-
1.
Strategies to Mitigate Chemotherapy and Radiation Toxicities That Affect Eating.
Anderson, PM, Thomas, SM, Sartoski, S, Scott, JG, Sobilo, K, Bewley, S, Salvador, LK, Salazar-Abshire, M
Nutrients. 2021;(12)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and its therapy is commonly associated with a variety of side effects that impact eating behaviors that reduce nutritional intake. This review will outline potential causes of chemotherapy and radiation damage as well as approaches for the amelioration of the side effects of cancer during therapy. METHODS Information for clinicians, patients, and their caregivers about toxicity mitigation including nausea reduction, damage to epithelial structures such as skin and mucosa, organ toxicity, and education is reviewed. RESULTS How to anticipate, reduce, and prevent some toxicities encountered during chemotherapy and radiation is detailed with the goal to improve eating behaviors. Strategies for health care professionals, caregivers, and patients to consider include (a) the reduction in nausea and vomiting, (b) decreasing damage to the mucosa, (c) avoiding a catabolic state and muscle wasting (sarcopenia), and (d) developing therapeutic alliances with patients, caregivers, and oncologists. CONCLUSIONS Although the reduction of side effects involves anticipatory guidance and proactive team effort (e.g., forward observation, electronic interactions, patient reported outcomes), toxicity reduction can be satisfying for not only the patient, but everyone involved in cancer care.
-
2.
High-Specific-Activity-131I-MIBG versus 177Lu-DOTATATE Targeted Radionuclide Therapy for Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma.
Jha, A, Taïeb, D, Carrasquillo, JA, Pryma, DA, Patel, M, Millo, C, de Herder, WW, Del Rivero, J, Crona, J, Shulkin, BL, et al
Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. 2021;(11):2989-2995
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapies (TRT) using 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (177Lu or 90Y) represent several of the therapeutic options in the management of metastatic/inoperable pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Recently, high-specific-activity-131I-MIBG therapy was approved by the FDA and both 177Lu-DOTATATE and 131I-MIBG therapy were recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. However, a clinical dilemma often arises in the selection of TRT, especially when a patient can be treated with either type of therapy based on eligibility by MIBG and somatostatin receptor imaging. To address this problem, we assembled a group of international experts, including oncologists, endocrinologists, and nuclear medicine physicians, with substantial experience in treating neuroendocrine tumors with TRTs to develop consensus and provide expert recommendations and perspectives on how to select between these two therapeutic options for metastatic/inoperable pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. This article aims to summarize the survival outcomes of the available TRTs; discuss personalized treatment strategies based on functional imaging scans; address practical issues, including regulatory approvals; and compare toxicities and risk factors across treatments. Furthermore, it discusses the emerging TRTs.
-
3.
Cardiotoxicity of Radiation Therapy: Mechanisms, Management, and Mitigation.
Ell, P, Martin, JM, Cehic, DA, Ngo, DTM, Sverdlov, AL
Current treatment options in oncology. 2021;(8):70
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a key component of modern-day cancer therapy and can reduce the rates of recurrence and death from cancer. However, it can increase risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, and our understanding of the timeline associated with that risk is shorter than previously thought. Risk mitigation strategies, such as different positioning techniques, and breath hold acquisitions as well as baseline cardiovascular risk stratification that can be undertaken at the time of radiotherapy planning should be implemented, particularly for patients receiving chest radiation therapy. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as appropriate, should be used before, during, and after radiation treatment in order to minimize the risks. Opportunistic screening for subclinical coronary disease provides an attractive possibility for primary/secondary CVD prevention and thus mitigation of long-term CV risk. More data on long-term clinical usefulness of this strategy and development of appropriate management pathways would further strengthen the evidence for the implementation of such screening. Clear guidelines in initial cardiovascular screening and cardiac aftercare following radiotherapy need to be formulated in order to integrate these measures into everyday clinical practice and policy and subsequently improve post-treatment morbidity and mortality for these patients.
-
4.
Potential Role of Natural Products to Combat Radiotherapy and Their Future Perspectives.
Akter, R, Najda, A, Rahman, MH, Shah, M, Wesołowska, S, Hassan, SSU, Mubin, S, Bibi, P, Saeeda, S
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(19)
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) are the common cancer treatments. In addition to these limitations, the development of adverse effects from chemotherapy and RT reduces the quality of life for cancer patients. Cellular radiosensitivity, or the ability to resist and overcome cell damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR), is directly related to cancer cells' response to RT. Therefore, radiobiological research is emphasizing chemical compounds 'radiosensitization of cancer cells so that they are more reactive in the IR spectrum. Recent years researchers have seen an increase in interest in natural products that have antitumor effects with minimal side effects. Natural products, on the other hand, are easy to recover and therefore less expensive. There have been several scientific studies done based on these compounds that have tested their ability in vitro and in vivo to induce tumor radiosensitization. The role of natural products in RT, as well as their usefulness and potential applications, is the goal of this current review.
-
5.
Early side effects of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.
Brook, I
Cancer radiotherapie : journal de la Societe francaise de radiotherapie oncologique. 2021;(5):507-513
Abstract
Purpose of this review of medical literature is to present the immediate side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and their treatment. The likelihood and severity of these immediate side effects depends on a number of factors, including the total dose of radiation delivered, over what time it was delivered and what parts of the head and neck received radiation. Early side effects include: inflammation of the oropharyngeal mucosa (mucositis), painful swallowing (odynophagia), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness, lack of saliva (xerostomia), orofacial pain, laryngeal radionecrosis, dermatitis, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, inadequate nutrition and hydration, and weight loss. These complications can interfere with, and delay treatment. Most of these side effects generally dissipate over time. In conclusion, radiation treatment for the head and neck cancer causes significant early side effects. Many of these side effects present difficult challenges to the patients. Their recognition and treatment can significantly improve the patients' health, long-term survival and quality of life. The review provides information that can assist head and cancer survivors deal with radiation side effects.
-
6.
Sialadenitis as a complication of radioiodine therapy in patients with thyroid cancer: where do we stand?
Adramerinas, M, Andreadis, D, Vahtsevanos, K, Poulopoulos, A, Pazaitou-Panayiotou, K
Hormones (Athens, Greece). 2021;(4):669-678
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to elaborate on the current knowledge concerning the mechanism, frequency, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, prevention, and management of radioactive iodine (RAI)-induced sialadenitis in patients receiving treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS A review of the literature was carried out through the " www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed " database focusing on the results of the past decade. RESULTS The high concentration of RAI in the salivary glands results in high beta radiation exposure of the striated duct cells and stem cells. This exposure leads to acute and/or chronic sialadenitis with obstructive symptoms and progressive loss of salivary gland function and xerostomia, with severe impact on patients' quality of life. No standard diagnostic method has been established. As far as prevention is concerned, many approaches have been proposed, such as sialogogues, local massage, vitamin E, and amifostine administration. Although there is no unanimity as to their effectiveness, the use of sialogogues is recommended. Treatment includes conservative drug therapy and sialendoscopy when necessary. CONCLUSION RAI-induced sialadenitis has a major impact on patients' quality of life. Due to the good prognosis of DTC, the reduction of sialadenitis and its prognosis, prevention, and treatment constitute a priority for the overall treatment of these patients. Further studies that will establish a coherent treatment protocol for this condition are necessary.
-
7.
Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: A Historical and Personal Review.
Goldsmith, SJ
Seminars in nuclear medicine. 2020;(1):87-97
Abstract
This review traces the development of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) (the Magic Bullet) from the discovery of radioactivity in nature and the subsequent discovery of artificial radioactivity (the production of radioactive isotopes of stable elements) to the current status of TRT in the medical literature and clinical practice. With the availability of radioisotopes of iodine, initially to study thyroidal iodine kinetics, it was soon observed that sufficient amounts of radiation could control thyroid hyperfunction. Shortly thereafter, when radioiodine was administered to a patient with differentiated thyroid carcinoma whose hypermetabolism was secondary to excess thyroid hormone production, it was observed that radioiodine also had an antitumor effect. The concept of the Magic Bullet has since been extended to other disease states such as (1) 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) to treat malignant and metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas; (2) 131I-tositumomab, a radioiodinated anti-CD20 IgG to treat CD20 expressing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In recent years, other β-emitting radionuclides, Yttrium-90 (90Y) and Lutetium-177 (177Lu), have been added to this list. These radiometals have different physical properties that were thought to be possibly more effective than radioiodine. 90Y was initially used to radio-label somatostatin analogues to treat metastatic neuroendocrine tumors but has virtually been replaced by 177Lu since the physical characteristics of the latter appear to be better suited to effectively irradiate the micrometastases of neuroendocrine tumors. A similar evolution is taking place in the development of a targeted radionuclide therapeutic that recognizes prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), an epitope expressed in increased amounts in prostate carcinoma. Both an anti-PSMA immunoglobulin (J591) and a small molecule glutamase ligand are currently being evaluated as targeted radionuclide therapy agents. Radionuclides that have affinity for the calcium hydroxyapatite in bone have been used to relieve bone pain due to tumor metastases based on increased deposition of the bone seeking radiometals at the osteoblastic interface of the tumor metastases and boney matrix. Most of these trials have been in patients with metastatic prostate cancer since there are few other options. In this regard, targeted radionuclide therapy has come full circles as the most recent addition to this anti-tumor arsenal is a radioisotope of Radium, 223Ra, an alpha emitter which has a greater radiobiologic effect but limited range in tissue thus adding an element of safety when treating marrow metastases. Other alpha emitting radiometals are currently being evaluated as alternative radiometals in place of 90Y and 177Lu to label targeting molecules.
-
8.
Radiation enteritis: Diagnostic and therapeutic issues.
Loge, L, Florescu, C, Alves, A, Menahem, B
Journal of visceral surgery. 2020;(6):475-485
Abstract
Abdominal pelvic radiation therapy can induce acute or chronic lesions in the small bowel wall, called radiation enteritis. Treatment of acute radiation enteritis is essentially symptomatic; symptoms regress when radiation is discontinued. Conversely, late toxicity can occur up to 30 years after discontinuation of radiation therapy, posing diagnostic problems. Approximately one out of five patients treated by radiation therapy will present clinical signs of radiation enteritis, including obstruction, malabsorption, malnutrition and/or other complications. Management should be multidisciplinary, centered mainly on correction of malnutrition. Surgery is indicated in case of complications (i.e., abscess, perforation, fistula) and/or resistance to medical treatment; intestinal resection should be preferred over internal bypass. The main risk in case of iterative resections is the short bowel syndrome and the need for definitive nutritional assistance.
-
9.
Glutamine for Amelioration of Radiation and Chemotherapy Associated Mucositis during Cancer Therapy.
Anderson, PM, Lalla, RV
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
Glutamine is a major dietary amino acid that is both a fuel and nitrogen donor for healing tissues damaged by chemotherapy and radiation. Evidence supports the benefit of oral (enteral) glutamine to reduce symptoms and improve and/or maintain quality of life of cancer patients. Benefits include not only better nutrition, but also decreased mucosal damage (mucositis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, esophagitis, and enteritis). Glutamine supplementation in a high protein diet (10 grams/day) + disaccharides, such as sucrose and/or trehalose, is a combination that increases glutamine uptake by mucosal cells. This increased topical effect can reduce painful mucosal symptoms and ulceration associated with chemotherapy and radiation in the head and neck region, esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Topical and oral glutamine seem to be the preferred routes for this amino acid to promote mucosal healing during and after cancer treatment.
-
10.
Zinc deficits, mucositis, and mucosal macrophage perturbation: is there a relationship?
Thomsen, M, Vitetta, L
Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. 2019;(5):365-370
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mucositis is a common and therapy-limiting adverse effect of cancer treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The optimal zinc formulation, dosage, and timing of administration warrant further research as does the efficacious prevention of febrile mucositis that predisposes to febrile neutropenia. RECENT FINDINGS Metaanalyses concluded that zinc sulfate failed to significantly reduce the incidence or severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, whereas polaprezinc was associated with a significant reduction. Three new trials were published in 2018. The first trial found that zinc sulfate reduced the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The second reported that polaprezinc reduced oral mucositis in pediatric patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The third trial demonstrated efficacy for a zinc lozenge for postoperative sore throat induced by an endotracheal intubation. SUMMARY Zinc deficits, dietary or induced by cancer, are common in patients with cancer. Febrile mucositis may better describe the condition linking mucositis with febrile neutropenia. Febrile mucositis disrupts treatment and may be life-threatening. A paradigm shift is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of febrile mucositis. Zinc effects on the thymic immunological network and T lymphocytes during chemoradiotherapy regimens also warrant further investigation.