Tumori
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To evaluate the impact of preoperative chemoradiation on sphincter preservation in patients with low-medium locally advanced resectable rectal cancer treated by four chemoradiation schedules. ⋯ Even though the surgeons' skill in performing sphincter-saving surgery could be improved with time, the high rate of this procedure in the latest schedules suggests an impact of the new drugs in promoting tumor downsizing and therefore sphincter-saving surgery.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Role of computed tomography and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography image fusion in conformal radiotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer: a comparison with standard techniques with and without elective nodal irradiation.
Mediastinal elective node irradiation (ENI) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer candidate to radical radiotherapy is controversial. In this study, the impact of co-registered [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and standard computed tomography (CT) on definition of target volumes and toxicity parameters was evaluated, by comparison with standard CT-based simulation with and without ENI. ⋯ Our study suggests that [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET should be integrated in no-ENI techniques, as it improves target volume delineation without a major increase in predicted toxicity.
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In recent years, preoperative chemoradiation has received growing interest for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In an attempt to improve resectability and disease control, we used preoperative radiation therapy and concomitant 5-fluorouracil in a combined modality therapy protocol. The aim of the study was to evaluate definitive results in terms of toxicity, response and clinical outcome. ⋯ Although the response rate is still low, our preliminary results suggest that preoperative 5-fluorouracil chemoradiation is well tolerated and may result in tumor downstaging. Delivery of intra-operative radiotherapy seems to be associated with a low rate of local recurrences.
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Comparative Study
Primary glioblastoma multiforme in younger patients: a single-institution experience.
To report our experience of patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme of young age by evaluating the characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes. ⋯ Younger patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme had a relatively long survival (median, 19.5 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 30%) compared to older patients. This was due particularly to their better performance status.