Nicholas J. Sanfilippo, M.D.

Management of high-risk localized prostate cancer
Marciscano, Ariel E; Hardee, Matthew E; Sanfilippo, Nicholas
2012 ;2012:641689-641689, Advances in urology
Traditionally, patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer have been an extremely challenging group to manage due to a significant likelihood of treatment failure and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). The results of multiple large, prospective, randomized trials have demonstrated that men with high-risk features who are treated in a multimodal fashion at the time of initial diagnosis have improved overall survival. Advances in local treatments such as dose-escalated radiotherapy in conjunction with androgen suppression and postprostatectomy adjuvant radiotherapy have also demonstrated benefits to this subset of patients. However, therapeutic enhancement with the addition of chemotherapy to the primary treatment regimen may help achieve optimal disease control
— id: 146253, year: 2012, vol: 2012, page: 641689, stat: Journal Article,

Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate
Malik, Rena D; Dakwar, George; Hardee, Matthew E; Sanfilippo, Nicholas J; Rosenkrantz, Andrew B; Taneja, Samir S
2011 ;13(1):56-60, Reviews in urology
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare tumor, making up 0.5% to 1% of all prostate carcinomas. It is typically described as an aggressive cancer, with a median postdiagnosis survival of 14 months. Presented here is a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate, with a complicated presentation of metastatic disease. Due to the extent of the patient's disease, he was treated with palliative radiation therapy using a four-field technique (AP/PA and left and right lateral fields) with 18 mV photons prescribed to the 100% isodose line. The prescription dose was 4000 cGy in 16 fractions of 250 cGy per fraction. No definitive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate exists but varying approaches including surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have been implemented without durable response. However, multimodal treatments appear to be the most promising with longer durations of survival
— id: 139936, year: 2011, vol: 13, page: 56, stat: Journal Article,

Review of chemoradiotherapy for high-risk prostate cancer
Sanfilippo, Nicholas; Hardee, Matthew E; Wallach, Jonathan
2011 Jan;6(1):64-68, Reviews on recent clinical trials
While most newly-diagnosed prostate cancers are well-differentiated tumors that have high probability of cure, there is a subset of patients that present with aggressive malignancies that have significant potential for recurrence and metastasis. Single-modality treatment approaches have demonstrated relatively high failure rates, and multimodality therapy (radiation therapy and hormonal ablation therapy) has become standard of care for these patients. These treatments are not without toxicity, and a significant percentage of patients will become refractory to hormonal therapy. Historically, radiation therapy of prostate cancer was associated with significant genitourinary and gastrointestinal morbidity. With advances in radiation therapy techniques and delivery, the potential for safe dose-escalation has emerged. Further, there is an opportunity for chemotherapeutic agents to play an important syngergistic role in radiosensitizing the tumor cells at the primary site while also addressing micrometastatic disease. Concurrent chemoradiation therapy has become standard treatment for many types of locally advanced tumors, including lung, cervical, esophageal, rectal, and anal malignancies. We present a review of clinical trials examining the role of chemoradiation therapy in high-risk prostate cancer
— id: 138145, year: 2011, vol: 6, page: 64, stat: Journal Article,

Malignant melanoma metastatic to the larynx: treatment and functional outcome
Lanson, B G; Sanfilippo, N; Wang, B; Grew, D; Delacure, M D
2010 Aug;17(4):127-132, Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
The review considers management strategies for malignant melanoma metastatic to the larynx. This rare clinical entity lacks clear treatment recommendations because extirpative surgery can often result in severe functional debilitation in patients with limited life expectancy. Here, we report a case of melanoma metastatic to the larynx in a patient with a prior history of Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was treated with partial laryngectomy and local radiation therapy. The rationale for treatment decisions and for surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and the associated literature are discussed
— id: 133827, year: 2010, vol: 17, page: 127, stat: Journal Article,

Technical aspects and perspectives of the vaginal mold applicator for brachytherapy of gynecologic malignancies
Magne, Nicolas; Chargari, Cyrus; SanFilippo, Nicholas; Messai, Taha; Gerbaulet, Alain; Haie-Meder, Christine
2010 Jul-Sep;9(3):274-277, Brachytherapy
PURPOSE: The importance of the quality of cervical cancer brachytherapy applicators has been reported, suggesting a direct influence of competent technical implant performance on outcome. In our institute, an original brachytherapy technique based on the use of a molded applicator for genital tract brachytherapy has been applied routinely in clinical practice. Here, we report the technical aspects of this customized applicator and perspectives on its use. TECHNICAL ASPECTS: The first step consists of a vaginal impression that accurately shows the topography and extension of the tumor as well as the anatomy of the vagina and cervix. From this impression, an acrylic applicator is made. Then, the intended positions of the vaginal catheters are drawn on the surface of the mold by the radiation oncologist. Two plastic vaginal catheters are introduced and fixed on the internal surface of the molded applicator. A hole for the cervical os is made through which the uterine probe will be positioned. PERSPECTIVES: This method allows for high specificity within the framework of a modern brachytherapy procedure, integrating the tumor topography, anatomy of the patient, and internal movements of target and critical volumes. This technique has been successfully extended to other tumor locations, such as genital tract rhabdomyosarcoma in children and postoperative endocavitary brachytherapy in patients with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: Customization of a vaginal brachytherapy applicator allows for the maintenance of morphologic optimization throughout the treatment course, which better takes into account a fourth dimension: internal organ motion during the course of brachytherapy
— id: 114770, year: 2010, vol: 9, page: 274, stat: Journal Article,

Tongue Strength and Swallowing Dysfunction in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Radiation Therapy
Sanfilippo, N. J.; Lazarus, C.
2010 OCT 13 ;78(3):S452-S452, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
— id: 114019, year: 2010, vol: 78, page: S452, stat: Journal Article,

Toxicity of head-and-neck radiation therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients
Sanfilippo, Nicholas J; Mitchell, James; Grew, David; DeLacure, Mark
2010 Aug 1;77(5):1375-1379, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: To examine the acute morbidity of high dose head and neck RT and CRT in patients with infected with HIV. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All HIV-positive patients who underwent radiation therapy for head and neck cancer in our department between 2004 and 2008 were reviewed. Treatment related data were examined. All treatments were delivered with megavoltage photon beams or electron beams. Patients were evaluated by an attending radiation oncologist for toxicity and response on a weekly basis during therapy and monthly after treatment in a multidisciplinary clinic. Acute toxicities were recorded using the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group (RTOG) common toxicity criteria. Response to treatment was based on both physical exam as well as post-treatment imaging as indicated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients who underwent RT with a diagnosis of HIV were identified. Median age was 53 years and median follow-up was 22 months. Twelve had squamous cell carcinoma and one had lymphoproliferative parotiditis. Median radiation dose was 66.4 Gy and median duration of treatment was 51 days. The median number of scheduled radiotherapy days missed was zero (range 0 to 7). One patient (8%) developed Grade 4 confluent moist desquamation. Eight patients (61%) developed Grade 3 toxicity. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, HIV-positive individuals appear to tolerate treatment for head and neck cancer, with toxicity similar to that in HIV-negative individuals
— id: 111341, year: 2010, vol: 77, page: 1375, stat: Journal Article,

Head and neck radiotherapy compliance in an underserved patient population
Sethi, Rajni A; Stamell, Emily F; Price, Leah; DeLacure, Mark; Sanfilippo, Nicholas
2010 Jul;120(7):1336-1341, Laryngoscope
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Compliance to intensive multiweek radiation therapy (RT) regimens in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is challenging, particularly among medically underserved patients with fewer financial and social resources. Treatment prolongation reduces local control and overall survival rates, making adherence to treatment a key factor in optimal outcome. We evaluated factors affecting compliance in medically underserved patients who received RT for HNC in a large municipal hospital setting in New York City. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Treatment records of patients treated between July 2004 and August 2008 were reviewed. Number of and reasons for missed treatments were identified. Several demographic, toxicity, and treatment variables were analyzed for impact on compliance. RESULTS: Eighty consecutive HNC patients who underwent RT with a 5- to 7-week regimen were identified. Thirty-two patients (40%) missed no treatments, 36 (45%) missed one to six treatments, six (8%) missed seven to 14 treatments, two (3%) missed more than 14 treatments, and four (5%) did not complete treatment. Reasons for missed treatments were hospitalization (31% of events) and toxicity (20%). Patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube were more likely to miss treatments (P = .01, chi(2) test). No other variable showed a significant association with missed treatments (chi(2) test). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive RT for HNC can be delivered with very good adherence within a medically underserved population. Eighty-five percent of patients completed treatment with 0 to 6 days of interruption. Efforts to further improve adherence in this population are ongoing
— id: 110686, year: 2010, vol: 120, page: 1336, stat: Journal Article,

Re-irradiation of metastatic disease in the neck from xeroderma pigmentosum
Wei, C C; Sanfilippo, N J; Myssiorek, D
2010 Jun;17(3):83-85, Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum, an autosomal recessive disease that occurs with a frequency of 1:250,000, is caused by a genetic defect in nucleotide excision repair enzymes. Mutation of these enzymes leads to the development of multiple basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. OBJECTIVES: We present a case of xeroderma pigmentosum in a patient with cervical and intraparotid metastatic disease from recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the face and scalp, treated with neck dissection and re-irradiation. With the illustrative case report, we include a literature review of diagnosis, prognostic factors, and treatment, with emphasis on surgical and radiation treatment of cervical metastatic disease from recurrent skin carcinomas. CASE PRESENTATION: A xeroderma pigmentosum patient presented to our clinic with a 2-cm right submental and 1-cm right infra-auricular mass after resection of multiple squamous cell carcinomas of the scalp and face, and external-beam radiation therapy to the right face and neck. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the submental mass revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was brought to the operating room for a right modified radical neck dissection and excision of the right submental and intraparotid mass. Surgical pathology revealed 3 level ia and supraclavicular lymph nodes that were positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Re-irradiation to the entire right hemi-neck and left submandibular nodal region was performed using opposed oblique portals for the upper neck and a low anterior en face hemi-neck portal. The left parotid region was also included in the re-irradiation volume. Treatment was completed without delayed complications or recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature of a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum who subsequently developed metastatic disease from recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the rarity of xeroderma pigmentosum, this case report is also the first to describe re-irradiation to treat cervical and intraparotid metastatic disease in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient
— id: 110088, year: 2010, vol: 17, page: 83, stat: Journal Article,

Long-term results of brachytherapy for carcinoma of the penis confined to the glans (N- or NX)
de Crevoisier, Renaud; Slimane, Khemais; Sanfilippo, Nicholas; Bossi, Alberto; Albano, Maryvonne; Dumas, Isabelle; Wibault, Pierre; Fizazi, Karim; Gerbaulet, Alain; Haie-Meder, Christine
2009 Jul 15;74(4):1150-1156, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: To analyze the results of exclusive interstitial low-dose-rate brachytherapy (BT) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis, strictly confined to the glans. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 144 patients with SSC of the glans penis were treated with BT. Inguinal nodal dissection was performed in 19% of patients (all N-). After circumcision, BT was performed using the hypodermic needle technique. Median iridium length per patients was 24 cm (range, 4-108) and median dose was 65 Gy (range, 37-75). Median treated volume was 22 cm(3) (range, 5-110) and median reference isodose rate was 0.4 Gy/h (range, 0.2-1.2). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 5.7 years (range, 0.5-29). The 10-year penile recurrence, inguinal lymph node recurrence, and inguinal nodal metastasis rates were: 20% (CI 95%, 11-29), 11% (CI 95%, 5-17), and 6% (CI 95%, 2-10), respectively. After salvage treatment, 86% patients with local failure were in a complete remission at last follow-up. The 10-year probability of avoiding penile surgery (for complication or local recurrence) was 72% (CI 95%, 62-82). The 10-year cancer-specific survival rate was 92% (CI 95%, 87-97). Diameter of tumor significantly increased the risk of recurrence (p = 0.02). The 10-year painful ulceration and stenosis risk rates were: 26% (CI 95%, 17-35) and 29% (CI 95%, 18-40), respectively. Seven patients required excision for necrosis. Treated volume and reference isodose rate significantly increased the risk of complications. CONCLUSION: BT is an effective conservative treatment for SCC confined to the glans. Salvage local treatment is effective. Dose rate should be limited to decrease toxicity
— id: 114771, year: 2009, vol: 74, page: 1150, stat: Journal Article,

TONGUE STRENGTH AND SWALLOWING IN ORAL CANCER PATIENTS
Prasse, J; Sanfilippo, N; DeLacure, M; Falciglia, D; Branski, R; Ho, M; Ganz, C; Kraus, D; Lee, N; Lazarus, C
2009 DEC ;24(4):475-476, Dysphagia
— id: 107741, year: 2009, vol: 24, page: 475, stat: Journal Article,

Six-month depot formulation of leuprorelin acetate in the treatment of prostate cancer
Sethi, Rajni; Sanfilippo, Nicholas
2009 ;4(1):259-267, Clinical interventions in aging
Hormonal deprivation therapy is well established for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, as well as the adjuvant treatment of some patients with localized disease. Long-acting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have become a mainstay of androgen deprivation therapy, due to their efficacy, tolerability, and convenience of use. One-month, 3-month, and 4-month depot leuprorelin formulations are well established and widely used to this end. Recently, a 6-month depot leuprorelin has been approved for use in advanced and metastatic prostate cancer patients. With similar efficacy and side effect profiles to earlier formulations, 6-month depot leuprorelin is a convenient treatment option for these patients. This review will highlight the role of GnRH agonists in the treatment of prostate cancer with a focus on the clinical efficacy, pharmacology, and patient-focused outcomes of the newer 6-month 45 mg depot leuprorelin formulation in comparison to available shorter-acting products
— id: 100486, year: 2009, vol: 4, page: 259, stat: Journal Article,

High-grade hyperinvasive sarcomatoid urothelial bladder carcinoma demonstrating complete response to bladder-preserving chemoradiation
Wallach, J B; Wang, B; Sanfilippo, N
2009 May;16(3):55-57, Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
The standard treatment for locally advanced urothelial bladder carcinoma is radical cystectomy or chemoradiation. Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma, a rare tumour, is treated with radical cystectomy because the response to radiation therapy alone is poor in other sarcomas. We report a case of high-grade hyperinvasive urothelial bladder carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation. The patient refused cystectomy, and so a chemoradiation regimen was devised for her treatment. She completed the regimen and has since demonstrated a complete response to chemoradiation therapy clinically and pathologically by biopsy. The patient has therefore been able to attain a complete response while preserving a functional bladder
— id: 101337, year: 2009, vol: 16, page: 55, stat: Journal Article,

Phase I/II study of biweekly paclitaxel and radiation in androgen-ablated locally advanced prostate cancer
Sanfilippo, Nicholas J; Taneja, Samir S; Chachoua, Abraham; Lepor, Herbert; Formenti, Silvia C
2008 Jun 20;26(18):2973-2978, Journal of clinical oncology
PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of concurrent paclitaxel and radiation therapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had T2-4 tumors with Gleason scores greater than 7 and/or PSA levels greater than 10 ng/mL and/or had tumors with pathologic stage TxN1. Hormonal ablation was initiated 3 months before RT and was given for 9 months. RT was delivered daily (1.8 Gy) with concurrent twice-weekly paclitaxel (30 mg/m(2)). The whole pelvis was irradiated to 39.6 Gy. The radiation dose was escalated as follows: 63 Gy, 66.6 Gy, 70.2 Gy, and 73.8 Gy. The last RT dose level was fixed at 73.8 Gy. RESULTs: Between January 2000 and October 2006, 22 patients were enrolled. The median age was 59 years (range, 48 to 72 years); the median PSA level was 22.4 ng/mL (range, 2.8 to 113 ng/mL). The number of patients per stage was as follows: three with T1, eight with T2, 11 with T3, and five with pN1 = 5. No grade 3 toxicities occurred at 63 Gy. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in three patients at 66.6 Gy. The protocol then was amended to treat the prostate volume first followed by the whole pelvis. No grade 3 toxicities were observed at 70.2 Gy. One patient experienced grade 3 diarrhea at 73.8 Gy. Five additional patients were treated to 73.8 Gy without grade 3 toxicity, which established the MTD for combined paclitaxel and RT at 73.8 Gy. At 38 months median follow-up (range, 9 to 87 months), 21 (95%) of 22 patients are alive. Six (27%) of 22 experienced recurrence. CONCLUSION: Concurrent biweekly paclitaxel with RT is feasible, with an MTD of 73.8 Gy. Recovery of gonadal function occurs in the majority of patients. These results encourage testing in a phase III setting
— id: 79569, year: 2008, vol: 26, page: 2973, stat: Journal Article,

Exclusive radiotherapy for primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina
de Crevoisier, Renaud; Sanfilippo, Nicholas; Gerbaulet, Alain; Morice, Philippe; Pomel, Christophe; Castaigne, Damiene; Pautier, Patricia; Lhomme, Catherine; Duvillard, Pierre; Haie-meder, Christine
2007 Dec;85(3):362-370, Radiotherapy & oncology
PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze results of external beam therapy (EBT) with brachytherapy (BT) for primary vaginal squamous cell carcinoma (PVSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1970 to 2001, 91 patients were included. FIGO stages were: I (29%), II (38%), III (29%) and IVa (4%). EBT delivered a median total dose of 50 Gy to the pelvis. BT was performed with a customized intra-vaginal applicator and in 36% of applications combined endocavitary and interstitial BT. ICRU Report 38 parameters were reported. RESULTS: The 5-year cause specific survival (CSS) rates were: 83% for stage I, 76% for stage II, 52% for stage III, and 2 of the 4 stage IVa patients died 9 and 36 months after treatment. The 5-year pelvis control rates were: 79% for stage I and II and 62% for stage III. Recurrences as a first event were local only in 68% of cases, nodal only in 10%, metastatic only in 13% and combined in 9%. In multivariate analysis: stage (I and II versus II and IV), response to EBT (evaluated at BT), and the number of BT applications were statistically significant for CSS. Grade 2-3 toxicities were as follows (Franco-Italian Glossary): rectum (n=3), sigmoid colon and small bowel (n=8), bladder (n=5), ureter (n=4) and vagina (n=13). Anterior location of the tumor increased bladder toxicity (p=0.01) and total reference air kerma was higher in patients who experienced grade 2-3 urinary or digestive toxicity (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: EBT with BT is an effective treatment for patients with stage I-II PVSCC. The incidence and severity of late toxicity were relatively low. Recent advances in the treatment of cervix carcinoma emphasize the need for concomitant radio-chemotherapy in stages III-IV and the use of MRI for treatment planning
— id: 114772, year: 2007, vol: 85, page: 362, stat: Journal Article,

Phase I study of bi-weekly paclitasel and definitive radiation in androgen ablated locally advanced prostate cancer
Sanfilippo, NJ; Taneja, SS; Chachoua, A; Lepor, H; Formenti, SC
2007 JAN ;69(3):S112-S113, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
— id: 87193, year: 2007, vol: 69, page: S112, stat: Journal Article,

Sclerosis of the pterygoid process in untreated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Shatzkes, Deborah R; Meltzer, Daniel E; Lee, Jane A; Babb, James S; Sanfilippo, Nicholas J; Holliday, Roy A
2006 Apr;239(1):181-186, Radiology
PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of pterygoid process sclerosis in patients with untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective HIPAA-compliant study was performed after the institutional review board deemed it to be exempt from review and patient informed consent. Contrast material-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans of the neck obtained in 31 patients (22 men, nine women; mean age, 42 years; age range, 27-68 years) with untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and in 31 control subjects (17 men, 14 women; mean age, 43 years; age range, 19-62 years) were evaluated independently by two neuroradiologists. The presence of sclerosis of the pterygoid process-defined as increased attenuation in the medullary cavity and/or thickening of the cortical bone-was assessed. Other findings noted included pterygoid process erosion, enhancing tumor adjacent to the pterygoid process, and CT evidence of parapharyngeal extension of the tumor. The data were evaluated by using generalized estimating equations based on a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of pterygoid process sclerosis averaged for the two readers was 60% (37 of 62 subjects) among the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma but only 3% (two of 62 subjects) among the control subjects, indicating a highly significantly increased prevalence (P < .001) of this finding in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The overall prevalences of pterygoid process erosion, parapharyngeal extension of tumor, and enhancing tumor adjacent to the pterygoid process were 27% (17 of 62 subjects), 47% (29 of 62 subjects), and 77% (48 of 62 subjects), respectively. Pterygoid process sclerosis was the sole skull base abnormality in 36% (11 of 31) of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Sclerosis of the pterygoid process, which was present in about half of the patients with untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, may reflect tumor proximity to or tumor invasion of the pterygoid process
— id: 64201, year: 2006, vol: 239, page: 181, stat: Journal Article,

Impact of tissue heterogeneity corrections on tumor and normal structure dosimetry in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy
Sanfilippo, N; Hitchen, C; Tran, T; DeLacure, M; Kutler, D; Formenti, S
2005 NOV 16 ;63(2):S374-S375, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
— id: 58994, year: 2005, vol: 63, page: S374, stat: Journal Article,

Chromosomal aberrations induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in lymphocytes from patients with breast carcinoma
Legal, Jean-Denis; De Crevoisier, Renaud; Lartigau, Eric; Morsli, Karim; Dossou, Julien; Chavaudra, Nicole; Sanfilippo, Nicolas; Bourhis, Jean; Eschwege, Francois; Parmentier, Claude
2002 Apr 1;52(5):1186-1195, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: Stable chromosomal aberrations (SCAs) have been found in circulating lymphocytes from patients treated for breast carcinoma. Therefore, we tried to define their incidence in such patients, to determine an in vitro dose-effect relationship, and to correlate these data with clinical parameters. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This prospective study included 25 patients who, after surgery, underwent either radiotherapy (RT) alone (n = 15) or RT combined with chemotherapy (n = 10). SCAs were scored using the fluorescent in situ hybridization technique before RT and 4 and 12 months after RT. Dose-effect curves were established by in vitro irradiation of blood samples with 2 and 4 Gy, before and after treatment. RESULTS: In all patients, the rate of SCAs increased significantly after external irradiation. No significant decrease in SCAs was observed during the first year after RT. RT and chemotherapy had no effect on the lymphocyte in vitro dose-effect relationship. No relationship was found in the distribution of patients between the yield of SCAs scored after external irradiation and after in vitro irradiation. SCAs after RT or in vitro irradiation did not correlate with family history of breast carcinoma or acute toxicity of treatment. More significantly, the yield of SCA after external irradiation was strongly related to the irradiation of the internal mammary chain and the supraclavicular lymph node area, suggesting that the volume of irradiated blood vessels was an essential parameter in determining the rate of SCAs. CONCLUSION: A high and stable yield of SCAs persisted at least 1 year after external irradiation. The nature of the volume irradiated containing large blood vessels was the major determinant of the observed biologic dose
— id: 67434, year: 2002, vol: 52, page: 1186, stat: Journal Article,

Advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with surgery and radiotherapy: oncologic outcome and functional assessment
Denittis AS; Machtay M; Rosenthal DI; Sanfilippo NJ; Lee JH; Goldfeder S; Chalian AA; Weinstein GS; Weber RS
2001 Sep-Oct;22(5):329-335, American journal of otolaryngology
INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (XRT) is a standard therapy for locally advanced resectable oropharyngeal carcinoma. This maximizes local-regional control, but does not address the potential for occult distant metastases. Additionally, some patients may suffer poor functional outcome after this intensive local therapy. This report reviews our institutional experience with modern radical surgery and XRT for this disease. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 51 consecutive patients treated from 1991 to 1997 at the University of Pennsylvania with radical surgery and postoperative XRT. This study included patients with locally advanced, stage III/IV (exclusive of T1-2N1) squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx. All patients had a good performance status (ECOG 0-1). Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. No patient had gross residual disease after surgery; the median XRT dose was 63.7 Gy. Survival, local-regional control (LRC), and freedom from distant metastases (DM) were calculated actuarially. In patients who remained free of disease, functional status was determined using the List Performance Status Scale (PSS). RESULTS: With a median follow-up in surviving patients of 34 months, the 3-year actuarial overall survival was 51%. The 3-year LRC was 73%, and the freedom from DM was 69%. The most significant factor predicting for failure was the number of pathologically positive nodes (P <.001 for survival and DM; P =.003 for LRC). In 29 patients who were evaluable for the List PSS, the mean normalcy-of-diet score was 48; the mean eating-in-public score was 53; and the mean understandability-of-speech score was 75. There was a trend toward better PSS scores in patients with T1-2 tumors versus T3-4 tumors, although this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery and postoperative XRT offer relatively good LRC and moderate overall survival rates. Results, however, remain suboptimal, particularly with respect to the risk of DM and the functional outcome. These data provide a baseline for comparison with maturing results from multimodality trials in which radical surgery is not used in all patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma
— id: 42926, year: 2001, vol: 22, page: 329, stat: Journal Article,

T4 rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiation to the posterior pelvis followed by multivisceral resection: patterns of failure and limitations of treatment
Sanfilippo NJ; Crane CH; Skibber J; Feig B; Abbruzzese JL; Curley S; Vauthey JN; Ellis LM; Hoff P; Wolff RA; Brown TD; Cleary K; Wong A; Phan T; Janjan NA
2001 Sep 1;51(1):176-183, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: To analyze the overall pattern of treatment failure and sites of pelvic disease recurrence relative to the radiation fields used in treating patients with clinically staged T4 rectal cancer with preoperative chemoradiation followed by multivisceral resection. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1990 and 1998, 45 patients with T4 rectal cancer were treated with preoperative chemoradiation. Clinical staging was according to the system of the American Joint Cancer Committee and was based on endoscopic ultrasonography, chemotherapy (CT), and physical examination. A diagnosis of T4 disease required evidence of invasion of a contiguous structure on CT (n = 31) or endorectal ultrasonography (n = 6), vaginal mucosal involvement on pelvic examination (n = 6), or a combination of these findings (n = 2). Chemoradiation was delivered with 18 MV photons using a 3-field belly-board technique. The median total dose was 45 Gy in all patients (range 45-63). Nine patients received a boost with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (n = 5, 1.8-18 Gy), intraoperative RT (n = 3, 10-20 Gy), or interstitial brachytherapy (n = 1, 20 Gy). All patients received concurrent chemotherapy consisting of protracted venous infusion 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m(2), 5 d/wk). Resection was not performed in 13 (29%) of the 45 patients because of metastases detected before resection or patient refusal. Multivisceral resection and pelvic exenteration was required in 21 (66%) and 11 (34%) of 32 patients, respectively. We compared the location of pelvic disease recurrence with the RT simulation films. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 4-year actuarial pelvic and distant recurrent rates and the overall survival rate. RESULTS: The median length of follow-up was 31.0 months for all patients and 40.0 months for patients alive at last follow-up. When only the resected cases were considered, the local recurrence rate was 20%. Distant metastases occurred in 44% of cases; the overall survival rate was 69%. When all patients were considered, the local recurrence rate was similar (24%), but the rate of distant recurrence (51%) was higher and the overall survival rate lower (50%). Pelvic disease was controlled in all 8 patients whose disease responded well to chemoradiation (either a histologically complete response or microscopic residual disease). Three of 4 patients with close or positive margins had pelvic recurrences despite intraoperative RT and brachytherapy. Nine of the 10 pelvic recurrences occurred in the radiation field. Elective external iliac nodal irradiation was not used, and nodal metastases were not seen in that region. In 1 case, marginal recurrence occurred in a common iliac node at the superior edge of the treatment field. CONCLUSIONS: Despite aggressive multimodality therapy including multivisceral resection, a high rate of pelvic and distant disease recurrence occurred in patients with clinically staged T4 disease. Regional disease recurred almost exclusively in the radiation field. The intraoperative RT and interstitial brachytherapy doses used did not prevent pelvic disease recurrence in patients with close or positive margins. Novel strategies such as higher preoperative doses of RT with or without altered fractionation or more effective radiosensitizers are needed to improve locoregional control in patients with T4 disease. Future strategies must also include more effective systemic therapy
— id: 42927, year: 2001, vol: 51, page: 176, stat: Journal Article,

Toxicity of photodynamic therapy after combined external beam radiotherapy and intraluminal brachytherapy for carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract
Sanfilippo NJ; Hsi A; DeNittis AS; Ginsberg GG; Kochman ML; Friedberg JS; Hahn SM
2001 ;28(3):278-281, Lasers in surgery & medicine
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the toxicity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract who received prior treatment with external beam irradiation and intraluminal brachytherapy (IB). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records of PDT patients were reviewed. Three patients who received prior treatment with external beam irradiation and IB were identified. Two patients had esophageal carcinoma treated with combined chemotherapy and external beam irradiation (55.8 and 50.4 Gy) followed by IB (12 Gy and 35 Gy at 1 cm). These patients then received PDT for treatment of recurrence (2 mg/kg Photofrin injection and 2 light applications: 630 nm, 150--200 J/cm, 200--400 mW/cm). One patient had non-small cell lung cancer treated with external beam irradiation (60 Gy) followed by IB (36.1 Gy at 1 cm) and then received PDT for recurrence (1 mg/kg Photofrin injection and one light application: 630 nm, 150 J/cm, 200 mW/cm). RESULTS: One patient with esophagus cancer had formation of a tracheoesophageal fistula, which required stent placement. The other esophageal cancer patient developed quadriplegia due to an epidural abscess arising from a fistula with the diseased portion of the esophagus. The lung cancer patient had massive hemoptysis after the procedure and died 2 days later. Autopsy showed necrotizing arteritis of the right pulmonary artery. CONCLUSION: Patients with upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma who have received treatment with both external beam irradiation and IB seem to be at higher risk for complications when treated with PDT
— id: 42929, year: 2001, vol: 28, page: 278, stat: Journal Article,

Intravascular brachytherapy trials for coronary heart disease using gamma sources
Sanfilippo NJ; Tripuraneni P
2001 ;35(1):202-210, Frontiers of radiation therapy & oncology
— id: 42928, year: 2001, vol: 35, page: 202, stat: Journal Article,

Elective groin irradiation is not indicated for patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum extending to the anal canal
Taylor, N; Crane, C; Skibber, J; Feig, B; Ellis, L; Vauthey, J N; Hamilton, S; Cleary, K; Dubrow, R; Brown, T; Wolff, R; Hoff, P; Sanfilippo, N; Janjan, N
2001 Nov 1;51(3):741-747, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: To evaluate the inguinal nodal failure rate in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer with anal canal involvement (ACI) treated with pelvic chemoradiation without elective inguinal irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 1990 and 1998, 536 patients received preoperative or postoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer with curative intent; 186 patients had ACI (<4 cm from the anal verge on rigid proctoscopy). Two patients had positive inguinal nodes at presentation. Chemoradiation was delivered preoperatively (45 Gy in 25 fraction) or postoperatively (53 Gy in 29 fractions) with concurrent continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m2/d). The inguinal region was specifically irradiated in only 2 patients who had documented inguinal nodal disease. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 50 months. Only 6 of 184 ACI patients who had clinically negative inguinal nodes at presentation developed inguinal nodal recurrence (5-year actuarial rate 4%); 4 of the 6 cases were isolated. Two patients underwent successful salvage. Only 1 died of uncontrolled groin disease. Local control was achieved in both patients with inguinal nodal disease at presentation, but both died of metastatic disease. Only 3 patients with tumors >4 cm from the verge developed inguinal recurrence (5-year actuarial rate <1%). CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal nodal failure in rectal cancer patients with ACI treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemoradiation is not high enough to justify routine elective groin irradiation
— id: 67435, year: 2001, vol: 51, page: 741, stat: Journal Article,

Preirradiation PSA predicts biochemical disease-free survival in patients treated with postprostatectomy external beam irradiation
Crane CH; Rich TA; Read PW; Sanfilippo NJ; Gillenwater JY; Kelly MD
1997 Oct 1;39(3):681-686, International journal of radiation oncology biology physics
PURPOSE: To assess the clinical outcome and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and to determine prognostic factors for biochemical disease-free survival in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy without hormonal therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-eight patients were treated after prostatectomy with radiotherapy between March, 1988 and December, 1993. Seven patients had undetectable PSA (<0.2) and the remainder had detectable PSA at the time of irradiation (overall: median 2.7, range 0-24.9). Nine patients had biopsy proven local recurrence, palpable local disease, or positive preirradiation imaging. No patients received hormonal therapy prior to irradiation. Median follow-up was 55 months. A median dose of 60 Gy (range 58-66) was given to the prostate bed. Survival was analyzed using the life-table method. Actuarial biochemical disease-free survival was the primary endpoint studied. RESULTS: In patients with detectable PSA, 51% had levels return to undetectable after irradiation. The actuarial 5-year freedom from biochemical failure for all patients was 24%. A significant difference in biochemical disease-free survival was seen for patients irradiated with preirradiation PSA that was undetectable (p < 0.001), or preirradiation PSA that was < or =2.7 (p = 0.002), vs. preirradiation PSA that was >2.7. Five-year actuarial biochemical disease-free survival values were 71, 48, and 0%, respectively, for the three groups. Biochemical disease-free survival was not affected by preoperative PSA level, clinical stage, Gleason's score, pathologic stage, surgical margins, presence of undetectable PSA after surgery, surgery to radiation interval, total dose, or presence of clinically suspicious local disease. Based on digital rectal exam, there were no local failures. CONCLUSION: Biochemical disease-free survival after postprostatectomy radiation is predicted by the PSA at the time of irradiation. Clinical local control is excellent, but distant failure remains a significant problem in this population. The addition of concomitant systemic therapy should be investigated in patients with PSA >2.7
— id: 42930, year: 1997, vol: 39, page: 681, stat: Journal Article,

Desmoplastic fibroma: a role for radiotherapy?
Sanfilippo NJ; Wang GJ; Larner JM
1995 Dec;88(12):1267-1269, Southern medical journal
Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare, locally aggressive, benign tumor that is considered the skeletal counterpart of the desmoid tumor of soft tissues. Although the treatment of choice of desmoplastic fibroma is surgical excision, radiation therapy should be considered when surgery is not a viable option
— id: 42931, year: 1995, vol: 88, page: 1267, stat: Journal Article,