The technical feasibility of an image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) to perform a hypofractionated schedule in terms of toxicity and local control for patients with locally advanced or recurrent pancreatic cancer

Background. Radiotherapy (RT) in patients with pancreatic cancer is still a controversial subject and its benefit in inoperable stages of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), even after induction chemotherapy, remains unclear. Modern radiation techniques such as image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) may improve effectiveness and reduce radiotherapy-related toxicities.Methods. Patients with LAPC who underwent radiotherapy after chemotherapy between 09/2004 and 05/2013 were retrospectively analyzed with regard to preradiation chemotherapy (PRCT), modalities of radiotherapy, and toxicities. Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves.Results. 15 (68%) women and 7 men (median age 64 years; range 40–77) were identified. Median duration of PRCT was 11.1 months (range 4.3–33.0). Six patients (27%) underwent conventional RT and 16 patients (73%) advanced IMRT and IGRT; median dosage was 50.4 (range 9–54) Gray. No grade III or IV toxicities occurred. Median PFS (estimated from the beginning of RT) was 5.8 months, 2.6 months in the conventional RT group (conv-RT), and 7.1 months in the IMRT/IGRT group (P=0.029); median OS was 11.0 months, 4.2 months (conv-RT), and 14.0 months (IMRT/IGRT);P=0.141. Median RT-specific PFS for patients with prolonged PRCT>9 months was 8.5 months compared to 5.6 months for PRCT<9 months (P=0.293). This effect was translated into a significantly better median RT-specific overall survival of patients in the PRCT>9 months group, with 19.0 months compared to 8.5 months in the PRCT < 9 months group (P=0.049).Conclusions. IGRT and IMRT after PRCT are feasible and effective options for patients with LAPC after prolonged preradiation chemotherapy.

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Concurrent high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy and chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer: a pilot study

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s146039692000117x ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Kenichi Matsumoto ◽

Akihiko Miyamoto ◽

Tomoya Kawase ◽

Taro Murai ◽

Yuta Shibamoto

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy ◽

Dose Intensity ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Concurrent Chemotherapy ◽

Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ◽

High Dose ◽

Chemotherapy Group ◽

Intensity Modulated

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy and high-dose (≥55 Gy) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (CCIMRT) in comparison with chemotherapy alone and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) alone for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods: Forty-six patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing CCIMRT (n = 17), chemotherapy alone (n = 16) or IMRT alone (n = 13) were analysed. Overall survival (OS), locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and gastrointestinal toxicities were evaluated. The median radiation dose was 60 Gy (range, 55–60) delivered in a median of 25 fractions (range, 24–30). Gemcitabine (GEM) alone, GEM + S-1, S-1 alone, FOLFIRINOX and GEM + nab-paclitaxel were used in CCIMRT and chemo-monotherapy. Results: The 1-year OS rate was 69% in the CCIMRT group, 27% in the chemotherapy group and 38% in the IMRT group (p = 0·12). The 1-year LRPFS rate was 73, 0 and 40% in the 3 groups, respectively (p = 0·012). Acute Grade ≥ 2 gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, diarrhea) was observed in 12% (2/17) in the CCIMRT group, 25% (4/16) in the chemotherapy group and 7·7% (1/13) in the IMRT group (p = 0·38). Late Grade 3 gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in 6·3% (1/16) in the chemotherapy group. Conclusion: High-dose CCIMRT yielded acceptable toxicity and favorable OS and LRPFS.

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