Stereotactic radiosurgery alone versus resection plus whole-brain radiotherapy for 1 or 2 brain metastases in recursive partitioning analysis class 1 and 2 patients

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone with resection plus whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for the treatment of patients in recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class 1 and 2 who had 1 or 2 brain metastases. METHODS: Two hundred six patients in RPA class 1 and 2 who had 1 or 2 brain metastases were analyzed retrospectively. Patients in Group A (n = 94) received from 18 grays (Gy) to 25 Gy SRS, and patients in Group B (n = 112) underwent resection of their metastases and received 10 x 3 Gy/20 x 2 Gy WBRT. Eight other potential prognostic factors were evaluated regarding overall survival (OS), brain control (BC), and local control (LC) of treated metastases: age, sex, performance status, tumor type, number of brain metastases, extracranial metastases, RPA class, and interval from tumor diagnosis to treatment of brain metastases. RESULTS: A comparison of the 2 treatment groups did not reveal significantly different OS (P = .19), BC (P = .52), or LC (P = .25). In RPA subgroup analyses, outcome also did not differ significantly for either RPA class of patients (P values from .21 to .83). On multivariate analysis, improved OS was associated with age < or =60 years (relative risk [RR], 1.75; P = .002), better performance status (RR, 1.67; P = .015), no extracranial metastases (RR, 2.84; P < .001), interval from tumor diagnosis to treatment >12 months (RR, 1.70; P = .003), and RPA class 1 (RR, 1.51; P = .016). Improved BC was associated with a single metastasis (RR, 1.54; P = .034) and an interval from tumor diagnosis to treatment >12 months (RR, 1.58; P = .019), and improved LC was associated with an interval from tumor diagnosis to treatment >12 months (RR, 1.59; P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: SRS alone appeared to be as effective as resection plus WBRT in the treatment of 1 or 2 brain metastases for patients in RPA class 1 and 2. Patient outcomes were associated with age, Karnofsky performance status, number of brain metastases, extracranial metastases, RPA class, and interval from tumor diagnosis to treatment.     

Whole-brain radiotherapy versus stereotactic radiosurgery for patients in recursive partitioning analysis classes 1 and 2 with 1 to 3 brain metastases

BACKGROUND: The authors investigated whether stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone improved outcomes for patients in recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) Classes 1 and 2 who had 1 to 3 brain metastases compared with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). METHODS: Data regarding 186 patients in RPA Classes 1 and 2 who had 1 to 3 brain metastases and who received either 30 to 40 grays (Gy) of WBRT (n = 91 patients) or 18 to 25 Gy SRS (n = 95 patients) were analyzed retrospectively. Eight other potential prognostic factors were evaluated regarding overall survival (OS), entire brain control (BC), local control (LC) of treated metastases, and brain control distant from treated metastases (distant control [DC]): Those 8 factors were age, sex, performance status, tumor type, number of brain metastases, extracranial metastases, RPA class, and interval from tumor diagnosis to radiotherapy. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis of OS, age ( risk ratio [RR], 1.51; P = .024), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) (RR, 1.98; P = .002), and extracranial metastases (RR, 2.26; P < .001) were significant, whereas the radiation regimen was not significant (P = .89). On multivariate analysis of BC, only the radiation regimen (RR, 1.33; P = .003) was found to be significant. On multivariate analysis of LC, radiation regimen (RR, 1.63; P < .001) and sex (RR, 1.62; P = .022) were significant. On multivariate analysis of DC, KPS (RR, 1.85; P = .049) and extracranial metastases (RR, 1.69; P = .047) were significant. The radiation regimen was not found to be significant even on univariate analysis (P = .80). In RPA class subgroup analyses, BC and LC were better after SRS than WBRT for patients in RPA Classes 1 and 2, whereas OS and DC did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: For patients in RPA Classes 1 and 2 who had 1 to 3 brain metastases, SRS alone was associated with improved BC and LC compared with 30 to 40 Gy WBRT, whereas OS and DC were not significantly different. Similar results were observed in separate subgroup analyses of patients in RPA Class 1 and RPA Class 2.     

Evaluation of 2 whole-brain radiotherapy schedules and prognostic factors for brain metastases in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: The majority of breast cancer patients with brain metastases receive whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and have a survival of only a few months. A short WBRT regimen would be preferable if it provides survival that is similar to that achieved with longer programs. This retrospective study compared survival and local control within the brain resulting from short-course WBRT with longer programs in 207 breast cancer patients. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients treated with 5 fractions of 4 grays (Gy) each given within 5 days were compared with 138 patients treated with 10 fractions of 3 Gy each given over 2 weeks or 20 fractions of 2 Gy each given over 4 weeks. Six additional potential prognostic factors were investigated: age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of brain metastases, the presence of extracranial metastases, interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT, and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the WBRT regimen was not found to be associated with survival (P=.254) or local control (P=.397). Improved survival was associated with a KPS>70 (P<.001), single brain metastasis (P=.023), the absence of extracranial metastases (P<.001), and lower RPA class (P<.001). On multivariate analysis, which was performed without RPA class because this is a confounding variable, KPS (relative risk [RR] of 4.00; P<.001) and the presence of extracranial metastases (RR of 1.54; P=.024) maintained statistical significance. On univariate analysis, local control was associated with KPS (P<.001) and RPA class (P<.001). On multivariate analysis, local control was found to be associated with a KPS>70 (RR of 5.75; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Short-course WBRT with 5 fractions of 4 Gy each resulted in survival and local control that were similar to longer programs in breast cancer patients with brain metastases. The dose of 5 fractions of 4 Gy each appears preferable for the majority of these patients because it is less time consuming and more convenient.     

Dose escalation beyond 30 grays in 10 fractions for patients with multiple brain metastases

BACKGROUND: Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to 30 grays (Gy) in 10 fractions is the standard treatment in patients with multiple brain metastases in the majority of treatment centers worldwide. The current study investigated the potential benefit of dose escalation beyond 30 Gy. METHODS: Data regarding 416 patients who were treated with WBRT for multiple brain metastases were evaluated retrospectively. Survival and freedom from recurrent brain metastasis (local control) of 257 patients who were treated with 10 fractions of 3 Gy each for 2 weeks were compared with those of 159 patients treated with 45 Gy in 15 fractions for 3 weeks or 40 Gy in 20 fractions for 4 weeks. Eight additional potential prognostic factors were investigated including age, gender, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), tumor type, interval between tumor diagnosis and RT, number of metastases, extracranial metastases, and Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) class. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, improved survival was found to be associated with lower RPA class (P < .001), age <60 years (P = .026), KPS >or=70 (P < .001), and absence of extracranial metastases (P = .003). A trend was observed for number of metastases (2-3 vs >or=4; P = .07). Improved local control was associated with a KPS >or=70 (P < .001) and breast cancer (P < .001). A trend was observed for number of metastases (P = .059). The RT schedule did not appear to have any significant impact on survival (P = .86) or local control (P = .61). The subgroup analyses, performed for each of the 3 RPA classes, did not demonstrate a significantly better outcome with dose escalation. CONCLUSIONS: Dose escalation beyond 30 Gy in 10 fractions does not appear to improve survival or local control in patients with multiple brain metastases but does increase the treatment time and cost of therapy.     

Two radiation regimens and prognostic factors for brain metastases in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases usually receive whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Most of these patients survive for only a few months. A short course of WBRT would be preferable to longer regimens if it could provide similar survival. This retrospective study of NSCLC patients compared longer treatment programs with short-course WBRT with 5 x 4 Gy given during 5 days. METHODS: Data from 404 NSCLC patients treated with WBRT for brain metastases were retrospectively analyzed. The 140 patients who received 5 x 4 Gy given in 5 days were compared for survival with 264 patients who received either 10 x 3 Gy given in 2 weeks or 20 x 2 Gy given in 4 weeks. Seven further potential prognostic factors were investigated for survival including age, sex, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of brain metastases, extracranial metastases, interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT, and RPA (recursive partitioning analysis) class. RESULTS: The WBRT regimen was not associated with survival (P = .55). On multivariate analysis, age < 60 years (vs > or =60 years, P = .020), KPS > or =70 (vs KPS < 70, P < .001), interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT > 12 months (vs < or =12 months, P = .007), no extracranial metastases (P < .001), and RPA class 1 (vs RPA class 2 vs RPA class 3, P = .007) were significantly associated with improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course WBRT with 5 x 4 Gy appeared preferable for most NSCLC patients, as it was associated with survival similar to longer WBRT programs, and the short course was less time consuming.     

非小细胞肺癌脑转移患者全脑放疗不同剂量预后分析

目的:分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)脑转移患者不同全脑放疗(WBRT)剂量的预后及影响因素。方法:回顾性分析2013—2015年间于河北医科大学第四医院行WBRT的244例NSCLC脑转移患者。按照不同WBRT剂量(EQD 2Gy)分为30~39 Gy组104例、≥40 Gy组140例。比较两组患者颅内无进...     

不同EGFR突变肺腺癌脑转移患者WBRT分析

目的 探讨肺腺癌脑转移患者不同EGFR突变状态WBRT疗效差别。方法 回顾分析2010—2015年在本院诊治的89例肺腺癌脑转移患者,所有患者均行EGFR检测。脑转移一线6 MV X线外照射:WBRT30 Gy分10次或40 Gy分20次(≤3个脑转移灶IMRT同步加量40~45 Gy分10次或50~60 Gy分20次)。比较EGFR突变和野生型患者的有效率、IPFS、OS。Kaplan-Meier法计算IPFS、OS并Logrank检验和单因素分析,Cox模型多因素分析。结果 89例患者总有效率为62%,中位IPFS为7.0个月(95%CI为6.060~7.940),中位OS为12.0个月(95%CI为9.539~14.465)。单因素和多因素分析结果显示脑转移患者有效率与KPS评分、EGFR突变状态相关(P=0.009、0.035),KPS评分、EGFR突变状态是IPFS的影响因素(P=0.048、0.000),KPS评分、原发灶控制是OS的影响因素(P=0.000、0.031)。结论 肺腺癌脑转移患者WBRT后,EGFR突变较野生型有效率高,IPFS时间长,OS无差别。     

Brain Metastases in Patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary

Between January 1985 and December 2000, 916 patients with brain metastases were treated with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) at the Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital Freiburg. In 47 patients, a primary tumor could not be identified (cancer of unknown primary (CUP)). Sixteen patients had a solitary brain metastasis, 31 patients presented with multiple brain metastases. Surgical resection was performed in 15 patients, biopsy alone in 12 patients. WBRT was applied with daily fractions of 2 or 3Gy to a total dose of 50 or 30Gy, respectively. According to the recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classes of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group for patients with brain metastases none of the patients met the criteria for Class I, 23 for Class II, and 24 for Class III.The median overall survival (OS) for all patients with brain metastases (n = 916) was 3.4 and 4.8 months for patients with CUP (p = 0.45). In patients with CUP (n = 47) the median OS for patients with a single brain metastasis was 7.3 versus 3.9 months for patients with multiple brain metastases (p = 0.05). Median OS for patients with a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) 70 was 6.3 months versus 3.2 months for KPS <70 (p = 0.01).At multivariate analysis performance status and resection status could be identified as independent prognostic factors for the OS.     

A meta-analysis evaluating stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiotherapy, or both for patients presenting with a limited number of brain metastases

BACKGROUND:

To perform a meta‐analysis on newly diagnosed brain metastases patients treated with whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost versus WBRT alone, or in patients treated with SRS alone versus WBRT and SRS boost.

METHODS:

The meta‐analysis primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and distant brain control (DBC). Secondary outcomes were neurocognition, quality of life (QOL), and toxicity. Using published Kaplan‐Meier curves, results were pooled using hazard ratios (HR).

RESULTS:

Two RCTs reported on WBRT and SRS boost versus WBRT alone. For multiple brain metastases (2‐4 tumors) we conclude no difference in OS, and LC significantly favored WBRT plus SRS boost. Three RCTs reported on SRS alone versus WBRT plus SRS boost (1‐4 tumors). There was no difference in OS despite both LC and DBC significantly favoring WBRT plus SRS boost. Although secondary endpoints could not be pooled for meta‐analysis, those RCTs evaluating SRS alone conclude better neurocognition using the validated Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, no adverse risk in deteriorating Mini‐Mental Status Exam scores or in maintaining performance status, and fewer late toxicities. We conclude insufficient data for QOL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

For selected patients, we conclude no OS benefit for WBRT plus SRS boost compared with SRS alone. Although additional WBRT improves DBC and LC, SRS alone should be considered a routine treatment option due to favorable neurocognitive outcomes, less risk of late side effects, and does not adversely affect the patients performance status. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.     

全脑放疗对广泛期小细胞肺癌脑转移的生存影响

目的 探索现代诊疗条件下,全脑放疗（WBRT）能否延长小细胞肺癌（SCLC）脑转移患者的生存期。方法 回顾性分析天津医科大学肿瘤医院2010—2020年245例伴有脑转移的广泛期SCLC患者的病历资料,其中WBRT组168例（剂量30 Gy分10次）,无WBRT组77例。所有患者均接受了至少2个周期的化疗,化疗方案均为顺铂或卡铂联合依托泊苷,115例接受了胸部放疗。研究终点为脑转移后生存期（BM‐OS）,采用卡方检验对分类数据进行比较,采用稳健逆概率处理加权（sIPTW）方法对组间变量进行匹配,采用Kaplan‐Meier方法进行生存分析,log‐rank检验进行生存曲线比较。结果 全组患者中位BM‐OS为9.1个月。有无WBRT患者的中位BM‐OS分别为10.6、6.7个月（P=0.003）,应用sIPTW平衡两组影响因素后,两组的BM‐OS差异仍具有统计学意义（P=0.02）。其中,首诊广泛期伴脑转移患者118例,有无WBRT的中位BM‐OS分别为13.0、9.6个月（P=0.007）;广泛期疗中出现脑转移患者127例,有无WBRT的中位BM‐OS分别为8.0、4.1个月（P=0.003）。在50例单纯脑转移患者中,有无WBRT的中位BM‐OS为13.3、10.9个月（P=0.259）;在195例伴有颅外转移的患者中,有无WBRT的中位BM‐OS分别为9.5、5.9个月（P=0.009）。结论 广泛期小细胞肺癌脑转移患者行全脑放疗能够为患者带来生存获益。     

全脑放疗对广泛期小细胞肺癌脑转移的生存影响北大核心CSCD

目的探索现代诊疗条件下,全脑放疗(WBRT)能否延长小细胞肺癌(SCLC)脑转移患者的生存期。方法回顾性分析天津医科大学肿瘤医院2010—2020年245例伴有脑转移的广泛期SCLC患者的病历资料,其中WBRT组168例(剂量30 Gy分10次),无WBRT组77例。所有患者均接受了至少2个周期的化疗,化疗方案均为顺铂或卡铂联合依托泊苷,115例接受了胸部放疗。研究终点为脑转移后生存期(BM-OS),采用卡方检验对分类数据进行比较,采用稳健逆概率处理加权(sIPTW)方法对组间变量进行匹配,采用Kaplan-Meier方法进行生存分析,log-rank检验进行生存曲线比较。结果全组患者中位BM-OS为9.1个月。有无WBRT患者的中位BM-OS分别为10.6、6.7个月(P=0.003),应用sIPTW平衡两组影响因素后,两组的BM-OS差异仍具有统计学意义(P=0.02)。其中,首诊广泛期伴脑转移患者118例,有无WBRT的中位BM-OS分别为13.0、9.6个月(P=0.007);广泛期疗中出现脑转移患者127例,有无WBRT的中位BM-OS分别为8.0、4.1个月(P=0.003)。在50例单纯脑转移患者中,有无WBRT的中位BM-OS为13.3、10.9个月(P=0.259);在195例伴有颅外转移的患者中,有无WBRT的中位BM-OS分别为9.5、5.9个月(P=0.009)。结论广泛期小细胞肺癌脑转移患者行全脑放疗能够为患者带来生存获益。     

The role of whole brain radiation therapy in the management of newly diagnosed brain metastases: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Should whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) be used as the sole therapy in patients with newly-diagnosed, surgically accessible, single brain metastases, compared with WBRT plus surgical resection, and in what clinical settings?

Target population This recommendation applies to adults with newly diagnosed single brain metastases amenable to surgical resection; however, the recommendation does not apply to relatively radiosensitive tumors histologies (i.e., small cell lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, germ cell tumors and multiple myeloma). Recommendation Surgical resection plus WBRT versus WBRT alone Level 1 Class I evidence supports the use of surgical resection plus post-operative WBRT, as compared to WBRT alone, in patients with good performance status (functionally independent and spending less than 50% of time in bed) and limited extra-cranial disease. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for patients with poor performance scores, advanced systemic disease, or multiple brain metastases. If WBRT is used, is there an optimal dosing/fractionation schedule? Target population This recommendation applies to adults with newly diagnosed brain metastases. Recommendation Level 1 Class I evidence suggests that altered dose/fractionation schedules of WBRT do not result in significant differences in median survival, local control or neurocognitive outcomes when compared with “standard” WBRT dose/fractionation. (i.e., 30 Gy in 10 fractions or a biologically effective dose (BED) of 39 Gy10). If WBRT is used, what impact does tumor histopathology have on treatment outcomes? Target population This recommendation applies to adults with newly diagnosed brain metastases. Recommendation Given the extremely limited data available, there is insufficient evidence to support the choice of any particular dose/fractionation regimen based on histopathology. The following question is fully addressed in the surgery guideline paper within this series by Kalkanis et al. Given that the recommendation resulting from the systematic review of the literature on this topic is also highly relevant to the discussion of the role of WBRT in the management of brain metastases, this recommendation has been included below. Does the addition of WBRT after surgical resection improve outcomes when compared with surgical resection alone? Target population This recommendation applies to adults with newly diagnosed single brain metastases amenable to surgical resection. Recommendation Surgical resection plus WBRT versus surgical resection alone Level 1 Surgical resection followed by WBRT represents a superior treatment modality, in terms of improving tumor control at the original site of the metastasis and in the brain overall, when compared to surgical resection alone.     

Adjuvant whole-brain radiation therapy after surgical resection of single brain metastases

Adjuvant whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) after resection of single brain metastases remains controversial. Despite a phase III trial to the contrary, clinicians often withhold WBRT after resection of single brain metastases based on the argument that available evidence does not inform regarding treatment of all patients, such as those with radioresistant tumors. However, there is limited information about whether subpopulations benefit equally from WBRT after resection. Therefore, we undertook a retrospective study to determine the clinical, radiographic, and histologic features that influenced the effectiveness of adjuvant WBRT. We reviewed 358 patients with newly diagnosed, single brain metastases, who underwent resection, of which 142 (40%) received adjuvant WBRT and 216 (60%) did not. Median follow-up was 60.1 months. There were multiple tumor histologies, including 197 (55%) "radiosensitive" and 161 (45%) "radioresistant" tumors. Compared with observation, WBRT significantly reduced recurrence both locally (HR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.35–0.98, P = .04) and at distant brain sites (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.30–0.61, P < .001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that withholding WBRT was an independent predictor of local and distant recurrence. For local recurrence, tumors with a maximum diameter of ≥3 cm that did not receive adjuvant WBRT had an increased risk of recurring locally (HR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.02–9.69, P = .05). For distant recurrence, patients whose primary disease was progressing and who did not receive WBRT had an increased risk of distant recurrence (HR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.01–4.66, P = .05). There was no effect of WBRT based on tumor type. Adjuvant WBRT significantly reduces local and distant recurrences in subsets of patients, particularly those with metastases >3 cm or with active systemic disease.     

肺癌脑转移患者容积旋转调强放疗剂量学及预后分析

目的脑转移瘤是颅内最常见的恶性肿瘤,其中肺癌转移风险最高,本研究分析应用容积旋转调强(volumetric modulated arc therapy,VMAT)技术行全脑+病灶同步推量放疗肺癌脑转移瘤的剂量学优势及预后。方法回顾性分析2016-01-01-2018-04-30郑州大学附属肿瘤医院接受VMAT放疗的40例肺癌脑转移患者临床资料。全脑放疗(whole brain radiotherapy,WBRT)剂量为30~40Gy,肿瘤靶区(gross tumor volume,GTV)同步推量至35~60Gy,分10~20次。随机选取10例患者,做调强适形放疗(intensity modulated radiation therapy,IMRT)9野同步推量计划,评估其适形指数(conformity index,CI)、均匀指数(homogeneity index,HI)。采用Kaplan-Meier法计算颅内无进展生存期(intracranial progression-free survival,IPFS)和总生存期(overall survival,OS),并采用Log-rank检验行单因素分析和Cox回归模型多因素分析。结果VMAT在脑转移瘤靶区的CI(t=4.255,P=0.002)、HI(t=-2.404,P=0.040)及全脑靶区中CI(t=7.384,P<0.001)均优于IMRT,且随着脑转移瘤个数的增加,VMAT计划的优势更加明显。1年IPFS为52.3%,1和2年OS分别为56.8%和36.7%。单因素分析显示,靶向治疗(χ^2=4.084,P=0.043)、KPS(χ^2=10.072,P=0.0002)、RPA分级(χ^2=10.102,P=0.006)与IPFS有关联,靶向治疗(χ^2=4.246,P=0.039)、KPS(χ^2=5.329,P=0.021)、RPA分级(χ^2=6.608,P=0.037)、GPA评分(χ^2=4.001,P=0.045)、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio,NLR)(χ^2=4.081,P=0.043)与OS有关联。多因素分析显示,靶向治疗(HR=0.218,95%CI:0.054~0.873,P=0.031)是IPFS的独立影响因素,KPS(HR=2.317,95%CI:0.171~31.376,P=0.047)和靶向治疗(HR=0.309,95%CI:0.113~0.851,P=0.023)是OS的独立预后因素。结论脑转移数目越多VMAT技术剂量学优势越显著;KPS高、NLR值低的患者预后更佳。靶向治疗有助于延长IPFS和OS。     

Patients with brain metastases: hope for recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class 3.

PURPOSE: The objectives of the present study were (a) to validate the prognostic classification derived from recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG); (b) to identify prognostic factors in class 3; (c) to examine the impact of treatment related variables on the prognosis in class 3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine hundred and sixteen patients with brain metastases had resection and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT, n = 257) or WBRT alone (n = 659) at our institution from 1985 to 2000. Patients were grouped into RPA classes 1, 2, and 3 (n = 67, 441, and 408, respectively). RESULTS: Median survival of the whole group was 3.4 months. Median survival in classes 1, 2, and 3 was 8.2, 4.9, and 1.8 months, respectively. In class 3, age (<65 years vs. > or =65 years, relative risk (RR) 0.75), status of the primary tumor (controlled vs. uncontrolled, RR 0.86), and the number of brain metastases (single vs. multiple, RR 0.76) were independent prognostic variables. We defined three prognostic subgroups: class 3a (n = 51): age <65 years, controlled primary tumor, single brain metastasis; class 3c (n = 44): age > or =65 years, uncontrolled primary tumor, multiple brain metastases; class 3b (n = 313): all other patients. Median survival in classes 3a, 3b, and 3c was 3.2, 1.9, and 1.2 months, respectively (P < 0.0001). Intra-class comparisons showed that resection followed by WBRT yielded significantly better survival compared with WBRT alone. CONCLUSION: Our results validate the RTOG RPA classification for patients with brain metastases. The variables age, status of the primary, and number of brain metastases allow the division of class 3 into prognostic subgroups. Even class 3 patients may benefit from more aggressive treatment strategies.     

Additional radiation boost to whole brain radiation therapy may improve the survival of patients with brain metastases in small cell lung cancer

Background

The role of the dose escalation strategy in brain radiotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients with brain metastases (BMs) has not been identified. This study aims to determine whether an additional radiation boost to whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has beneficial effects on overall survival (OS) compared with WBRT-alone.

Methods

A total of 82 SCLC patients who were found to have BMs treated with WBRT plus a radiation boost (n =?33) or WBRT-alone (n =?49) from January 2008 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were limited-stage (LS) SCLC at the time of the initial diagnosis, and none of them had extracranial metastases prior to detection of BMs. The primary end point was OS.

Results

The median OS for all of the patients was 9.6?months and the 6-, 12- and 24-months OS rates were 69.1, 42.2 and 12.8%, respectively. At baseline, the proportion of more than 3 BMs was significantly higher in the WBRT group than in the WBRT plus boost group (p?=?0.0001). WBRT plus a radiation boost was significantly associated with improved OS in these patients when compared with WBRT-alone (13.4 vs. 8.5?months; p?=?0.004). Further, the survival benefit still remained significant in WBRT plus boost group among patients with 1 to 3 BMs (13.4 vs. 9.6?months; p?=?0.022).

Conclusion

Compared with WBRT-alone, the use of WBRT plus a radiation boost may prolong survival in SCLC patients with BMs. The dose escalation strategy in brain radiotherapy for selected BMs patients with SCLC should be considered.

     

不同预后评分下非小细胞肺癌脑转移患者补量放疗的预后分析

目的:分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)脑转移患者不同放疗模式的预后及影响因素,探讨不同预后评分下补量放疗的最佳获益人群。方法:回顾性分析2013—2015年于河北医科大学第四医院诊治的NSCLC脑转移患者634例。按照不同放疗模式分为无放疗组330例、单纯全脑放疗(WBRT)组127例、全脑放疗+局部补量(WBRT+Bo...     

Hypofractionated conformal stereotactic radiotherapy alone or in combination with whole-brain radiotherapy in patients with cerebral metastases

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate treatment of cerebral metastases with hypofractionated conformal stereotactic radiotherapy (HCSRT) or whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in combination with a stereotactic boost. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-seven patients were treated with HCSRT and 14 patients with WBRT in combination with a stereotactic boost. Radiation doses were 40 Gy (5 fractions) in HCSRT or 30 Gy (WBRT) combined with a mean dose of 17 Gy stereotactically (1-3 fractions). RESULTS: The median survival time in the HCSRT as well as the WBRT group was 5.0 months, and 87% died of extracranial disease. Radiologic follow-up (mean, 3.7 months after treatment) showed local control in the HCSRT group in 84% and in the WBRT group in 100%. Patients treated with HCSRT developed new brain metastases distant from the irradiated area in 25%. Two patients treated with HCSRT deteriorated neurologically during treatment, and in 2 patients radionecrosis developed. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be a higher risk of distant new metastases, HCSRT as a treatment for brain metastases seems to be as effective as WBRT in combination with a stereotactic boost. Complications are in the range of what has been reported previously.     

Whole Brain Radiotherapy Plus Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Brain Metastases from Lung Cancer: A Metaanalysis of 19 Randomized Controlled Trails

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) plus chemotherapyversus WBRT alone for treating brain metastases (BM) from lung cancer by performing a meta-analysis basedon randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ASCO, ESMO, CBM,CNKI, and VIP databases were searched for relevant RCTs performed between January 2000 and March 2012.After quality assessment and data extraction, the meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software,with funnel plot evaluation of publication bias. Results: 19 RCTs involving 1,343 patients were included. Themeta-analyses demonstrated that compared to WBRT alone, WBRT plus chemotherapy was more effective withregard to the objective response rate (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.79 – 2.98; P < 0.001); however, the incidences ofgastrointestinal reactions (RR = 3.82, 95% CI = 2.33 - 6.28, P <0.001), bone marrow suppression (RR = 5.49,95% CI = 3.65 - 8.25, P < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (RR = 5.83, 95% CI = 0.39 - 86.59; P = 0.20), leukopenia(RR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.77 – 5.51; P < 0.001), and neutropenia (RR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.61 - 4.68; P < 0.001) inpatients treated with WBRT plus chemotherapy were higher than with WBRT alone. There was no obviouspublication bias detected. Conclusion: WBRT plus chemotherapy can obviously improve total efficacy rate,butalso increases the incidence of adverse reactions compared to WBRT alone. From the limitations of thisstudy, more large-scale, high-quality RCTs are suggested for further verification.     

Single brain metastasis: radiosurgery alone compared with radiosurgery plus up-front whole-brain radiotherapy

BACKGROUND:

Neurosurgical resection is considered the standard treatment for most patients with a single brain metastasis. However, radiosurgery (RS) is a reasonable alternative. It was demonstrated that whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in addition to RS improves local control of 1‐3 brain metastases. Little information is available regarding WBRT in addition to RS for a single lesion.

METHODS:

Data of 63 patients who received RS alone for a single brain metastasis were retrospectively compared with 39 patients treated with WBRT+RS for local control of the treated metastasis, distant intracerebral control, and survival. Seven additional potential prognostic factors were investigated including age, sex, Karnofsky performance score, tumor type, extracerebral metastases, recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class, and interval from tumor diagnosis to irradiation.

RESULTS:

The 1‐year local control rates were 49% after RS and 77% after WBRT+RS (P = .040). The 1‐year distant control rates were 70% and 90%, respectively (P = .08). The 1‐year survival rates were 57% and 61%, respectively (P = .47). On multivariate analysis, improved local control was associated with WBRT+RS (risk ratio [RR], 1.95; P = .033) and interval from tumor diagnosis to irradiation >15 months (RR, 1.88; P = .042). Improved distant control was almost associated with WBRT+RS (RR, 2.24; P = .05) and age (RR, 2.20; P = .05). Improved survival was associated with KPS 90‐100 (RR, 1.73; P = .040), no extracerebral metastases (RR, 1.88; P = .013), RPA class 1 (RR, 2.06; P = .005), and interval from tumor diagnosis to irradiation >15 months (RR, 1.98; P = .009).

CONCLUSION:

The addition of WBRT to RS was associated with improved local control and distant intracerebral control but not survival. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.