Stereotactic body radiotherapy for pulmonary metastases

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for pulmonary metastases.

Patients and methods

Between April 2007 and March 2011, 87 patients underwent SBRT for pulmonary metastases using the in-house Air-Bag System^TM to obtain the four-dimensional image for treatment planning and to reduce intrafractional intrathoracic organ motion with abdominal compression to reduce the risk of radiation pneumonitis. Survival and respiratory adverse events were analyzed.

Results

The 2- and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 47 and 32?%, and the corresponding cause-specific survivals were 52 and 36?%. The 2- and 3-year OS rates were 57 and 49?% for patients in group 1, respectively, while the corresponding OS rates were 48 and 21?%, and 40 and 32?% for patients in groups 2 and 3, respectively. The 2- and 3-year local control (LC) rates were 80 and 80?%, respectively. The corresponding intrathoracic progression-free survival rates were 40 and 32?%, respectively. Concerning adverse respiratory events after SBRT for pulmonary metastases, 14?% were grade 0 (G0), 66?% G1, 13?% G2, 6?% G3, and 1?% G4. Concerning the adverse respiratory events (NCI-CTC) by grade scale, 1- and 2-year cumulative probabilities of radiation pneumonitis were 12 and 20?% for G2 and 4 and 10?% for G3/4, respectively. The mean values for cumulative V20 were 11.6?±?8.5?%, 29.8?±?18.6?%, and 25.7?±?12.8?% in G0/1, G2, and G3/4, respectively. The number of pulmonary metastases that could be safely treated with SBRT was 6 PTVs (or seven gross tumor volumes) within a cumulative V20 of 30?% under the restricted intrafractional respiratory tumor motion using the Air-Bag System^TM.

Conclusion

We propose that the number of pulmonary metastases that can be safely treated with SBRT is 6 PTVs with a cumulative V20 of 30?% under the restricted respiratory tumor motion using the Air-Bag System^TM. SBRT for pulmonary metastases offers locally effective treatment for recurrent or residual lesions after first line chemotherapy.     

骨转移癌痛的立体定向放射治疗

目的评价立体定向大剂量少分次放射治疗骨转移癌痛的临床疗效。方法采用深圳奥沃公司生产的OUR-QGD型立体定向伽玛射线体部治疗系统(简称体部伽玛刀)治疗156例骨转移癌痛患者,用50%等剂量曲线覆盖整个靶区,单次周边剂量给予7.5～10Gy,周边总剂量控制在30Gy,分割3～4次,1周内完成治疗总剂量控制在30Gy,分割3～4次,1周内完成治疗。结果 156例患者治疗后疼痛症状完全缓解110例(70.51%)、部分缓解43例(27.56%),总有效率为98.08%。治疗后随访时间2～20个月,疼痛的中位缓解时间为12.6个月。结论立体定向大剂量少分次放射治疗骨转移癌痛,疗效满意,治疗时间短,止痛起效快,缓解时间长,复发率低,是一种安全、有效的止痛方法。     

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver tumors

Purpose

This report of the Working Group on Stereotactic Radiotherapy of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) aims to provide a practical guideline for safe and effective stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of liver tumors.

Methods

The literature on the clinical evidence of SBRT for both primary liver tumors and liver metastases was reviewed and analyzed focusing on both physical requirements and special biological characteristics.

Results

Recommendations were developed for patient selection, imaging, planning, treatment delivery, motion management, dose reporting, and follow-up. Radiation dose constraints to critical organs at risk are provided.

Conclusion

SBRT is a well-established treatment option for primary and secondary liver tumors associated with low morbidity.     

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic soft tissue sarcoma

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is emerging as a novel treatment option in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of exclusive SBRT on disease control and survival in oligometastatic (≤?3 synchronous lesions) STS.

Materials and methods

In total, 16 consecutive patients, accounting for 26 metastases (including 21 lung and 5 lymph node or soft tissue metastases), were treated at our institution with SBRT. Patient- and treatment-related characteristics were collected. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), and time to initiation of chemotherapy or best supportive care (corrected disease-free survival, cDFS) were assessed.

Results

Four-year OS was 54% and median OS was 69 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 20–118 months]. LC of 26 lesions at 4 years was 78%. Median DMFS and cDFS were 17 (95% CI 5–30 months) and 28 months (95% CI 5–52 months), respectively. Disease-free interval <?24 months from primary tumor treatment to first metastasis was the only predictor of reduced LC, cDFS, and OS (p?=?0.022, 0.023, and 0.028, respectively). No acute or chronic grade ≥?3 toxicity was observed. Median follow-up was 36 months (IQR 18–71 months).

Conclusions

In patients with oligometastatic STS, SBRT yields satisfying local control with minimal toxicity. Median OS was 69 months. Repeated SBRT may be considered to extend disease-free and systemic therapy-free interval. Increased time from primary tumor to first metastasis identifies patients with potentially greater benefit from SBRT.

     

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for adrenal oligometastasis in lung cancer patients

Objective:To report our experience on stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in adrenal metastases from lung cancer.Methods:37 oligometastatic lung cancer patients with 38 adrenal metastases submitted to SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. SBRT was delivered by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) or helical tomotherapy (HT). Primary study end point was local recurrence-free survival (LR-FS) and secondary end points were distant-progression free survival (d-PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:Median age was 67 years and primary tumor was non-small-cell lung cancer in 27 (73%) and small-cell lung cancer in 10 (27%) patients. Adrenal metastases were in the left side in 66% cases. Median prescribed dose was 30 Gy in 5 fractions for a median biologically equivalent dose (α/β ratio 10  Gy, BED10) of 48 Gy. Most patients (62%) were submitted to SBRT alone, while the others (38%) received chemo-, immune- or target- therapies. Median follow-up was 10.5 months, median OS 16 months and median d-PFS 3 months. 27 (70%) patients obtained a local control with a median LR-FS of 32 months. LR-FS was significantly related to BED10 with a better LC with BED10 ≥72 Gy, 1- and 2 year LR-FS rates were 54.1±11.6% and 45±12.7% vs 100 and 100% for BED ≤59.5 Gy and BED ≥72 Gy, respectively (p = 0.05). There was no severe toxicity.Conclusion:SBRT was effective and safe in lung cancer adrenal metastases. A dose–response relationship was found between BED10 >72 Gy and better local control. No significant toxicity was registered thanks to the respect of dose constraints and suspension of chemo- and target-therapies.Advances in knowledge:SBRT with a BED10 >72 Gy is an effective treatment for adrenal oligometastatic lung cancer patients.     

立体定向放射治疗胰腺癌

目的 对立体定向放射治疗胰腺癌的临床意义进行评价。方法 对16例胰腺癌患者行立体定向放射治疗,病变体积26.5~116.5cm3,肿瘤边缘单次剂量为3~5Gy,治疗10~20次,每日1次,每周治疗5次,治疗后临床和影像手段随访。结果 治疗有效率(完全缓解+部分缓解)为81.2%,合并疼痛患者均有不同程度缓解,6/7患者黄疸消除,生存质量明显改善,中位生存期11个月,死亡原因多为远处转移;治疗副作用根据RTOG标准评价,68.7%患者有轻度早期反应,1例重度晚期反应。结论 立体定向放射治疗胰腺癌是有效的局部控制手段,可明显的缓解症状,改善患者生存质量,并且治疗的并发症可以被临床接受,但肿瘤的远处转移是影响患者生存的主要问题。     

Prognostic factors in stereotactic body radiotherapy of lung metastases

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors in patients with lung metastases who undergo lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Materials and methods

A total of 87 patients with 129 lung metastases who underwent SBRT between November 2004 and May 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patient collective consisted of 54 men (62.1%) and 33 women (37.9%); the median age was 65 years (range 36–88). The Karnofsky performance index was ≥70% (median 90%) for all cases, but one (60%). Adverse effects were categorized using the CTCAE 4.0 classification system. Retrospective analyses regarding patients’ characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and local tumor control rates (LTC) were performed.

Results

On univariate and multivariate analysis OS, DSS, and PFS were significantly (p?<?0.05) better for patients with ≤3 lung metastases; no extrathoracic metastases at the time of the SBRT; a gross tumor volume (GTV) <7.7?cm³ and patients that received a staging that included positron emission tomography with fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging. Furthermore, a longer OS was observed if newly diagnosed metastases during follow-up were limited to the lung (median survival: 43.7 months versus 21.7 months; p?=?0.023).

Conclusion

The number and pattern of metastases, and the size of the target volume are strong predictors for the outcome of patients receiving SBRT of lung tumors. FDG-PET/CT should be part of pretherapeutic staging before SBRT.

     

Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of brain metastases

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie - This report from the Working Group on Stereotaktische Radiotherapie of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie,...     

Stereotactic radiotherapy for lung and liver tumors using a body cast system: setup accuracy and preliminary clinical outcome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and treatment outcomes of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) using a newly developed simple body cast system for lung and liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2003 to July 2004, 20 patients were treated with SRT at the Kyushu University Hospital. Thirteen patients had primary lung cancer, 5 had metastatic lung cancer, and 2 had hepatocellular carcinoma. All patients were fixed with a thermoplastic body cast combined with a vacuum pillow, arm and leg support, and a carbon plate. SRT was given in 5-8 fields with an isocenter dose of 48-60 Gy in 4-10 fractions. Target verification was performed by computed tomography (CT) during the first session, and by anterior-posterior (A-P) and lateral portal images during the second and subsequent sessions. RESULTS: The average setup errors and deviation in the first treatment session were 1.4 +/- 1.2, 1.1 +/- 1.0, and 3.3 +/- 2.8 mm in the lateral, A-P, and cranio-caudal (C-C) directions, respectively. The setup errors in the second and subsequent sessions were 2.4 +/- 0.5, 1.4 +/- 1.8, and 3.7 +/- 2.6 mm in the lateral, A-P, and C-C directions, respectively. The patient's movement during a treatment session was within 5 mm in any direction. Despite the short follow-up periods (1-15 months), complete response was shown in 4 lesions, and partial response was shown in 15 lesions. Neither local progression nor serious complication was observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: SRT using our body cast system was a safe and reliable treatment method for extracranial tumors.     

Stereotactic radiosurgery for newly diagnosed brain metastases

Background and purpose

Three doses were compared for local control of irradiated metastases, freedom from new brain metastases, and survival in patients receiving stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone for one to three newly diagnosed brain metastases.

Patients and methods

In all, 134 patients were assigned to three groups according to the SRS dose given to the margins of the lesions: 13–16 Gy (n?=?33), 18 Gy (n?=?18), and 20 Gy (n?=?83). Additional potential prognostic factors were evaluated: age (≤?60 vs. >?60 years), gender, Karnofsky Performance Scale score (70–80 vs. 90–100), tumor type (non-small-cell lung cancer vs. melanoma vs. others), number of brain metastases (1 vs. 2–3), lesion size (?24 months).

Results

For 13–16 Gy, 18 Gy, and 20 Gy, the 1-year local control rates were 31, 65, and 79?%, respectively (p?p?p?p?=?0.12); 18 Gy showed a strong trend toward better local control when compared with 13–16 Gy (p?=?0.059). Freedom from new brain metastases (p?=?0.57) and survival (p?=?0.15) were not associated with SRS dose in the univariate analysis.

Conclusion

SRS doses of 18 Gy and 20 Gy resulted in better local control than 13–16 Gy. However, 20 Gy and 18 Gy must be compared again in a larger cohort of patients. Freedom from new brain metastases and survival were not associated with SRS dose.     

Impact of a breathing-control system on target margins and normal-tissue sparing in the treatment of lung cancer: experience at the radiotherapy unit of Florence University

Purpose

In lung cancer, a high radiation dose to the target area correlates with better local control but is frequently counterbalanced by a higher risk of lung toxicity. Several methods exist to coordinate respiratory motion in lung radiotherapy. We aimed to investigate the impact of a breathing-control system on irradiated volumes and dosimetric parameters in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) treatments.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients were scheduled for radical radiotherapy: five for SRT and seven for 3D-CRT. For each patient, in addition to the free-breathing computed tomography (CT) scan, four additional sets of CT slices were acquired using the Active Breathing Coordinator device (ABC, Elekta Oncology Systems Ltd., UK).

Results

The volumes acquired with the ABC device were significantly smaller than the free-breathing volumes [23 % reduction of planning tumour volume (PTV), p = 0.002]. ABC allowed a reduction of all dosimetric parameters [2.28 % reduction of percentage volume of lung treated to a dose of ≥20 Gy (V20), p = 0.004; 10 % reduction of mean lung dose (MLD), p = 0.009]. Significant differences were found both in SRT and in 3D-CRT, in peripheral and apical lesions.

Conclusion

In our experience, ABC has the potential to reduce lung toxicity in the treatment of lung cancer; alternatively, it can allow the prescribed dose to be increased while maintaining the same risk of lung toxicity.     

Stereotactic radiotherapy of vestibular schwannoma

Objective

The aim of this publication is to present long-term data on functional outcomes and tumor control in a cohort of 107 patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) for vestibular schwannoma.

Patients and methods

Included were 107 patients with vestibular schwannoma (primary or recurrent following resection) treated with stereotactic RT (either fractioned or single-dose radiosurgery) between October 2002 and December 2013. Local control and functional outcomes were determined. Analysis of hearing preservation was limited to a subgroup of patients with complete audiometric data collected before treatment and during follow-up. Vestibular function test (FVT) results could be analyzed in a subset of patients and were compared to patient-reported dizziness.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 46.3 months, actuarial local control for the whole cohort was 100% after 2, 97.6% after 5, and 94.1% after 10 years. In patients with primary RT, serviceable hearing was preserved in 72%. Predictors for preservation of serviceable hearing in multivariate analysis were time of follow-up (odds ratio, OR = 0.93 per month; p = 0.021) and pre-RT tumor size (Koos stage I–IIa vs. IIb–IV; OR = 0.15; p = 0.031). Worsening of FVT results was recorded in 17.6% (N = 3). Profound discrepancy of patient-reported dizziness and FVT results was observed after RT. In patients with primary RT, worsening of facial nerve function occurred in 1.7% (N = 1).

Conclusion

Stereotactic RT of vestibular schwannoma provides good functional outcomes and high control rates. Dependence of hearing preservation on time of follow-up and initial tumor stage has to be considered.