https://doi.org/10.1177/25898892221147123
Journal of Current Oncology
1­–4
© The Author(s) 2023
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DOI: 10.1177/25898892221147123
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Article
Scrototesticular Irradiation in Primary
Testicular Lymphoma—A Guide for Scrotal
Simulation (Dr Kanhu’s Burger Technique)
Kanhu Charan Patro1, Ajitesh Avinash2, Keerthiga Karthikeyan1, Chittaranjan Kundu1,
Partha Sarathi Bhattacharyya1, Venkata Krishna Reddy Pilaka1,
Mrutyunjayarao Muvvala Rao1, Arunachalam Chithambara Prabu3,
Ayyalasomayajula Anil Kumar3, Srinu Aketi1, Parasa Prasad3,
Mohanapriya Atchaiyalingam1 and Kaviya Lakshmi Radhakrishnan1
Abstract
Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is predominant in old age group. Painless
testicular swelling is the most common presentation. The standard of care is surgery in the form of radical orchiectomy
followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and central nervous system prophylaxis. Because of blood-testis barrier, contralateral
testis acts as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy to act and hence scrototesticular radiation is advocated in order to reduce
the chance of testicular relapse. Due to lack of any consensus simulation procedure, we propose here a step-by-step
procedure for simulation of a case of PTL using a case scenario.
Keywords
Primary testicular lymphoma, simulation details, testicular radiation
3Department of Medical Physics, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and
Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Sum Ultimate Medicare,
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital
and Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Corresponding author:
Kanhu Charan Patro, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mahatma Gandhi
Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
530017, India.
E-mail: drkcpatro@gmail.com
Introduction
Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare extra-nodal
lymphoma that accounts for 1% to 2% of all non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma and around 9% of all testicular malignancies. It is
predominantly seen in elderly age group with a median age of
diagnosis being 60 years.1–3 The patient usually presents as a
painless testicular mass that develops over days to months. It
has propensity to disseminate to other extra nodal sites such
as central nervous system, skin, lungs, and even contralateral
testis.4 The patients undergo inguinal orchiectomy that acts
both as diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. The most common
histology being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accounting for
80% to 90% followed by Burkitt’s lymphoma and T-cell
lymphoma.
The standard of care now is unilateral radical orchiectomy
followed by adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy plus
Rituximab if CD-20 is positive. In addition, intrathecal
methotrexate is added for CNS prophylaxis. As the
contralateral testis acts as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy
to act because of blood-testis barrier and there is 15% to 45%
risk of relapse in the contralateral testis, scrototesticular
irradiation following chemotherapy is of paramount
importance.5 In the absence of any randomized control trials,
an observational study found that testicular radiation can
reduce the relapse in contralateral testis to less than 10% from
42%.6,7 The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study
Group (IELSG), a retrospective study on PTL, has shown that
testicular radiations have increased the 5-year progression-
free survival from 36%to 70% and overall survival from 38%
to 66%.1,7
In this article, we provide a detailed guide in simulating
the scrotum for testicular irradiation in PTL that is explained
here with the help of a case scenario.
Method
Case History
A 56-year-old male presented with painless swelling over the
left scrotum since 2 months. The patient underwent left
2 Journal of Current Oncology
orchiectomy. The postoperative histopathology report was
suggestive of PTL. Patient showed complete response after
receiving 8 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen and 2
cycles of intrathecal methotrexate for CNS prophylaxis. Now
the patient planned for consolidative radiotherapy to scrotum
and contralateral testis.
Radiotherapy Dose
Fractionated consolidative radiotherapy was planned to the
whole of scrotum including postop tumor bed, contralateral
testis, tunica albuginea, epididymis, and rete testis to a total
dose of 30Gy in 15 fractions @ 2Gy per fraction as per IELSG
and International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group
(ILROG) guidelines.1,8
Radiotherapy Simulation Technique
The detailed process of simulation of patient for
scrototesticular radiation is summarized below in a step-by-
step manner.
Step 1:
Patient was positioned in supine with frog leg position. A
pelvic immobilization mask (Orfit) is prepared in this position
(Figure 1A).
Step 2:
A hole was made in this mask around the penile region and
the scrotum along with the contralateral testis was pulled out
through this hole and made to rest on the mask (Figure 1B).
Step 3:
The posterior aspect of the scrotum was supported with a wax
bolus to prevent under dosing to scrotum and testis (Figure 1C).
Step 4:
The penis was moved outside of the irradiation field by fixing
it to the abdominal wall by the help of a tape (Figure 1D).
Step 5:
Now a small second mask was made over the previously
prepared pelvic mask to stabilize the scrotum in position
(Figure 1E).
Step 6:
Second bolus was made over the superior aspect of the second
mask (Figure 1F).
Step 7:
A copper wire was used to demarcate the scrotal position
over the second mask that can be seen in computed
tomography (CT) scan so that we need not miss the target
(Figure 1G).
Planning CT Scan
A planning CT scan from xiphisternum to mid-thigh is taken
with 3 mm slice thickness with and without contrast with
hands over the chest. Both the immobilization mask and bolus
can be seen in Figure 2.
1a
1g
1f
1e
1c
1b
1d
Figure 1A-G. Depicts the 7-Step Simulation Procedure for Scrototesticular Irradiation.
Patro et al. 3
1
st
Mask 2nd Mask
1
st
Bolus
2nd Bolus
Figure 2. Shows Both the Immobilization Mask and Both the Bolus During CT Simulation.
1a
1c
1b
1d
Figure 3. Shows the Treatment Plans in the Present Case by 6MV Photon (A), ARC Technique (B), and Electron (C) While the Dose-
Volume Histogram of All the 3 Plans (D).
4 Journal of Current Oncology
Target Delineation
CT images are transferred to treatment planning system
for delineation of target volume. There is no gross tumor
volume as it has been removed surgically. Clinical target
volume includes contralateral testis, epididimys, and
spermatic cord. Planning target volume (PTV) is
institution specific.
Treatment Planning
The treatment planning was done by using 6MV photon,
ARC technique, and electron beams using anteroposterior
portals (Figure 3A-C). The dose-volume histogram in
Figure 3D gives a comparative study of all the 3 plans and
it was seen that the coverage of PTV was better with the
ARC therapy. So, the present case was treated using this
ARC technique.
Discussion
Till date, there is no consensus simulation or planning
technique for scrototesticular irradiation for PTL. This is
due to the fact that PTL is very rare and there are only
small retrospective studies which have used PTL
irradiation. Here, in this article we have tried to explain
one such simulation planning of PTL scrototesticular
irradiation.
Conclusion
This article highlights the simulation planning of
scrototesticular irradiation in detail which will act a guide for
all radiation oncologist for scrotal irradiation in PTL.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to
the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research,
authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Statement of Ethical Approval and Informed
Consent
Necessary ethical clearances and informed consent were received and
obtained respectively before initiating the study from all participants.
References
1.		 Zucca E, Conconi A, Mughal TI, et al. International Extranodal
Lymphoma Study Group. Patterns of outcome and prognostic
factors in primary large-cell lymphoma of the testis in a survey
by the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group. J Clin
Oncol. 2003;21(1):20–27.
2.		 Gundrum JD, Mathiason MA, Moore DB, Go RS. Primary tes-
ticular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a population-based study
on the incidence, natural history, and survival comparison with
primary nodal counterpart before and after the introduction of
rituximab. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(31):5227–5232.
3.		 Ahmad SS, Idris SF, Follows GA, Williams MV. Primary testicu-
lar lymphoma. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2012;24(5):358–365.
4.		 Chen B, Cao DH, Lai L, et al. Adult primary testicular lymphoma:
clinical features and survival in a series of patients treated at a
high-volume institution in China. BMC Cancer. 2020;20(1):220.
5.		 Ho JC, Dabaja BS, Milgrom SA, et al. Radiation therapy
improves survival in patients with testicular diffuse large B-cell
lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma. 2017;58(12):2833–2844.
6.		 Conrad AL, Go RS. Contralateral testicular relapse after
prophylactic radiation in a patient with primary tes-
ticular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Eur J Haematol.
2009;83:603–605.
7.		 Ollila TA, Olszewski AJ. Radiation therapy in primary testicu-
lar lymphoma: does practice match the standard of care? Leuk
Lymphoma. 2019;60(2):523–526.
8.		 Yahalom J, Illidge T, Specht L, et al. International Lymphoma
Radiation Oncology Group. Modern radiation therapy for
extranodal lymphomas: field and dose guidelines from the
International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group. Int J
Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015; 92(1):11-31.

Scortotesticular radiation technique

  • 1.
    https://doi.org/10.1177/25898892221147123 Journal of CurrentOncology 1­–4 © The Author(s) 2023 Reprints and permissions: in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india DOI: 10.1177/25898892221147123 journals.sagepub.com/home/coj Article Scrototesticular Irradiation in Primary Testicular Lymphoma—A Guide for Scrotal Simulation (Dr Kanhu’s Burger Technique) Kanhu Charan Patro1, Ajitesh Avinash2, Keerthiga Karthikeyan1, Chittaranjan Kundu1, Partha Sarathi Bhattacharyya1, Venkata Krishna Reddy Pilaka1, Mrutyunjayarao Muvvala Rao1, Arunachalam Chithambara Prabu3, Ayyalasomayajula Anil Kumar3, Srinu Aketi1, Parasa Prasad3, Mohanapriya Atchaiyalingam1 and Kaviya Lakshmi Radhakrishnan1 Abstract Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is predominant in old age group. Painless testicular swelling is the most common presentation. The standard of care is surgery in the form of radical orchiectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and central nervous system prophylaxis. Because of blood-testis barrier, contralateral testis acts as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy to act and hence scrototesticular radiation is advocated in order to reduce the chance of testicular relapse. Due to lack of any consensus simulation procedure, we propose here a step-by-step procedure for simulation of a case of PTL using a case scenario. Keywords Primary testicular lymphoma, simulation details, testicular radiation 3Department of Medical Physics, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Sum Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Corresponding author: Kanhu Charan Patro, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India. E-mail: [email protected] Introduction Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare extra-nodal lymphoma that accounts for 1% to 2% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and around 9% of all testicular malignancies. It is predominantly seen in elderly age group with a median age of diagnosis being 60 years.1–3 The patient usually presents as a painless testicular mass that develops over days to months. It has propensity to disseminate to other extra nodal sites such as central nervous system, skin, lungs, and even contralateral testis.4 The patients undergo inguinal orchiectomy that acts both as diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. The most common histology being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accounting for 80% to 90% followed by Burkitt’s lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. The standard of care now is unilateral radical orchiectomy followed by adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy plus Rituximab if CD-20 is positive. In addition, intrathecal methotrexate is added for CNS prophylaxis. As the contralateral testis acts as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy to act because of blood-testis barrier and there is 15% to 45% risk of relapse in the contralateral testis, scrototesticular irradiation following chemotherapy is of paramount importance.5 In the absence of any randomized control trials, an observational study found that testicular radiation can reduce the relapse in contralateral testis to less than 10% from 42%.6,7 The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG), a retrospective study on PTL, has shown that testicular radiations have increased the 5-year progression- free survival from 36%to 70% and overall survival from 38% to 66%.1,7 In this article, we provide a detailed guide in simulating the scrotum for testicular irradiation in PTL that is explained here with the help of a case scenario. Method Case History A 56-year-old male presented with painless swelling over the left scrotum since 2 months. The patient underwent left
  • 2.
    2 Journal ofCurrent Oncology orchiectomy. The postoperative histopathology report was suggestive of PTL. Patient showed complete response after receiving 8 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen and 2 cycles of intrathecal methotrexate for CNS prophylaxis. Now the patient planned for consolidative radiotherapy to scrotum and contralateral testis. Radiotherapy Dose Fractionated consolidative radiotherapy was planned to the whole of scrotum including postop tumor bed, contralateral testis, tunica albuginea, epididymis, and rete testis to a total dose of 30Gy in 15 fractions @ 2Gy per fraction as per IELSG and International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) guidelines.1,8 Radiotherapy Simulation Technique The detailed process of simulation of patient for scrototesticular radiation is summarized below in a step-by- step manner. Step 1: Patient was positioned in supine with frog leg position. A pelvic immobilization mask (Orfit) is prepared in this position (Figure 1A). Step 2: A hole was made in this mask around the penile region and the scrotum along with the contralateral testis was pulled out through this hole and made to rest on the mask (Figure 1B). Step 3: The posterior aspect of the scrotum was supported with a wax bolus to prevent under dosing to scrotum and testis (Figure 1C). Step 4: The penis was moved outside of the irradiation field by fixing it to the abdominal wall by the help of a tape (Figure 1D). Step 5: Now a small second mask was made over the previously prepared pelvic mask to stabilize the scrotum in position (Figure 1E). Step 6: Second bolus was made over the superior aspect of the second mask (Figure 1F). Step 7: A copper wire was used to demarcate the scrotal position over the second mask that can be seen in computed tomography (CT) scan so that we need not miss the target (Figure 1G). Planning CT Scan A planning CT scan from xiphisternum to mid-thigh is taken with 3 mm slice thickness with and without contrast with hands over the chest. Both the immobilization mask and bolus can be seen in Figure 2. 1a 1g 1f 1e 1c 1b 1d Figure 1A-G. Depicts the 7-Step Simulation Procedure for Scrototesticular Irradiation.
  • 3.
    Patro et al.3 1 st Mask 2nd Mask 1 st Bolus 2nd Bolus Figure 2. Shows Both the Immobilization Mask and Both the Bolus During CT Simulation. 1a 1c 1b 1d Figure 3. Shows the Treatment Plans in the Present Case by 6MV Photon (A), ARC Technique (B), and Electron (C) While the Dose- Volume Histogram of All the 3 Plans (D).
  • 4.
    4 Journal ofCurrent Oncology Target Delineation CT images are transferred to treatment planning system for delineation of target volume. There is no gross tumor volume as it has been removed surgically. Clinical target volume includes contralateral testis, epididimys, and spermatic cord. Planning target volume (PTV) is institution specific. Treatment Planning The treatment planning was done by using 6MV photon, ARC technique, and electron beams using anteroposterior portals (Figure 3A-C). The dose-volume histogram in Figure 3D gives a comparative study of all the 3 plans and it was seen that the coverage of PTV was better with the ARC therapy. So, the present case was treated using this ARC technique. Discussion Till date, there is no consensus simulation or planning technique for scrototesticular irradiation for PTL. This is due to the fact that PTL is very rare and there are only small retrospective studies which have used PTL irradiation. Here, in this article we have tried to explain one such simulation planning of PTL scrototesticular irradiation. Conclusion This article highlights the simulation planning of scrototesticular irradiation in detail which will act a guide for all radiation oncologist for scrotal irradiation in PTL. Declaration of Conflicting Interests The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Funding The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Statement of Ethical Approval and Informed Consent Necessary ethical clearances and informed consent were received and obtained respectively before initiating the study from all participants. References 1. Zucca E, Conconi A, Mughal TI, et al. International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group. Patterns of outcome and prognostic factors in primary large-cell lymphoma of the testis in a survey by the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(1):20–27. 2. Gundrum JD, Mathiason MA, Moore DB, Go RS. Primary tes- ticular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a population-based study on the incidence, natural history, and survival comparison with primary nodal counterpart before and after the introduction of rituximab. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(31):5227–5232. 3. Ahmad SS, Idris SF, Follows GA, Williams MV. Primary testicu- lar lymphoma. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2012;24(5):358–365. 4. Chen B, Cao DH, Lai L, et al. Adult primary testicular lymphoma: clinical features and survival in a series of patients treated at a high-volume institution in China. BMC Cancer. 2020;20(1):220. 5. Ho JC, Dabaja BS, Milgrom SA, et al. Radiation therapy improves survival in patients with testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma. 2017;58(12):2833–2844. 6. Conrad AL, Go RS. Contralateral testicular relapse after prophylactic radiation in a patient with primary tes- ticular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Eur J Haematol. 2009;83:603–605. 7. Ollila TA, Olszewski AJ. Radiation therapy in primary testicu- lar lymphoma: does practice match the standard of care? Leuk Lymphoma. 2019;60(2):523–526. 8. Yahalom J, Illidge T, Specht L, et al. International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group. Modern radiation therapy for extranodal lymphomas: field and dose guidelines from the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015; 92(1):11-31.