• Inter-clinician delineation variation for a new highly-conformal flank target volume in children with renal tumors: A SIOP-Renal Tumor Study Group international multicenter exercise.

      Mul, Joeri; Melchior, Patrick; Seravalli, Enrica; Saunders, Daniel; Bolle, Stephanie; Cameron, Alison L; Gurtner, Kristin; Harrabi, Semi; Lassen-Ramshad, Yasmin; Lavan, Naomi; et al. (2021-03-11)
      Background and purpose: Recently, the SIOP-RTSG developed a highly-conformal flank target volume definition for children with renal tumors. The aims of this study were to evaluate the inter-clinician delineation variation of this new target volume definition in an international multicenter setting and to explore the necessity of quality assurance. Materials and methods: Six pediatric renal cancer cases were transferred to ten radiation oncologists from seven European countries ('participants'). These participants delineated the pre- and postoperative Gross Tumor Volume (GTVpre/post), and Clinical Target Volume (CTV) during two test phases (case 1-2 and 3-4), followed by guideline refinement and a quality assurance phase (case 5-6). Reference target volumes (TVref) were established by three experienced radiation oncologists. The Dice Similarity Coefficient between the reference and participants (DSCref/part) was calculated per case. Delineations of case 5-6 were graded by four independent reviewers as 'per protocol' (0-4 mm), 'minor deviation' (5-9 mm) or 'major deviation' (≥10 mm) from the delineation guideline using 18 standardized criteria. Also, a major deviation resulting in underestimation of the CTVref was regarded as an unacceptable variation. Results: A total of 57/60 delineation sets were completed. The median DSCref/part for the CTV was 0.55 without improvement after sequential cases (case 3-4 vs. case 5-6: p = 0.15). For case 5-6, a major deviation was found for 5/18, 12/17, 18/18 and 4/9 collected delineations of the GTVpre, GTVpost, CTV-T and CTV-N, respectively. An unacceptable variation from the CTVref was found for 7/9 participants for case 5 and 6/9 participants for case 6. Conclusion: This international multicenter delineation exercise demonstrates that the new consensus for highly-conformal postoperative flank target volume delineation leads to geometrical variation among participants. Moreover, standardized review showed an unacceptable delineation variation in the majority of the participants. These findings strongly suggest the need for additional training and centralized pre-treatment review when this target volume delineation approach is implemented on a larger scale.
    • PORTEC-4a: international randomized trial of molecular profile-based adjuvant treatment for women with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer.

      van den Heerik, Anne Sophie V M; Horeweg, Nanda; Nout, Remi A; Lutgens, Ludy C H W; van der Steen-Banasik, Elzbieta M; Westerveld, G Henrike; van den Berg, Hetty A; Slot, Annerie; Koppe, Friederike L A; Kommoss, Stefan; et al. (2020-10-12)
      Background: Vaginal brachytherapy is currently recommended as adjuvant treatment in patients with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer to maximize local control and has only mild side effects and no or limited impact on quality of life. However, there is still considerable overtreatment and also some undertreatment, which may be reduced by tailoring adjuvant treatment to the patients' risk of recurrence based on molecular tumor characteristics. Primary objectives: To compare the rates of vaginal recurrence in women with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer, treated after surgery with molecular-integrated risk profile-based recommendations for either observation, vaginal brachytherapy or external pelvic beam radiotherapy or with standard adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Adjuvant treatment based on a molecular-integrated risk profile provides similar local control and recurrence-free survival as current standard adjuvant brachytherapy in patients with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer, while sparing many patients the morbidity of adjuvant treatment and reducing healthcare costs. Trial design: A multicenter, international phase III randomized trial (2:1) of molecular-integrated risk profile-based adjuvant treatment (experimental arm) or adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy (standard arm). Major inclusion/exclusion criteria: Women aged 18 years and over with a histological diagnosis of high-intermediate risk endometrioid endometrial cancer after total abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. High-intermediate risk factors are defined as: (i) International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA (with invasion) and grade 3; (ii) stage IB grade 1 or 2 with age ≥60 and/or lymph-vascular space invasion; (iii) stage IB, grade 3 without lymph-vascular space invasion; or (iv) stage II (microscopic and grade 1). Endpoints: The primary endpoint is vaginal recurrence. Secondary endpoints are recurrence-free and overall survival; pelvic and distant recurrence; 5-year vaginal control (including treatment for relapse); adverse events and patient-reported symptoms and quality of life; and endometrial cancer-related healthcare costs. Sample size: 500 eligible and evaluable patients. Estimated dates for completing accrual and presenting results: Estimated date for completing accrual will be late 2021. Estimated date for presentation of (first) results is expected in 2023. Trial registration: The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03469674) and ISRCTN (11659025). Keywords: endometrium; radiation oncology.
    • Involving Clients to Inform Development and Implementation of Combined Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Care Using Discovery Interview Technique.

      Blanchfield, Denise; O'Connor, Laserina (Innovational Publishers, 2020-10)
      The development of chronic kidney disease in persons with Type 2 diabetes has been described as an epidemic. Standard outpatient care for these associated conditions is routinely provided separately, resulting in missed opportunities to implement preventative and early management strategies. Historically, care delivery for these combined conditions has fallen within the remit of medical professionals, evidenced by a dearth of information pertaining to the contribution of advanced practice nursing for this cohort. Clients report an uncoordinated impersonal approach to care delivery for associated conditions, however incorporating their experience is vital to the delivery of patient centered care and will be included in this study through their stories. The primary aim of this participatory action research (PAR) study is to utilize the client care stories and health-care professional perspectives to inform development and implementation of a new combined Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease service in the context of advanced practice nursing. Methodology: This study adopted a PAR approach informed by patient discovery interviews and key stakeholders focus groups. Transcripts will be developed from discovery interviews and focus groups and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The PAR will utilize thematic analysis outcomes to inform the primary aim and clinical outcomes from combined care will be evaluated after 9 months by retrospective chart review. Conclusion: The approach adopted in this study represents a departure from traditional medically led care strategies. Outcomes may elucidate potential challenges to the development and delivery of innovative care delivery for underserved patient cohorts in the context of advanced practice nursing.
    • Clinical supervision in oncology: A narrative review.

      Hession, Natalie; Habenicht, Andrea (2020-05-26)
      The aim of this narrative literature review is to (a) review all empirical studies of clinical supervision (CS) in oncology and to (b) highlight some CS practice issues distinctive to cancer care. This review identified empirical studies related to qualified professionals and published in English since 1995 that connected to CS and oncology. A total of 15 studies were identified with the majority as small scale, exploratory and qualitative. Psychologists were predominantly utilised as facilitators of the CS with varied sample sizes ranging from 5-230 participants. The studies were grouped into three main categories; the impact of supervision on staff, impact of supervision on professional care/development and impact of supervision in existential exploration. This review highlighted the positive impact of CS while demonstrating the need for more methodologically sound programmes of research into CS in cancer settings so detailed models of effective supervision can develop and thereby inform practice.
    • Glioblastoma Multiforme in the over 70's: "To treat or not to treat with radiotherapy?"

      O'Shea, Julianne; Dunne, Mary; Grogan, Roger; MacNally, Stephen; Fitzpatrick, David; Faul, Clare; Glynn, Am; Rangaswamy, Guhan (2019-07-04)
      BACKGROUND: The incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is increasing among the older population and is associated with poor prognosis. Management guidelines are lacking in this group. The purpose of this study was to analyze survival data and determine predictors of survival in patients aged ≥70 years treated with radiotherapy (RT) and/or Temozolomide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all GBM patients treated at our institution between January 2011 and January 2017 was carried out. RESULTS: One-hundred and four patients were eligible. Median age was 73.8 years (70-87). Thirty-three patients received radical RT and 71 palliative RT. Overall median survival (MS) was 6 months. The MS was 10.6 months for radical patients and 4.9 months for palliative patients (P < 0.0005). The MS was 6.9 months in patients aged 70-75 years and 5.2 months in those aged 76-80 years (P = 0.004). The debulked group had a statistically significantly longer survival (8.0 months) than the biopsy only group (4.9 months). Biopsy only (hazard ratio [HR] 2.4), ECOG performance status 3 vs 0 (HR 6.4), and increasing age (HR 1.06) were associated with statistically significant shorter survival after adjustment for the effects of concurrent chemo, delay in starting RT, and RT dose. CONCLUSION: The MS for radical patients was favorable and approaching current literature for the under 70 age group. Radical treatment should be considered for good performance patients aged 70-75 years. Increasing age was associated with shorter MS in patients aged ≥76 years. Debulking and good performance status were associated with improved survival.
    • International Variation in Criteria for Internal Mammary Chain Radiotherapy.

      Duane, F K; McGale, P; Teoh, S; Mortimer, C; Broggio, J; Darby, S C; Dodwell, D; Lavery, B; Oliveros, S; Vallis, K A; et al. (2019-07-01)
      Aims; Evidence has emerged that internal mammary chain (IMC) radiotherapy reduces breast cancer mortality, leading to changes in treatment guidelines. This study investigated current IMC radiotherapy criteria and the percentages of patients irradiated for breast cancer in England who fulfilled them. Materials and methods; A systematic search was undertaken for national guidelines published in English during 2013–2018 presenting criteria for ‘consideration of’ or ‘recommendation for’ IMC radiotherapy. Patient and tumour variables were collected for patients who received breast cancer radiotherapy in England during 2012–2016. The percentages of patients fulfilling criteria stipulated in each set of guidelines were calculated. Results: In total, 111 729 women were recorded as receiving adjuvant breast cancer radiotherapy in England during 2012–2016 and full data were available on 48 095 of them. Percentages of patients fulfilling IMC radiotherapy criteria in various national guidelines were: UK Royal College of Radiologists 13% (6035/48 095), UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 18% (8816/48 095), Germany 32% (15 646/48 095), Ireland 56% (26 846/48 095) and USA 59% (28 373/48 095). Differences between countries occurred because in Ireland and the USA, treatment may be considered in some node-negative patients, whereas in the UK, treatment is considered if at least four axillary nodes are involved or for high-risk patients with one to three positive nodes. In Germany, treatment may be considered for all node-positive patients. Conclusions: There is substantial variability between countries in criteria for consideration of IMC radiotherapy, despite guidelines being based on the same evidence. This will probably lead to large variations in practice and resource needs worldwide.
    • Being “Mindful” of Dignity in Dying: Developing Awareness, Fostering a Psychological Understanding, and Supporting Dignified Endings-To-Life

      Hession, Natalie; Elmer, Nicola; O'Kane, Aifric; Cotter, Pádraig; Psycho-Oncology Department, St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network (IJEPP, 2019)
      Experiencing a sense of dignity when nearing end-of-life has been shown to be very important. There are many things that hospice and palliative nurses can do to support dignified endings-to-life. This paper explores the different aspects of this process from both the perspective of the person dying and in particular the individual in the caring role. Consideration is given to the different components of experiencing dignity in dying, especially those aspects that nursing staff can influence most. The importance of a sense of dignity to people who are dying is explored using two psychological models that provide an intrapersonal and transpersonal perspective. These include the Abandonment of Self Model and the Surface-Depth Model respectively. The types of obstacles to nursing staff providing this type of care and support are reflected upon, with particular emphasis placed on the practitioner’s own personal fears and anxieties and how these may manifest within the patient-nurse relationship. The final section explores the use of mindfulness practises as a way of interacting more fully with people diagnosed with terminal illnesses to support their experience of a dignified ending-to-life. This process is termed “mindful engagement”.
    • Heterogeneity in high-risk prostate cancer treated with high-dose radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy.

      Cagney, Daniel N; Dunne, Mary; O'Shea, Carmel; Finn, Marie; Noone, Emma; Sheehan, Martina; McDonagh, Lesley; O'Sullivan, Lydia; Thirion, Pierre; Armstrong, John (2017-08-01)
      Our aim was to assess the heterogeneity of high-risk (HR) prostate cancer managed with high-dose external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
    • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) / Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT): Benefit to Irish patients and Irish Healthcare Economy

      Cagney, DN; Armstrong, JG (Irish Medical Journal, 2017-01)
      Cancer incidence across Europe is projected to rise rapidly over the next decade. This rising cancer incidence is mirrored by increasing use of and indications for stereotactic radiation. This paper seeks to summarize the exponential increase in indications for stereotactic radiotherapy as well as the evolving economic advantages of stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy
    • Nodular fasciitis: A pseudomalignant clonal neoplasm characterized by USP gene rearrangements and spontaneous regression

      Hennebry, Jennifer; Mulholland, Douglas; Tchrakian, Nairi; Martin Gillham, Charles; Julian Beddy, Peter; Mai O'Donnell, Dearbhaile; Eibhlín McMenamin, Máirín (Edorium Journals, 2017-01)
      Introduction: Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly growing, self-limited, myofibroblastic neoplasm that typically arises in subcutaneous tissues of young adults and regresses spontaneously. Nodular fasciitis mimics sarcoma on clinical, radiological, and histological grounds and is usually, diagnosed following excision. Case Report: A 26-year-old female presented at surveillance computed tomography (CT) scan one year post-treatment for stage 1c ovarian dysgerminoma with a 4 cm axillary soft tissue mass, radiologically suspicious for metastasis with subclavian vein invasion. Histopathology of core biopsies favored NF, confirmed by detection of USP6 gene rearrangements by FISH analysis. This case describes an unusual relatively deep NF, suspicious for metastasis on CT scan with confirmed spontaneous regression over two years. Conclusion: Nodular fasciitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing enhancing soft tissue masses. Molecular cytogenetic testing of USP6 gene rearrangements allows definitive diagnosis on core biopsies in challenging cases, permitting a conservative approach and avoiding potentially radical and unnecessary surgery.
    • The Role of Proteomics in Biomarker Development for Improved Patient Diagnosis and Clinical Decision Making in Prostate Cancer.

      Tonry, Claire L; Leacy, Emma; Raso, Cinzia; Finn, Stephen P; Armstrong, John; Pennington, Stephen R (2016-07-18)
      Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Although increased expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an effective indicator for the recurrence of PCa, its intended use as a screening marker for PCa is of considerable controversy. Recent research efforts in the field of PCa biomarkers have focused on the identification of tissue and fluid-based biomarkers that would be better able to stratify those individuals diagnosed with PCa who (i) might best receive no treatment (active surveillance of the disease); (ii) would benefit from existing treatments; or (iii) those who are likely to succumb to disease recurrence and/or have aggressive disease. The growing demand for better prostate cancer biomarkers has coincided with the development of improved discovery and evaluation technologies for multiplexed measurement of proteins in bio-fluids and tissues. This review aims to (i) provide an overview of these technologies as well as describe some of the candidate PCa protein biomarkers that have been discovered using them; (ii) address some of the general limitations in the clinical evaluation and validation of protein biomarkers; and (iii) make recommendations for strategies that could be adopted to improve the successful development of protein biomarkers to deliver improvements in personalized PCa patient decision making.
    • Impact of delineation uncertainties on dose to organs at risk in CT-guided intracavitary brachytherapy.

      Duane, Frances K; Langan, Brian; Gillham, Charles; Walsh, Lorraine; Rangaswamy, Guhan; Lyons, Ciara; Dunne, Mary; Walker, Christopher; McArdle, Orla; Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, Rathgar, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Electronic address: fran.duane@ctsu.ox.ac.uk. (2014-08-07)
      This study quantifies the inter- and intraobserver variations in contouring the organs at risk (OARs) in CT-guided brachytherapy (BT) for the treatment of cervical carcinoma. The dosimetric consequences are reported in accordance with the current Gynecological Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie/European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology guidelines.
    • Exposure to low dose ionising radiation: Molecular and clinical consequences.

      Martin, Lynn M; Marples, Brian; Lynch, Thomas H; Hollywood, Donal; Marignol, Laure (2014-07-10)
      This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental data detailing the incidence, mechanism and significance of low dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS). Important discoveries gained from past and present studies are mapped and highlighted to illustrate the pathway to our current understanding of HRS and the impact of HRS on the cellular response to radiation in mammalian cells. Particular attention is paid to the balance of evidence suggesting a role for DNA repair processes in the response, evidence suggesting a role for the cell cycle checkpoint processes, and evidence investigating the clinical implications/relevance of the effect.
    • Endobronchial cryotherapy facilitates end-stage treatment options in patients with bronchial stenosis: A case series.

      Fitzmaurice, Gerard J; Redmond, Karen C; Fitzpatrick, David A; Bartosik, Waldemar; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland. (2014-04)
      In keeping with international trends, lung cancer incidence and mortality are increasing among the Irish population with many patients presenting with advanced disease that excludes the potential for curative management. Consequently palliative treatment options for this patient group are being increasingly explored with various degrees of success. Endobronchial stenosis represents a particularly challenging area of management among these patients and a number of techniques have been described without the identification of a single gold standard. We report our experience of the first time use of endobronchial cryotherapy in Ireland with reference to a case series, including an example of its use in the management of benign disease, in order to support patients with borderline lung function and enable definitive palliative treatment.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging appearances in primary and secondary angiosarcoma of the breast.

      O'Neill, Ailbhe C; D'Arcy, Clare; McDermott, Enda; O'Doherty, Ann; Quinn, Cecily; McNally, Sorcha; Department of Breast Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. (2014-04)
      Angiosarcomas are malignant tumours of endovascular origin. They are rare tumours accounting for 0.04-1% of all breast malignancies. Two different forms are described: primary, occurring in young women, and secondary angiosarcoma, which occurs in older women with a history of breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy. Imaging findings on mammography and ultrasound are non-specific, but magnetic resonance imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement is more informative. We present two cases - one of primary and one of secondary angiosarcoma - and review the imaging findings.
    • Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: diversity of practice across Europe.

      Azmi, A; Dillon, R A; Borghesi, S; Dunne, M; Power, R E; Marignol, L; O'Neill, B D P; St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, aini.azmi@slh.ie. (2014-03-21)
      Active surveillance (AS) is a recognised treatment option for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa).
    • A randomized trial comparing bladder volume consistency during fractionated prostate radiation therapy

      Mullaney, L.; O'Shea, E.; Dunne, M.; Finn, M.; Thirion, P.; Cleary, L. A.; McGarry, M.; O'Neill, L.; Armstrong, J.G. (2014-01-10)
      Organ motion is a contributory factor to the variation in location of the prostate and organs at risk during a course of fractionated prostate radiation therapy (RT). A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed with the primary endpoint to provide evidence-based bladder-filling instructions to achieve a consistent bladder volume (BV) and thus reduce the bladder-related organ motion. The secondary endpoints were to assess the incidence of acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity for patients and patients’ satisfaction with the bladder-filling instructions.
    • Head and neck cancer of unknown primary site

      McArdle, Orla; McDermott, Ronan (2013-11-21)
    • Sensitivity of volumetric modulated arc therapy patient specific QA results to multileaf collimator errors and correlation to dose volume histogram based metrics.

      Coleman, Linda; Skourou, Christina; University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland. (2013-11)
      This study investigates the impact of systematic multileaf collimator (MLC) positional errors on gamma analysis results used for quality assurance (QA) of Rapidarc treatments. In addition, this study evaluates the relationship of these gamma analysis results and clinical dose volume histogram metrics (DVH) for Rapidarc treatment plans.
    • The use of complementary and alternative medicine by Irish pediatric cancer patients.

      O'Connor, Niamh; Graham, Donna; O'Meara, Anne; Devins, Mary; Jennings, Valerie; O'Leary, Denise; O'Reilly, Maeve; The Departments of Palliative Medicine and Oncology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. (2013-10)
      The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the Irish pediatric cancer setting has not previously been established.