Épidémiologie des lésions métastatiques cérébrales

Gene-edited and -engineered stem cell platform drives immunotherapy for brain metastatic melanomas

Oncolytic virus therapy has shown activity against primary melanomas; however, its efficacy in brain metastases remains challenging, mainly because of the delivery and immunosuppressive nature of tumors in the brain. To address this challenge, we first established PTEN-deficient melanoma brain metastasis mouse models and characterized them to be more immunosuppressive compared with primary melanoma, mimicking the clinical settings. Next, we developed an allogeneic twin stem cell (TSC) system composed of two tumor-targeting stem cell (SC) populations. One SC was loaded with oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV), and the other SC was CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited to knock out nectin 1 (N1) receptor (N1KO) to acquire resistance to oHSV and release immunomodulators, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Using mouse models of brain metastatic BRAFV600E/PTEN-/- and BRAFV600E/wt/PTEN-/- mutant melanomas, we show that locoregional delivery of TSCs releasing oHSV and GM-CSF (TSC-G) activated dendritic cell- and T cell-mediated immune responses. In addition, our strategy exhibited greater therapeutic efficacy when compared with the existing oncolytic viral therapeutic approaches. Moreover, the TSCs composed of SC-oHSV and SCN1KO-releasing GM-CSF and single-chain variable fragment anti-PD-1 (TSC-G/P) had therapeutic efficacy in both syngeneic and patient-derived humanized mouse models of leptomeningeal metastasis. Our findings provide a promising allogeneic SC-based immunotherapeutic strategy against melanomas in the CNS and a road map toward clinical translation.

Utilizing cell-free DNA to predict risk of developing brain metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer

We compared cell-free DNA (cfDNA) results at MBC diagnosis in patients who developed brain metastases (BM) vs those without (non-BM) to understand genomic predictors of BM. Patients with cfDNA testing at MBC diagnosis (Guardant360®, 73 gene next generation sequencing) were identified. Clinical and genomic features of BM and non-BM were compared (Pearson's/Wilcoxon rank sum tests). Eighteen of 86 patients (21%) with cfDNA at MBC diagnosis developed BM. Comparing BM vs non-BM, a higher prevalence of BRCA2 (22% vs 4.4%, p = 0.01), APC (11% vs 0%, p = 0.005), CDKN2A (11% vs 1.5%, p = 0.05), and SMAD4 (11% vs 1.5%, p = 0.05) was observed. Seven of 18 BM had ≥1 of the following 4 mutations in baseline cfDNA: APC, BRCA2, CDKN2A or SMAD4 vs 5/68 non-BM (p = 0.001). Absence of this genomic pattern had a high negative predictive value (85%) and specificity (93%) in excluding BM development. Baseline genomic profile varies in MBC that develops BM.

Synthesis of novel benzothiophene derivatives as protectors against cranial irradiation-induced neuroinflammation

Aim: Cranial irradiation results in many deleterious effects to normal tissues, including neuroinflammation. There is a need to explore radioprotective agents that could be safely used to ameliorate these effects. Method: Nine novel benzothiophene derivatives bearing pyrimidinone, pyrazolidinone, triazole and other active moieties were synthesized and evaluated as antioxidants in an in vitro screening experiment. The most potent compounds were then tested as protectors against radiation-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in rat brains following cranial irradiation. Results: The most potent antioxidant compounds were compounds 3–5 and 10 . P-fluro,p- bromo and pyrido benzothiophene derivatives offered good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: Compounds 3–5 may be introduced as nontoxic candidates for adjuvant therapeutic protocols used in head and neck tumor radiotherapeutic management.

Efficacy of Large Use of Combined Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in a Cohort of Anti-PD-1 Monotherapy-Treated Melanoma Patients

To assess the role of radiotherapy in anti-PD-1-treated melanoma patients, we studied retrospectively a cohort of 206 consecutive anti-PD-1 monotherapy-treated advanced melanoma patients (59% M1c/d, 50% ≥ 3 metastasis sites, 33% ECOG PS ≥ 1, 33% > 1st line, 32% elevated serum LDH) having widely (49%) received concurrent radiotherapy, with RECIST 1.1 evaluation of radiated and non-radiated lesions. Overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survivals were calculated using Kaplan−Meier. Radiotherapy was performed early (39 patients) or after 3 months (61 patients with confirmed anti-PD-1 failure). The first radiotherapy was hypofractionated extracranial radiotherapy to 1−2 targets (26 Gy-4 weekly sessions, 68 patients), intracranial radiosurgery (25 patients), or palliative. Globally, 67 (32.5% [95% CI: 26.1−38.9]) patients achieved complete response (CR), with 25 CR patients having been radiated. In patients failing anti-PD-1, PFS and OS from anti-PD-1 initiation were 16.8 [13.4−26.6] and 37.0 months [24.6−NA], respectively, in radiated patients, and 2.2 [1.5−2.6] and 4.3 months [2.6−7.1], respectively, in non-radiated patients (p < 0.001). Abscopal response was observed in 31.5% of evaluable patients who radiated late. No factors associated with response in radiated patients were found. No unusual adverse event was seen. High-dose radiotherapy may enhance CR rate above the 6−25% reported in anti-PD-1 monotherapy or ipilimumab + nivolumab combo studies in melanoma patients.

Role of Ultrasound Imaging in the Prediction of TRIM67 in Brain Metastases From Breast Cancer

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a relatively novel strategy to monitor the activity of the blood–brain barrier, which can facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of neurovascular-related metastatic tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of applying a combination of US imaging outcomes and the associated genes. This was performed to construct line drawings to facilitate the prediction of brain metastases arising from breast cancer.

Methods

The RNA transcript data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was obtained for breast cancer, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with tumor and brain tumor metastases were identified. Subsequently, key genes associated with survival prognosis were subsequently identified from the DEGs.

Results

Tripartite motif-containing protein 67 (TRIM67) was identified and the differential; in addition, the survival analyses of the TCGA database revealed that it was associated with brain tumor metastases and overall survival prognosis. Applying independent clinical cohort data, US-related features (microcalcification and lymph node metastasis) were associated with breast cancer tumor metastasis. Furthermore, ultrasonographic findings of microcalcifications showed correlations with TRIM67 expression. The study results revealed that six variables [stage, TRIM67, tumor size, regional lymph node staging (N), age, and HER2 status] were suitable predictors of tumor metastasis by applying support vector machine–recursive feature elimination. Among these, US-predicted tumor size correlated with tumor size classification, whereas US-predicted lymph node metastasis correlated with tumor N classification. The TRIM67 upregulation was accompanied by upregulation of the integrated breast cancer pathway; however, it leads to the downregulation of the miRNA targets in ECM and membrane receptors and the miRNAs involved in DNA damage response pathways.

Conclusions

The TRIM67 is a risk factor associated with brain metastases from breast cancer and it is considered a prognostic survival factor. The nomogram constructed from six variables—stage, TRIM67, tumor size, N, age, HER2 status—is an appropriate predictor to estimate the occurrence of breast cancer metastasis.

Prediction of Short and Long Survival after Surgery for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

Background: Brain metastases requiring surgical treatment determine the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. We aimed to develop the scores for the prediction of short (<6 months) and long (≥3 years) survival after BCBM surgery. Methods: Female patients with BCBM surgery between 2008 and 2019 were included. The new scores were constructed upon independent predictors for short and long postoperative survival. Results: In the final cohort (n = 95), 18 (18.9%) and 22 (23.2%) patients experienced short and long postoperative survival, respectively. Breast-preserving surgery, presence of multiple brain metastases and age ≥ 65 years at breast cancer diagnosis were identified as independent predictors of short postoperative survival. In turn, positive HER2 receptor status in brain metastases, time interval ≥ 3 years between breast cancer and brain metastases diagnosis and KPS ≥ 90% independently predicted long survival. The appropriate short and long survival scores showed higher diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of short (AUC = 0.773) and long (AUC = 0.775) survival than the breast Graded Prognostic Assessment score (AUC = 0.498/0.615). A cumulative survival score (total score) showed significant association with overall survival (p = 0.001). Conclusion: We identified predictors independently impacting the prognosis after BCBM surgery. After external validation, the presented scores might become useful tools for the selection of proper candidates for BCBM surgery.

Preservation of cognitive function after brain irradiation

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 50-90% of brain metastatic patients who receive radiation therapy (RT) exhibit cognitive decline which may affects the quality of life of cancer survivors. Hence preservation of cognitive functions in brain metastatic patients becomes important. This review aims to evaluates the pathology or mechanism of cognitive function impairment after brain irradiation and strategies available to preserve cognitive function after radiation therapy.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles evaluating the pathology behind radiation induced cognitive impairment and strategies to resolve or preserve cognitive impairment were searched for in scientific databases (eg: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, Google scholar) using keywords including memantine, brain metastases, radiation therapy, pathophysiology, pathogenesis, mechanism and prevention.

DATA SUMMARY

Several hypotheses have been offered to explain the mechanism of radiation induced cognitive decline. Among them, vascular hypotheses play a significant role. Some pharmacological agents have been also tested in patients receiving radiotherapy, memantine was found beneficial based with the reference to existing data.

CONCLUSION

Future studies are required to evaluate the impact of memantine in different types of radiation therapy procedures and its effects on quality of life of brain metastatic survivors.

Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases affecting survival

INTRODUCTION

Brain metastases (BM) are associated with dismal prognosis as they cause significant morbidity and affect the quality of life of patients. Management of BM depends on the following factors: age, patient performance, size and the number of lesions, location of the tumor, comorbidities, primary tumor type, and extracranial disease burden. In the present study, the pattern of occurrence, clinical characteristics, treatment outcome of brain metastases, and factors, tumor characteristics, and treatment that may impact BM patients' overall survival were analyzed.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of medical records of 116 patients with histologically proven primary site solid tumors with brain metastases was done in the present study. Clinicoradiological and pathological parameters were documented. The relationship between variables and outcome was assessed by univariate analysis using the Cox proportional regression model to reach a significance of p < 0.05, to determine independent predictors of overall survival.

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen patients of BM from various solid malignancies were included. Age ranged from 18 to 81 years (median 53.5). One hundred four patients received WBRT with a dose range of 8-40Gy/1-15fr, 7 received SRS with a dose of 18-24Gy depending on the size of the metastatic lesion, and 2 received SRT 27-33Gy/3fr. At the time of final analysis, 47 patients with BM had expired, 60 were lost to follow-up, and 9 were alive. Median survival was 8.25 (0.5-32.5 months) months. Female gender (χ² = 8.423; p = 0.015), RPA I (χ² = 9.353; p = 0.05), and metachronous BM (χ² = 3.793; p = 0.03) were associated with better survival. Patients with age 41-50 years, adenocarcinoma lung histology, and supratentorial location survived more than 2 years but did not show any statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Brain metastases portend a very dismal prognosis. Certain clinicoradiological and pathologic factors have been identified to affect survival. More prospective multicentric trials, with a larger sample size, need to be conducted to assess the benefit of radiation in patients with limited life expectancy and identify prognostic and predictive factors for survival.

Evaluation of parameters affecting gamma passing rate in patient-specific QAs for multiple brain lesions IMRS treatments using ray-station treatment planning system

Purpose

Using intensity‐modulated radiosurgery (IMRS) with single isocenter for the treatment of multiple brain lesions has gained acceptance in recent years. One of the challenges of this technique is conducting a patient‐specific quality assurance (QA), involving accurate gamma passing rate (GPR) calculations for small and wide spread‐out targets. We evaluated effects of parameters such as dose grid and energy on GPR using our clinical IMRS plans.

Methods

Ten patients with total of 40 volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were created in Raystation (V.8A) treatment planning system (TPS) for the Varian Edge Linac using 6 and 10 flattening filter‐free (FFF) beams and planned dose grids of 1 mm and 2 mm resulting in four plans with 6–10 targets per patient. All parameters and objectives except dose grid and energy were kept the same in all plans. Next, patient‐specific QAs were measured evaluating GPR with 10% threshold, 3%/3 mm objective, and an acceptance criterion of 95%. Modulation factors (MF) and confidence intervals were calculated. Two modes of measurements, standard density (SD) and high density (HD), were used.

Results

Generally, plans computed with 1 mm dose grid have higher GPRs than those with 2 mm dose grid for both energies used. The GPRs of 6 FFF plans were higher than those of 10 FFF plans. GPR showed no noticeable difference between HD and SD measurements. Negative correlation between MF and GPR was observed. The HD pass rates fall within the confidence interval of SD.

Conclusion

Calculated dose grid should be less than or equal to one‐third of distance to agreement, thus 1 mm planned dose grid is recommended to reduce artifacts in gamma calculation. GPR of SD and HD measurement modes is almost the same, which indicates that SD mode is clinically preferable for performing patient‐specific QAs. According to our results, using 6 FFF beams with 1 mm planned dose grid is more accurate and reliable for dose calculation of IMRS plans.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) experience on brain metastases: A 3-year retrospective study at King Abdulaziz University Hospital

Objectives

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive surgical procedure had been utilized for treatment of patients with brain metastases. This study aims to determine the survival, local control of brain metastases and treatment outcome to SRS-treated patients based on radiological imaging.

Methods

The MRI scans of SRS-treated patients with brain metastases (n = 24) from the Radiology Department of King Abdulaziz University from January 2016 to September 2019 were examined. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

Results

Out of 24 patients, most had brain metastases (95.8%, n = 23) with mean interval development (after primary site) of 21.88 ± 25.2 months. Radiological imaging revealed tumor characteristics of smallest (n = 11) and biggest lesions (n = 24) of patients to be 0.98 ± 0.7 and 2.23 ± 0.9, respectively and number of lesion to be 4-5 lesions (n = 3), 3 lesions (n = 6), 2 lesions (n = 4) and 1 lesion (n = 11). After SRS treatment, findings showed 17.6% (n = 3) no recurrence among the patients. Those with recurrences have decrease in lesion enhancement (11.8%, n = 2), decrease in size (29.4%, n = 5) and decrease in both enhancement and size (29.4%). Overall survival obtained was 16.7% (n = 2) at 313.83 ± 376.0 days (n = 23) survival period. Chi-square test showed that radiological findings were significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.010), having SRS-treated patients with recurrences (n = 12) to experience significant decrease (p = 0.010) in tumor enhancement, size, and both enhancement and size.

Conclusion

A significant decrease in tumor size and enhancement was observed in SRS-treated patients, suggesting SRS treatment to have associated benefit with prolonged survival duration.

Preoperative stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: the STEP study protocol for a multicentre, prospective, phase-II trial

Background

Surgery is an important therapeutic option for brain metastases. Currently, postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRT) leads to 6-month and 1-year local control estimated at 70 and 62% respectively. However, there is an increased risk of radio-necrosis and leptomeningeal relapse. Preoperative SRT might be an alternative, providing local control remains at least equivalent. It is an innovative concept that could enable the stereotactic benefits to be retained with advantages over post-operative SRT.

Methods

STEP has been designed as a national, multicentre, open-label, prospective, non-randomized, phase-II trial. Seventeen patients are expected to be recruited in the study from 7 sites and they will be followed for 12 months. Patients with more than 4 distinct brain metastases, including one with a surgical indication, and an indication for SRT and surgery, are eligible for enrolment. The primary objective of the trial is to assess 6-month local control after preoperative SRT. The secondary objectives include the assessment of local control, radio-necrosis, overall survival, toxicities, leptomeningeal relapse, distant control, cognitive function, and quality of life. The experimental design is based on a Flemming plan.

Discussion

There is very little data available in the literature on preoperative SRT: there have only been 3 American single or two-centre retrospective studies. STEP is the first prospective trial on preoperative SRT in Europe. Compared to postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy, preoperative stereotactic radiotherapy will enable reduction in the irradiated volume, leptomeningeal relapse and the total duration of the combined treatment (from 4 to 6 weeks to a few days).

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04503772, registered on August 07, 2020. Identifier with the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM): N°ID RCB 2020-A00403–36, registered in February 2020. Protocol: version 4, 07 December 2020.

Epidemiology of Brain Metastases

Brain metastasis continues to be a devastating complication of systemic malignancy, affecting approximately 20% of all patients suffering from cancer. Despite being a major source of morbidity and mortality for this patient population, a nationwide, systematic mechanism for reporting of brain metastases does not exist. Better understanding the epidemiology of brain metastases will help identify individuals who are at greatest risk of developing them and guide clinicians in selecting patients who are most likely to benefit from brain metastasis surveillance and prophylaxis.

Single isocenter SRS using CAVMAT offers improved robustness to commissioning and treatment delivery uncertainty compared to VMAT

Purpose

In this study, we evaluate and compare single isocenter multiple target VMAT (SIMT) and Conformal Arc Informed VMAT (CAVMAT) radiosurgery's sensitivity to uncertainties in dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and treatment delivery. CAVMAT is a novel planning technique that uses multiple target conformal arcs as the starting point for limited inverse VMAT optimization.

Methods

All VMAT and CAVMAT plans were recalculated with DLG values of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mm. DLG effect on V_6Gy[cc], V_12Gy[cc], and V_16Gy[cc], and target dose was evaluated. Plans were delivered to a Delta⁴ (ScandiDos, Madison, WI) phantom and gamma analysis performed with varying criteria. Log file analysis was performed to evaluate MLC positional error. Sixteen targets were delivered to a SRS MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corp., Melbourne, FL) to evaluate VMAT and CAVMAT's dose difference (DD) as a function of DLG.

Results

VMAT's average maximum and minimum target dose sensitivity to DLG was 9.08 ±3.50%/mm and 9.50 ± 3.30%/mm, compared to 3.20 ± 1.60%/mm and 4.72 ± 1.60%/mm for CAVMAT. For VMAT, V_6Gy[cc], V_12Gy[cc], and V_16Gy[cc] sensitivity was 35.83 ± 9.50%/mm, 34.12 ± 6.60%/mm, and 39.23 ± 8.40%/mm. In comparison, CAVMAT's sensitivity was 23.19 ± 4.50%/mm, 22.45 ± 4.40%/mm, and 24.88 ± 4.90%/mm, respectively. Upon delivery to the Delta⁴, CAVMAT offered superior dose agreement compared to VMAT. For a 1%/1 mm gamma analysis, VMAT and CAVMAT had a passing rate of 94.53 ± 4.40% and 99.28 ± 1.70%, respectively. CAVMAT was more robust to DLG variation, with the SRS MapCHECK plans yielding an absolute average DD sensitivity of 2.99 ± 1.30%/mm compared to 5.07 ± 1.10%/mm for VMAT. Log files demonstrated minimal differences in MLC positional error for both techniques.

Conclusions

CAVMAT remains robust to delivery uncertainties while offering a target dose sensitivity to DLG less than half that of VMAT, and 65% of that of VMAT for V_6Gy[cc], V_12Gy[cc], and V_16Gy[cc]. The superior dose agreement and reduced sensitivity of CAVMAT to DLG uncertainties indicate promise as a robust alternative to VMAT for SIMT SRS.

HER2 Receptor Conversion Is a strong Survival Predictor in Patients with Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND

Hormone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) receptor status is prognostic and predictive in breast cancer (BC) and guides the choice of therapy. However, owing to receptor conversion, the receptor status can differ in metastases compared with that of the primary tumor. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic value of receptor status, receptor conversion, and clinical parameters in patients with resected BC brain metastases (BMs).

METHODS

Patients with BCBMs treated at our institution from July 2007 to December 2019 were eligible for the present study. The receptor status of the BC and corresponding BMs and the occurrence of receptor conversion were separately recorded for 3 common receptors: HER2/neu, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. The association between the receptor status or receptor conversion and clinical parameters was adjusted for outcome-relevant patient and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 78 patients. HER2/neu receptor status in BMs was associated with overall survival (P = 0.033). Receptor conversion was identified in 39 patients (50.0%): HER2/neu, n = 9 (11.5%); estrogen receptor, n = 22 (28.2%); and progesterone receptor, n = 25 (32.1%). In the final multivariate Cox regression analysis, HER2/neu receptor conversion (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.58; P = 0.006), Karnofsky performance status score <70% (aHR, 3.11; P = 0.048), infratentorial BM location (aHR, 2.49; P = 0.007), and age ≥55 years at BM diagnosis (aHR, 2.20; P = 0.046) were independently associated with poorer survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 3 common BC receptors, only HER2/neu receptor conversion was strongly associated with the prognosis of patients with surgically treated BCBMs. The clinical relevance of the reevaluation of receptor status in BMs favors surgical treatment of patients with noneloquent BCBMs.

Toxicity and time lapse between immunotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy of brain metastases

PURPOSE

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is the standard treatment for brain metastases of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma, mostly in combination with immunotherapy. The objective was to retrospectively evaluate the influence of the time-lapse between immunotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy on toxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2016 to 2019, 59 patients treated with SRT for 103 brain metastases of NSCLC (60%) and melanoma (40%) in combination with concomitant immunotherapy (≤30 days) were included. The prescribed dose was 20Gy/1f or 33Gy/3f at the isocentre and 14Gy or 23.1Gy (70%) respectively at the PTV envelope (PTV=GTV+2mm). The mean tumour diameter was 14mm (4-52mm). The immunotherapies used were anti-PD1 and anti-PDL1. The 103 metastases were classified into 3 groups according to the time-lapse between instatement of immunotherapy and instatement of SRT for the patient concerned: 7 (7%) in group A (≤7 days), 38 (37%) in group B (7 to 14 days) and 58 (56%) in group C (14 to 30 days).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 10.1 months. The median overall survival was 11.5 months for NSCLC and 12.5 months for melanoma. The percentage of local control (LC) at one year was 65.1% (93.6% for NSCLC and 26.5% for melanoma). The time-lapse between immunotherapy and SRT was not a significant predictor of LC (P=0.86), while the histology was (P<0.001). The proportion of grade≥3 toxicities was 5.1%, and that of radionecrosis was 9.7% (among these patients, 80% were non-symptomatic): 0%, 13.1% and 8.6% for groups A, B and C respectively. The time-lapse between immunotherapy and SRT was not a significant predictor of toxicity. Only tumour volume was a significant predictive factor (P=0.03).

CONCLUSION

The time lapse between immunotherapy and SRT does not influence brain toxicity. The tumour volume remains the main factor.

[Repeated irradiation of brain metastases under stereotactic conditions: A review of the literature]

Stereotactic radiotherapy has become a standard in the management of patients with brain metastases; its main interest is to differ whole brain radiotherapy, provider of neurocognitive toxicity and to increase the rate of local control. The repetition of radiotherapy sessions under stereotactic conditions is not codified, neither on the number of technically and clinically possible sessions, nor on the maximum total number or volume of metastases to be treated. The purpose of this review is to analyse the data in the literature concerning repeated irradiations under stereotactic conditions. The second reirradiation in stereotactic condition shows satisfactory results in terms of overall survival, local control, and toxicity. However, we lack data for patients receiving more than two sessions of SRS as well as to define dose constraints to reirradiated healthy tissues. Prospective trials are still needed to validate the management of recurrent brain metastases after initial SRS.

Comparative genomic analysis of primary tumors and paired brain metastases in lung cancer patients by whole exome sequencing: a pilot study

Lung cancer brain metastases (BMs) are frequent and associated with poor prognosis despite a better knowledge of lung cancer biology and the development of targeted therapies. The inconstant intracranial response to systemic treatments is partially due to tumor heterogeneity between the primary lung tumor (PLT) and BMs. There is therefore a need for a better understanding of lung cancer BMs biology to improve treatment strategies for these patients. We conducted a study of whole exome sequencing of paired BM and PLT samples. The number of somatic variants and chromosomal alterations was higher in BM samples. We identified recurrent mutations in BMs not found in PLT. Phylogenic trees and lollipop plots were designed to describe their functional impact. Among the 13 genes mutated in ≥ 1 BM, 7 were previously described to be associated with invasion process, including 3 with recurrent mutations in functional domains which may be future targets for therapy. We provide with some insights about the mechanisms leading to BMs. We found recurrent mutations in BM samples in 13 genes. Among these genes, 7 were previously described to be associated with cancer and 3 of them (CCDC178, RUNX1T1, MUC2) were described to be associated with the metastatic process.

Radiosurgery treatment planning using conformal arc informed volumetric modulated arc therapy

Linac based radiosurgery to multiple metastases is commonly planned with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) as it effectively achieves high conformality to complex target arrangements. However, as the number of targets increases, VMAT can struggle to block between targets, which can lead to highly modulated and/or nonconformal multi-leaf collimator (MLC) trajectories that unnecessarily irradiation of healthy tissue. In this study we introduce, describe, and evaluate a treatment planning technique called Conformal Arc Informed VMAT (CAVMAT), which aims to reduce the dose to healthy tissue while generating highly conformal treatment plans. CAVMAT is a hybrid technique which combines the conformal MLC trajectories of dynamic conformal arcs with the MLC modulation and versatility of inverse optimization. CAVMAT has 3 main steps. First, targets are assigned to subgroups to maximize MLC blocking between targets. Second, arc weights are optimized to achieve the desired target dose, while minimizing MU variation between arcs. Third, the optimized conformal arc plan serves as the starting point for limited inverse optimization to improve dose conformity to each target. Twenty multifocal VMAT cases were replanned with CAVMAT with 20Gy applied to each target. The total volume receiving 2.5_Gy[cm³], 6_Gy[cm³], 12_Gy[cm³], and 16_Gy[cm³], conformity index, treatment delivery time, and the total MU were used to compare the VMAT and CAVMAT plans. In addition, CAVMAT was compared to a broad range of planning strategies from various institutions (108 linear accelerator based plans, 14 plans using other modalities) for a 5-target case utilized in a recent plan challenge. For the linear accelerator-based plans, a plan complexity metric based on aperture opening area and perimeter, total monitor units (MU), and MU for a given aperture opening was utilized in the plan challenge scoring algorithm to compare the submitted plans to CAVMAT. After re-planning the 20 VMAT cases, CAVMAT reduced the average V_2.5Gy[cm³] by 25.25 ± 19.23%, V_6Gy[cm³] by 13.68 ± 18.97%, V_12Gy[cm³] by 11.40 ± 19.44%, and V_16Gy[cm³] by 6.38 ± 19.11%. CAVMAT improved conformity by 3.81 ± 7.57%, while maintaining comparable target dose. MU for the CAVMAT plans increased by 24.35 ± 24.66%, leading to an increased treatment time of 2 minutes. For the plan challenge case, CAVMAT was 1 of 12 linac based plans that met all plan challenge scoring criteria. Compared to the average submitted VMAT plan, CAVMAT increased the V_10%Gy[%] of healthy tissue (Brain-PTV) by roughly 3.42%, but in doing so was able to reduce the V_25%Gy[%] by roughly 3.73%, while also reducing V_50%Gy[%]_, V_75%Gy[%], and V_100%Gy[%]_. The CAVMAT technique successfully eliminated insufficient MLC blocking between targets prior to the inverse optimization, leading to less complex treatment plans and improved tissue sparing. Tissue sparing, improved conformity, and decreased plan complexity at the cost of slight increase in treatment delivery time indicates CAVMAT to be a promising method to treat brain metastases.

Prognostic value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials & methods: We conducted Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable Cox analysis to evaluate the prognostic values of NLR, PLR, LMR and SII. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the patients in low LMR, high NLR, PLR and SII groups were associated with shorter overall survival. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed LMR and SII were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: LMR and SII are of significant values in clinical prognostic evaluation for patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.

Beyond an Updated Graded Prognostic Assessment (Breast GPA): A Prognostic Index and Trends in Treatment and Survival in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases From 1985 to Today

PURPOSE

Brain metastases are a common sequelae of breast cancer. Survival varies widely based on diagnosis-specific prognostic factors (PF). We previously published a prognostic index (Graded Prognostic Assessment [GPA]) for patients with breast cancer with brain metastases (BCBM), based on cohort A (1985-2007, n = 642), then updated it, reporting the effect of tumor subtype in cohort B (1993-2010, n = 400). The purpose of this study is to update the Breast GPA with a larger contemporary cohort (C) and compare treatment and survival across the 3 cohorts.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A multi-institutional (19), multinational (3), retrospective database of 2473 patients with breast cancer with newly diagnosed brain metastases (BCBM) diagnosed from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017, was created and compared with prior cohorts. Associations of PF and treatment with survival were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were compared with log-rank tests. PF were weighted and the Breast GPA was updated such that a GPA of 0 and 4.0 correlate with the worst and best prognoses, respectively.

RESULTS

Median survival (MS) for cohorts A, B, and C improved over time (from 11, to 14 to 16 months, respectively; P < .01), despite the subtype distribution becoming less favorable. PF significant for survival were tumor subtype, Karnofsky Performance Status, age, number of BCBMs, and extracranial metastases (all P < .01). MS for GPA 0 to 1.0, 1.5-2.0, 2.5-3.0, and 3.5-4.0 was 6, 13, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Between cohorts B and C, the proportion of human epidermal receptor 2 + subtype decreased from 31% to 18% (P < .01) and MS in this subtype increased from 18 to 25 months (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

MS has improved modestly but varies widely by diagnosis-specific PF. New PF are identified and incorporated into an updated Breast GPA (free online calculator available at brainmetgpa.com). The Breast GPA facilitates clinical decision-making and will be useful for stratification of future clinical trials. Furthermore, these data suggest human epidermal receptor 2-targeted therapies improve clinical outcomes in some patients with BCBM.

The Role of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The purpose of this study was to reevaluate the efficacy of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the most recent published data and to identify subgroups who may be more likely to gain benefit from PCI.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized trials comparing PCI with non-PCI in NSCLC patients. We pooled the data of randomized controlled trials and compared brain metastasis (BM) and overall survival (OS) between PCI group and non-PCI group.

Results: Seven studies including 1,462 patients were eligible for the current meta-analysis. Compared to non-PCI group, PCI group achieved decreased BM (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26–0.52) but similar OS (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.87–1.22). In subgroup analyses of BM, PCI decreased BM for subgroups by pathology (squamous cell carcinoma or non-squamous cell carcinoma) and local treatment modality (surgery or no surgery). However, PCI failed to reduce BM for patients with poor performance status (WHO 2–3). The incidence of PCI related toxicities was low and PCI was well-tolerated by the majority of NSCLC. Low grade neurocognitive function (NCF) decline was reported in NAVLT study and greater deterioration in immediate and delayed recall was reported in RTOG 0214. No significant difference in quality of life (QOL) after PCI was reported.

Conclusion: PCI reduces the incidence of BM except for patients with poor performance status. However, PCI fails to prolong OS significantly for NSCLC. An individual patient data meta-analysis may identify patients that could achieve OS prolongation with PCI.

Neoadjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery for intracerebral metastases of solid tumors (NepoMUC): a phase I dose escalation trial

Background

More than 25% of patients with solid cancers develop intracerebral metastases. Aside of surgery, radiation therapy (RT) is a mainstay in the treatment of intracerebral metastases. Postoperative fractionated stereotactic RT (FSRT) to the resection cavity of intracerebral metastases is a treatment of choice to reduce the risk of local recurrence. However, FSRT has to be delayed until a sufficient wound healing is attained; hence systemic therapy might be postponed. Neoadjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) might offer advantages over adjuvant FSRT in terms of better target delineation and an earlier start of systemic chemotherapy. Here, we conducted a study to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of neoadjuvant SRS for intracerebral metastases.

Methods

This is a single-center, phase I dose escalation study on neoadjuvant SRS for intracerebral metastases that will be conducted at the Klinikum rechts der Isar Hospital, Technical University of Munich. The rule-based traditional 3 + 3 design for this trial with 3 dose levels and 4 different cohorts depending on lesion size will be applied. The primary endpoint is the MTD for which no dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) occur. The adverse events of each participant will be evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 continuously during the study until the first follow-up visit (4–6 weeks after surgery). Secondary endpoints include local control rate, survival, immunological tumor characteristics, quality of life (QoL), CTCAE grade of late clinical, neurological, and neurocognitive toxicities. In addition to the intracerebral metastasis which is treated with neoadjuvant SRS and resection up to four additional intracerebral metastases can be treated with definitive SRS. Depending on the occurrence of DLT up to 72 patients will be enrolled. The recruitment phase will last for 24 months.

Discussion

Neoadjuvant SRS for intracerebral metastases offers potential advantages over postoperative SRS to the resection cavity, such as better target volume definition with subsequent higher efficiency of eliminating tumor cells, and lower damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and much-needed systemic chemotherapy could be initiated more rapidly.

Trial registration The local ethical review committee of Technical University of Munich (199/18S) approved this study on September 05, 2018. This trial was registered on German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00016613; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016613) on January 29, 2019.

Predictive value of a nomogram for melanomas with brain metastases at initial diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Estimation of incidence and prognosis of melanomas with brain metastases (MBM) at initial diagnosis based on a large cohort is lacking in current research. This study aims to construct an effective prognostic nomogram for newly diagnosed MBM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with melanomas from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in our study. Risk factors predicting brain metastases (BM) were identified using logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors of overall survival (OS). Nomogram for estimating 6-, 9-, and 12-month OS was established based on Cox regression analysis. The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram were tested using C statistics, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Sixty-two thousand three hundred and sixty-nine melanoma patients were enrolled, including 928 with BM. Sex, marital status, insurance status, subsite, surgery of primary sites, radiation, chemotherapy, bone metastases, liver metastases, and lung metastases were associated with MBM at initial diagnosis. On multivariable Cox regression, the following eight variables were incorporated in the prediction of OS: age, unmarried status, absence of surgery to primary sites or unknown, absence of radiation or unknown, absence of chemotherapy or unknown, with bone metastases, with liver metastases, and with lung metastases. The nomogram showed good predictive ability as indicated by discriminative ability and calibration, with the C statistics of 0.716 (95% CI, 0.695-0.737).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prognosis of MBM patients were well estimated in this study based on a large cohort. The nomogram performed well and could be a useful tool to predict prognosis.

Incidence and prognosis of brain metastases in cutaneous melanoma patients: a population-based study

Brain metastases (BM) from cutaneous melanoma are associated with poor prognosis. Population-based data describing the associated factors of incidence and prognosis of BM from melanoma are still lacking. We identified 121 255 melanoma patients diagnosed during 2010-2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, and identified predictive factors for incidence and survival of BM patients by using multivariable logistic and Cox's proportional hazard regression, respectively. We identified 1547 patients with BM at the time of diagnosis of malignant cutaneous melanoma, representing 1.3% of the entire cohort and 35.4% of the subset with metastatic disease. The characteristics associated with higher BM incidence were male sex, age 40-60 years, melanoma location of face/head/neck, histologic type of nodular, higher T-stage, ulceration and extracranial metastases. The median overall survival and median cutaneous melanoma specific survival of patients with BM was 5 and 6 months, respectively. The relative factors of poor survival were older age and more extracranial metastatic sites. In summary, we provided insight into the epidemiology of BM from cutaneous melanoma. These results may provide significant help to improve the screening strategy of BM strategy and update the existing prognosis evaluation system.

The role of EGFR mutation as a prognostic factor in survival after diagnosis of brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The brain is a common site for metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the mutational of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Methods

Searches were performed in PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies evaluating the association of EGFR mutation with OS in NSCLC patients through September 2017.

Results

4373 NSCLC patients with brain metastases in 18 studies were involved. Mutated EGFR associated with significantly improved OS compared with wild type. Subgroup analyses suggested that this relationship persisted in studies conducted in Eastern, with retrospective design, with sample size ≥500, mean age of patients ≥65.0 years, percentage male < 50.0%, percentage of patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor ≥30.0%. Finally, although significant publication bias was observed using the Egger test, the results were not changed after adjustment using the trim and fill method.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that EGFR mutation is an important predictive factor linked to improved OS for NSCLC patients with brain metastases. It can serve as a useful index in the prognostic assessment of NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5331-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cerebrospinal fluid cell-free tumour DNA as a liquid biopsy for primary brain tumours and central nervous system metastases

Challenges in obtaining tissue specimens from patients with brain tumours limit the diagnosis and molecular characterisation and impair the development of better therapeutic approaches. The analysis of cell-free tumour DNA in plasma (considered a liquid biopsy) has facilitated the characterisation of extra-cranial tumours. However, cell-free tumour DNA in plasma is limited in quantity and may not reliably capture the landscape of genomic alterations of brain tumours. Here, we review recent work assessing the relevance of cell-free tumour DNA from cerebrospinal fluid in the characterisation of brain cancer. We focus on the advances in the use of the cerebrospinal fluid as a source of cell-free tumour DNA to facilitate diagnosis, reveal actionable genomic alterations, monitor responses to therapy, and capture tumour heterogeneity in patients with primary brain tumours and brain and leptomeningeal metastases. Profiling cerebrospinal fluid cell-free tumour DNA provides the opportunity to precisely acquire and monitor genomic information in real time and guide precision therapies.

Management of brain metastases: history and the present

Brain metastases are significant causes of morbidity or mortality for patients with metastatic cancer. With the application of novel systematic therapy and improvement of overall survival, the prevalence of brain metastases is increasing. The paradigm of treatment for brain metastases evolved rapidly during the last 30 years due to the development of technology and emergence of novel therapy. Brain metastases used to be regarded as the terminal stage of cancer and left life expectancy to only 1 month. The application of whole brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases increased the life expectancy to 4–6 months in the 1980s. Following studies established surgical resection followed by the application of whole brain radiotherapy the standard treatment for patients with single metastasis and good systematic performance. With the development of stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery plus whole brain radiotherapy provides an alternative modality with superior neurocognitive protection at the cost of overall survival. In addition, stereotactic radiosurgery combined with whole brain radiotherapy may offer a promising modality for patients with numerous multiple brain metastases who are not eligible for surgical resection. With the advancing understanding of molecular pathway and biological behavior of oncogenesis and tumor metastasis, novel targeted therapy including tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy are applied to brain metastases. Clinical trials had revealed the efficacy of targeted therapy. Furthermore, the combination of targeted therapy and radiotherapy or chemotherapy is the highlight of current investigation. Advancement in this area may further change the treatment paradigm and offer better modality for patients who are not suitable for surgical resection or radiosurgery.

[Interest of robotic stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of brain metastases: Results of a retrospective, single center analysis]

PURPOSE

The management of malignant brain metastases becomes a main issue for the treatment of patients, because of the survival extension related to the improvement in systemic treatments. Robotic stereotactic radiosurgery (RSR) is a new approach in this indication. The purpose of this analysis was to define the efficacy of RSR, in order to determine prognostic factors of survival and factors of response.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a retrospective, single center (polyclinique de Bordeaux Nord Aquitaine) analysis performed from 2012 to 2015, involving patients with malignant brain metastases treated by RSR using the Cyberknife^® technique. We analyzed the following parameters: response to RSR, prognostic and predictive factors of response, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 72 RSRs were performed among 55 analyzed patients; 62 treatments were assessable with a median follow-up of 9.4 months. The main delivered dose on the 80%-isodose was 20Gy. A complete response was achieved in 40.3% of patients (stability or regression=83.9%). The overall survival was 13 months. The risk of failure was significantly correlated with the increase in metastasis size and non-adenocarcinoma histology. A performance status<2 was the main prognostic factor of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The RSR allowed treating 3 to 5 brain metastases, avoiding an entire brain irradiation, and maintaining survival and quality of life.

Comparison of Prognostic Indices in NSCLC Patients with Brain Metastases after Radiosurgery

Prognostic indices are commonly used in the context of brain metastases radiotherapy to guide patient decision-making and clinical trial stratification. This study is to choose an appropriate prognostic index (PI) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases (BM) who underwent radiosurgery. A total of 103 patients with BM from NSCLC receiving radiosurgery were analyzed retrospectively. There are six prognostic factors were analyzed, including age, primary tumor control, extracranial metastasis, KPS score, number of lesions, max lesion volume; and four prognostic indices were compared, include Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA),Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA), Score Index for Radiosurgery (SIR), Basic Score for Brain Metastases (BSBM). Survival curves were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with a log-rank test stratified according to the PIs. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression analysis. The PI's predictive capacity was compared in terms of Akaike information criterion (AIC), Log-rank × 2, Concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. The median survival time was 8 months, and the 6-months and 12-months survival rate were 61% and 26% respectively. All four prognostic indices were correlated with prognosis (P<0.005).The AIC for BSBM (686.317) was the minimum in the four PIs(range,686.317-739.113).The Log-rank × 2 value for BSBM (77.62) was the maximum in the four PIs (range,23.32-77.62).The C-index for BSBM (0.758)was superior than the other PIs predictive capacity (range,0.611-0.758). The calibration curve showed that the BSBM was able to predict 6-months and 12-months overall survival accurately. In conclusion, the BSBM may be the most accurate prognostic index for patients with BM from NSCLC who underwent radiosurgery.

[Association between EGFR, ALK and KRAS Gene Status and Synchronous Distant Organ Metastasis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

肺癌是我国恶性肿瘤的首位死亡疾病，据统计大约57%的肺癌患者就诊时已经出现了远处转移，临床预后较差。抗肺癌转移是当前治疗晚期转移性肺癌的新方向和思路。既往研究表明肿瘤的生物学改变在一定程度上能够影响肿瘤的转移行为和侵袭扩散模式，而目前的基础及临床研究尚未阐明导致肺癌相关信号转导途径中发生特异性器官转移的分子机制，有关驱动基因突变与器官转移之间相关性的研究也较为罕见。本篇综述旨在对近几年有关非小细胞肺癌表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR）、间变性淋巴瘤激酶（anaplastic lymphoma kinase, ALK）、Kristen鼠肉瘤病毒原癌基因同源体（V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue, KRAS）驱动基因表达的特点以及与转移器官分布之间相关性的文献进行小结。

The Role of Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Motor Mapping in Adjuvant Radiotherapy Planning in Patients With Supratentorial Brain Metastases

Purpose: In radiotherapy (RT) of brain tumors, the primary motor cortex is not regularly considered in target volume delineation, although decline in motor function is possible due to radiation. Non-invasive identification of motor-eloquent brain areas is currently mostly restricted to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which has shown to lack precision for this purpose. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a novel tool to identify motor-eloquent brain areas. This study aims to integrate nTMS motor maps in RT planning and evaluates the influence on dosage modulations in patients harboring brain metastases.

Materials and Methods: Preoperative nTMS motor maps of 30 patients diagnosed with motor-eloquent brain metastases were fused with conventional planning imaging and transferred to the RT planning software. RT plans of eleven patients were optimized by contouring nTMS motor maps as organs at risk (OARs). Dose modulation analyses were performed using dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters.

Results: By constraining the dose applied to the nTMS motor maps outside the planning target volume (PTV) to 15 Gy, the mean dose (Dmean) to the nTMS motor maps was significantly reduced by 18.1% from 23.0 Gy (16.9–30.4 Gy) to 18.9 Gy (13.5–28.8 Gy, p < 0.05). The Dmean of the PTV increased by 0.6 ± 0.3 Gy (1.7%).

Conclusion: Implementing nTMS motor maps in standard RT planning is feasible in patients suffering from intracranial metastases. A significant reduction of the dose applied to the nTMS motor maps can be achieved without impairing treatment doses to the PTV. Thus, nTMS might provide a valuable tool for safer application of RT in patients harboring motor-eloquent brain metastases.

Survival analysis for lung adenosquamous carcinoma patients with brain metastasis

Purpose: We retrospectively collected consecutive survival data of lung adenosquamous cell carcinoma (ASC) patients with brain metastasis (BM) in our institute and discussed the factors related to prognosis of these patients.

Patients and Methods: A total of 42 patients diagnosed as lung ASC with BM between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University were retrospectively reviewed. Time to BM (TTB) and overall survival (OS) data were analyzed. OS1 was calculated from the time ASC was diagnosed until the death of a patient. OS2 was defined as the duration from BM was first identified to the death of a patient. 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates were also computed. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression.

Results: The median TTB for all patients was 5.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8 - 10.6 months]. The median OS1 was 13.8 months (95%CI: 11.2 - 16.4 months). TTB longer than 12 months [adjusted HR: 0.15 (95%CI: 0.05 -0.48 vs. TTB≤ 6 months, P=0.001); 0.22 (95%CI: 0.07- 0.71, vs. TTB 6-12 months, P=0.010) and resection for BM lesions [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.47 (95%CI: 0.24 - 0.94 vs. not resected, P=0.032)] were independent predictors for a longer OS1. The median OS2 was 7.9 months (95%CI: 4.5 - 11.3 months). Treatment cycles more than 3 [adjusted HR: 0.41 (95%CI: 0.20 - 0.83 vs. treatment cycles <3, P=0.013)] was an independent predictor for a longer OS2.

Conclusions: This study shows that resection of BM if possible, and standard chemo-radiotherapy in patients with multiple BM lesions is associated with longer overall survival.

[Radionecrosis following stereotactic radiotherapy of a 3-cm brain metastasis: Can we improve the dosimetric results?]

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a major issue in the management of brain metastases. Radionecrosis is a major concern, especially for large lesions. Optimizing dosimetric parameters is essential to allow optimal local control rate while minimizing potential toxicity. We report the case of a 30-mm brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiotherapy after initial whole brain radiotherapy, complicated with symptomatic radionecrosis. A dose of 24Gy in three fractions on the 80% isodose were delivered using a dynamic conformal arc technique (Novalis TX^®). We realized a dosimetric comparison with: (i) optimization of initial conformal arc plan, (ii) volumetric modulated arctherapy with coplanar arcs and (iii) volumetric modulated arctherapy with coplanar and non-coplanar arcs. The optimal dose planning in terms of planning target volume coverage (99.2%) and normal brain sparing (V24Gy=0.4cm³, V18Gy=6.5cm³, V10Gy=25.4cm³, V5=83.9cm³) was obtained with volumetric modulated arctherapy with coplanar and non-coplanar arcs. Volumetric modulated arctherapy-based stereotactic irradiation with coplanar and non-coplonar arcs seems an interesting option for the treatment of large brain metastases to optimize dosimetric parameters.

Quality assurance analysis of hippocampal avoidance in a melanoma whole brain radiotherapy randomized trial shows good compliance

BACKGROUND

Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) often cause morbidity and mortality for stage IV melanoma patients. An ongoing randomised phase III trial (NCT01503827 - WBRT-Mel) evaluates the role of adjuvant whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) following local treatment of MBM. Hippocampal avoidance during WBRT (HA-WBRT) has shown memory and neurocognitive function (NCF) preservation in the RTOG-0933 phase II study. This study assessed the quality assurance of HA-WBRT within the WBRT-Mel trial according to RTOG-0933 study criteria.

METHODS

Hippocampal avoidance was allowed in approved centres with intensity-modulated radiotherapy capability. Patients treated by HA-WBRT were not randomized within the WBRT arm. The RTOG 0933 contouring Atlas was used to contour hippocampi. In the trial co-ordinating centre, patients were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy using complementary arcs; similar techniques were used at other sites. Dosimetric data were extracted retrospectively and analysed in accordance with RTOG 0933 study constraints criteria.

RESULTS

Among the 215 patients accrued to the WBRT-Mel study between April 2009 and September 2017, 107 were randomized to the WBRT arm, 22 were treated by HA-WBRT in 4 centers. Eighteen patients were treated in the same centre. The median age was 65 years. The commonest (91%) HA-WBRT schema was 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Prior to HA-WBRT, 10 patients had been treated by surgery alone, six by radiosurgery alone, four by surgery and radiosurgery and two exclusively by simultaneous integrated boost concurrent to HA-WBRT. Twenty patients were treated with intention to spare both hippocampi and two patients had MBM close to one hippocampus and were treated with intention to spare the contralateral hippocampus. According to RTOG-0933 study criteria, 18 patients (82%) were treated within constraints and four patients (18%) had unacceptable deviation in just one hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

This dosimetric quality assurance study shows good compliance (82%) according to RTOG-0933 study dosimetric constraints. Indeed, all patients respected RTOG hippocampal avoidance constraints on at least one hippocampus. In the futureanalysis of the WBRT-Mel trial, the NCF of patients on the observation arm, WBRT arm and with HA-WBRT arm will be compared.

Therapy of breast cancer brain metastases: challenges, emerging treatments and perspectives

Brain metastases are the most common central nervous system tumors in adults, and incidence of brain metastases is increasing due to both improved diagnostic techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging) and increased cancer patient survival through advanced systemic treatments. Outcomes of patients remain disappointing and treatment options are limited, usually involving multimodality approaches. Brain metastases represent an unmet medical need in solid tumor care, especially in breast cancer, where brain metastases are frequent and result in impaired quality of life and death. Challenges in the management of brain metastases have been highlighted in this review. Innovative research and treatment strategies, including prevention approaches and emerging systemic treatment options for brain metastases of breast cancer, are further discussed.

Mechanisms and Therapy for Cancer Metastasis to the Brain

Advances in chemotherapy and targeted therapies have improved survival in cancer patients with an increase of the incidence of newly diagnosed brain metastases (BMs). Intracranial metastases are symptomatic in 60–70% of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium is more sensitive than computed tomography and advanced neuroimaging techniques have been increasingly used in the detection, treatment planning, and follow-up of BM. Apart from the morphological analysis, the most effective tool for characterizing BM is immunohistochemistry. Molecular alterations not always reflect those of the primary tumor. More sophisticated methods of tumor analysis detecting circulating biomarkers in fluids (liquid biopsy), including circulating DNA, circulating tumor cells, and extracellular vesicles, containing tumor DNA and macromolecules (microRNA), have shown promise regarding tumor treatment response and progression. The choice of therapeutic approaches is guided by prognostic scores (Recursive Partitioning Analysis and diagnostic-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment-DS-GPA). The survival benefit of surgical resection seems limited to the subgroup of patients with controlled systemic disease and good performance status. Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) can be a complication, especially in posterior fossa metastases undergoing a “piecemeal” resection. Radiosurgery of the resection cavity may offer comparable survival and local control as postoperative whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT alone is now the treatment of choice only for patients with single or multiple BMs not amenable to surgery or radiosurgery, or with poor prognostic factors. To reduce the neurocognitive sequelae of WBRT intensity modulated radiotherapy with hippocampal sparing, and pharmacological approaches (memantine and donepezil) have been investigated. In the last decade, a multitude of molecular abnormalities have been discovered. Approximately 33% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations develop BMs, which are targetable with different generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs: gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, icotinib, and osimertinib). Other “druggable” alterations seen in up to 5% of NSCLC patients are the rearrangements of the “anaplastic lymphoma kinase” gene TKI (crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib). In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, breast cancer targeted therapies have been widely used (trastuzumab, trastuzumab-emtansine, lapatinib-capecitabine, and neratinib). Novel targeted and immunotherapeutic agents have also revolutionized the systemic management of melanoma (ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and BRAF inhibitors dabrafenib and vemurafenib).

Brain metastases epidemiology in a Tunisian population: trends and outcome

AIM

We reported anatomo-clinical features of brain metastases (BMs) collected in a Tunisian medical oncology department.

PATIENTS & METHODS

We retrospectively identified all cases of BM within a cohort of 7055 patients, treated for a histologically confirmed nonhematological cancer between 2000 and 2016. Data about age, sex and primary tumor were collected.

RESULTS

Incidence was 1.9% and mean age was 54 years with a 1.24 sex ratio. BMs were symptomatic in 73.7% of cases after a median time of 16 months. A total of 73.4% patients receiving local therapy, 88% by whole brain radiation therapy and 21.6% had a metastasectomy. Lung and breast cancers were the primary in 80% of the BM.

CONCLUSION

BM showed trends of young with underestimated incidence.

Risk factors and outcomes of severe acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in cancer patients: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk factors for severe acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (SARF-MV) and its effect upon clinical outcomes in critically ill cancer patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was carried out.

SETTING

A 12-bed oncological intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2014 to December 2015.

PATIENTS

A total of 878 consecutive cancer patients were included. Patients with an ICU stay of ≤1 day were excluded. The final sample size was 691 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

VARIABLES

Clinical variables at ICU admission were extracted from the medical records. The primary outcome was SARF-MV. We also measured ICU and hospital mortality, as well as length of stay.

RESULTS

The SARF-MV rate was 15.8%. The multivariate analysis identified brain tumour (OR 14.54; 95%CI 3.86-54.77; p<0.0001), stage IV cancer (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.26-9.54; p=0.016), sepsis upon admission (OR 2.28; 95%CI 1.14-4.56; p=0.020) and an APACHE II score≥20 points (OR 5.38; 95%CI 1.92-15.05; p=0.001) as being independently associated to SARF-MV. Compared with the patients without SARF-MV, those with SARF-MV had a prolonged length of ICU stay (p<0.0001), a lower ICU survival rate (p<0.0001) and a lower hospital survival rate (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A number of clinical factors are related to SARF-MV. In this regard, SARF-MV is a powerful factor independently correlated to poor outcomes. Future studies should investigate means for preventing SARF-MV in critically ill cancer patients, which may have an impact upon outcomes.

[Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastasis: Benefit of additional whole brain radiotherapy?]

PURPOSE

To study overall survival, risk of neurological death, local recurrence and development of new brain metastasis in patients treated for brain oligometastases with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with CyberKnife^®, according to the association or not with an additional whole brain irradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Institutional retrospective study of 102 patients treated for one to three brain metastasis: 76 with exclusive hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and 26 with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and whole brain irradiation. Objectives were assessed and compared between these two groups according to the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 18.8 months. There were no difference between exclusive hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with whole brain irradiation for overall survival (respective median 21.5 and 20.1 months), risk of neurological death (respectively 9.2% and 15.4% at one year). At one year: the risk of cerebral progressive disease was greater in the group receiving exclusive hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (respectively 43.4% vs. 26.2%, P=0.043), the risk of local recurrence was 25% versus 17.6% (P=0.28) and the development of new brain metastasis was 23.7% versus 11.5% (P=0.27). After salvage treatments, crude local control was similar in the two groups, respectively 78.6% and 73.5%. Whole brain irradiation has been avoided for 72.4% of patients in the group receving exclusive hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Whole brain irradiation improves local control of brain metastatic disease in addition to hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Sparing whole brain irradiation for salvage treatments only does not affect overall survival or risk of neurological death in selected patients with favourable prognosis.

EGFR and KRAS Mutations Predict the Incidence and Outcome of Brain Metastases in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of brain metastases (BM). The identification of driver oncogenes and matched targeted therapies has improved outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients; however, a better understanding of BM molecular biology is needed to further drive the process in this field. Methods: In this observational study, stage IV NSCLC patients tested for EGFR and KRAS mutations were selected, and BM incidence, recurrence and patients’ outcome were assessed. Results: A total of 144 patients (142 Caucasian and two Asian) were selected, including 11.27% with EGFR-mutant and 33.10% with KRAS-mutant tumors, and 57.04% patients had developed BM. BM incidence was more frequent in patients with EGFR mutation according to multivariate analyses (MVA) (Odds ratio OR = 8.745 [1.743–43.881], p = 0.008). Among patients with treated BM, recurrence after local treatment was less frequent in patients with KRAS mutation (OR = 0.234 [0.078–0.699], p = 0.009). Among patients with untreated BM, overall survival (OS) was shorter for patients with KRAS mutation according to univariate analysis (OR = 7.130 [1.240–41.012], p = 0.028), but not MVA. Conclusions: EGFR and KRAS mutations have a predictive role on BM incidence, recurrence and outcome in Caucasian NSCLC patients. These results may impact the routine management of disease in these patients. Further studies are required to assess the influence of other biomarkers on NSCLC BM.

[Imaging methods used in the differential diagnosis between brain tumour relapse and radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiosurgery of brain metastases: Literature review]

After stereotactic radiosurgery for a cerebral metastasis, one of the dreaded toxicities is radionecrosis. In the follow-up of these patients, it is impossible to distinguish radiation necrosis from tumour relapse either clinically or with MRI. In current practice, many imaging methods are designed such as special sequences of MRI (dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion and susceptibility-weighted imaging, diffusion), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, or more seldom 201-thallium single-photon emission computerized tomography. This article is a required literature analysis in order to establish a decision tree with the analysis of retrospective and prospective data.

Distribution of metastatic disease in the brain in relation to the hippocampus: a retrospective single-center analysis of 6064 metastases in 632 patients

This study aimed to investigate the patterns of brain metastasis and to explore the risk factors affecting hippocampus metastasis (HM). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of patients with metastatic disease in the brain. The associations between clinicopathologic variables with HM and peri-hippocampal metastasis (PHM) were evaluated in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. A total of 632 patients with 6064 metastatic lesions were recruited into the present study. Of these, 4.1% (26/632) of patients developed HM, and 5.5% (35/632) of patients developed PHM. Only 0.5% (31/6064) of metastatic lesions were located in the hippocampus and 0.6% (37/6064) were in the PHM. Age ≤60 years was an independent risk factor for HM (odds ratio [OR]: 2.602, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.115–6.076, P = 0.027) and PHM (OR: 2.555, 95%CI: 1.229–5.310, P = 0.012) in univariate and multivariate analyses. The hippocampus is a rare site of brain metastasis. Younger patients (age ≤60 years) had increased risk of developing HM and PHM. The current study provides the opportunity to investigate the clinical feasibility of hippocampal sparing whole brain radiation therapy, especially in older patients.

Gadolinium-Based Nanoparticles and Radiation Therapy for Multiple Brain Melanoma Metastases: Proof of Concept before Phase I Trial

Nanoparticles containing high-Z elements are known to boost the efficacy of radiation therapy. Gadolinium (Gd) is particularly attractive because this element is also a positive contrast agent for MRI, which allows for the simultaneous use of imaging to guide the irradiation and to delineate the tumor. In this study, we used the Gd-based nanoparticles, AGuIX®. After intravenous injection into animals bearing B16F10 tumors, some nanoparticles remained inside the tumor cells for more than 24 hours, indicating that a single administration of nanoparticles might be sufficient for several irradiations. Combining AGuIX® with radiation therapy increases tumor cell death, and improves the life spans of animals bearing multiple brain melanoma metastases. These results provide preclinical proof-of-concept for a phase I clinical trial.