脉络膜恶性黑色素瘤立体定向放射治疗初探

为提高脉络膜恶性黑色瘤的肿瘤控制率并保留患眼及其部分视力探索一条新的治疗途径 ,评价立体定向放射治疗作为脉络膜恶性黑色素瘤治疗方法的价值。方法　 11例脉络膜恶性黑色素瘤患者中单次立体定向放射治疗 2例 ,分次立体定向放射治疗 9例 ;中心 1～ 2个 ,准直器 15～ 40mm ,参考剂量曲线 70 %～ 90 %。单次治疗DT2 5 0 0cGy 次和DT3 5 0 0cGy 次 ,分次治疗DT75 0 y～ 15 0 0cGy 次 ,2～ 4次 ,10～ 15d。结果　中位随访期 30个月 (随访 10～ 43个月内全部患者生存 )。 6例患者保留眼球和部分视力 ,肿瘤缩小或消失 ;5例患者因肿瘤未控 (1例 )、继发性青光眼 (2例 ) ,角膜溃疡 (2例 )而摘除眼球。全部患者未发现远地转移。结论　立体定向放射治疗对眼球后极或后部脉络膜恶性黑色素瘤是一种有效的治疗方法 ,部分患者达到既控制肿瘤又保留眼球和部分视力的目的。     

鼻咽癌局部复发分次立体定向放射治疗

目的　探讨分次立体定向放射治疗技术 ,在局部复发晚期鼻咽癌再程放疗中的应用。方法　 1997年 7月到 2 0 0 0年12月 ,采用分次立体定向放射治疗局部复发鼻咽癌 2 3例。所有病例均采用 6MVX线照射 ,设 1～ 3个中心 ,80 %剂量曲线将靶区完全包含。总剂量DT2 4～ 64Gy(中位剂量 5 2 .2Gy) ,单次剂量DT4～ 8Gy(中位剂量 6.4Gy)。 结果　局部复发鼻咽癌经分次立体定向放射治疗后 ,1年生存率为 78.3 % (18/2 3 )、2年生存率为 69.6% (16/2 3 )。 3 9.1% (9/2 3 )的患者随访期内死亡 ,其中死于局部复发 1例 ,死于远处转移 5例 ,鼻咽大出血 3例。结论　分次立体定向放射治疗用于局部复发鼻咽癌的治疗是安全有效的 ,但单次剂量和总剂量值得进一步研究。     

后程立体定向放射治疗放疗后局部复发鼻咽癌--附42例临床分析

探讨立体定向放射治疗在鼻咽癌放疗后复发再程放疗中的价值。常规外照射组 2 0例 ,全程外照射 ,DT5 5～ 60Gy/5～ 6周。立体定向放射治疗后程加量组 2 2例 ,先常规外照射 ,DT3 0～ 40Gy/3～ 4周 ,后程立体定向放射治疗加量 ,DT3 5～ 4Gy/次 ,隔日 1次 ,共 4～ 6次。治疗后 3～ 6个月CT或MRI复查 :常规外照射组局部控制率为65 % ( 13 /2 0 ) ,后程加量组为 86 4% ( 19/2 2 ) ;新增张口受限及新增颞叶损伤常规组分别为 75 % ( 12 /16)、75 %( 9/12 ) ,后程加量组分别为 3 7 5 % ( 6/16)、3 0 8% ( 4 /13 )。初步研究结果提示 ,立体定向放射治疗对鼻咽癌放疗后复发再程放疗较常规外照射的局部控制率高 ,放射损伤小 ,患者生存质量高     

立体定向放射结合肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗原发性肝癌疗效观察

目的　探讨立体定向放射(SRT )结合肝动脉化疗栓塞(TACE)治疗原发性肝癌的疗效。方法　对43例未行手术治疗的原发性肝癌患者,放射治疗前均行肝动脉化疗栓塞(TACE )治疗2～4次,SRT采用15MVX射线,肿瘤计划靶体积(PTV )≤12 5cm3 者单次剂量为5～6Gy ,生物等效剂量为DT5 6～60Gy ;PTV >12 5cm3 者单次剂量为4Gy ,生物等效剂量为5 0～5 6Gy ,放射治疗每天1次。结果　12例完全缓解(CR ) ,2 2例部分缓解(PR ) ,4例稳定(NR) ,5例进展(PD ) ,肿瘤总有效(CR +PR)率为79.1% (3 4/4 3 )。1、2、3年生存率分别为74.4% ,5 3 .5 % ,44 .2 % ,治疗前PTV≤12 5cm3 者治疗后的3年生存率(5 5 .2 % )高于PTV >12 5cm3 者(2 1.4% ) (χ2 =4.3 6,P <0 .0 5 )。结论　立体定向放射结合肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗原发性肝癌有较好的疗效。     

后程立体定向放射治疗体部恶性肿瘤

目的 :探讨后程立体定向放射治疗对体部恶性肿瘤的治疗价值。方法 :选择 80例体部恶性肿瘤 ,包括原发癌 6 3例 ,转移癌 17例。先给予常规外照射DT4 0～ 5 0Gy 4～ 5W ,休息 7～ 10d后 ,行后程立体定向放射治疗补量治疗 ,分次治疗方法为DT4～ 8Gy F ,隔日 1次 ,4～ 6次为 1个疗程 ,平均补量为DT30Gy(2 4～ 4 0Gy)。结果 :治疗后 3～ 6个月 ,CT及MRI复查示 :6 3例原发癌中 ,5 5例肿瘤缩小或消失 ,占 87% ;17例转移癌中有 14例肿块明显缩小 ,占 82 %。 73例患者KPS评分有提高 ,占91%。全部病例均未出现明显放疗并发症。结论 :立体定向放射治疗体部恶性肿瘤疗效肯定 ,后程立体定向放射治疗结合常规放疗对于改善患者预后是有益的。     

立体定向放射治疗复发性脑胶质瘤21例

目的 :评价立体定向放射治疗复发性脑胶质瘤的效果和放射反应。方法 :1 998年 1 2月至 2 0 0 0年 1 2月治疗2 1例复发性脑胶质瘤患者 ,低分级者 1 2例 ,高分级者 9例 ,以 6 MVX、6～ 8个非共面照射野、85 %等剂量线包绕靶区、2 7～4 0Gy、3～ 5Gy/次、5～ 1 0次、7～ 1 4日。 结果 :全组患者的中位生存时间为 1 2个月 ,低分级和高分级胶质瘤分别为 1 6 5个月和 9个月 (P <0 0 2 )。直径≤ 3 5cm和 >3 5cm中位生存时间分别为 1 7个月和 9 5个月 (P <0 0 2 )。急性期放射反应均能耐受 ,未出现 3级以上的晚期放射损伤。结论 :分次立体定向放射治疗复发性脑胶质瘤是疗效较高 ,而放射反应较低的一种较好的姑息治疗方法。     

X射线立体定向放射治疗多发脑转移瘤的价值

目的　探讨X射线立体定向放射治疗多发脑转移瘤的疗效。方法　在 4种预后因素(年龄、治疗前卡氏评分、有无其他部位转移及转移灶数目 )相同或相似的条件下 ,配对选择两组病例。X射线立体定向放射治疗加常规放射治疗组 (研究组 )和常规放射治疗组 (对照组 )各 53例。在研究组中 ,X射线立体定向放射治疗采用单次照射 40例 ,分次照射 1 3例 ;单次靶区平均周边剂量为 2 0Gy,分次照射剂量为 4～ 1 2Gy/次 ,2次 /周 ,总剂量为 1 5～ 30Gy。X射线立体定向放射治疗结束后即开始全脑放射治疗。对照组采用全脑照射 30～ 40Gy,3～ 4周。结果　研究组和对照组中位生存期分别为1 1 .6、6 .7个月 (P <0 .0 5) ;1年生存率分别为 44 .3 %、1 7.1 % (P <0 .0 1 ) ;1年局部控制率分别为50 .9%、1 3 .2 % (P <0 .0 5) ;治疗后 1个月卡氏评分增加者分别占 69.8%、30 .2 % (P <0 .0 1 ) ;治疗后 3个月影像学上的有效率分别为 82 .0 %、55 .0 % (P <0 .0 1 )。在死因分析中 ,研究组死于脑转移的占2 3 .3 % ,比对照组的 51 .0 %低 (P <0 .0 5)。两组病例放射并发症的发生率相似。结论　对于多发脑转移瘤 ,X射线立体定向放射治疗加常规放射疗在提高局部控制率、延长生存期和提高生存质量方面均优于单纯放射治疗。     

后程立体定向放射治疗腹膜后淋巴结转移癌的疗效观察

目的　探讨后程立体定向放射治疗腹膜后淋巴结转移癌的疗效。方法　选择 2 9例消化道恶性肿瘤所致腹膜后淋巴结转移癌病人 ,包括食管中、下段鳞癌放疗后转移的 13例 ,胃腺癌术后转移的 6例 ,胃未分化癌术后转移的 4例 ,结肠低分化腺癌术后转移的 6例。先给予常规外照射DT 3 5～ 5 0Gy ,4～ 5周 ,休息 7天后行后程立体定向放射治疗补量治疗 ,分次治疗方法为DT 5～ 8Gy/次 ,隔日 1次 ,4～ 8次为 1个疗程 ,平均补量为DT 3 5Gy( 2 5～ 45Gy)。结果　治疗后 3～ 6个月 ,CT及MRI复查示 :CR 3 4 5 %、PR5 1 7%,总有效率为 86 2 %。所有病例KPS评分均提高 ,未出现明显放疗并发症。结论　后程立体定向放射治疗补量治疗消化道肿瘤所致腹膜后淋巴结转移癌疗效肯定 ,可作为临床上首选的—种治疗方法     

X线立体定向放射治疗脑恶性胶质细胞瘤的研究

目的　探讨X线立体定向放射治疗在脑恶性胶质细胞瘤 (BMG)治疗中的作用。方法　 1996年 10月～ 1998年 10月 ,112例CT或MRI证实术后病灶残瘤的BMG随机分为单纯常规放射治疗组 (单放组 )和常规放射治疗 +X线立体定向放射治疗 (立体定向放疗组 )。单放组 5 8例 ,男 40例 ,女 18例 ,年龄 16～ 76岁 (中位 40 .5岁 ) ,KPS6 0～ 70者 12例 ,>70者 46例 ;放疗前增强CT或MRI显示 ,肿瘤体积 1.0 0cm3 ～ 2 14 .78cm3 ,中位体积 2 1.0 0cm3 ;常规剂量分割照射 ,5次 /周 ,1.8～ 2Gy/次 ,总剂量 46 .2 0～ 6 5 .95Gy ,中位剂量 5 7.81Gy。立体定向放疗组共 5 4例 ,男 39例 ,女 15例 ,年龄 16～ 78岁 (中位年龄 44.5岁 ) ;KPS6 0～ 70者 8例 ,>70者 76例 ;肿瘤体积 1.76cm3 ～ 132 .0 0cm3 ,中位体积 2 2 .32cm3 ;先行常规照射 ,其照射野设计及其剂量分割与单放组相同 ,总剂量 45 .80～ 6 2 .45Gy ,中位剂量 5 5 .2 6Gy ;于常规放疗结束后 1周行立体定向放疗 ,采用非共面弧形旋转照射 ,PTV边缘剂量 8Gy～ 5 0Gy( 6 0 %～ 90 %等剂量曲线 ) ,中位 2 7.75Gy ;单次治疗 2 2例 ,分两次治疗者 2 8例 ,三次分割治疗者 6例 ,分次治疗的时间间隔为 1周 ;单次剂量 8Gy～ 5 0Gy ,中位单次剂量 15Gy。结果　治疗结束后 3个月CT     

肺癌脑转移不同放射治疗方式临床分析

目的:探讨不同放射治疗方法对肺癌脑转移瘤的疗效,并结合文献分析.方法:130例肺癌脑转移患者行放射治疗,分全脑照射组(Whole brain radiotherapy WBRT),立体定向放射治疗外科组(Stereotactic radiosurgery SRS),全脑照射 立体定向放射外科治疗外科组(WBRT SRS).全脑照射1.8Gy-2Gy/次,总剂量30-40/15-20天,立体定向放射治疗外科边缘剂量8Gy-22Gy,单次或分次完成;全脑照射 立体定向放射治疗外科治疗组,先WBRT2Gy-2.2Gy/次,总剂量30Gy-44Cy/3-4周,之后SRS治疗,单次靶区边缘剂量8Gy-12Gy.结果:三组病例局部控制率分别为49.9%,81.6%和85%,中位生存期分别为5个月,11个月及12.3个月.结论:对于肺癌脑转移,SRS及WBRT SRS治疗在局部控制率和生存率上明显优于WBRT.     

Development of a streamlined, non-invasive robotic radiosurgery method for treatment of uveal melanoma

To analyze the feasibility and safety of frameless, image-guided robotic radiosurgery against uveal melanoma, we developed a streamlined procedure that is completed within 3 hours under retrobulbar anesthesia without immobilization. Twenty patients (10 men and 10 women) with medium (3-5-mm prominence) and large (>5-mm prominence) unilateral uveal melanomas were treated with a frameless robotic radiosurgery system. Median age was 61 years (range 32-78 years). All patients underwent a single-session procedure beginning with retrobulbar anaesthesia, followed by computerized tomography (CT) scanning that was used in the generation of a treatment plan, and then the delivery of a radiosurgical tumor dose between 18 and 22 Gy to the 70% isodose line. Three-dimensional treatment planning was aimed at securing the optical lens and the optic disc as much as possible. Follow-up occurred at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the radiosurgery with clinical, ultrasound, and CT studies. We were able to treat all patients in the frameless setup within 3 hours. In five patients with lateral and dorsal tumors, the dose to the optic lens could be kept below 2 Gy. The clinical response was evaluated for the first seven patients treated with a follow-up of at least 6 months. No local recurrences occurred with any of the clinically evaluated patients for a mean 13-month follow-up (range 6-22 months). Maximum median apical tumor height according to standardized A-scan ultrasound evaluations decreased from 7.7 to 5.6 mm (p < 0.1). The median reflectivity increased from 41% to 70% (p < 0.01). None of the patients developed a secondary glaucoma during the short-term follow-up period. Frameless, single-session, image-guided robotic radiosurgery is a feasible, safe and comfortable treatment option for patients with uveal melanoma. Longer follow-up and analysis of a larger patient series is required for definitive clinical recommendations.     

Stereotactic radiosurgery for brainstem metastases: Survival, tumor control, and patient outcomes

PURPOSE: Patients with brainstem metastases have limited treatment options. In this study, we reviewed outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of patients with brainstem metastases. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Records were reviewed of 22 consecutive patients presenting with brainstem metastases who underwent SRS. The most frequent primary malignancy was the lung (n = 11), followed by breast (n = 3) and kidney (n = 2). Three patients (14%) also underwent whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The median tumor volume was 0.9 mL (range, 0.1-3.3 mL); the median tumor margin dose was 16 Gy (range, 14-23 Gy). RESULTS: Median survival time after SRS was 8.5 months. Although local tumor control was achieved in all patients with imaging follow-up (n = 19), 5 patients died from development and progression of new brain metastases. Two patients (9%) had symptom improvement after SRS, whereas 1 patient (5%) developed a new hemiparesis after SRS. CONCLUSIONS: Radiosurgery is safe and provides a high local tumor control rate for patients with small brainstem metastases. Patients with limited systemic disease and good performance status should be strongly considered for SRS.     

Influence of gamma knife radiosurgery on the quality of life in patients with brain metastases

Quality of life (QOL) is an important issue in the treatment of patients with brain metastases. With median survival times often less than 4 months, less invasive treatment options that maximize QOL parameters are essential. In recent years, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been commonly used as a noninvasive alternative to surgical resection for such patients. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate QOL in patients undergoing SRS for brain metastases. Between 1999 and 2000, 20 patients with metastatic disease to the brain were evaluated and treated in our Gamma Knife unit. All patients performed the Spitzer QOL survey (10-point scale) both before stereotactic radiosurgery and at each follow-up visit. Primary sites of disease included lung (n = 10), breast (n = 5), melanoma (n = 2), thyroid (n = 1), uterine (n = 1), and kidney (n = 1). Fifteen (75%) had prior whole brain radiotherapy (median dose: 35 Gy). The median age and Karnofsky Performance Status were 58 years and 80, respectively. The median Spitzer score before SRS was 9 (range: 7-10), and the median follow-up time of the patients in this series was 7 months. The median posttreatment Spitzer score at 1 and 3 months after SRS was 9 (range: 5-10) and 8 (range: 4-10), respectively. Crude intracranial tumor control in this cohort of patients was 90%. Extracranial tumor progression was noted in 8 patients (40%), and in these patients, Spitzer scores tended to decrease in value. In those patients who had no evidence of intracranial or extracranial tumor progression, Spitzer scores remained either unchanged or improved. Gamma knife SRS is an appropriate treatment modality for maintaining QOL parameters in patients with brain metastases. Tumor progression both intracranially and extracranially influences QOL parameters. Confirmation of this finding will require further investigation.     

Survival following CyberKnife radiosurgery and hypofractionated radiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme

Current therapeutic goals for treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) involve gross total resection followed by multifractionated focal external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Patients treated with optimal therapy have a median survival of approximately 12-15 months. In the present study, we sought to determine whether a hypofractionated dosing schedule using CyberKnife is at least as effective as multifractionated focal EBRT. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 histopathologically confirmed GBM patients treated with CyberKnife at Okayama Kyokuto Hospital in Japan after gross total resection (n=11), subtotal resection (n=8), or biopsy (n=1). Eight patients also received adjuvant ACNU and Vincrisitine chemotherapy according to local protocol; however, no patient received any other form of radiation besides post surgical/biopsy CyberKnife treatment. The treated tumor volumes ranged from 9.62 cm(3)-185.81 cm(3) (mean: 86.08 cm(3)). The marginal dose (D90) ranged from 19.99 Gy-41.47 Gy (mean: 34.58 Gy) with a maximum mean dose of 43.99 Gy (range: 23.33 Gy-56.89 Gy). The prescribed isodose line ranged from 50.38%-85.68% with a mean of 79.25%. Treatment was delivered in 1-8 fractions (mean: 5.65). Patients were followed from 2-36 months (mean: 16.45 months). Overall median survival was 16 months with 55% of patients alive at 12 months and 34% of patients alive at 24 months. Median survival of patients in Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) classes III or IV was 32 months versus 12 months for those in RPA class V. Median survival for patients who received gross total resection was 36 months versus 8 months for those who underwent subtotal resection or biopsy. The results of this study using CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and hypofractionated radiotherapy compared favorably to historic data using focal EBRT in newly diagnosed post surgical GBM patients. A larger prospective analysis that compares CyberKnife SRS and hypofractionated radiotherapy to focal EBRT is warranted.     

Stereotactic radiosurgical treatment in 103 patients for 153 cerebral melanoma metastases

PURPOSE: To report on the outcome of patients with melanoma brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred three patients with 153 intracranial melanoma metastases consecutively underwent Linac-based SRS between November 1991 and October 2001. The Kaplan-Meier method, univariate comparisons with log-rank test, and multivariate analyses with classification and regression tree models were performed. Calculations were based on last imaging date rather than the date of the last visit. RESULTS: Median age was 51 years (range, 18-93 years). Median Karnofsky performance status was 90. Sixty-one patients (59%) had single brain metastasis at presentation. Treatment sequence was SRS alone (61 patients), SRS + whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) (12 patients), and salvage SRS after WBRT (30 patients). The median tumor volume was 1.9 cm(3) (range, 0.06-22.3 cm(3)). The median SRS minimum peripheral dose and isodose was 18 Gy (range, 10-24 Gy) and 85% (range, 60%-100%), respectively. The median follow-up was 6 months for all patients and 13 months (range, 2-46 months) for patients alive at the time of analysis. The 1-year local control (LC) for all patients treated with SRS was 49%. Among the patients treated with initial SRS alone, the 1-year LC was better for patients with tumors < or =2 cm(3) than with tumors >2 cm(3): 75.2% vs. 42.3% (p < 0.05). The 1-year distant brain metastasis-free survival incidence was 14.7% for the 73 patients receiving either initial SRS alone or SRS +WBRT. The initial number of brain lesions (single vs. multiple) was the only factor with a significant effect on distant brain metastasis-free survival at 1 year: 23.5% for single metastases and 0% for multiple lesions (p < 0.05). The 1-year overall survival was 25.2%. Stratification by Score Index for Radiosurgery (SIR) revealed a significant effect on survival, which was 29% at 1 year for SIR >6 and 10% for SIR <==6 (relative hazard ratio, 2.1; p < 0.05) in classification and regression-tree multivariate analysis involving age, Karnofsky performance status, primary tumor control, tumor volume, SRS dose, SIR (>6 vs. < or =6), and systemic disease status. CONCLUSIONS: Initial SRS alone was an effective treatment modality for smaller cerebral melanoma metastases, achieving a 75% incidence of 1-year LC for < or =2 cm(3) single brain metastases and should be considered in patients with SIR >6. The role of WBRT in melanoma brain metastases cannot be addressed, owing to retrospective bias toward administering this treatment to patients with more aggressive disease. A prospective study is needed to assess the role of WBRT in patients with melanoma brain metastasis.     

Local tumor control and morbidity after one to three fractions of stereotactic external beam irradiation for uveal melanoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively local tumor control and morbidity after 1-3 fractions of stereotactic external beam irradiation (SEBI) in patients with uveal melanoma, unsuitable for ruthenium-106 brachytherapy or local resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This phase I/II study includes 62 selected patients with uveal melanoma. The mean initial tumor height was 7.8+/-2.8 mm. With the Leskell gamma knife SEBI, 41 patients (66%) were irradiated with two equal fractions of 35, 30 or 25 Gy/fraction, 14 patients (22%) were treated with three fractions of 15 Gy each, and seven patients (11%) with small tumor volumes below 400 mm(3) were treated with one fraction of 45 Gy. The mean total dose was 54+/-8 Gy. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months, and the median follow-up was 28.3 months. Data on radiation-induced side-effects were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazards model for possible risk factors. RESULTS: Local tumor control was achieved in 98% and tumor height reduction in 97%. The mean relative tumor volume reductions were 44, 60 and 72% after 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Seven patients developed metastases (11%). Secondary enucleation was performed in eight eyes (13%). Morbidity was significant in tumors exceeding 8 mm in initial height; it was comparable and acceptable in those smaller. In the stepwise multiple Cox model, tumor localization, height and volume, planning target volume (PTV), total dose and patient age were identified as the strongest risk factors for radiation-induced lens opacities, secondary glaucoma, uveitis, eyelash loss and exudative retinal detachment. In this model, the high-dose volume irradiated with more than 10 Gy/fraction was the strongest risk factor for radiation-induced uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic external photon beam irradiation and a total dose of 45-70 Gy delivered in one to three fractions are highly effective at achieving local tumor control in uveal melanoma. Further clinical studies using smaller fraction doses, and consequent smaller high-dose volumes, are justified to optimize dose and fractionation. Fractionated stereotactic irradiation has a challenging potential as an eye-preserving treatment in uveal melanoma.     

Stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy: comparison of efficacy and toxicity in 260 patients with brain metastases

We retrospectively evaluated and compared the efficacy and the toxicity profile of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for the treatment of patients with brain metastases (BM). Between 2000 and 2009, 260 patients with 1-3 BM were treated using either SRS (median dose 20 Gy; n = 138) or two different FSRT dose concepts: 7 × 5 Gy (n = 61) or 10 × 4 Gy (n = 61). The median survival for SRS, 7 × 5 Gy and 10 × 4 Gy was 8, 7 and 10 months (p = 0.575), respectively, and the overall survival (OS) was 9 months. Follow-up imaging data were available in 214 of the 260 patients. The 1-year local progression-free survival (LPFS) was 73, 75 and 71 %, respectively (p = 0.191). After a mean follow-up of 28 months (range: 2.1-77 months), the rate of complete remission, partial remission, stable disease and progressive disease were 29, 40, 21 and 10 %, respectively. On multivariate analysis, RPA class I was associated with better OS and regional progression-free survival (both p < 0.001). SRS was associated with a higher toxicity rate (grade I-III) compared to the 7 × 5 Gy and 10 × 4 Gy groups (14 vs. 6 vs. 2 %, respectively; p = 0.01). Although FSRT was used for large lesions and/or lesions near critical structures, the LPFS was comparable to SRS. Importantly, FSRT presented low toxicity and appears to be an effective and safe treatment for BM not amenable to SRS. The 10 × 4 Gy fractionation scheme warrants further investigation due to its efficacy and safe toxicity profile.     

Stereotactic radiosurgery for focal leptomeningeal disease in patients with brain metastases

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is well described in patients with brain metastases, presenting symptomatically in approximately 5% of patients. Conventionally, the presence of LMD is an indication for whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and not suitable for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the local control and overall survival of patients who underwent SRS to focal LMD. We reviewed our prospective registry and identified 32 brain metastases patients with LMD, from a total of 465 patients who underwent SRS between 2013 and 2015. Focal LMD was targeted with SRS in 16 patients. The median imaging follow-up time was 7 months. The median volume of LMD was 372 mm³ and the median margin dose was 16 Gy. Five patients underwent prior WBRT. Histology included non-small cell lung (8), breast (5), melanoma (1), gastrointestinal (1) and ovarian cancer (1). Follow-up MR imaging was available for 14 patients. LMD was stable in 5 and partially regressed in 8 patients at follow-up. One patient had progression of LMD with hemorrhage 5 months after SRS. Seven patients developed distant LMD at a median time of 7 months. The median actuarial overall survival from SRS for LMD was 10.0 months. The 6-month and 1-year actuarial overall survival was 60% and 26% respectively. Six patients underwent WBRT after SRS for focal LMD at a median time of 6 months. Overall, focal LMD may be may be treated successfully with radiosurgery, potentially delaying WBRT in some patients.     

LINAC based stereotactic radiotherapy of uveal melanoma: 4 years clinical experience.

PURPOSE: To study local tumor control and radiogenic side effects after fractionated LINAC based stereotactic radiotherapy for selected uveal melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and March 2001, 90 patients suffering from uveal melanoma were treated at a LINAC with 6 MV. The head was immobilized with a modified stereotactic frame system (BrainLAB). For stabilization of the eye position a light source was integrated into the mask system in front of the healthy or the diseased eye. A mini-video camera was used for on-line eye movement control. Tumors included in the study were either located unfavorably with respect to macula and optical disc (<3 mm distance) or presented with a thickness >7 mm. Median tumor volume was 305+/-234 mm3 (range 70-1430 mm3), and mean tumor height was 5.4+/-2.3 mm (range 2.7-15.9 mm). Total doses of 70 (single dose 14 Gy @ 80% isodose) or 60 Gy (single dose 12 Gy @ 80% isodose) were applied in five fractions within 10 days. The first fractionation results in total dose (TD) (2 Gy) of 175 Gy for tumor and 238 Gy for normal tissue, corresponding values for the second fractionation schedule are 135 and 180 Gy, respectively. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 20 months (range 1-48 months) local control was achieved in 98% (n=88). The mean relative tumor reductions were 24, 27, and 37% after 12, 24 and 36 months. Three patients (3.3%) developed metastases. Secondary enucleation was performed in seven patients (7.7%). Long term side effects were retinopathy (25.5%), cataract (18.9%), optic neuropathy (20%), and secondary neovascular glaucoma (8.8%). CONCLUSION: Fractionated LINAC based stereotactic photon beam therapy in conjunction with a dedicated eye movement control system is a highly effective method to treat unfavorably located uveal melanoma. Total doses of 60 Gy (single dose 12 Gy) are considered to be sufficient to achieve good local tumor control.     

Brachytherapy of Uveal Melanomas with Ruthenium-106 Plaques

Background: Brachytherapy is the most commonly used conservative treatment for the uveal melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic results of Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy in the management of localized uveal melanoma cases. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records of all patients treated in our department for an uveal melanoma, undergoing Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy, from January 1996 to December 2015. We focused on clinical features, therapeutic characteristics, local and distant tumor control and side effects. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled in our study. Mean age was 56.2 years (28-79) and the sex ratio was 1.37:1 males to females. Diagnosis was made on the basis of ophthalmological clinical examination, angiography, ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance. Median tumor diameter was 9.7 mm (6-13) and median thickness 4.4 mm (2.5- 8). The dose of Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy prescribed to the apex of each tumor was 70 Gy in all cases. The median radiation dose to the sclera surface was 226.4 Gy (range: 179.6–342.3) and the median total application time 115.2 hours (range: 27 to 237). After a median follow-up of 61.5 months, local control was achieved in 17 patients (89%): 16 demonstrated a partial tumor response and 1 tumor stabilization. Two patients suffered local progression leading to enucleation, one dying of hepatic metastasis. Radiation-induced complications were cataracts in 3 cases and vitreal hemorrhage in 2. Conclusion: Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is an efficient treatment for localized uveal melanoma, offering good local control with low toxicity.