Ten years outcomes after SABR in central and ultracentral primary lung tumors

Abstract

PurposeSABR performed for central and ultracentral lung tumors is associated with increased toxicity but limited data is available on late toxicities. We studied toxicity in patients followed-up ≥ 2 years post-SABR at a single-institution. MethodsAll patients were treated using VMAT for a primary or recurrent central lung cancer between 2008–2015. 60 Gy was delivered in 8 or 12 fractions. Grade ≥ 3 clinical and radiological bronchial toxicity was scored. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios. ResultsOf 127 eligible patients, 63% were treated with 8 fractions. Median tumor diameter was 4.4 cm (range 1.3–12.0). Median overall survival was 25.0 months (95% CI 16.5–33.5); 4% developed isolated local recurrences. The actuarial 5-year rate for severe clinical toxicity was 34.1% (95% CI 21.2–44.9). Both clinical toxicity and fatal lung haemorrhage were most observed when tumors were located ≤ 1 cm from the trachea or main bronchi (46% of all cases). The 5-year actuarial rate of radiological bronchial toxicity was 37.5% (95% CI 21.5–50.2). Multivariable analysis revealed that a performance score of 2 or 3 (HR 3.6; 95% CI 1.7–7.8), and tumor location ≤ 1 cm from the trachea or main bronchi (HR 4.3; 95% CI 1.2–14.9) were significant predictors for severe clinical toxicity. ConclusionThe actuarial rates for both severe clinical and radiological bronchial toxicity after central SABR was approximately 35% in patients surviving 5 years. Patients with tumors located ≤ 1 cm from the trachea or main bronchus were at the highest risk for severe clinical toxicity.