Use Of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Research Articles

Stereotactic Radiation for Ultra-Central Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Safety and Efficacy Trial (SUNSET)

The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for tumors in close proximity to the central mediastinal structures has been associated with a high risk of toxicity. This study (BLINDED FOR REVIEW) aimed to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of SBRT for ultra-central (UC) non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), using a time-to-event continual reassessment methodology (TITE-CRM). Patients with T1-3N0M0 (≤ 6 cm) NSCLC were eligible. The MTD was defined as the dose of radiotherapy associated with a ≤ 30% rate of grade (G) 3-5 pre-specified treatment-related toxicity occurring within 2 years of treatment. The starting dose level was 60 Gy in 8 daily fractions. The dose-maximum hotspot was limited to 120% and within the planning tumor volume (PTV); tumors with endobronchial invasion were excluded. This primary analysis occurred two years after completion of accrual. Between March 2018 and April 2021, 30 patients were enrolled at 5 institutions. The median age was 73 years (range: 65-87) and 17 (57%) were female. PTV was abutting proximal bronchial tree in 19 (63%), esophagus 5 (17%), pulmonary vein 1 (3.3%) and pulmonary artery 14 (47%). All patients received 60 Gy in 8 fractions. The median follow-up was 37 months (range: 8.9-51). Two patients (6.7%) experienced G3-5 adverse events related to treatment: 1 patient with G3 dyspnea and 1 G5 pneumonia; the latter had CT findings consistent with a background of interstitial lung disease. Three-year overall survival was 72.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.3-85.3%), progression-free survival 66.1% (95% CI: 46.1-80.2%), local control 89.6% (95% CI: 71.2-96.5%), regional control 96.4% (95% CI: 77.2-99.5%) and distant control 85.9% (95% CI: 66.7-94.5%). Quality of life scores declined numerically over time, but the decreases were not clinically or statistically significant. 60 Gy in 8 fractions, planned and delivered with only a moderate hotspot, has a favorable adverse event rate within the pre-specified acceptability criteria, and results in excellent control for UC tumors.

The Role of Targeted Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Over the past decade, innovations in radiation technology and technique have led to the increasing use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. We provide an overview of SBRT and review the role of SBRT for treatment of localized and oligometastatic RCC. We also provide a brief overview of the current state of knowledge with regards to the combination of SBRT and novel systemic agents commonly used in the treatment of RCC. As outcomes from trials investigating SBRT mature, showing excellent efficacy and tolerability, it is likely that SBRT use will continue to increase in future years.

Uncovering the armpit of SBRT: An institutional experience with stereotactic radiation of axillary metastases

Purpose/objective(s)The growing use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic cancer has led to its use in varying anatomic locations. The objective of this study was to review our institutional SBRT experience for axillary metastases (AM), focusing on outcomes and process. Materials/methodsPatients treated with SBRT to AM from 2014 to 2022 were reviewed. Cumulative incidence functions were used to estimate the incidence of local failure (LF), with death as competing risk. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate regression analysis examined predictors of LF. ResultsWe analyzed 37 patients with 39 AM who received SBRT. Patients were predominantly female (60 %) and elderly (median age: 72). Median follow-up was 14.6 months. Common primary cancers included breast (43 %), skin (19 %), and lung (14 %). Treatment indication included oligoprogression (46 %), oligometastases (35 %) and symptomatic progression (19 %). A minority had prior overlapping radiation (18 %) or surgery (11 %). Most had prior systemic therapy (70 %).Significant heterogeneity in planning technique was identified; a minority of patient received 4-D CT scans (46 %), MR-simulation (21 %), or contrast (10 %). Median dose was 40 Gy (interquartile range (IQR): 35–40) in 5 fractions, (BED10 = 72 Gy). Seventeen cases (44 %) utilized a low-dose elective volume to cover remaining axilla.At first assessment, 87 % had partial or complete response, with a single progression. Of symptomatic patients (n = 14), 57 % had complete resolution and 21 % had improvement. One and 2-year LF rate were 16 % and 20 %, respectively. Univariable analysis showed increasing BED reduced risk of LF. Median OS was 21.0 months (95 % [Confidence Interval (CI)] 17.3-not reached) and median PFS was 7.0 months (95 % [CI] 4.3–11.3). Two grade 3 events were identified, and no grade 4/5. ConclusionUsing SBRT for AM demonstrated low rates of toxicity and LF, and respectable symptom improvement. Variation in treatment delivery has prompted development of an institutional protocol to standardize technique and increase efficiency. Limited followup may limit detection of local failure and late toxicity.

Uncovering the Armpit of Axillary SBRT

The growing use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic cancer has led to applications in new and unique anatomic locations, highlighting the importance of effective, safe, reproducible treatment delivery. The objective of this study was to review our institutional SBRT experience for axillary metastases (AM), focusing on outcomes, safety and process. In this ethics approved single-institution retrospective review, patients treated with SBRT to AM from 2014-2022 had tumor, treatment planning, and dosimetric variables abstracted. Toxicity was assessed per Common Terminology for Adverse Events V5.0. Cumulative incidence functions were used to estimate the incidence of local failure (LF), with death as competing risk. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We analyzed 37 patients with 39 AM who received SBRT. Patients were predominantly female (60%), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 (62%), and elderly (median age: 72), with a median follow-up of 14.6 months. Common primary sites included breast (n = 16, 43%), skin (n = 7, 19%), and lung (n = 5, 14%). Treatment indication included oligoprogression (n = 18, 46%), oligometastases (n = 14, 36%) and symptomatic progression (n = 7, 18%). A minority had prior overlapping radiation (n = 7, 18%) or regional surgery (n = 4, 11%), while most had prior systemic therapy (n = 26, 70%). Significant heterogeneity in simulation, planning and treatment was identified. Immobilization included 5-point thermoplastic mask (n = 12, 32%), Vacloc (n = 12, 32%) arms-up thorax bag (n = 11, 30%). 4-D CT scans were obtained in 46%, MR simulation in 21%, and intravenous contrast in 10%. Median dose was 40 Gy (interquartile range (IQR): 35-40) in 5 fractions, (BED10 = 72 Gy), over a median of 12 days (IQR: 9-14). Seventeen cases (44%) utilized a low-dose elective volume to cover remaining axilla; 14% used a high dose clinical target volume. Median planning target volume margin was 5mm (range: 3-10mm), and plans were generated with 5 different dose constraint protocols. At first radiographic assessment, 87% had partial or complete response, with a single progression. Of symptomatic patients (n = 14), 57% had complete symptom resolution and 21% had improvement. One and 2-year LF rate were 19% and 31%, respectively. Median OS was 21.0 months (95% [Confidence Interval (CI)] 17.3-not reached) and median PFS was 7.0 months (95% [CI] 4.3-11.3). Acute and late toxicities were uncommon, with two grade 3 events (1 plexopathy in a case with tumor involving brachial plexus, 1 skin ulceration) identified, and no grade 4/5. In this series of AM SBRT, low rates of toxicity, and good rates of LF and symptom improvement were observed. As treatment was delivered with a variety of individual treatment differences, an institutional protocol is under development to standardize technique, optimize efficiency and improve evaluability.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for metastatic sarcoma to the lung: adding to the arsenal of local therapy

IntroductionConventional treatment of pulmonary metastatic sarcoma primarily involves surgery, with systemic therapy added in select patients. However, broader applications of radiation therapy techniques have prompted investigation into the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for treatment of metastatic sarcoma, an attractive non-invasive intervention with potential for lower rates of adverse events than surgery. Current data are limited to retrospective analyses. This study analyzed 2-year local control and overall survival and adverse events in patients prospectively treated with SBRT to pulmonary sarcoma metastases.MethodsPatients prospectively treated with SBRT to the lung for biopsy-proven metastatic sarcoma at a single institution from 2010 to 2022 were included. SBRT dose/fractionation treatment regimens ranged from 34 to 54 Gy in 1–10 fractions using photons. Local recurrence, local progression-free survival (LPFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the end of SBRT. Univariable analysis (UVA) was performed using the log-rank test. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Adverse events due to SBRT were graded based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.ResultsEighteen patients with metastatic sarcoma were treated to 26 pulmonary metastases. The median local progression-free survival was not met. The median overall survival was not met. The local control rate at 2 years was 96%. 2-year LPFS was 95.5% and OS was 74%. Three patients (16.7%) developed grade 1 adverse events from SBRT. There were no adverse events attributed to radiation that were grade 2 or higher.ConclusionWe report prospective data demonstrating that SBRT for sarcoma pulmonary metastases affords a high rate of local control and low toxicity, consistent with prior sarcoma SBRT retrospective data. This study adds to the wealth of information on SBRT in a radioresistant tumor. Though largely limited to retrospective reviews, current data indicate high rates of local control with favorable toxicity profiles. Therefore, SBRT for pulmonary sarcoma metastases may be considered for properly selected patients.

Identifying predictors of on-table adaptation for pancreas stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

702 Background: There is growing interest in the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify any clinical or dosimetric parameters that predict which individuals may benefit from on-table adaptation during pancreas SBRT with MRI-guided radiotherapy. Methods: This was a single center retrospective study of patients undergoing MRI-guided SBRT to the pancreas from 2016 to 2022. An online daily adaptive workflow was in place for all fractions according to pre-specified criteria. Pre-treatment clinical variables and dosimetric parameters on the patient’s simulation scan were recorded for each SBRT course, and their ability to predict for on-table adaptation was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. The outcome measure was number of fractions adapted. Results: Seventy-three SBRT courses consisting of 365 fractions were included in this study. Median prescription dose was 40 Gy in five fractions (range, 33-50 Gy); 56% and 44% of courses were prescribed ≤ 40 Gy and > 40 Gy, respectively. Median gross and planning target volume (GTV and PTV) coverage were 94.7% and 84.3%, respectively. Median number of fractions adapted per course was three, with overall 58% (211 out of 365) total fractions adapted. On univariable analysis, the prescription dose ( > 40 Gy vs ≤ 40 Gy), GTV size, stomach V20 and V25, duodenum V20 and Dmax, large bowel V33 and V35, heterogeneity index, and gradient index were significant determinants of the use of on-table adaptation (all p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, only prescription dose remained significant (adjusted odds ratio 7.66, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Prescription dose in MRI-guided pancreas SBRT is the only reliable predictor of on-table adaptation. Providers should strongly consider utilization of adaptive technology when delivering ablative doses to the pancreas.[Table: see text]

Society for Palliative Radiation Oncology: Report from the Ninth Annual Meeting (2022).

The Society for Palliative Radiation Oncology (SPRO) is an international group of clinicians whose primary aim is to advance the field of palliative radiation oncology by promoting evidence-based palliative radiation therapy and excellence in primary palliative care through research, education, collaboration, and patient advocacy. SPRO held its 9th Annual Meeting on October 23, 2022 in association with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 64th Annual Meeting. Accomplishments and goals from the previous year were discussed and newly appointed officers were announced. Dr. Dirk Rades from the University of Lubeck in Germany gave the keynote address, reviewing critical trials and evidence for the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the palliative and oligometastatic settings. Recipients of the Lifetime Service Award and the Rising Star Award were announced and presented. This Meeting Report summarizes the proceedings of SPRO's 9th Annual Meeting.

The Use of Cardiac Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SBRT) to Manage Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report, Review of the Literature and Technical Notes

among cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia (VT) is one that can lead to cardiac death, although significant progress has been made in its treatment, including the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and radiofrequency catheter ablation. Nevertheless, long-term recurrence rates remain in about half of patients and drastically impact the patient's quality of life. Moreover, recurrent ICD shocks are painful and are associated with higher mortality and worsening of heart failure. Recently, more and more experiences are demonstrating potential efficacy in the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) (also called cardiac radio-ablation) to treat this condition. In this paper, we report our experience in the use of cardiac radio-ablation for the treatment of refractory ventricular tachycardia with a focus on the technique used, along with a review of the literature and technical notes. an 81-year-old male patient with a long history of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and mechanical mitral prosthesis underwent a biventricular cardioverter defibrillator implant after atrial ventricular node ablation. At the end of 2021, the number of tachycardias increased significantly to about 10 episodes per day. After failure of medical treatment and conventional RT catheter ablation, the patient was treated with SBRT for a total dose of 25 Gy in a single session at the site of the ectopic focus. No acute toxicity was recorded. After SBRT (follow-up 7 months) no other VT episodes were recorded. SBRT appears to be safe and leads to a rapid reduction in arrhythmic storms as treatment for VT without acute toxicity, representing one of the most promising methods for treating VT storms.

Surgical and Pathologic Outcomes of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PA) After Preoperative Ablative Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance Image Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy (A-SMART)

PurposePreoperative radiation therapy (RT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma reduces positive surgical margin rates, and when delivered to an ablative dose range it may improve local control and overall survival for patients with unresectable disease. Use of stereotactic body RT to achieve a higher biologically effective dose has been limited by toxicity to adjacent radiosensitive structures, but this can be mitigated by stereotactic magnetic resonance image guided adaptive radiation therapy (SMART). Methods and MaterialsWe describe our single-institution experience of high biologically effective dose SMART before resection of localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Toxicity was evaluated according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (V 5.0). Tumor response was evaluated according to the College of American Pathologists tumor regression grading criteria. ResultsWe analyzed 26 patients with borderline resectable (80.8%), locally advanced (11.5%), and resectable (7.7%) tumors who received ablative dose SMART (A-SMART) followed by surgical resection. Median age at diagnosis was 68 years (range, 34-86). Most patients received chemotherapy (80.8%) before RT. All patients received A-SMART to a median dose of 50 (range, 40-50) Gy in 5 fractions. Toxicity data were collected prospectively and there were no acute grade 2+ toxicities associated with RT. The median time to resection was 50 days (range, 37-115), and the procedure types included Whipple (69%), distal (23%), or total pancreatectomy (8%). The R0 resection rate was 96% and no perioperative deaths occurred within 90 days. Pathologic response was observed in 88% of cases. The time from RT to surgery was associated with tumor regression grade (P = .0003). The median follow-up after RT was 16.5 months (range, 3.9-26.2). The derived median progression-free survival from RT was 13.2 months. ConclusionsThe initial surgical and pathologic outcomes after A-SMART are encouraging. Preoperative A-SMART was associated with low toxicity rates and no surgical or RT-associated mortality. The surgical morbidity was comparable to historic rates after upfront resection. These data also suggest that the time from stereotactic body RT to surgical resection is associated with pathologic response.

Cost-effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy for the treatment of surgically ineligible stage I non-small cell lung cancer in the Brazilian public health system

The Brazilian public health system does not pay for the use of Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) due to its costs and the absence of cost-effectiveness analysis showing its benefit. The present study aims to evaluate whether the SBRT is a more cost-effective strategy than the conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) for surgically ineligible stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Brazilian public health system. Adopting the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) as the payer, a Markov model with a lifetime horizon was built to delineate the health states for a cohort of 75-years-old men with medically inoperable NSCLC after treatment with SBRT or CFRT. Transition probabilities and health states utilities were adapted from the literature. Costs were based on the public health system reimbursement values and simulated in the private sector. The SBRT strategy results in more quality-adjusted life-year (QALYs) and costs with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of R$ 164.86 (U$ 65.16) per QALY and R$ 105 (U$ 41.50) per life-year gained (LYG). This strategy was cost-effective, considering a willingness-to-pay of R$ 25,000 (U$ 9,881.42) per QALY. The net monetary benefit (NMB) was approximately twice higher. The outcomes were confirmed with 92% of accuracy in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Using a threshold of R$25,000 per QALY, SBRT was more cost-effective than CFRT for NSCLC in a public health system of an upper-middle-income country. SBRT generates higher NMB than CFRT, which could open the opportunity to incorporate new technologies. Varian Medical Systems.

Hypofractionation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma – The Effect of Fractionation Size

The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased over the years. Several prospective studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy, and randomised trials are underway. The advancement in technology has enabled the transition from three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy to highly focused SBRT. Liver damage is the primary limiting toxicity with radiation, with the incidence of grade 3 varying from 0 to 30%. The reported radiotherapy fractionation schedule for HCC, and in practice use, ranges from one to 10 fractions, based on clinician preference and technology available, tumour location and tumour size. This review summarises the safety and efficacy of various SBRT fractionation schedules for HCC.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy in oligometastatic cervical cancer (MITO-RT2/RAD study): a collaboration of MITO, AIRO GYN, and MaNGO groups

ObjectiveThis retrospective, multicenter study analyzes the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy in a large cohort of patients with oligometastatic/persistent/recurrent cervical cancer.MethodsA standardized data collection from several radiotherapy centers...

Advances in Radiation Oncology for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer.

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been significant advancement in the management of cervical cancer, particularly in the domain of definitive chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Indeed, radiation treatment paradigms have shifted from a two-dimensional (2D) approach solely based on anatomical bony landmarks, to an image-guided three-dimensional (3D) approach, with the goal of delivering doses more precisely to clinical targets with an increased sparing of organs-at-risk. Methods: This is a narrative review on the advances in radiation technologies for the treatment of cervical cancer. Using the PubMed database, we identified articles published in English up until November 18, 2021 on the treatment of LACC with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. A search of the Clinicaltrials.gov and Clinicaltrialsregister.eu retrieved information on ongoing clinical trials on the topic of combined immunotherapy and radiotherapy in cervical cancer. Results: We highlight the historical evolution from the use of 2D radiotherapy to 3D-conformal radiotherapy, and then intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the delivery of EBRT. We also discuss advances in brachytherapy, notably the transition to 3D image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (3D-IGABT). In this context, we highlight large cohort studies that were recently constructed and have shown significant improvement in local control and treatment-related toxicities with 3D-IGABT. Finally, we discuss other advances in the field, notably the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as a substitute to brachytherapy, and the addition of immunotherapy to chemoradiation. Conclusions: The use of IG-IMRT and 3D-IGABT have considerably improved treatment outcomes and toxicity profiles for patients with LACC, and are now considered the gold standard in many countries. The use of SBRT boost as a replacement for brachytherapy has been associated with increased toxicity and decreased efficacy and should be used with caution in the context of clinical trials. New experimental approaches include the addition of immunotherapy to chemoradiation regimens.

Are older patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving optimal care? A population-based study

Background Results from studies addressing age-related patterns of cancer care have found evidence of unjustified differences in management between younger and older patients. Methods We examined associations between age and clinical presentation, management and mortality in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2002 and 2016. Analyses were adjusted for comorbidity and other factors that may have affected management decisions and outcomes. Results The study population encompassed 40,026 patients with NSCLC. Stage at diagnosis did not differ between age groups ≤ 84. The diagnostic intensity was similar in age groups <80 years. In patients with stage IA–IIB disease and PS 0–2, surgery was more common in the youngest age groups and decreased with increasing age, and was rarely performed in those ≥ 85 years. The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) increased with age (≤69 years 5.4%; ≥85 years 35.8%). In patients with stage IIIA disease and PS 0–2, concurrent chemoradiotherapy was more common in younger patients (≤69 years 55.3%; ≥85 years 2.2%). In stage IA–IIIA disease, no major differences in treatment-related mortality was observed. In stage IIIB–IV and PS 0–2, chemotherapy was more common in patients <80 years. However, 58.1% of patients 80–84 years and 30.3% ≥ 85 years received treatment. In stage IA–IIIA, overall and cause-specific survival decreased with increasing age. No age-differences in survival were observed in patients with stage IIIB-IV NSCLC. Conclusion Treatments were readily given to older patients with metastatic disease, but to a lesser degree to those with early stage disease. Significant differences in cause specific survival were observed in early, but not late stage disease. Our findings underscore the importance of individualized assessment of health status and life expectancy. Our results indicate that older patients with early stage lung cancer to a higher extent should be considered for curative treatment.

Oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma: radiotherapy as a new standard of care?

The prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma is poor, with a median 5-year survival of 9·5%. 1 Vallard A Trone JC Langrand-Escure J et al. The world of targeted therapies in kidney cancers: pitfalls, tips and tricks. Onco Targets Ther. 2017; 10: 1375-1380 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar In patients with localised renal tumours, surgery remains the reference treatment, whereas radiotherapy plays a key role in the palliative care of patients with metastatic disease. However, during the past 20 years, a better understanding of biology has allowed targeted molecular therapies 1 Vallard A Trone JC Langrand-Escure J et al. The world of targeted therapies in kidney cancers: pitfalls, tips and tricks. Onco Targets Ther. 2017; 10: 1375-1380 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar to emerge as a new standard of care in the metastatic setting. Regarding the role of radiotherapy in this setting, the sparing of surrounding healthy tissues has improved substantially thanks to the increasing use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). A higher and more accurate dose per fraction is delivered with SBRT than with standard radiotherapy, which results in a large dose gradient around the target volume. In addition, new sophisticated imaging modalities have made identifying patients with oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma—namely patients with five or fewer metastatic lesions—possible. But, in oligometastatic disease, the role of radiotherapy and systemic treatment in the therapeutic arsenal has not yet been established. Definitive radiotherapy in lieu of systemic therapy for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma: a single-arm, single-centre, feasibility, phase 2 trialSequential radiotherapy might facilitate deferral of systemic therapy initiation and could allow sustained systemic therapy breaks for select patients with oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. Full-Text PDF

Toxicity and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy for ultra-central lung tumours: a single institution real life experience.

The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat ultra-central lung tumours remains more controversial than for peripheral and central tumours. Our objective was to assess toxicities, local control (LC) rate and survival data in patients with ultra-central lung tumours treated with SBRT. We conducted a retrospective and monocentric study about 74 patients with an ultra-central lung tumour, consecutively treated between 2012 and 2018. Ultra-central tumours were defined as tumours whose planning target volume overlapped one of the following organs at risk (OARs): the trachea, right and left main bronchi, intermediate bronchus, lobe bronchi, oesophagus, heart. Median follow-up was 25 months. Two patients (2.7%) showed Grade 3 toxicity. No Grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed. 11% of patients experienced primary local relapse. LC rate was 96.7% at 1 year and 87.6% at 2 years. Median progression free survival was 12 months. Median overall survival was 31 months. SBRT for ultra-central tumours remains safe and effective as long as protecting organs at risk is treatment-planning priority. The present study is one of the rare to describe exclusively ultra-central tumours through real-life observational case reports. Globally, literature analysis reveals a large heterogeneity in ultra-central lung tumours definition, prescribed dose, number of fractions. In our study, patients treated with SBRT for ultra-central lung tumours experienced few Grade 3 toxicities (2.7%) and no Grade 4 or 5 toxicities, due to the highest compliance with dose constraints to OARs. LC remained efficient.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Oligomestatic/Oligoprogressive Sarcoma: Safety and Effectiveness Beyond Intrinsic Radiosensitivity.

Metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients may benefit from local ablative treatments due to modest efficacy of systemic chemotherapy. However, use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is controversial because of presumed radioresistance of STS. Patients treated with SBRT for oligometastatic and oligoprogressive metastatic STS were retrospectively reviewed to assess results in terms of local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Incidence and grade of adverse events were reported. Statistical analysis was performed to identify variables correlated with outcome and toxicity. Forty patients were treated with SBRT to a median biologic effective dose (BED) of 105 (66-305) Gy5 to 77 metastases. Two-year LC, DFS, and OS were 67%, 23%, and 40%. Improved LC was shown in patients receiving a BED >150 Gy5 (hazard ratio [HR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-9.7; P = 0.028). A delay >24 months between primary tumor diagnosis and onset of metastases was associated with improved DFS (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.96; P = 0.01) and OS (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.99; P = 0.03). No toxicity grade ≥3 was observed. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is effective in metastatic STS with a benign toxicity profile. A BED >150 Gy5 is required to maximize tumor control rates. Metastatic relapse >24 months after diagnosis is correlated to improved survival.

Quality of Life Outcomes Following Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Patients with Oligo-Metastatic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The management of oligo-metastatic disease (OMD) is evolving, with increasing data supporting the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyses health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and the side-effects of SBRT in patients with OMD. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We searched MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, EMBASE, Cochrane CT, Cochrane SR, Emcare, and PsycInfo databases (from inception to March 2020). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or observational studies were included if HRQOL outcomes were reported from patients with defined OMD (£5 metastases) who received SBRT as metastasis-directed therapy, and who completed validated HRQOL questionnaires at baseline and 12-months. Meta-analysis using weighted mean difference was performed to estimate a difference between baseline and 12-month scores. Secondary outcome, calculated by the pooled incidence rate approach using the inverse variance method, was the estimated event rate of clinically significant Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 2-4 and grade 5 toxicity, expressed per person-time of follow-up. Authors of studies included were contacted to obtain additional information. Methods adhered to PRISMA guidelines. <h3>Results</h3> Four of 7,545 studies screened were eligible for inclusion. Two studies were phase II RCTs and two were prospective single arm studies. Among 277 patients who received SBRT, median follow-up was 31 months (range 24–41 months). Two studies included only prostate cancer patients and two studies included mixed histologies. Two studies measured European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and two measured Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G) scores. Using a fixed effects model, the mean change in 12-month EORTC QLQ-C30 global health QOL score from baseline demonstrated a statistically significant decline (pooled weighted mean difference -5.2, 95% CI -9.3 to -1.2, both prostate cancer studies, 57 patients total). Meta-analysis of total FACT-G scores in the other two studies was not possible as mean difference results for one study were unavailable. For the available multi-histology study, no statistically significant difference was seen in baseline to 12-month mean FACT-G total scores in the SBRT arm. We estimated an event rate of 0.06 (95% CI: 0.024, 0.15) CTCAE grade 2-4 toxicities per person-year and 0.008 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.031) grade 5 toxicities per person-year. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Although a statistically significant decline in the EORTC QLQ C30 global health/QOL measure was seen, it was small and unlikely to be of clinical importance. Rates of SBRT-related clinical toxicities are low. There is limited QOL data published for patients with OMD, with varying HRQOL tools used.

The Role of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) in Oligometastatic and Oligoprogressive Gynecologic Malignancies: A Multi-Institutional Pooled Analysis

The optimal use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the diverse group of patients with gynecologic malignancies has not been clearly defined. This multi-institutional pooled analysis aims to characterize the use of SBRT for different primary disease types and indications within the gynecologic cancer population.Patients treated with SBRT at three institutions with oligometastatic (OM) disease (5 or fewer sites), oligoprogressive (OP) disease (limited areas of progression with controlled systemic disease), or progression in an eloquent area were included. Descriptive statistics were used to report patient and treatment characteristics and toxicity. Local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant progression-free survival (DPFS), salvage chemotherapy-free survival (CFS, excluding patients on systemic therapy at time of SBRT) and overall survival (OS) probabilities following SBRT were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Associations with disease and tumor factors were examined using Cox regression methods.One hundred forty-four patients (144) with gynecologic cancers were treated with SBRT to 206 lesions. The median age was 61 (range 46-86) and median follow up was 16.6 months (range 0.5-106.8). Patients had cancers of the uterus (n = 101), ovary (n = 67), cervix (n = 27), and vulva or vagina (n = 8). Lesions were considered OM (n = 124), OP (n = 68), or progressive in an eloquent area (n = 14). Treatment was delivered to lesions in the pelvis (n = 50), lung (n = 40), para-aortic region (n = 37), abdomen or liver (n = 36), bone (n = 31), and distant nodes (n = 10). SBRT dose ranged from 20-60Gy (median 40Gy) in 2-5 fractions. Twenty-three (11.1%) lesions recurred locally after SBRT. Median LRFS was 23.9 months (95% CI 20.2-27.5), DPFS was 10.7 months (95% CI 10.7-16.9), and OS 22.9 months (95% CI 12.8-31.3). LRFS was 73.0% and 47.8%, DPFS was 44.2% and 19.6%, and OS was at 72.9% and 46.6% 1 and 2 years respectively. Twenty-nine percent of patients received salvage systemic therapy, and median CFS was 14.1 months (95% CI 10.4-17.8). On multi-variable analysis, only higher BED (OR 0.98, P = 0.013) was associated with LRFS. Primary disease type, tumor size, dose of radiotherapy, nodal versus non-nodal target, and DFI were not significantly associated with OS or DPFS on MVA.This large cohort of patients receiving SBRT for oligometastatic and oligoprogressive gynecologic cancers had excellent tumor control, and promising DPFS and OS. Local control appears to be related to SBRT dose. SBRT may have the potential to delay time to initiation of chemotherapy or targeted therapies in select gynecologic cancer populations. Further prospective studies are required to determine which primary disease types benefit most from SBRT, and to establish the optimal sequencing of SBRT with other oncologic treatments.

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy for treating non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review.

In the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as an alternative to surgical intervention for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients; however, not much is known about the impact of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on the delivery of SBRT. Here, we conduct a narrative review to examine potential disparities in the use of SBRT. Keyword searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were performed for studies focused on race, SES, and the use of SBRT published between 2000 and 2020. Six studies were identified, and showed that minority patients, especially Blacks, were less likely to receive SBRT and had a significantly longer median time between diagnosis to SBRT treatment. Patients with lower income or lower education, as well as those from lower socioeconomic regions were less likely to receive SBRT; they were more likely to receive conventionally fractionated external beam radiation (CFRT) or no treatment. These racial and socioeconomic factors were associated with worse survival in other general early-stage NSCLC studies. In conclusion, the limited number of published studies suggest significant disparities in the treatment of early-stage NSCLC with SBRT. These factors potentially lead to worse survival outcomes among vulnerable patient populations. Equal access to SBRT should be a focus of healthcare delivery systems, to ensure optimal clinical outcomes for patients with early-stage NSCLC.