Locoregional involvement evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a useful factor for predicting survival in patients with inoperable squamous cell esophageal carcinoma (SEC) treated by concomitant radiation therapy and chemotherapy (RT-CT). Results in 67 patients

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is increasing, particularly in the elderly, with increased mortality in this age group. While the current standard of care for localized SCCA remains chemoradiation (CRT), completion of this treatment can be challenging with risks for severe acute and late toxicity. It remains unclear if full course CRT is required for the management of early-stage SCCA or if de-escalation of treatment is possible without compromising patient outcomes. Alternative therapies include radiation therapy alone or local excision for appropriate patients. Modifying standard CRT may also reduce toxicity including the routine use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for treatment delivery, modification of treatment volumes, and selection and dosing of concurrent systemic therapy agents. Finally, we provide an overview of currently accruing prospective trials focused on defining the role of de-escalation of therapy in patients with early-stage SCCA.

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Hyperfractionated Radiation Therapy With or Without Concurrent Low-Dose Daily Cisplatin in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2000.18.7.1458 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 1458-1464 ◽

Cited By ~ 345

Author(s):

Branislav Jeremic ◽

Yuta Shibamoto ◽

Biljana Milicic ◽

Nebojsa Nikolic ◽

Aleksandar Dagovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Low Dose ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

High Grade ◽

Free Survival

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the addition of cisplatin (CDDP) to hyperfractionation (Hfx) radiation therapy (RT) offers an advantage over the same Hfx RT given alone in locally advanced (stages III and IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty patients were randomized to receive either Hfx RT alone to a tumor dose of 77 Gy in 70 fractions in 35 treatment days over 7 weeks (group I, n = 65) or the same Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose (6 mg/m2) daily CDDP (group II, n = 65). RESULTS: Hfx RT/chemotherapy offered significantly higher survival rates than Hfx RT alone (68% v 49% at 2 years and 46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0075). It also offered higher progression-free survival (46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0068), higher locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) (50% v 36% at 5 years; P = .041), and higher distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (86% v 57% at 5 years; P = .0013). However, there was no difference between the two treatment groups in the incidence of either acute or late high-grade RT-induced toxicity. Hematologic high-grade toxicity was more frequent in group II patients. CONCLUSION: As compared with Hfx RT alone, Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose daily CDDP offered a survival advantage, as well as improved LRPFS and DMFS.

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Phase II trial of vinorelbine in metastatic squamous cell esophageal carcinoma. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Gastrointestinal Treat Cancer Cooperative Group.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.1996.14.1.164 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 164-170 ◽

Cited By ~ 70

Author(s):

T Conroy ◽

P L Etienne ◽

A Adenis ◽

D J Wagener ◽

B Paillot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Esophageal Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Response Rate ◽

Single Agent ◽

Active Agent ◽

Dose Intensity ◽

World Health ◽

Who Grade ◽

European Organization ◽

Prior Chemotherapy

PURPOSE To evaluate the response rate and toxic effects of vinorelbine (VNB) administered as a single agent in metastatic squamous cell esophageal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six eligible patients with measurable lesions were included and were stratified according to previous chemotherapy. Thirty patients without prior chemotherapy and 16 pretreated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy were assessable for toxicity and response. VNB was administered weekly as a 25-mg/m2 short intravenous (i.v.) infusion. RESULTS Six of 30 patients (20%) without prior chemotherapy achieved a partial response (PR) (95% confidence interval [CI], 8% to 39%). The median duration of response was 21 weeks (range, 17 to 28). One of 16 patients (6%) with prior chemotherapy had a complete response (CR) of 31 weeks' duration (95% CI, 0% to 30%). The overall response rate (World Health Organization [WHO] criteria) was 15% (CR, 2%; PR 13%; 95% CI, 6% to 29%). The median dose-intensity (DI) was 20 mg/m2/wk. VNB was well tolerated and zero instances of WHO grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity occurred. At least one episode of grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia was seen in 59% of patients. A grade 2 or 3 infection occurred in 16% of patients, but no toxic deaths occurred. Other side effects were rare, and peripheral neurotoxicity has been minor (26% grade 1). CONCLUSION These data indicate that VNB is an active agent in metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Given its excellent tolerance profile and low toxicity, further evaluation of VNB in combination therapy is warranted.

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