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Redpath CJ, Crean AM, Nery PB, Nair GM, Golian M, Hansom S, Haberl C, deKemp R, Cuculich PS, Robinson CG, Lekx-Toniolo KS, Tiberi D, Cook G. Safety and Efficacy of Stereotactic Cardiac Radio-Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients at High Risk of Mortality. CJC Open 2025; 7:545-554. [PMID: 40433215 PMCID: PMC12105486 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2025.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Patients who have recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) despite receiving antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement, and catheter ablation (CA) are at significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Methods We offered completely noninvasive cardiac radio-ablation (CRA) on a "compassionate use" basis for patients who were unable or unwilling to undergo CA for recurrent VT despite their having received treatment with AADs and placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. All patients who were referred to the CRA program were entered into a prospective registry and followed indefinitely thereafter. Results A total of 20 patients were referred for CRA, and 10 elected to undergo the treatment as outpatients. Ten patients declined CRA therapy, owing to fear of complications and/or logistic concerns relating to attending multiple hospital visits; they received escalated drug therapy. All patients who were referred to and were agreeable to CRA received CRA. No patients were excluded or were denied CRA by clinicians for any reason, and all patients were followed clinically. The VT burden decreased significantly, by > 90% (both anti-tachycardia pacing and shocks), and 1 patient died of a cardiovascular cause at 1 year following a single CRA treatment of 25 Gy. One patient experienced steroid-responsive pneumonitis as an adverse event post-CRA (common terminology criteria for adverse events [CTCAE] grade 2). For the 10 patients who declined CRA, no appreciable reduction in VT occurred, despite their receipt of increasing dosages of AADs, and 5 patients died of cardiovascular causes within 1 year. Conclusions Noninvasive stereotactic CRA is well tolerated with good short-term efficacy for recurrent VT on a "compassionate use" basis. Prospective randomized controlled trials to determine the relative efficacy of CA vs CRA for VT are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum J. Redpath
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew M. Crean
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo B. Nery
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Girish M. Nair
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Golian
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Hansom
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Connor Haberl
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert deKemp
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phillip S. Cuculich
- Center for Noninvasive Cardiac Radioablation, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - David Tiberi
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham Cook
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Zeppenfeld K, Rademaker R, Al-Ahmad A, Carbucicchio C, De Chillou C, Cvek J, Ebert M, Ho G, Kautzner J, Lambiase P, Merino JL, Lloyd M, Misra S, Pruvot E, Sapp J, Schiappacasse L, Sramko M, Stevenson WG, Zei PC. Patient selection, ventricular tachycardia substrate delineation, and data transfer for stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society. Europace 2025; 27:euae214. [PMID: 39177652 PMCID: PMC12041921 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel, non-invasive, and promising treatment option for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). It has been applied in highly selected patients mainly as bailout procedure, when (multiple) catheter ablations, together with anti-arrhythmic drugs, were unable to control the VAs. Despite the increasing clinical use, there is still limited knowledge of the acute and long-term response of normal and diseased myocardium to STAR. Acute toxicity appeared to be reasonably low, but potential late adverse effects may be underreported. Among published studies, the provided methodological information is often limited, and patient selection, target volume definition, methods for determination and transfer of target volume, and techniques for treatment planning and execution differ across studies, hampering the pooling of data and comparison across studies. In addition, STAR requires close and new collaboration between clinical electrophysiologists and radiation oncologists, which is facilitated by shared knowledge in each collaborator's area of expertise and a common language. This clinical consensus statement provides uniform definition of cardiac target volumes. It aims to provide advice in patient selection for STAR including aetiology-specific aspects and advice in optimal cardiac target volume identification based on available evidence. Safety concerns and the advice for acute and long-term monitoring including the importance of standardized reporting and follow-up are covered by this document. Areas of uncertainty are listed, which require high-quality, reliable pre-clinical and clinical evidence before the expansion of STAR beyond clinical scenarios in which proven therapies are ineffective or unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Zeppenfeld
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Rademaker
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Electrophysiology, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Christian De Chillou
- CHU de Nancy, Cardiology, Institut Lorrain du Coeur et des Vaisseaux, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
| | - Jakub Cvek
- Radiation Oncology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Micaela Ebert
- Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gordon Ho
- Division of Cardiology, Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pier Lambiase
- Cardiology Department, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michael Lloyd
- Emory Electrophysiology, Electrophysiology Lab Director, EUH, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Satish Misra
- Atrium Health Sanger Heart Vascular Institute Kenilworth, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Etienne Pruvot
- Department of Cardiology, Lausanne University Hospital, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - John Sapp
- QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax Infirmary Site, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Luis Schiappacasse
- Department of Cardiology, Service de Radio-Oncologie, Lausanne University Hospital, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marek Sramko
- Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Paul C Zei
- Professor of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Kawamura M, Shimojo M, Tatsugami F, Hirata K, Fujita S, Ueda D, Matsui Y, Fushimi Y, Fujioka T, Nozaki T, Yamada A, Ito R, Fujima N, Yanagawa M, Nakaura T, Tsuboyama T, Kamagata K, Naganawa S. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for ventricular tachycardia: a review of clinical trials and emerging roles of imaging. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2025; 66:1-9. [PMID: 39656944 PMCID: PMC11753837 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrae090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a severe arrhythmia commonly treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation (CA). Although CA is effective in reducing recurrent VT, its impact on survival remains uncertain, especially in patients with extensive scarring. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) has emerged as a novel treatment for VT in patients unresponsive to CA, leveraging techniques from stereotactic body radiation therapy used in cancer treatments. Recent clinical trials and case series have demonstrated the short-term efficacy and safety of STAR, although long-term outcomes remain unclear. Imaging techniques, such as electroanatomical mapping, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging, play a crucial role in treatment planning by identifying VT substrates and guiding target delineation. However, challenges persist owing to the complex anatomy and variability in target volume definitions. Advances in imaging and artificial intelligence are expected to improve the precision and efficacy of STAR. The exact mechanisms underlying the antiarrhythmic effects of STAR, including potential fibrosis and improvement in cardiac conduction, are still being explored. Despite its potential, STAR should be cautiously applied in prospective clinical trials, with a focus on optimizing dose delivery and understanding long-term outcomes. Collaborative efforts are necessary to standardize treatment strategies and enhance the quality of life for patients with refractory VT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Kawamura
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumaicho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masafumi Shimojo
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumaicho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Fuminari Tatsugami
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shohei Fujita
- Department of Radiology, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Daiju Ueda
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matsui
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Fushimi
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujioka
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Taiki Nozaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akira Yamada
- Medical Data Science Course, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ito
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumaicho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Fujima
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yanagawa
- Department of Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakaura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuboyama
- Department of Radiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho,Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Koji Kamagata
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumaicho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
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Miszczyk M, Hoeksema WF, Kuna K, Blamek S, Cuculich PS, Grehn M, Molon G, Nowicka Z, van der Ree MH, Robinson CG, Sajdok M, Verhoeff JJC, Postema PG, Blanck O. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR)-A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective trials on behalf of the STOPSTORM.eu consortium. Heart Rhythm 2025; 22:80-89. [PMID: 39032525 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a noninvasive treatment of refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). In this study, we aimed to systematically review prospective trials on STAR and pool harmonized outcome measures in a meta-analysis. After registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023439666), we searched OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar on November 9, 2023, to identify reports describing results of prospective trials evaluating STAR for VT. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Meta-analysis was performed using generalized linear mixed models. We identified 10 prospective trials in which 82 patients were treated with STAR between 2016 and 2022. The 90-day rate of treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events was 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.2). The proportions of patients achieving given VT burden reductions were 0.61 (95% CI 0.45-0.74) for ≥95%, 0.80 (95% CI 0.62-0.91) for ≥75%, and 0.9 (95% CI 0.77-0.96) for ≥50% in 63 evaluable patients. The 1-year overall survival rate was 0.73 (95% CI 0.61-0.83) in 81 patients, 1-year freedom from recurrence was 0.30 (95% CI 0.16-0.49) in 61 patients, and 1-year recurrence-free survival was 0.21 in 60 patients (95% CI 0.08-0.46). Limitations include methodological heterogeneity across studies and moderate to significant risk of bias. In conclusion, STAR is a promising treatment method, characterized by moderate toxicity. We observed 1-year mortality of ≈27% in this population of critically ill patients suffering from refractory VT. Most patients experience a significant reduction in VT burden; however, 1-year recurrence rates are high. STAR should still be considered an investigational approach and recommended to patients primarily within the context of prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Miszczyk
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Collegium Medicum - Faculty of Medicine, WSB University, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland.
| | - Wiert F Hoeksema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper Kuna
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Sławomir Blamek
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Phillip S Cuculich
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Melanie Grehn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Giulio Molon
- Department of Cardiology, IRCCS S.Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar VR, Italy
| | - Zuzanna Nowicka
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Martijn H van der Ree
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clifford G Robinson
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mateusz Sajdok
- Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; Department of Electrocardiology, Upper Silesian Medical Center of the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; Doctoral School of the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joost J C Verhoeff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter G Postema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Blanck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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5
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Gupta A, Sattar Z, Chaaban N, Ranka S, Carlson C, Sami F, Robinson CG, Cuculich PS, Sheldon SH, Reddy M, Akhavan D, Noheria A. Stereotactic cardiac radiotherapy for refractory ventricular tachycardia in structural heart disease patients: a systematic review. Europace 2024; 27:euae305. [PMID: 39716963 PMCID: PMC11780863 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Among patients with structural heart disease with ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to medical therapy and catheter ablation, cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a paradigm-changing treatment option. This study aims to assess the efficacy of cardiac SBRT in refractory VT by comparing the rates of VT episodes, anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapies, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks post-SBRT with pre-SBRT. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a comprehensive literature search and included all clinical studies reporting outcomes on cardiac SBRT for VT. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as random-effects pooled rate-ratios of VT episodes, ATP therapies and ICD shocks post-SBRT (after 6-week blanking) and pre-SBRT, with patients serving as their own controls. Post-SBRT overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. We included 23 studies published 2017-24 reporting on 225 patients who received cardiac SBRT, with median follow-up 5.8-28 months. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies for all three efficacy endpoints (P < 0.00001). The random-effects pooled rate-ratios of VT episodes, ATP therapies and ICD shocks post- vs. pre-SBRT were 0.10 (95% CI 0.06, 0.16), 0.09 (0.05, 0.15), and 0.09 (0.05, 0.17), respectively (all P < 0.00001). The most common reported complications included pericardial (8.0%, including 0.9% late oesophagogastro-pericardial fistula) and pulmonary (5.8%). There was no change in left ventricular ejection fraction post-SBRT (P = 0.3) but some studies reported an increase in mitral regurgitation. The combined 3-, 12-, and 24-month overall patient survival was 0.86 (0.80, 0.90), 0.72 (0.65, 0.78), and 0.57 (0.47, 0.67), respectively. CONCLUSION Among patients with refractory VT in context of structural heart disease, VT burden and ICD shocks are dramatically reduced following cardiac SBRT. The overall mortality in this population with heart failure and refractory VT receiving palliative cardiac SBRT remains high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Gupta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 4023, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Zeeshan Sattar
- Department of General and Hospital Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Nourhan Chaaban
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Sagar Ranka
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cameron Carlson
- University of Denver, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Farhad Sami
- Division of Cardiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Clifford G Robinson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Phillip S Cuculich
- Cardiovascular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Seth H Sheldon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 4023, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Madhu Reddy
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 4023, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - David Akhavan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Amit Noheria
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 4023, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Kovacs B, Lehmann HI, Manninger M, Saguner AM, Futyma P, Duncker D, Chun J. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation and its implications for modern cardiac electrophysiology: results of an EHRA survey. Europace 2024; 26:euae110. [PMID: 38666444 PMCID: PMC11086561 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a treatment option for recurrent ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with structural heart disease (SHD). The current and future role of STAR as viewed by cardiologists is unknown. The study aimed to assess the current role, barriers to application, and expected future role of STAR. An online survey consisting of 20 questions on baseline demographics, awareness/access, current use, and the future role of STAR was conducted. A total of 129 international participants completed the survey [mean age 43 ± 11 years, 25 (16.4%) female]. Ninety-one (59.9%) participants were electrophysiologists. Nine participants (7%) were unaware of STAR as a therapeutic option. Sixty-four (49.6%) had access to STAR, while 62 (48.1%) had treated/referred a patient for treatment. Common primary indications for STAR were recurrent VT/VF in SHD (45%), recurrent VT/VF without SHD (7.8%), or premature ventricular contraction (3.9%). Reported main advantages of STAR were efficacy in the treatment of arrhythmias not amenable to conventional treatment (49%) and non-invasive treatment approach with overall low expected acute and short-term procedural risk (23%). Most respondents have foreseen a future clinical role of STAR in the treatment of VT/VF with or without underlying SHD (72% and 75%, respectively), although only a minority expected a first-line indication for it (7% and 5%, respectively). Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation as a novel treatment option of recurrent VT appears to gain acceptance within the cardiology community. Further trials are critical to further define efficacy, patient populations, as well as the appropriate clinical use for the treatment of VT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsar Kovacs
- Department of Cardiology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, 48109 MI, USA
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Helge Immo Lehmann
- Department of Cardiology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, 48109 MI, USA
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, 02114 MA, USA
| | - Martin Manninger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ardan Muammer Saguner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Futyma
- Medical College, University of Rzeszów and St. Joseph’s Heart Rhythm Center, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - David Duncker
- Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Chun
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Agaplesion Bethanien Krankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
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7
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Haberl C, Crean AM, Zelt JGE, Redpath CJ, deKemp RA. Role of Nuclear Imaging in Cardiac Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:427-437. [PMID: 38658301 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia common in patients with structural heart disease or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Many VTs originate from regions of fibrotic scar tissue, where delayed electrical signals exit scar and re-enter viable myocardium. Cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a completely noninvasive alternative to catheter ablation for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ventricular tachycardia. While there is no common consensus on the ideal imaging workflow, therapy planning for cardiac SBRT often combines information from a plurality of imaging modalities including MRI, CT, electroanatomic mapping and nuclear imaging. MRI and CT provide detailed anatomic information, and late enhancement contrast imaging can indicate regions of fibrosis. Electroanatomic maps indicate regions of heterogenous conduction voltage or early activation which are indicative of arrhythmogenic tissue. Some early clinical adopters performing cardiac SBRT report the use of myocardial perfusion and viability nuclear imaging to identify regions of scar. Nuclear imaging of hibernating myocardium, inflammation and sympathetic innervation have been studied for ventricular arrhythmia prognosis and in research relating to catheter ablation of VT but have yet to be studied in their potential applications for cardiac SBRT. The integration of information from these many imaging modalities to identify a target for ablation can be challenging. Multimodality image registration and dedicated therapy planning tools may enable higher target accuracy, accelerate therapy planning workflows and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmias, and localizing the arrhythmogenic tissues, is vital for successful ablation with cardiac SBRT. Nuclear imaging provides an arsenal of imaging strategies to identify regional scar, hibernation, inflammation, and sympathetic denervation with some advantages over alternative imaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Haberl
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON; Carleton University, Ottawa, ON
| | - Andrew M Crean
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON; North West Heart Center, University of Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jason G E Zelt
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
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8
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Stevens RRF, Hazelaar C, Fast MF, Mandija S, Grehn M, Cvek J, Knybel L, Dvorak P, Pruvot E, Verhoeff JJC, Blanck O, van Elmpt W. Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR): Assessment of cardiac and respiratory heart motion in ventricular tachycardia patients - A STOPSTORM.eu consortium review. Radiother Oncol 2023; 188:109844. [PMID: 37543057 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify the optimal STereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR) strategy for individual patients, cardiorespiratory motion of the target volume in combination with different treatment methodologies needs to be evaluated. However, an authoritative overview of the amount of cardiorespiratory motion in ventricular tachycardia (VT) patients is missing. METHODS In this STOPSTORM consortium study, we performed a literature review to gain insight into cardiorespiratory motion of target volumes for STAR. Motion data and target volumes were extracted and summarized. RESULTS Out of the 232 studies screened, 56 provided data on cardiorespiratory motion, of which 8 provided motion amplitudes in VT patients (n = 94) and 10 described (cardiac/cardiorespiratory) internal target volumes (ITVs) obtained in VT patients (n = 59). Average cardiac motion of target volumes was < 5 mm in all directions, with maximum values of 8.0, 5.2 and 6.5 mm in Superior-Inferior (SI), Left-Right (LR), Anterior-Posterior (AP) direction, respectively. Cardiorespiratory motion of cardiac (sub)structures showed average motion between 5-8 mm in the SI direction, whereas, LR and AP motions were comparable to the cardiac motion of the target volumes. Cardiorespiratory ITVs were on average 120-284% of the gross target volume. Healthy subjects showed average cardiorespiratory motion of 10-17 mm in SI and 2.4-7 mm in the AP direction. CONCLUSION This review suggests that despite growing numbers of patients being treated, detailed data on cardiorespiratory motion for STAR is still limited. Moreover, data comparison between studies is difficult due to inconsistency in parameters reported. Cardiorespiratory motion is highly patient-specific even under motion-compensation techniques. Therefore, individual motion management strategies during imaging, planning, and treatment for STAR are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul R F Stevens
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Colien Hazelaar
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Martin F Fast
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefano Mandija
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Melanie Grehn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jakub Cvek
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Knybel
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dvorak
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Etienne Pruvot
- Heart and Vessel Department, Service of Cardiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joost J C Verhoeff
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Blanck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Wouter van Elmpt
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Guarracini F, Tritto M, Di Monaco A, Mariani MV, Gasperetti A, Compagnucci P, Muser D, Preda A, Mazzone P, Themistoclakis S, Carbucicchio C. Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia: Current Technology and Evolving Indications. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10040172. [PMID: 37103051 PMCID: PMC10143260 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. According to current guidelines, cardioverter defibrillator implantation, antiarrhythmic drugs, and catheter ablation are established therapies in the management of ventricular arrhythmias but their efficacy is limited in some cases. Sustained ventricular tachycardia can be terminated by cardioverter-defibrillator therapies although shocks in particular have been demonstrated to increase mortality and worsen patients' quality of life. Antiarrhythmic drugs have important side effects and relatively low efficacy, while catheter ablation, even if it is actually an established treatment, is an invasive procedure with intrinsic procedural risks and is frequently affected by patients' hemodynamic instability. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for ventricular arrhythmias was developed as bail-out therapy in patients unresponsive to traditional treatments. Radiotherapy has been mainly applied in the oncological field, but new current perspectives have developed in the field of ventricular arrhythmias. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation provides an alternative non-invasive and painless therapeutic strategy for the treatment of previously detected cardiac arrhythmic substrate by three-dimensional intracardiac mapping or different tools. Since preliminary experiences have been reported, several retrospective studies, registries, and case reports have been published in the literature. Although, for now, stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation is considered an alternative palliative treatment for patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia and no other therapeutic options, this research field is currently extremely promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimo Tritto
- Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing Unit, Humanitas Mater Domini Hospital, 21053 Castellanza, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Monaco
- Cardiology Department, General Regional Hospital F. Miulli, 70021 Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Marco Valerio Mariani
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Gasperetti
- Department of Cardiology, ASST-Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Compagnucci
- Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Muser
- Cardiothoracic Department, University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alberto Preda
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizio Mazzone
- Cardiothoracovascular Department, Electrophysiology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Sakis Themistoclakis
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine and Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Corrado Carbucicchio
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
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