Quantitating Interfraction Target Dynamics During Concurrent Chemoradiation for Glioblastoma: A Prospective Serial Imaging Study

Abstract

Magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided radiation therapy has the potential to improve outcomes for glioblastoma by adapting to tumor changes during radiation therapy. This study quantifies interfraction dynamics (tumor size, position, and geometry) based on sequential magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained during standard 6-week chemoradiation. Sixty-one patients were prospectively imaged with gadolinium-enhanced T1 (T1c) and T2/FLAIR axial sequences at planning (Fx0), fraction 10 (Fx10), fraction 20 (Fx20), and 1 month after the final fraction of chemoradiation therapy (P1M). Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and clinical target volumes (CTVs) were contoured at all time points. Target dynamics were quantified by absolute volume (V), volume relative to Fx0 (Vrel), and the migration distance (dmigrate; the linear displacement of the GTV or CTV relative to Fx0). Temporal changes were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Median volumes at Fx0, Fx10, Fx20, and P1M for the GTV were 18.4 cm3 (range, 1.1-110.5 cm3), 14.7 cm3 (range, 0.9-115.1 cm3), 13.7 cm3 (range, 0.6-174.2 cm3), and 13.0 cm3 (range, 0.9-76.3 cm3), respectively, with corresponding median Vrel of 0.88 at Fx10, 0.77 at Fx20, and 0.71 at P1M relative to Fx0 (P < .001 for all). The GTV (CTV) migration distances were greater than 5 mm in 46% (54%) of patients at Fx10, 50% (58%) of patients at Fx20, and 52% (57%) of patients at P1M. Dynamic tumor morphologic changes were observed, with 40% of patients exhibiting a decreased GTV (Vrel ≤1) with a dmigrate >5 mm during chemoradiation therapy. Clinically meaningful tumor dynamics were observed during chemoradiation therapy for glioblastoma, supporting evaluation of daily MRI guided radiation therapy and treatment plan adaptation.