Radiation Oncology

Eight‑variable model predicts grade ≥2 radiation esophagitis during concurrent chemoradiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC

In 1,288 trial patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, grade 2 RE occurred in 15% and grade 3 in 2.0%. An eight‑variable LASSO model (sex, T/N stage, histology, tumor location, cisplatin use, WBC, hemoglobin) predicted grade ≥2 RE with a c‑statistic of 0.85. Grade ≥2 RE was not associated with worse OS or PFS, but grade ≥3 RE associated with worse PFS (HR 1.62). The model applies to unresectable stage III NSCLC receiving cCRT and may guide preemptive support during thoracic RT. 1

Sequential chemo‑immunotherapy then standard versus reduced thoracic RT in older/frail stage III NSCLC: phase II randomized trial

In 56 older or frail stage III NSCLC patients ineligible for cCRT, 1‑year PFS was 84.3% with standard RT versus 70.7% with reduced RT in ITT analysis. Grade 3–4 adverse events were numerically higher with standard RT (71.4% vs 53.6%), and grade 5 events were more frequent with standard RT. The trial was non‑comparative, small, and underpowered, so reduced RT cannot be declared non‑inferior. Results suggest feasibility of reduced RT after sequential chemo‑immunotherapy but require larger randomized confirmation. 2

Dietary interventions during chemo/radiotherapy for breast cancer: limited, heterogeneous evidence for HRQoL benefits

This systematic review included 11 studies (9 randomized) examining dietary interventions during chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Interventions and HRQoL domains varied, producing inconsistent results across studies. Some personalized dietary approaches improved gastrointestinal‑related HRQoL domains, but overall evidence was limited and heterogeneous. More rigorous, standardized trials are needed before routine diet prescriptions for HRQoL can be recommended. 3