Palliative External Beam Radiotherapy Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of three palliative external beam radiotherapy schedules in painful bone metastases

Comparative evaluation of three palliative external beam radiotherapy schedules in painful bone metastases

External beam radiotherapy in treatment of high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: clinical case

The standard treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer does not include external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and radionuclide therapy with radium-223.The article describes a clinical case of successful use of EBRT and radionuclide therapy with radium-223 in a patient with primary high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.The patient received diagnosis of prostate cancer сT3bN1M1b (Gleason score 8 (4 + 4)), stage IV (metastases in the bones, extraperitoneal and intrathoracic lymph nodes; prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was 4280 ng/mL). Between October of 2017 and January of 2018, the patient received 6 cycles of chemohormonal therapy (degarelix + docetaxel). Bilateral orchiectomy was performed on 05.02.2018, and the patient underwent palliative EBRT on cervical vertebrae between 04.10.2017 and 19.10.2017 with total dose of 32.6 Gy (equivalent to 38.5 Gy). The patient received systemic radiotherapy with one injection of samarium oxabifor (153Sm) 40 mCi (21.03.2018) and radium-223 (4 injections once a month (17.04.2018, 15.05.2018, 14.06.2018, 10.07.2018) + 2 injections 1 time per 3 months (October 2018, January 2019)). Partial response was achieved in the form of PSA decrease from 4280 ng/mL (September 2017) to 0.505 ng/mL (May 2019). Palliative EBRT for the prostate and pelvis was performed between 14.11.2018 and 19.12.2018 for total dose of 62.5 Gy (equivalent to 69 Gy). For 2 years remission was observed with PSA level of 0.3–0.5 ng/mL. In December of 2020, biochemical recurrence was diagnosed: PSA level increased from 0.61 ng/mL in October to 1.43 ng/mL on 28.12.2020. The second course of radionuclide therapy with radium-223 5,500 MBq/mL was performed (22.01.2021, 05.03.2021, 02.04.2021) with increase of PSA level to 1.92 ng/mL (May of 2021) and independent decrease to 0.542 ng/mL (June of 2022). In December of 2022, biochemical recurrence was observed with a small increase of PSA level to 1.67 ng/mL. Currently, the disease is stabilized.

Leptomeningeal Metastases in Carcinoma Rectum with Extensive Skeletal Metastasis - A Case Report

Incidence of rectal carcinoma has been rising in younger people in recent decades. Skeletal metastasis without other organ metastasis from primary rectal carcinoma is very rare, spine and the pelvis are the first sites of bony metastasis. Leptomeningeal Metastases (LM) is a very rare complication of solid tumour progression and its incidence in colorectal carcinoma is far less. A nineteen-year-old male presented in the OPD with rectal bleeding and low back pain with colonoscopic biopsy proving rectal carcinoma. MRI of pelvis revealed multiple osseous metastases to vertebrae and pelvic bones. After four cycles of palliative chemotherapy, he developed lower back pain. Repeat MRI revealed multiple lesions in the vertebrae and long bones for which he received palliative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Subsequently seven months later he developed meningeal metastases and received whole brain radiation and supportive care. LM in patients with primary colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an exceedingly rare complication of metastatic disease progression in CRC.
 Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women.[1] The incidence of it has been rising in young adults.[2] The common metastatic sites of CRC include the liver (57.6%), abdominal lymph nodes (48.3%), lungs (37.6%) and Peritoneum.[3,4,5] Skeletal metastasis without other organ metastasis is very rare. Bone metastasis is seen in 4.7% to 10.9% in clinical cases and often indicates advanced disease with a poor prognosis with 5-year survival rate less than 5%,[6] leading to significantly high rate of morbidity and mortality.
 Leptomeningeal Metastases (LM) or neoplastic meningitis, is an uncommon metastatic complication of solid tumour progression. Most commonly arising from breast, non-small-cell lung cancer, and melanoma with a frequency of 5% to 25%.[7] The incidence of LM in colorectal cancer (CRC) is far less than 1%.[8]
 Here we report a case of rectal carcinoma, with extensive skeletal metastases and their pattern of bone involvement, who later presented with meningeal metastases.

Determining patients with spinal metastases suitable for surgical intervention: A cost-effective analysis.

Both nonoperative and operative treatments for spinal metastasis are expensive interventions. Patients' expected 3-month survival is believed to be a key factor to determine the most suitable treatment. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study lends support to the hypothesis. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of operative and nonoperative interventions, stratified by patients' predicted probability of 3-month survival. A Markov model with four defined health states was used to estimate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs for operative intervention with postoperative radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone (palliative low-dose external beam radiotherapy) of spine metastases. Transition probabilities for the model, including the risks of mortality and functional deterioration, were obtained from secondary and our institutional data. Willingness to pay thresholds were prespecified at $100,000 and $150,000. The analyses were censored after 5-year simulation from a health system perspective and discounted outcomes at 3% per year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the study design. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $140,907 per QALY for patients with a 3-month survival probability >50%, $3,178,510 per QALY for patients with a 3-month survival probability <50%, and $168,385 per QALY for patients with independent ambulatory and 3-month survival probability >50%. This study emphasizes the need to choose patients carefully and estimate preoperative survival for those with spinal metastases. In addition to reaffirming previous research regarding the influence of ambulatory status on cost-effectiveness, our study goes a step further by highlighting that operative intervention with postoperative radiotherapy could be more cost-effective than radiotherapy alone for patients with a better survival outlook. Accurate survival prediction tools and larger future studies could offer more detailed insights for clinical decisions.

Radiotherapy for bone metastases: indications, methods, and possibilities

Introduction. Bone metastases (BM) are a significant challenge in the advanced stages of various cancers, leading to debilitating symptoms and decreased quality of life for patients. Radiotherapy (RT ) plays a crucial role in managing BM by alleviating symptoms and improving local tumour control. RT for bone metastases has undergone substantial scientific and technological advancements, with external beam RT (EBRT ) being the primary approach. Advanced modalities such as intensity modulated RT (IMRT ) and stereotactic body RT (SBRT ) have revolutionised treatment precision, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced toxicities. This narrative review aims to present the current state-of-the-art role of RT in the multidisciplinary management of patients with BM. Spinal metastases are often associated with neurological disorders, pain, and fractures. Palliative EBRT provides pain relief but – lacks sufficient local efficacy. SBRT , with its high local efficacy and tolerability, is recommended for selected cases, including previous radiation or adjuvant treatment after surgical treatment. Qualification for SBRT involves multidisciplinary collaboration and considerations of performance status, cancer progression, and available treatment options. Pathological fractures significantly impact patient performance and quality of life. Early identification of high-risk lesions using tools like the SINS scale for spinal stability and the Mirels scoring system for fracture risk assessment in long bones is crucial. Preventive surgical treatment, including prophylactic stabilisation, is recommended for impending fractures. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach involving radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and surgeons is crucial for developing optimal treatment plans for patients with BM. With the advancements in oncology, effective local therapy can improve patients’ chances of continuing systemic treatment and enhance their quality of life.

The relationship between palliative radiotherapy and opioid prescribing patterns among patients with metastatic cancer.

While randomized trials have established that palliative radiotherapy, especially to bone, can improve qualitative measures of pain, its quantitative relationship to opioid prescribing patterns has remained underexplored. We aimed to identify the association of palliative radiotherapy on opioid prescriptions received among patients with metastatic cancer. The Virginia Commonwealth University Institutional Review Board approved retrospective analysis extracted prescription data from all adult patients with metastatic cancer who underwent outpatient palliative external beam radiation therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System from 2008-2018. Institutional prescribing data were used to calculate the average opioid oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose 30, 60 and 90 days both before and after radiotherapy. Univariate and bivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to estimate the relationship of MME changes with clinical, radiation-related, and demographic patient factors. A total of 182 patients met inclusion criteria. Overall, patients required higher opioid doses after radiotherapy, with mean MME 30, 60, and 90 days prior to radiotherapy of 24.6, 20.2, and 16.8 mg, respectively; which increased to 62.9, 77.7 and 82.4 mg post-radiation therapy (P<0.01). Multivariate OLS models predicting the change of MME 60 days pre- and post-radiation treatment showed that younger age and comorbid depression predicted increased MME after radiotherapy. Patients with metastatic cancer face a relatively high opioid burden, which increases over time, even among those who receive palliative radiation therapy. Patients who are younger and have comorbid depression may have a higher risk of increased opioid burden after radiotherapy.

Fifty years of DIPG: looking at the future with hope.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a primary brainstem tumor of childhood that carries a dismal prognosis, with median survival of less than 1year. Because of the brain stem location and pattern of growth within the pons, Dr. Harvey Cushing, the father of modern neurosurgery, urged surgical abandonment. Such a dismal prognosis remained unchanged for decades, coupled with a lack of understanding of tumor biology and an unchanging therapeutic panorama. Beyond palliative external beam radiation therapy, no therapeutic approach has been widely accepted. In the last one to two decades, however, increased tissue availability, an improving understanding of biology, genetics, and epigenetics have led to the development of novel therapeutic targets. In parallel with this biological revolution, new methods intended to enhance drug delivery into the brain stem are contributing to a surge of exciting experimental therapeutic strategies.

Factors affecting local control of bone metastases from radioresistant tumors treated with palliative external beam radiotherapy

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the factors that affect the local control (LC) of bone metastases from radioresistant carcinomas (renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], and colorectal carcinoma [CRC]) treated with palliative external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT).Methods and materialsBetween January 2010 and December 2020, 211 bone metastases in 134 patients were treated with EBRT in two hospitals (a cancer center and university hospital). Based on follow-up CT, these cases were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate LC at the EBRT site.ResultsThe median EBRT dose (BED10) was 39.0 Gy (range, 14.4–66.3 Gy). The median follow-up time of the imaging studies was 6 months (range, 1–107 months). The 0.5-year overall survival and LC rates of the EBRT sites were 73% and 73%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the primary sites (HCC/CRC), low EBRT dose (BED10) (≤ 39.0 Gy), and non-administration of post-EBRT bone modifying agents (BMAs) and/or antineoplastic agents (ATs) were statistically significant factors that negatively affected the LC of EBRT sites. In the absence of BMAs or ATs, the EBRT dose (BED10) escalation from 39.0 Gy improved the LC of EBRT sites. Based on ATs administration, the LC of EBRT sites was significantly affected by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors.ConclusionsDose escalation improves LC in bone metastases from radioresistant carcinomas. Higher EBRT doses are needed to treat patients for whom few effective systemic therapies remain available.

Factors Affecting Survival and Local Control in Patients with Bone Metastases Treated with Radiotherapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expected prognosis and factors affecting local control (LC) of the bone metastatic sites treated with palliative external beam radiotherapy (RT). Between December 2010 and April 2019, 420 cases (male/female = 240/180; median age [range]: 66 [12-90] years) with predominantly osteolytic bone metastases received RT and were evaluated. LC was evaluated by follow-up computed tomography (CT) image. Median RT doses (BED10) were 39.0 Gy (range, 14.4-71.7 Gy). The 0.5-year overall survival and LC of RT sites were 71% and 84%, respectively. Local recurrence on CT images was observed in 19% (n = 80) of the RT sites, and the median recurrence time was 3.5 months (range, 1-106 months). In univariate analysis, abnormal laboratory data before RT (platelet count, serum albumin, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, or serum calcium level), high-risk primary tumor sites (colorectal, esophageal, hepatobiliary/pancreatic, renal/ureter, and non-epithelial cancers), no antineoplastic agents (ATs) administration after RT, and no bone modifying agents (BMAs) administration after RT were significantly unfavorable factors for both survival and LC of RT sites. Sex (male), performance status (≥3), and RT dose (BED10) (<39.0 Gy) were significantly unfavorable factors for only survival, and age (≥70 years) and bone cortex destruction were significantly unfavorable factors for only LC of RT sites. In multivariate analysis, only abnormal laboratory data before RT influenced both unfavorable survival and LC of RT sites. Performance status (≥3), no ATs administration after RT, RT dose (BED10) (<39.0 Gy), and sex (male) were significantly unfavorable factors for survival, and primary tumor sites and BMAs administration after RT were significantly unfavorable factors for LC of RT sites. In conclusion, laboratory data before RT was important factor both prognosis and LC of bone metastases treated with palliative RT. At least in patients with abnormal laboratory data before RT, palliative RT seemed to be focused on the only pain relief.

External beam radiotherapy for thyroid cancer: Patients, complications, and survival

BackgroundPatterns of utilization of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in thyroid cancer are incompletely described. We characterize therapeutic intent, complications, and survival in thyroid cancer treated with EBRT. MethodsIn this retrospective study of 105 thyroid cancer patients treated with EBRT at one institution (2008–2018), the primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included incomplete treatment, emergency department (ED) visits, weight change, and gastrostomy placement. ResultsDominant histopathology was differentiated (44%), anaplastic (45%) and poorly-differentiated (11%) disease. EBRT was mainly utilized for locoregional control (differentiated 87%, poorly-differentiated 75%, anaplastic 92%). Palliative EBRT was more common in poorly-differentiated disease (42%). Weight loss was greater in aggressive/advanced disease (differentiated 10 lb, poorly-differentiated 27 lb, anaplastic 18 lb). Anaplastic cancer had higher rates of gastrostomy (34%) and lowest rates of treatment completion (83%). ED encounters were common (differentiated 44%, poorly-differentiated 50%, anaplastic 45%). Gastrostomy was associated with mortality on multivariable analysis in non-anaplastic malignancy. ConclusionsEBRT was most frequently administered for locoregional control in thyroid cancer. Despite complications, the majority of patients completed EBRT therapy.

A Retrospective Study of Patients Undergoing Palliative Radiotherapy for Airway Obstruction due to Lung Cancer.

In advanced stage lung cancer, bulky tumors can cause serious symptoms such as malignant airway obstruction (MAO). Prompt response to airway obstruction might be essential to improve quality of life and prolong life expectancy. Palliative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a less invasive and highly safe treatment method that can alleviate symptoms and at the same time treat lung cancer. However, there are few reports on the results of palliative radiotherapy performed for improving airway obstruction and obstructive pneumonia. Therefore, this study retrospectively examined the effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy. We reviewed 38 lung cancer patients with MAO who underwent EBRT. Patients were treated with a median dose of 37.5 Gy (range=30-40 Gy) in 10-20 fractions. Whether a patient was a responder or non-responder was assessed by whether the bronchus that was obstructed before EBRT reopened or improvement of obstructive pneumonia was observed on follow-up chest X-ray or computed tomography after EBRT. The median survival time was 135 days (range=31-469 days) for the responders to EBRT and 45 days (range=23-355 days) for non-responders; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). One-year overall survival rate was 18.5% and 0% for the responders to EBRT and non-responders, respectively. Palliative EBRT might be an important option for non-curative lung cancer patients with MAO.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) associated with carcinomatous meningitis: a case report

Abstract Background: Carcinomatous meningitis with metastases to the spinal cord [intramedullary spinal cord (IMSC)] is very rare, and a quick intervention to management of these patients is important in preventing neurological deterioration. Methods: We report a case of IMSC metastases from a stage IV non-small cell lung carcinoma in a 57-year-old man who presented with Brown-Sequard syndrome along with multiple brain metastases with associated carcinomatous meningitis and managed with urgent palliative external beam radiation therapy. Conclusion: A quick, short course of palliative radiation therapy for inoperable patients with IMSC metastases provides improvement in neurological function in the management of these oncologic emergencies in patients with short survival times.

Role of Ethnicity and Tumour Factors in Pain Perception and Radiation Analgesia among Breast Cancer Patients with Metastatic Bone Pain

Background: Palliative external beam radiotherapy (PRT) had been reported as an indispensable tool for an effective pain relief in cancer patients with metastatic bone pain. Although many scholars reported a link between pain perception and ethnic background of an individual, but its role in cancer patients with interplay of other tumour factors needs to be evaluated to ascertain the actual impact it may have on pain perception and responses to radiation analgesia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient’s data of breast cancer with metastatic bone pain between 2015 and 2018. Patient’s demographic factors like age, sex, ethnic group, tumour histology, RBS grade and sites of metastasis were extracted and grouped accordingly. Other Radiotherapy doses used for palliation of pain were extracted. Visual analogue pain assessment scale (0-10) was used by doctors (majority from Hausa-Fulani ethnic origin) to asses’ pain at presentation and four weeks post-irradiation. SPSS version 23 was used for data analyses; univeriate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test for any significant associations between predictive factors and dependent variables. Results were presented in pie-charts, bar-charts and tables. Results: A total of 161 patients reviewed during the study period, 159 (99%) were females and 2(1%) were males with mean age of 45.2 years, the age groups of 20-29 yrs presented with highest pain score. Among the three major ethnic groups, Yoruba constituted 31.7% with mean pain score of 7.5 ±1.4, followed by Igbo (26.1%) with mean pain score of 7.1 ±1.4. The commonest histology were invasive ductal (IDC) and invasive lobular (ILC) carcinoma with each having 7 as the highest mean pain score. Patients with grade 2 and 3 were the commonest and presented with mean pain score of 6.9±1.4 and 6.7±1.6 respectively. Patients with spinal cord compression (5.6%) presented with highest mean pain score of 7.3±1.3, followed by metastasis to long bones with pain score of 7.0±1.5. Pain alone was the highest presenting symptom (92.5%) from bone metastasis and Conventional X-ray was the common imaging modality used in confirmation of metastatic sites (68.3%). Common palliative radiation doses used were 11-20Gy in 4-6# (60%). Overall mean pain score at presentation was 6.8 ± 1.5 and 0.6 ± 0.7 four weeks after irradiation. In univariate analysis (binary comporason) only ethnicity was highly significant (p-0.001) in pain perception pre-radiotherapy and the significance exist after controlling other influential factors using multivariate analysis (p&lt; 0.001). In post-irradiation using univariate analysis, ethnicity and metastatic sites shows significant association with pain relief, after multivariate analysis when influential factors were controlled, it appeared only metastatic sites with p-value of 0.008. Conclusion: Ethnicity of three major tribes in Nigeria played a role in pain perception from bone metastasis at presentation, with Yoruba higher pain perception compared to Hausa-Fulani and Igbo. But ethnicity appeared insignificant in response to radiation analgesia. Similarly, tumour factors appeared in significant in pain perception and response to radiation analgesia. However, metastatic sites influence response to radiation analgesia, with good pain relief in patients with metastasis to ribs and long bones.

MSS07 Presentation Time: 4:15 PM: National Trends in Palliative Esophageal Radiotherapy: External Beam Radiotherapy versus Brachytherapy

<h3>Purpose</h3> In patients with incurable esophageal cancer, dysphagia secondary to an advanced primary is a common occurrence. Different palliative treatment options exist including stenting, laser therapy, and radiotherapy, both in the form of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), as well as, intraluminal brachytherapy. The optimal palliative approach remains a matter of debate and often varies based on institutional preference. In regard to randomized data, the Dutch SIREC trial (reported in 2004) compared single fraction HDR brachytherapy to metal stent placement and found better long term dysphagia relief and quality-of-life associated with receipt of brachytherapy. Despite these results, practice patterns in the United States regarding palliative radiotherapy utilization for esophageal cancer remain poorly defined. To better characterize management approaches and associated clinicopathologic factors in the United States, we analyzed the national cancer database (NCDB). <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We queried the NCDB for patients diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma receiving either brachytherapy or palliative doses of EBRT (30 Gy in 10 fractions or 20 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were grouped according to year of treatment receipt (2004-2007; 2008-2011; 2012-2015). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify clinicopathologic variables associated with each treatment modality (Brachytherapy vs EBRT). <h3>Results</h3> Ultimately 140,238 patients with esophageal cancer were identified, of which 2,624 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the included patients, 8% (n=204) received brachytherapy versus 92% (n=2,420) received EBRT. Median age was 67 years old and 72% were male and 28% were female with the following T stage breakdown: T1/T2=17%, T3=30%, T4=15%, unknown T stage=38%. Node positive disease was documented in 38%, while 26% of patients were N0 and 36% had unknown nodal status. Of the 204 brachytherapy patients, 53% (n=109) received treatment from 2004-2007, 30% (n=60) received treatment from 2008-2011, and 17% (n=35) received treatment from 2012-2015. Comparatively, of the 2,420 EBRT patients, 25% (n=606) received treatment from 2004-2007, 29% (n=698) received treatment from 2008-2011, and 46% (n=1,116) received treatment from 2012-2015. Of these patients 13% (n=315) received 20Gy in 5 fractions whereas 87% (n=2,105) received 30 Gy in 10 fractions. When examining the receipt of treatment by year grouping: 2004-2007 (n=715) 15% received brachytherapy vs 84% received EBRT 2008-2011 (n=758) 8% received brachytherapy vs 92% received EBRT 2012-2015 (n=1,151)3% received brachytherapy vs 97% received EBRT On multivariable logistic regression, brachytherapy receipt was associated with greater distance to treatment facility, absence of nodal disease, non-metastatic disease, <cT4 disease, more recent treatment year, white race (p<0.05 for all). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Compared to palliative EBRT, brachytherapy utilization in the United States for palliative esophageal treatment has decreased significantly since 2004 and likely represents <5% of palliative radiation treatments nationwide.

Mature Local Control and Reirradiation Rates Comparing Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy to Conventional Palliative External Beam Radiotherapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) improves complete pain response for painful spinal metastases compared to conventional external beam radiotherapy (cEBRT). We report mature local control and reirradiation rates in a large cohort of patients treated with SBRT vs. cEBRT enrolled previously in the Canadian Clinical Trials Group Symptom Control (SC).24 phase II/III trial. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> 137/229 (60%) patients randomized to 24 Gy in 2 SBRT fractions or 20 Gy in 5 cEBRT fractions were retrospectively reviewed. By including all treated spinal segments, we report on 66 patients (119 spine segments) treated with SBRT, and 71 patients (169 segments) treated with cEBRT. The primary outcomes were MR-based local control and reirradiation rates for each treated spine segment. <h3>Results</h3> The median follow-up was 11.3 months (IQR:5.3-27.7 months), and median OS in the SBRT and cEBRT cohorts were 21.6 and 18.9 months (p=0.428), respectively. The cohorts were balanced with respect to radioresistant histology and presence of "Mass" (paraspinal and/or epidural disease extension). Risk of local failure after SBRT vs. cEBRT at 6, 12 and 24 months were 2.8% vs. 11.2%, 6.1% vs. 28.4% and 14.8% vs. 35.6%, respectively (p<0.001). cEBRT (HR:3.48, 95%CI:1.94-6.25, p<0.001) and presence of "Mass" (HR:2.07, 95%CI:1.29-3.31, p=0.002) independently predicted local failure on multivariable analysis. The 1-year reirradiation rates and median times to reirradiation after SBRT vs. cEBRT, were 2.2% vs 15.8% (p=0.002) and 22.9 months vs. 9.5 months respectively. Radioresistant histology (HR:2.66, 95%CI:1.43-4.94, p=0.002) and cEBRT (HR:2.34, 95%CI:1.14-4.78, p=0.002) independently predicted for reirradiation. 8/12 iatrogenic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) were after SBRT and 4/12 after cEBRT; Grade 3 toxicities were isolated to the SBRT cohort (5/12). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Risk of local failure and reirradiation is lower with SBRT compared to cEBRT for spinal metastases. Although the iatrogenic VCF rates were within expectations, Grade 3 VCF were isolated to the SBRT cohort.

Local control after palliative external beam radiotherapy for bone metastases in patients with favorable prognosis.

Advancement in systemic therapy has increased the importance of local control (LC) of bone metastatic sites treated with radiotherapy in intermediate-term survivors (surviving ≥1 year). To establish individualized radiotherapy for bone metastases, factors affecting LC of bone metastases treated with traditional fractionated moderate dose palliative radiotherapy (FMRT) in intermediate-term survivors were evaluated. Between January 2010 and December 2019, 317 lesions in 240 patients treated with FMRT for bone metastases surviving for at least 1 year and followed-up with CT for at least 6 months were reviewed retrospectively. The median survival and radiographic follow-up times were 24 months (range, 12-123 months) and 20 months (range, 1-119 months), respectively. The median FMRT dose [biologically effective dose (BED)10] was 39.0 Gy (range, 28.0-71.7 Gy). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (≥70 years), non-vertebral bone metastasis, bone metastasis from moderate and unfavorable primary tumor sites (esophageal, colorectal, hepatobiliary/pancreatic, kidney/ureter and sarcoma/melanoma cancers), and no administration of post-FMRT bone-modifying agents (BMAs) were unfavorable factors for LC of bone metastasis. The 2-year LC rates for FMRT doses (BED10) ≤39.0 Gy and >39.0 Gy were 90 and 87%, respectively. The 2-year LC rates of patients administered and not administered post-FMRT antineoplastic agents (ATs) were 91 and 78%, respectively. The sites of bone metastasis and primary tumors, and post-FMRT BMAs were factors associated with LC of bone metastasis in long-term survivors. However, a FMRT dose (BED10) ≥39.0 Gy and post-FMRT ATs were not significant factors.

47: Mature Local Control and Reirradiation Rates Comparing Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy to Conventional Palliative External Beam Radiotherapy

47: Mature Local Control and Reirradiation Rates Comparing Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy to Conventional Palliative External Beam Radiotherapy

SPIN-01 RADIATION THERAPY ALONE VERSUS RADIATION THERAPY PLUS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION/VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION FOR SPINE METASTASIS: TRIAL IN PROGRESS

BACKGROUNDSpine metastases are a common occurrence in cancer patients and result in pain, neurologic deficits, decline in performance status, disability, inferior quality of life (QOL), and reduction in ability to receive cancer-directed therapies. Conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is associated with modest rates of pain relief, high rates of disease recurrence, low response rates for those with radioresistant histologies, and limited improvement in neurologic deficits. The addition of radiofrequency ablation/percutaneous vertebral augmentation (RFA/PVA) to index sites together with EBRT may improve pain response rates and corresponding quality of life. METHODS/DESIGNThis is a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in patients with spine metastases from T5-L5, stratified according to tumor type (radioresistant vs. radiosensitive) in which patients in each stratum are randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either RFA/PVA and EBRT or EBRT alone. All patients are treated with EBRT to a dose of 20-30 Gy in 5-10 fractions. The target parameters are measured and recorded at the baseline clinic visit, and daily at home with collection of weekly measurements at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months following treatment with imaging and QOL assessments. DISCUSSIONThe primary objective of this randomized trial is to determine whether RFA/PVA in addition to EBRT improves pain control compared to palliative EBRT alone for patients with spine metastases, defined as complete or partial pain relief (measured using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale [NRPS]) at 3 months. Secondary objectives include determining whether combined modality treatment improves the rapidity of pain response, duration of pain response, patient reported pain impact, health utility, and overall QOL. The results from this study will be used to allow for comparisons to alternative treatment approaches. This trial was activated 5/2020 and is open to accrual.

Mature Local Control and Reirradiation Rates Comparing Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy With Conventional Palliative External Beam Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) improves complete pain response for painful spinal metastases compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy (cEBRT). We report mature local control and reirradiation rates in a large cohort of patients treated with SBRT versus cEBRT enrolled previously in the Canadian Clinical Trials Group Symptom Control 24 phase 2/3 trial. One hundred thirty-seven of 229 (60%) patients randomized to 24 Gy in 2 SBRT fractions or 20 Gy in 5 cEBRT fractions were retrospectively reviewed. By including all treated spinal segments, we report on 66 patients (119 spine segments) treated with SBRT and 71 patients (169 segments) treated with cEBRT. The primary outcomes were magnetic resonance-based local control and reirradiation rates for each treated spine segment. The median follow-up was 11.3 months (interquartile range, 5.3-27.7 months), and median overall survival in the SBRT and cEBRT cohorts were 21.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.3, upper bound not reached) and 18.9 (95% CI, 12.2-29.1) months (P = .428), respectively. The cohorts were balanced with respect to radioresistant histology and presence of mass (paraspinal and/or epidural disease extension). Risk of local failure after SBRT versus cEBRT at 6, 12, and 24 months were 2.8% (95% CI, 0.8%-7.4%) versus 11.2% (95% CI, 6.9%-16.6%), 6.1% (95% CI, 2.5%-12.1%) versus 28.4% (95% CI, 21.3%-35.9%), and 14.8% (95% CI, 8.2-23.1%) versus 35.6% (95% CI, 27.8%-43.6%), respectively (P < .001). cEBRT (hazard ratio [HR], 3.48; 95% CI, 1.94-6.25; P < .001) and presence of mass (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.29-3.31; P = .002) independently predicted local failure on multivariable analysis. The 1-year reirradiation rates and median times to reirradiation after SBRT versus cEBRT were 2.2% (95% CI, 0.4-7.0%) versus 15.8% (95% CI, 10.4%-22.3%) (P = .002) and 22.9 months versus 9.5 months, respectively. cEBRT (HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.27-5.30; P = .009) and radioresistant histology (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.12-3.60; P = .020) independently predicted for reirradiation. Eight of 12 iatrogenic vertebral compression fractures were after SBRT and 4 of 12 after cEBRT; grade 3 adverse fracture effects were isolated to the SBRT cohort (5 of 12). Risk of local failure and reirradiation is lower with SBRT compared with cEBRT for spinal metastases. Although the iatrogenic vertebral compression fracture rates were within expectations, grade 3 vertebral compression fractures were isolated to the SBRT cohort.

Palliative radiotherapy and quality of life in patients with locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer: a single centre experience from Central India.

BackgroundPatients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LAESCC ) have decreased quality of life (QoL) and, thus, require palliative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The present study was performed to evaluate the QoL in patients with LAESCC undergoing palliative EBRT.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective, observational study performed over a period of 18 months (from December 2018 to May 2020) in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Seventy patients with LAESCC received EBRT (30 Gy in 10 fractions, at 3 Gy per fraction over 2 weeks). Patients were followed-up at monthly intervals for 3 months. The dysphagia and odynophagia scores were calculated at baseline and follow-up visits. The QoL was assessed with 18-item EORTC QLQ-OES questionnaire at baseline and 3 months.ResultsOver the study period, significant decrease in mean dysphagia and odynophagia score was observed (p-value < 0.0001). On post-hoc analysis, significant decrease in both dysphagia and odynophagia score was observed between baseline and at the end of study and between various follow-up visits (p-value < 0.0001). Moreover, there was a significant increase in mean body weight (p-value < 0.0001). At 3 months, there was a significant decrease in dysphagia (p-value < 0.0001), eating (p-value < 0.0001), reflux (p-value = 0.005), pain (p-value < 0.0001), and saliva (p-value = 0.01) domains of EORTC QLQ-OES18 questionnaire.ConclusionIn patients with LAESCC, EBRT leads to significant decrease in dysphagia and odynophagia, and increase in body weight. These changes indirectly lead to improved QoL.