Background: Large-scale trials have shown that hypofractionated adjuvant breast radiotherapy was as effective in terms of survival and local control as conventional fractionated radiotherapy, and acute toxicity was reduced with hypofractionated radiotherapy. However, there is a lack of data about the toxicity of breast with regional nodal irradiation (RNI). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fractionation on radiation-related acute skin toxicity in patients receiving RNI in addition to whole-breast or chest wall irradiation, using real-life data. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study with systematic computerized data collection integrated into Mosaiq®. Three comprehensive cancer centers used a standardized form to prospectively collect patient characteristics, treatment characteristics and toxicity. Results: Between November 2016 and January 2022, 1727 patients were assessed; 1419 (82.2%) and 308 (17.8%) patients respectively received conventional fractionated and hypofractionated radiation therapy. Overall, the incidence of acute grade 2 or higher dermatitis was 28.4% (490 patients). Incidence was lower with hypofractionated than with conventional fractioned radiation therapy (odds ratio (OR) 0.34 [0.29;0.41]). Two prognostic factors were found to increase the risk of acute dermatitis, namely 3D (vs IMRT) and breast irradiation (vs chest wall). Conclusion: Using real-life data from unselected patients with regional nodal irradiation, our findings confirm the decreased risk of dermatitis previously reported with hypofractionated radiation therapy in clinical trials. Expansion of systematic data collection systems to include additional centers as well as dosimetric data is warranted to further evaluate the short- and long-term effects of fractionation in real life.

Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide involved in digestion, neuromodulation, and cancer progression. NT and its receptors (NTR1 and SORT1 mainly) have been widely studied in oncology. Data show that NT expression is under the control of sex steroid hormones, in particular estradiol. We focused on its involvement in three main female hormone-sensitive cancers, breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer, in a narrative review. NT, NTR1, and SORT1 are mostly expressed in these three cancers, and their involvement in oncologic processes such as proliferation and invasion seems to match, as does their impact on prognosis for most. The development of NT receptor-targeted therapies, including theranostics and radioligand treatments, presents a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.

Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide involved in digestion, neuromodulation, and cancer progression. NT and its receptors (NTR1 and SORT1 mainly) have been widely studied in oncology. Data show NT expression is under the control of sex steroid hormones, in particular estradiol. We focused on its involvement in three main female hormone-sensitive cancers: breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in a narrative review. NT, NTR1 and SORT1 are mostly expressed in these three cancers and their involvement in oncologic processes such as proliferation and invasion seems to match, as does their impact on prognosis for most. The development of NT receptor-targeted therapies, including theranostics and radioligand treatments, presents a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.

Removal of brachytherapy applicator is routinely performed under premedication including Kalinox® gas inhalation without general anesthesia. The applicator removal is nevertheless associated with discomfort, anxiety or pain. We assessed the adjunction of formal hypnosis during this procedure. This prospective, randomized, single-center study focused on adult patients undergoing pelvic brachytherapy applicator removal. Patients were randomly assigned to (1:1): standard management including Kalinox® (control group) vs. standard management including Kalinox® accompanied by formal hypnosis (hypnosis group). The primary endpoint was anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y-A form (state anxiety). A secondary endpoint was pain after applicator removal (numerical scale). A total of 68 patients (mean age, 51.9 years) were included (cervical cancer, 86.6%). Before applicator removal, mean (SD) STAI Y-A anxiety score was 45.9 (5.6) in the control group vs. 47.5 (5.9) in the hypnosis group. After applicator removal, the scores were 48.1 (4.3) versus 47.7 (4.2), respectively (p = 0.76). Pain score was not significantly different after applicator removal (p = 0.055) in the hypnosis group compared to the control group: 1.29 (1.72) versus 0.71 (1.51), respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups concerning caregiver satisfaction with patient management (p = 0.27), ease of realization (p = 0.17) and caregiver comfort (p = 0.42). This study failed to demonstrate a substantial benefit of formal hypnosis on anxiety in patients undergoing pelvic brachytherapy applicator removal. But this study suggests that the use of hypnotic communication techniques enables a positive attitude to patient care, thus reinforcing the patient-caregiver relationship.