Results of radiation therapy in carcinoma of the base of the tongue: the Curie Institute experience with about 166 cases

Article Abstract:

Cancer at the base of the tongue is rare, but usually quite malignant. The major cause of death is local recurrence of tumor in the oral cavity. The authors report their experience in the treatment of 166 patients with squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue. These cancers were treated with radiation from the radioactive isotope cobalt-60. The patients presented with wide variation in the size of their tumors, and the size at diagnosis was a strong determinant of survival. At two years, local control had been achieved for 96 percent of the patients with tumors smaller than two centimeters (T1). For tumors between two and four centimeters (T2) the two-year control rate was 57 percent, and for tumors over four centimeters (T3) the rate was 45 percent. For T4 tumors, which are massive and invade the oral or nasal cavity, the two-year local control rate dwindled to 23 percent. Overall, the two-, three-, and five-year survival rates were 45, 37, and 27 percent, respectively. The regression of the tumor at the end of the radiotherapeutic treatment was an important determinant of survival as well. Patients who experienced complete regression enjoyed a 58 percent survival rate at three years, in contrast to 14 percent for the patients with incomplete regression. Since tumor size and regression of the tumor were the most important determinants of patient survival, the authors are designing a new treatment protocol for carcinoma of the base of the tongue which will take these factors into account. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Usage, Radiotherapy, Mouth cancer

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Prognostic factors alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in childhood: an International Society of Pediatric Oncology study

Article Abstract:

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an extremely malignant muscle cancer, which represents from 5 to 10 percent of all childhood cancers. The prognosis varies widely depending upon the location and grade of the tumor. Rhabdomyosarcomas located in the genitourinary system or in the muscles behind the eye generally have a better prognosis than rhabdomyosarcomas originating in the head, neck, or extremities. For patients with metastatic disease (disease that has spread to other areas of the body), it is concerned terminal. Rhabdomyosarcomas with an alveolar appearance (with hollows or cavities) upon histological examination has a particularly poor prognosis. A study was conducted with 60 patients under the age of 17 to determine the factors that most significantly contribute to the ultimate outcome. The most significant prognostic factors were found to be whether or not the cancer had spread to surrounding lymph nodes and the degree to which the primary tumor had invaded surrounding tissues. The age of the patient was also an important prognostic factor. The longest disease-free survival was achieved by patients between the ages of 5 and 10. Patients younger than five or older than 10 had shorter disease-free survival. In the present study, the overall three-year disease-free survival rate was 33 percent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Prognosis in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremity

Article Abstract:

Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor derived from muscle cells, is found primarily in children. Tumors can be found in the head, neck, sex organs, urinary tract, abdomen, arms and legs. The combination of surgery, chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy have helped to increase the five year survival rate from 20 to 60 percent. Tumors recur and spread (metastasize) in 40 percent of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. To determine factors for identifying patients at risk for recurrent tumors, 34 patients younger than 22 years of age with rhabdomyosarcomas of the arms or legs were studied. Tumors were categorized by a tumor stage classification system. The five year survival rate was 44 percent, with 16 patients surviving and 14 free of the disease. The strongest predictor of survival outcome was the stage of the tumor when diagnosed. The invasion of the tumor locally, the amount of cancer positive lymph nodes, metastasis and the condition of the cancer cells all contributed to patient survival. Of the 14 patients (40 percent) with lymph node involvement only two survived at five years. Patients with alveolar cell type also had a poor prognosis. Bone marrow transplants may improve survival in patients not responding to conventional treatments. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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