Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Arm Research Articles

Rational and design of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) and brain MRI surveillance versus brain MRI surveillance alone in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer achieving complete remission (CR) of tumor after chemoradiotherapy: a multicenter prospective randomized study

BackgroundProphylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is part of standard care in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) at present. As evidence from retrospective studies increases, the benefits of PCI for limited-stage SCLC are being challenged.MethodsA multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled study was designed. The key inclusion criteria were: histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell carcinoma, age ≥ 18 years, KPS ≥ 80, limited-stage is defined as tumor confined to one side of the chest including ipsilateral hilar, bilateral mediastinum and supraclavicular lymph nodes, patients have received definitive thoracic radiotherapy (regardless of the dose-fractionation of radiotherapy used) and chemotherapy, evaluated as complete remission (CR) of tumor 4–6 weeks after the completion of chemo-radiotherapy. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to two arms: (1) PCI and brain MRI surveillance arm, receiving PCI (2.5 Gy qd to a total dose of 25 Gy in two weeks) followed by brain MRI surveillance once every three months for two years; (2) brain MRI surveillance alone arm, undergoing brain MRI surveillance once every three months for two years. The primary objective is to compare the 2-year brain metastasis-free survival (BMFS) rates between the two arms. Secondary objectives include 2-year overall survival (OS) rates, intra-cranial failure patterns, 2-year progression-free survival rates and neurotoxicity. In case of brain metastasis (BM) detect during follow-up, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) will be recommended if patients meet the eligibility criteria.DiscussionBased on our post-hoc analysis of a prospective study, we hypothesize that in limited-stage SCLC patients with CR after definitive chemoradiotherapy, and ruling out of BM by MRI, it would be feasible to use brain MRI surveillance and omit PCI in these patients. If BM is detected during follow-up, treatment with SRS or whole brain radiotherapy does not appear to have a detrimental effect on OS. Additionally, this approach may reduce potential neurotoxicity associated with PCI.

Self-Reported Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Patients With SCLC in the Hippocampal Avoidance Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Versus Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Randomized Phase 3 Trial (NCT01780675)

IntroductionIn the randomized controlled trial in patients with SCLC comparing standard prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) with hippocampal avoidance PCI (HA-PCI), we did not observe beneficial effects of HA-PCI on tested cognition. Here, we report findings on self-reported cognitive functioning (SRCF) and quality of life (QoL). MethodsPatients with SCLC were randomized to receive PCI with or without HA (NCT01780675) and assessed at baseline (82 HA-PCI and 79 PCI patients) and at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up, using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ—brain cancer module (BN20). SRCF was assessed with the cognitive functioning scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Medical Outcomes Study questionnaire. A change of 10 points was used for minimal clinically important differences. Percentages of patients classified with having improved, stable, or deteriorated SRCF were compared between groups using chi-square tests. Changes in mean scores were analyzed using linear mixed models. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the percentage of patients with deteriorated, stable, or improved SRCF between the treatment arms. Depending on the evaluated time point, 31% to 46% and 29% to 43% of patients in the HA-PCI and PCI arm, respectively, reported a deteriorated SRCF on the basis of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Medical Outcomes Study. QoL outcomes were not significantly different between the study arms, except for physical functioning at 12 months (p = 0.019) and motor dysfunction at 24 months (p = 0.020). ConclusionsOur trial did not find beneficial effects of HA-PCI over PCI on SRCF and QoL. The cognitive benefit of sparing the hippocampus in the context of PCI is still a subject of debate.

Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation With or Without Hippocampus Avoidance in SCLC (NCT01780675)

IntroductionTo compare neurocognitive functioning in patients with SCLC who received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) with or without hippocampus avoidance (HA). MethodsIn a multicenter, randomized phase 3 trial (NCT01780675), patients with SCLC were randomized to standard PCI or HA-PCI of 25 Gy in 10 fractions. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months after PCI. The primary end point was total recall on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test—Revised at 4 months; a decline of at least five points from baseline was considered a failure. Secondary end points included other cognitive outcomes, evaluation of the incidence, location of brain metastases, and overall survival. ResultsFrom April 2013 to March 2018, a total of 168 patients were randomized. The median follow-up time was 26.6 months. In both treatment arms, 70% of the patients had limited disease and baseline characteristics were well balanced. Decline on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised total recall score at 4 months was not significantly different between the arms: 29% of patients on PCI and 28% of patients on HA-PCI dropped greater than or equal to five points (p = 1.000). Performance on other cognitive tests measuring memory, executive function, attention, motor function, and processing speed did not change significantly different over time between the groups. The overall survival was not significantly different (p = 0.43). The cumulative incidence of brain metastases at 2 years was 20% (95% confidence interval: 12%–29%) for the PCI arm and 16% (95% confidence interval: 7%–24%) for the HA-PCI arm. ConclusionsThis randomized phase 3 trial did not find a lower probability of cognitive decline in patients with SCLC receiving HA-PCI compared with conventional PCI. No increase in brain metastases at 2 years was observed in the HA-PCI arm.

Phase III Randomized Trial of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation With or Without Hippocampus Avoidance in SCLC

Purpose: To compare neurocognitive functioning in Small Cell Lung Cancer patients(SCLC) who received prophylactic cranial irradiation(PCI) with or without hippocampus avoidance (HA). Material and Methods: In a multicenter randomized phase III trial (NCT01780675) patients with SCLC were randomized to standard PCI (25 Gy /10 fractions) or HA-PCI. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months after PCI. The primary endpoint was total recall on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test- Revised(HVLT-R) at 4 months; a decline of at least 5 points from baseline was considered a failure. Secondary endpoints included other cognitive outcomes, evaluation of the incidence and location of brain metastases and overall survival(OS). Results: From April 2013 until March 2018 a total of 168 patients were randomized. The median follow-up time was 26 .6 months. In both treatment arms 70% of patients had limited disease and baseline characteristics were well balanced. Decline on the HVLT-R total recall score at 4 months was not significantly different between the arms: 29% of PCI patients dropped ≥5 points and 28% of HA-PCI patients (p=1.000). Performance on other cognitive tests measuring memory, executive function, attention, motor function and processing speed did not change significantly different over time between the groups. The OS was not significantly different. The cumulative incidence of brain metastases at 2 years was 20% (95% CI: 12% - 29%) for the PCI arm and 16% (95% CI: 7% - 24%) for the HA-PCI arm. Conclusion: This randomized phase III trial did not show lower probability of cognitive decline in SCLC patients receiving hippocampus avoidance PCI compared to conventional PCI. No increase in brain metastases at 2 years was observed in the HA- PCI arm. Trial Registration: NCT01780675 Funding Statement: Maarten Lambrecht Speaker’s fee AstraZeneca, all others No Funding. Declaration of Interests: YL reports personal fees from Astra-Zeneca and RaySearch outside the context of the submitted work. All other authors have nothing to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: This trial (NCT01780675) was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

Health-related quality of life after prophylactic cranial irradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients: Results from the NVALT-11/DLCRG-02 phase III study

Background and purposeThe NVALT-11/DLCRG-02 phase III trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01282437) showed that, after standard curative intent treatment, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) decreased the incidence of symptomatic brain metastases (BM) in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients compared to observation. In this study we assessed the impact of PCI on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In addition, an exploratory analysis was performed to assess the impact of neurocognitive symptoms and symptomatic BM on HRQoL. Materials and methodsStage III NSCLC patients were randomized between PCI and observation. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D-3L), EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 instruments at completion of standard curative intent treatment and 4 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months thereafter.Generalized linear mixed effects (GLM) models were used to assess the impact of PCI compared to observation over time on three HRQoL metrics: the EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status and the EQ-5D-3L utility and visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) scores. ResultsIn total, 86 and 88 patients were included in the PCI and observation arm, with a median follow-up of 48.5 months (95% CI 39–54 months). Baseline mean HRQoL scores were comparable between the PCI and observation arm for the three HRQoL metrics. In the GLM models, none of the HRQoL metrics were clinically relevant or statistically significantly different between the PCI and the observation arm (p-values ranged between 0.641 and 0.914). ConclusionNo statistically significant nor a clinically relevant impact of PCI on HRQoL was observed.

86O - The effect of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for young stage III NSCLC patients: Subgroup analyses of the NVALT-11/DLCRG-02 study

Background: The NVALT-11/DLCRG-02 phase III study compared PCI to observation after chemo-radiotherapy (RT) for stage III NSCLC and showed a significant decrease in the cumulative incidence of symptomatic brain metastases (BM) in the PCI arm at two years (7% vs 27% [HR 0.23]). We here performed exploratory subgroup analyses. Methods: Two year cumulative incidence rates were calculated and competing risk regression, with death of any cause as competing risk, was used to examine the time to symptomatic BM in the following subgroups: age, gender, performance status, disease stage and tumour type, prior surgery, chemotherapy cycles, thoracic RT dose and total concurrent chemo-RT treatment time. For continuous variables, the median was used as a cut-off value. The effect of PCI was only examined if the initial result was significant. Results: In total, 174 patients were analysed. The symptomatic BM incidence was significantly lower in the subgroup of older (>61 years) versus younger ( ¼ 61 years) compared to younger ( ¼ <61 years) patients, likely due to higher numbers of adenocarcinoma in the younger patients group. The effect of PCI was only significant in younger patients. This study was randomized based on treatment allocation and subgroups might be too small to detect significant differences. Therefore, our results are hypothesis generating and should be prospectively tested.

Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation vs Observation in Patients With Locally Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Brain metastasis (BM) rates are high in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), approaching rates seen in small cell lung cancer, where prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is standard of care. Although PCI decreases the incidence of BM in LA-NSCLC, a survival advantage has not yet been shown. To determine if PCI improves survival in LA-NSCLC. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0214 was a randomized phase 3 clinical trial in stage III NSCLC stratified by stage (IIIA vs IIIB), histologic characteristics (nonsquamous vs squamous) and therapy (no surgery vs surgery). The study took place at 291 institutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Of 356 patients with stage III NSCLC entered onto this study, 16 were ineligible; therefore, 340 patients were randomized. Observation vs PCI. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). The secondary end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and incidence of BM. Of the 340 total participants, mean (SD) age was 61 years; 213 of the participants were men and 127 were women. The median follow-up time was 2.1 years for all patients, and 9.2 years for living patients. The OS for PCI was not significantly better than observation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.63-1.06; P = .12; 5- and 10-year rates, 24.7% and 17.6% vs 26.0% and 13.3%, respectively), while the DFS (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.97; P = .03; 5- and 10-year rates, 19.0% and 12.6% vs 16.1% and 7.5% for PCI vs observation) and BM (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.77; P = .003; 5- and 10-year rates, 16.7% vs 28.3% for PCI vs observation) were significantly different. Patients in the PCI arm were 57% less likely to develop BM than those in the observation arm. Younger patients (<60 years) and patients with nonsquamous disease developed more BM. On multivariable analysis, PCI was associated with decreased BM and improved DFS, but not improved OS. Multivariable analysis within the nonsurgical arm suggests that PCI effectively prolongs OS, DFS, and BM. In patients with stage III LA-NSCLC without progression of disease after therapy, PCI decreased the 5- and 10-year rate of BM and improved 5- and 10-year DFS, but did not improve OS. Although this study did not meet its primary end point, the long-term results reveal many important findings that will benefit future trials. Identifying the appropriate patient population and a safe intervention is critical. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00048997.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) versus observation in radically treated stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A randomized phase III NVALT11 study.

8502 Background: Brain metastases are one of the major sites of tumor failure in patients (pts) with radically treated stage III NSCLC. The value of PCI in these pts remains unsettled. This study is designed to investigate whether PCI reduces the incidence of symptomatic brain metastases (sBM). Methods: Pts were randomized between observation and PCI after concurrent or sequential chemo-RT with or without surgery. PCI dose was left to the physician(36 Gy/18F, 30 Gy/12F, 30 Gy/10F). Pts were registered before randomization, those progressing after chemo-RT were not randomized. Pts were followed for sBM (defined as increased intracranial pressure, headache, nausea, vomiting, cognitive, affective disturbances, seizures, focal neurological symptoms andMRI/CT), side effects, survival, quality of life (QLQ-C30, EuroQol 5D). The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients developing sBM. Randomizing 300 pts the study has 90% (2-sided p = 0.05) power to detect 17% decrease in pts developing sBM at 24 months (mo). Results: Between 2009 and 2015, 195 pts were registered, 175 were randomized, 87 received PCI and 88 pts were in the observation arm. In 2013 due to slow accrual, it was decided to reduce the number of randomized pts to 175 pts. With 75 events a 2-sided log-rank test would have 80% power to detect HR 0.52 and alpha 0.05. One pt in PCI arm was withdrawn after randomization. Pts characteristics were male (n = 114, 66%); adeno/squa/other 72 (41%), 62 (36%), 40 (23%); PS 0/1/2 66 (38%), 99 (57%), 9 (5%); stage IIIA/B 93 (53%), 80 (46%), unknown 1 (1%). Median follow up was 48.5 mo (95% CI, 39 - 54). Proportion of pts with sBM was 4/86 (4.6%) in PCI and 25/88 (28.4 %) in observation (p &lt; 0.00001). Seven (8.1%) pts in PCI and 26 (29.7%) pts in observation arm had BM on imaging (p &lt; 0.001). Median time to sBM was not reached in either arm. Median OS was 24.2 mo in PCI and 21.9 mo in observation arm (p = 0.52). Global QoL at 3 mo was worse in PCI arm (p = 0.02) but not afterwards. Conclusions: PCI significantly decreases the proportion of patients developing both symptomatic BM without influencing overall survival. PCI decreases 3 months global quality of life measures but not beyond. Clinical trial information: NTR 1601.

Nine-year Experience: Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Extensive Disease Small-cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundIn 2007, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00016211) demonstrated a beneficial effect on overall survival (OS) with the use of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for extensive disease (ED) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nevertheless, debate is ongoing regarding the role of PCI, because the patients in that trial did not undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before treatment. Also, a recent Japanese randomized trial showed a detrimental effect of PCI on OS in patients with negative pretreatment brain MRI findings. Materials and MethodsWe examined the medical records of 136 patients with ED SCLC who had initially responded to chemotherapy and undergone PCI from 2007 to 2015. The outcomes, radiation toxicity, neurologic progression-free survival, and OS after PCI were analyzed. Survival and correlations were calculated using log-rank and univariate Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses. ResultsThe median OS and the median neurologic progression-free survival after PCI was 12 and 19 months, respectively. No significant survival difference was seen for patients who had undergone MRI before PCI compared with patients who had undergone contrast-enhanced computed tomography (P = .20). Univariate analysis for OS did not show a statistically significant effect for known cofactors. ConclusionIn the present cohort, PCI was associated with improved survival compared with the PCI arm of the EORTC trial, with a nearly doubled median OS period. Also, the median OS was prolonged by 2 months compared with the irradiation arm of the Japanese trial.

A Prospective Randomised Phase III Clinical Trial Testing the Role of Prophylactic Cranial Radiotherapy in Patients Treated with Trastuzumab for Metastatic Breast Cancer — Anglo Celtic VII

A high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases has been reported in patients with HER2-positive tumours receiving trastuzumab therapy for metastatic breast cancer. This study tested whether prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) could reduce the incidence of CNS metastases in this setting. This was a prospective, randomised phase III trial. Patients were randomised 1:1 to no PCI or PCI delivered at around 6 weeks after study entry. Cognitive function was assessed prospectively. In total, 51 patients were randomised over a 3 year period; 25 received PCI and 26 did not. The cumulative incidence of CNS metastases at 2 years was 32.4% (standard error = 9.8%) on the no PCI arm and 21.0% (standard error = 8.6%) on the PCI arm; the associated hazard ratio was 0.57 (95% confidence interval 0.18–1.74; P = 0.32). There was no evidence of cognitive dysfunction in PCI patients.

Phase III Comparison of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Versus Observation in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer -- An Updated Analysis of RTOG 0214

To determine if prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) improves survival in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). This is an updated 5-year analysis. Patients with stage III NSCLC without disease progression after treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy were eligible. Participants were stratified by stage (IIIA vs. IIIB), histology (nonsquamous vs. squamous), and therapy (surgery vs. none) and were randomly assigned to PCI or observation. PCI was delivered to 30 Gy in 15 fractions. The primary end point of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points were disease-free survival (DFS), neurocognitive function (NCF), and quality of life. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses were used for OS and DFS. The incidence of brain metastasis (BM) was evaluated with the logistic regression model. A total 356 patients were enrolled with 340 eligible for analysis. The median follow-up time was 24.2 months for all patients and 58.6 months for living patients. The 5-year OS (p = 0.57; 26.1% vs. 24.6% for PCI vs. observation) and 5-year DFS (p = 0.13; 18.5% vs. 14.9% for PCI vs. observation) were not significantly different. The 5-year rates of BM were significantly different (p = 0.009; 17.3% vs. 26.8% for PCI vs. observation). Of the patients who failed, 10% of patients on the PCI arm and 23% of patients on the observation arm experienced failure in the brain initially. Brain metastases were the only component of first failure in 9.1% and 21.5% of patients with and without PCI. On multivariate analysis PCI is significantly associated with decreased BM. Non-squamous histology was associated with increased risk of BM. The overall rate of BM in this trial was insufficient for reliable subset analyses by histology. In patients with stage III disease without progression of disease after therapy, PCI decreased the 5-year rate of BM but did not improve OS or DFS. This study confirms the effectiveness of PCI for prevention of brain failures. Further information is needed to determine which patient subset could derive a survival benefit from PCI.

256P - Five Years Follow Up of Prospective Randomized Study to Assess the Effect of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in High Risk Breast Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the effect of Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in patients with high risk early breast cancer with primary end point CNS relapse where the secondary end point is to assess the toxicity and QOL. At 5 years the aim is to assess CNS relapse, Overall Survival, NCF and QOL re-evaluation. Methods It is 5 years re-evaluation of 62 patients with high risk invasive breast cancer. After adjuvant treatment, patients were randomized into: arm I who didn't receive PCI, arm II who received PCI. Patients were collected from Jan. 2005 and followed up till Dec. 2007 with re-evaluationone on April 2012. After a signed informed consent, the whole brain received 240 cGy per fraction, once daily, five times per week to a total dose of 2400cGy. Brain assessment by MRI studies as a baseline before PCI, at 6 months in the first year, and then annually for at least 5 years, and Assessment of Neuro-cognitive Function (NCF): basically before PCI, 6 months, 1 year after PCI using Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). Health related quality of life was assessed for all patients with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) Questionnaire Version 4, before PCI and 3 weeks, three months after PCI. Patients were followed up till April 2012. Results At the end of the study, there is no incidence of CNS metastasis in PCI arm compared to 3.2% in control arm. In PCI arm, there is no statistical difference in MMSE (before and after PCI, p = 0.619 ) and QOL assessment. At 5 years, in PCI arm, the incidence of CNS metastasis is 3.2 (only one case) while in Control arm it is 12.9 (four cases). In PCI arm,there was no statistically significant change in NCF and QOL in all items of FACT-Br questionnaire except in additional concerns (p 0.05, Log rank of 5 years survival = 0.59 Conclusion The rationale behind PCI is to control or eradicate undetectable micro-metastases before they become clinically significant without inducing severe adverse effects. PCI associated with decreased incidence of CNS metastases with tolerated toxicities and did not negatively affect patient survival. This may be translated into therapeutic gain at least for this short follow up period which warrants further evaluation after a longer follow up period. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Phase III Trial of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Compared With Observation in Patients With Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Neurocognitive and Quality-of-Life Analysis

There are scant data regarding the effects of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) on neurocognitive function (NCF) and quality of life (QOL). Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial 0214 showed no overall survival (OS) benefit for PCI in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at 1 year. However, there was a significant decrease in brain metastases (BM). This analysis focuses on the impact of PCI on NCF and QOL. Patients with stage III NSCLC who completed definitive therapy without progression were randomly assigned to PCI or observation. NCF was assessed with Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS), and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). QOL was assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core tool (QOL Questionnaire-QLQC30) and brain module (QLQBN20). There were no statistically significant differences at 1 year between the two arms in any component of the EORTC-QLQC30 or QLQBN20 (P > .05), although a trend for greater decline in patient-reported cognitive functioning with PCI was noted. There were no significant differences in MMSE (P = .60) or ADLS (P = .88). However, for HVLT, there was greater decline in immediate recall (P = .03) and delayed recall (P = .008) in the PCI arm at 1 year. PCI in stage III NSCLC significantly decreases the risk of BM without improving 1-year OS. There were no significant differences in global cognitive function (MMSE) or QOL after PCI, but there was a significant decline in memory (HVLT) at 1 year. This study provides prospective data regarding the relative risks and benefits of PCI in this setting and the need to use sensitive cognitive assessments.

Phase III Comparison of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Versus Observation in Patients With Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Primary Analysis of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study RTOG 0214

This study was conducted to determine if prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) improves survival in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Patients with stage III NSCLC without disease progression after treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy were eligible. Participants were stratified by stage (IIIA v IIIB), histology (nonsquamous v squamous), and therapy (surgery v none) and were randomly assigned to PCI or observation. PCI was delivered to 30 Gy in 15 fractions. The primary end point of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points were disease-free survival (DFS), neurocognitive function (NCF), and quality of life. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses were used for OS and DFS. The incidence of brain metastasis (BM) was evaluated with the logistic regression model. Overall, 356 patients were accrued of the targeted 1,058. The study was closed early because of slow accrual; 340 of the 356 patients were eligible. The 1-year OS (P = .86; 75.6% v 76.9% for PCI v observation) and 1-year DFS (P = .11; 56.4% v 51.2% for PCI v observation) were not significantly different. The hazard ratio for observation versus PCI was 1.03 (95% CI, 0.77 to 1.36). The 1-year rates of BM were significantly different (P = .004; 7.7% v 18.0% for PCI v observation). Patients in the observation arm were 2.52 times more likely to develop BM than those in the PCI arm (unadjusted odds ratio, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.32 to 4.80). In patients with stage III disease without progression of disease after therapy, PCI decreased the rate of BM but did not improve OS or DFS.

A phase III comparison of prophylactic cranial irradiation versus observation in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Initial analysis of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0214

7506 Background: The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases is high in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Brain as an only site of relapse appears increasingly common as loco-regional and extra-cranial systemic treatment improves. There is not standard agreement as to how to address this risk. Methods: Patients with stage III NSCLC without progression of disease after loco-regional treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy were eligible. Participants were randomized to prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) or observation and stratified by stage (IIIA or B), histology (non-squamous or squamous) and therapy (surgery or no surgery). PCI was delivered once daily at 2Gy per fraction to 30Gy. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were disease free survival (DFS) and the impact of PCI on incidence of CNS metastases, neuropsychological function, and quality of life (QoL). Kaplan- Meier estimation with the log-rank test was used for OS and DFS and the logistic regression model was used for calculating the incidence of CNS metastasis. Results: Total accrual was 356 patients of the targeted 1058 between 9/19/02 and 8/30/07. The study was closed early due to slow accrual. 340 patients were evaluable. One year OS (p=0.86, 75.6 % and 76.9% for PCI and observation) and one year DFS (p=0.11, 56.4% and 51.2% for PCI and observation) were not statistically significantly different. However, CNS metastatic rate at 1 year was statistically significantly different with CNS relapse 7.7% vs. 18% for PCI vs. observation (p=0.004). Logistic regression showed that the patients in the observation arm are 2.52 times more likely to develop CNS metastases than those in the PCI arm (odds ratio=2.52, 95% CI=(1.32–4.80)). Conclusions: PCI in patients without progressive disease after loco-regional therapy for III NSCLC significantly decreases the rate of CNS metastases. This study did not show a statistically significant difference in OS or DFS. Forthcoming analysis of the impact of PCI on neuropsychological function and QoL will influence the recommendations regarding the standard use of PCI. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in high-risk breast cancer patients: Preliminary data

11501 Background: The rationale behind PCI is to control or eradicate undetectable micro-metastases without inducing severe adverse effects. In this study we assessed the effect of PCI in high-risk breast cancer patients. Methods: 62 consecutive patients, with high-risk breast cancer were enrolled in this trial and were randomized into 2 arms: Arm 1 included 31 patients who didn’t receive PCI. Arm 2 included 31 patients who received PCI. In arm 2, PCI was given after finishing the adjuvant treatment and before starting hormone therapy if indicated. The whole brain received 2.4 Gy per fraction, to a total dose of 24 Gy. MRI to the brain was part of the neurological assessment of the 62 patients included prior to adjuvant treatment, 6 months in the first year, and then annually. Neuro-cognitive Functions (NCF) were evaluated basically prior to and then 6 months and 1 year after PCI using Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) Questionnaire has been applied to assess health-related quality of life of the 62 patients included. Results: None of the patients in the PCI arm developed brain metastases in comparison to 6.4% in control arm. There is no statistical difference between control arm and PCI arm regarding the site of metastasis, P= 0.167. Alopecia was the most common side effect of PCI with G1 occurred in 48.4% of cases, and G2 occurred in 51.6% of cases and most of PCI arm cases showed hair re-growth within 11–15 weeks. PCI was well tolerated by most of patients. G1 and G2 headache occurred in 32.3% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. The initial levels of NCF in both arms were comparable, with no statistical difference through MMSE scores between both arms of the study, P=0.619. In PCI arm most of the MMSE scores were decreased at the 6 months assessment, but returned to the initial level at the one year assessment with no statistical difference among both groups. QOL was comparable in both groups prior to and at the end of treatment. The mean of DFS in control arm was 14.10 months (95% CI 10.18–18.02) and in PCI arm it was 18.42 months (95%CI 10.46–26–37), P=0.387. Conclusions: PCI was associated with tolerated toxicities and resulted in decreased incidence of CNS metastases. Whether this result may be translated into therapeutic gain warrants further evaluation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A randomized trial of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) versus no PCI in extensive disease small cell lung cancer after a response to chemotherapy (EORTC 08993–22993)

4 Background: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly reduces the risk of brain metastases (BM) and improves survival in patients with limited disease small cell lung cancer. Development of BM is often accompanied by deterioration of physical and psychological functioning and response to therapy is poor. Patients with extensive disease (ED SCLC) are at high risk for BM. This randomized study assesses PCI in patients with ED SCLC. Methods: Patients (18–75 years; WHO=2) with confirmed ED SCLC and any response to 4–6 cycles of chemotherapy, were randomized to receive PCI (doses ranging from 20 Gy/5 fr to 30 Gy/12 fr) or no PCI. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of symptomatic BM. CT or MRI of the brain was performed whenever any of the pre-defined “key-symptoms” was present at baseline or during follow-up. The study was sized to detect a hazard ratio of 0.44 with 80% power and 2-sided 5% significance (52 events, 287 patients). Results: Between Feb ’01 and Mar ’06, 286 patients entered the trial, 76% with residual disease in the thorax and 71% at distant sites. Baseline characteristics were well balanced. Only 6% of patients in the PCI arm were not treated and 3% interrupted treatment. Acute toxicity was mild: nausea/vomiting was reported by about 30% of PCI-treated cases and about 30% reported late reactions (mostly mild headache). PCI significantly reduced the risk of symptomatic brain metastases (Gray P&lt;0.0001, HR=0.27, CI: 0.16–0.44). The 1-year cumulative incidence of symptomatic BM was 14.6% on PCI (CI 8.3–20.9) versus 40.4% in controls (CI 32.1–48.6). PCI had no impact on extra-cranial progression rates (Gray P&gt;0.1), but it significantly prolonged progression-free survival time (P=0.0218, HR=0.76, CI: 0.59–0.96) and overall survival (P=0.0033, HR=0.68, CI: 0.52–0.88). The 1-year survival rate was 27.1% for the PCI and 13.3% for the control arm. Conclusions: PCI significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic brain metastases, and significantly improves both disease-free and overall survival in patients with ED SCLC. PCI should be offered to all ED patients showing a response to initial chemotherapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.