FU. Most patients received radiotherapy either with 6 MV (116 patients, 47.2%) or with 10 MV photons (87 patients, 35.4%). Radiotherapy was delivered through a conventional AP-PA field for 206 patients (83.7%) without using a CT plan and the median delivered dose was 3,600 cGy. The median total dose of postoperative radiotherapy was 5,040 cGy while for the non-operative patients the median total dose was 5,970 cGy. Thirty-four patients received intraluminal brachytherapy with high dose rate Iridium-192. Brachytherapy was delivered with a median dose of 300 cGy in each fraction and was typically delivered $3{\sim}4\;times$. The most frequently encountered complication during the radiotherapy treatment was esophagitis in 155 patients (63.0%). $\underline{Conclusion}$: For the evaluation and treatment of esophageal cancer patients at radiation facilities in Korea, this study will provide guidelines and benchmark data for the solid cooperative systems of the Korean PCS. Although some differences were noted between institutions, there was no major difference in the treatment modalities and RT techniques.