Single fraction radiotherapy is efficacious: a further analysis of the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study controlling for the influence of retreatment

Quality of Life Report Associated With Pain Response and Patient Classification System for Palliative Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE

A novel classification system has been proposed to stratify patients undergoing palliative radiation therapy based on their pain response and time to progression. This study used prospective observational data to quantify quality of life (QoL) changes associated with pain response and the classification system.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between August 2021 and September 2022, 366 painful lesions with a numerical rating scale of 2 or more from the 261 eligible patients underwent palliative radiation therapy. Patients were followed-up prospectively at 2, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks postradiation therapy, with EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and QLQ-BM22 questionnaires obtained simultaneously with pain response assessments. The primary endpoint was defined as the global health status/QoL improvements at 12 weeks based on minimally clinically important differences and compared by the pain response (responders vs. nonresponders) and by class 1 (no opioids, no reirradiation, n = 89), 2 (neither class 1 nor 3, n = 211), and 3 (opioids and reirradiation, n = 66).

RESULTS

With a median follow-up time of 21 weeks for pain response and 13 weeks for QoL assessment, 1773 pairs of QLQ-C15-PAL and QLQ-BM22 questionnaires were collected. The QoL assessment at baseline was covered with 97% (355/366) of lesions and 67% (183/273) at 12 weeks: this compliance was lower in nonresponders than in responders (57% vs. 72%, P = .004) and highest in class 1, followed by classes 2 and 3 (70% vs. 44% vs. 39%, P = .001). The improvement rate was significantly different by class, with class 3 having the lowest in all subscales except nausea and psychosocial aspects: the improvement rate of global health status/QoL was 33% in class 1, 31% in class 2, and 20% in class 3, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The QoL changes associated with pain response and the classification system were identified, suggesting that the classification system may help identify populations more or less likely to improve QoL, in addition to separating pain response rates.

Palliative Radiotherapy Near the End of Life: An Analysis of Factors Influencing the Administration of Radiotherapy in Advanced Tumor Disease

PURPOSE

Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) toward the end of life (EOL) in advanced tumor disease is contentious. Although EOL RT can alleviate cancer-related symptoms, relief typically occurs weeks to months after treatment, potentially compromising the quality of life of patients during the final stages. This study aims to assess factors influencing the decision-making process regarding EOL RT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study of a real-world cohort included 684 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of a solid tumor who died between 2017 and 2021. In these patients, factors potentially influencing the administration of EOL RT were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 684 patients, 164 received PRT, with 60 (36.6%) receiving EOL RT within the last 30 days of life. The median time from the last RT session to death was 55 days. Significant factors influencing EOL RT administration were age ≤65 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.75 [95% CI, 1.02 to 3.01]), Union for International Cancer Control stage IV (OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.41 to 5.46]), lung cancer (OR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.00 to 4.68]), palliative care referral (OR, 1.80 [95% CI, 0.98 to 3.30]), systemic anticancer treatment ≤30 days before death (OR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.05 to 3.33]), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 (OR, 3.73 [95% CI, 1.88 to 7.40]). Furthermore, RT near the EOL was more likely administered at multiple sites (OR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.00 to 4.29]) and with ≤5 fractions (OR, 2.37 [95% CI, 1.23 to 4.57]), while being associated with lower response rates (OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.21 to 0.86]) and increased therapy discontinuation (OR, 4.40 [95% CI, 1.45 to 13.37]).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight varying RT patterns influenced by specific factors, demonstrating the complexity of EOL treatment decisions in advanced cancer care. Identifying key factors for personalized, patient-centered EOL RT decisions warrants further investigation.

Palliative stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal and non-spinal bone metastases: combining tradition and innovation

Bone metastases can cause pain, fractures, radiculopathy, and metastatic epidural spinal cord compression, all of which substantially impair patients' quality of life. Conventional external beam radiotherapy (cEBRT) has been the standard treatment for symptomatic bone metastases. While the effectiveness and safety of cEBRT are well established, it has certain limitations, including a short duration of pain relief, limited long-term tumor control, and suboptimal efficacy against radioresistant tumors. Over the past decade, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been explored as a palliative treatment for bone metastases. SBRT enables the delivery of high doses of radiation to bone lesions by maximizing dose conformality. This treatment characteristic yields several clinical advantages, including considerable pain relief, durable tumor control, and efficacy against radioresistant tumors. SBRT has the potential to overcome the limitations of cEBRT and represents a promising approach that could revolutionize the treatment of bone metastases. This review addresses three clinical scenarios: painful spinal metastases, painful non-spinal bone metastases, and metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. For each scenario, we summarized the evidence for cEBRT and SBRT, highlighting the utility and potential of SBRT as an emerging treatment option.

Denosumab combined with radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery for advanced metastatic bone lesions and pathologic fractures: a retrospective case study of 38 patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pathologic and impending fractures occur in patients with advanced metastatic disease and necessitate surgical interventions with high risk of complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of combined treatment with denosumab and radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery in treating bone metastases of the pelvis and extremities.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 38 patients with impending and pathologic fractures due to carcinoma metastases who received monthly injections of denosumab (120 mg/dose) and radiotherapy. Twenty-three patients received denosumab and single-dose radiotherapy of 8 Gy, and 15 patients received denosumab and fractionated radiotherapy. We assessed pain, radiographic signs of fracture healing, survival and complications.

RESULTS

Of the 38 patients 36 experienced pain reduction. Callus formation was observed in 11/17 patients with pathologic fractures, and increased mineralization was found in 12/21 patients with impending fractures. In 23/38 patients, we found both pain reduction and callus formation or increased mineralization. There were no statistically significant differences in treatment outcomes between the patients who received denosumab and single-dose radiotherapy and those who received denosumab and fractionated radiotherapy. The survival rates at 30 days and 1 year were 95% and 56%, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Combined treatment with denosumab and radiotherapy may reduce pain and promote bone healing in patients with metastatic impending and pathologic fractures. In this combined treatment, the effect of single-dose radiotherapy appears to be comparable to that of fractionated regimens.

Reirradiation - still navigating uncharted waters?

With the emergence of high-precision radiotherapy technologies such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), MR guided brachytherapy, image guided intensity modulated photon and proton radiotherapy and most recently daily adaptive radiotherapy, reirradiation is increasingly recognized as a viable treatment option for many patients. This includes those with recurrent, metastatic or new malignancies post initial radiotherapy. The primary challenge in reirradiation lies in balancing tumor control against the risk of severe toxicity from cumulative radiation doses to previously irradiated normal tissue. Although technology for precise delivery has advanced at a fast pace, clinical practice of reirradiation still mostly relies on individual expertise, as prospective evidence is scarce, the level of reporting in clinical studies is not standardized and of low quality - especially with respect to cumulative doses received by organs at risk. A recent ESTRO/EORTC initiative proposed a standardized definition of reirradiation and formulated general requirements for minimal reporting in clinical studies [1]. As a consequence we found it timely to convene for an international and interdisciplinary meeting with experts in the field to summarize the current evidence, identify knowledge gaps and explore which best practices can be derived for safe reirradiation. The meeting was held on 15.06.2023 in Zurich and was endorsed by the scientific societies SASRO, DEGRO and ESTRO. Here, we report on available evidence and research priorities in the field of reirradiation, as discussed during the meeting.

Reirradiation of bone metastasis: A narrative review of the literature

Patients with bone metastasis are prevalent among those receiving palliative radiotherapy (RT), with approximately 20 % requiring reirradiation (reirradiation). The goal of bone reirradiation may be local control (oligoreoccurrence or oligoprogression of a previously treated lesion or in a previous treatment field) or symptomatic (threatening or painful progression). Published data on bone reirradiation indicate almost two-thirds of overall pain response. The primary organ at risk (especially for spine treatment) is the spinal cord. The risk of radiation myelitis is<1 % for cumulative doses of<50Gy. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and stereotactic RT (SRT) appear to be safer than three-dimensional RT (3DRT), although randomized trials comparing these techniques in reirradiation are lacking. Reirradiation requires multidisciplinary assessment. Alternative treatments for bone metastases (surgery, interventional radiology, etc.) must be considered. Patients should have a performance status≤2, with at least a 1-month interval between treatments. The planning process involves reviewing previous RT plans, cautious dose adjustments, and precise target delineation and dose distribution to minimize toxicity. Cumulative dosimetry, patient consent, and vigilant post-treatment monitoring and dose reporting are crucial.

Classification of Patients With Painful Tumors to Predict Response to Palliative Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify factors affecting pain response to develop a patient classification system for palliative radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Our prospective observational study (UMIN000044984) provided data on patients who received palliative RT for painful tumors. The eligibility criteria were having a numerical rating scale (NRS) score of 2 or more before treatment and receiving palliative RT between August 2021 and September 2022. Post-RT follow-up was scheduled prospectively at 2, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks. Pain response was assessed using the International Consensus Pain Response Endpoints criteria, with the primary outcome being the response rate within 12 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors affecting pain response and develop the classification system. Each class evaluated the differences in response rate, time to response, and progression.

RESULTS

Of the 488 registered lesions, 366 from 261 patients met the criteria. Most patients had bone metastases (75%), of whom 72% were using opioids and 22% underwent reirradiation. Conventional RT (eg, 8-Gy single fraction, 20 Gy in 5 fractions) was administered to 93% of patients. Over a median of 6.8 months of follow-up, the average NRS decreased from 6.1 to 3.4 at 12 weeks for 273 evaluable lesions, with a 60% response rate. Opioid use and reirradiation negatively affected the response rate in multivariate analysis (P < .01). Lesions were categorized into class 1 (no opioid use and no reirradiation; 89 lesions), class 2 (neither class 1 nor 3; 211 lesions), and class 3 (opioid use and reirradiation; 66 lesions), with respective response rates of 75%, 61%, and 36% (P < .001). Time to response was similar across the classes (P = .91), but the progression rates at 24 weeks differed (11%, 27%, and 63%, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use and reirradiation are factors leading to significant variations in pain response rates and time to progression.

External Beam Radiation Therapy for Palliation of Symptomatic Bone Metastases: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for palliative external beam radiation therapy (RT) in symptomatic bone metastases.

METHODS

The ASTRO convened a task force to address 5 key questions regarding palliative RT in symptomatic bone metastases. Based on a systematic review by the Agency for Health Research and Quality, recommendations using predefined consensus-building methodology were established; evidence quality and recommendation strength were also assessed.

RESULTS

For palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases, RT is recommended for managing pain from bone metastases and spine metastases with or without spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Regarding other modalities with RT, for patients with spine metastases causing spinal cord or cauda equina compression, surgery and postoperative RT are conditionally recommended over RT alone. Furthermore, dexamethasone is recommended for spine metastases with spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Patients with nonspine bone metastases requiring surgery are recommended postoperative RT. Symptomatic bone metastases treated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy in 1 fraction (800 cGy/1 fx), 2000 cGy/5 fx, 2400 cGy/6 fx, or 3000 cGy/10 fx. Spinal cord or cauda equina compression in patients who are ineligible for surgery and receiving conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 1600 cGy/2 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, or 3000 cGy/10 fx. Symptomatic bone metastases in selected patients with good performance status without surgery or neurologic symptoms/signs are conditionally recommended stereotactic body RT over conventional palliative RT. Spine bone metastases reirradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, 2400 cGy/6 fx, or 2000 cGy/8 fx; nonspine bone metastases reirradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, or 2400 cGy/6 fx. Determination of an optimal RT approach/regimen requires whole person assessment, including prognosis, previous RT dose if applicable, risks to normal tissues, quality of life, cost implications, and patient goals and values. Relatedly, for patient-centered optimization of treatment-related toxicities and quality of life, shared decision making is recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on published data, the ASTRO task force's recommendations inform best clinical practices on palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases.

EBCC-14 manifesto: Addressing disparities in access to innovation for patients with metastatic breast cancer across Europe

The European Breast Cancer Council (EBCC) traditionally identifies controversies or major deficiencies in the management of patients with breast cancer and selects a multidisciplinary expert team to collaborate in setting crucial principles and recommendations to improve breast cancer care. The 2024 EBCC manifesto focuses on disparities in the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer. There are several reasons for existing disparities both between and within countries. Our recommendations aim to address the stigma of metastatic disease, which has led to significant disparities in access to innovative care regardless of the gross national income of a country. These recommendations are for different stakeholders to promote the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer across Europe and worldwide.

Palliative radiotherapy: New prognostic factors for patients with bone metastasis

PURPOSE

Many cancer patients develop bone metastases, however the prognosis of overall survival differs. To provide an optimal treatment for these patients, especially towards the end of life, a reliable prediction of survival is needed. The goal of this study was to find new clinical factors in relation to overall survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospectively 22 clinical factors were collected from 734 patients. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used.

RESULTS

Most patients were diagnosed with lung cancer (29%), followed by prostate (19.8%) and breast cancer (14.7%). Median overall survival was 6.4months. Fourteen clinical factors showed significance in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analyses 6 factors were found to be significant for the overall survival: Karnofsky performance status, primary tumor, gender, total organs affected, morphine use and systemic treatment options after radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Morphine use and systemic treatment options after radiotherapy, Karnofsky performance status, primary tumor, gender and total organs affected are strong prediction factors on overall survival after palliative radiotherapy in patients with bone metastasis. These factors are easily applicable in the clinic.

Assessing the effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Palliative radiotherapy (RT) effectively relieves pain in patients with bone metastases (BMs). Furthermore, several clinical trials, in most cases conducted in high-income countries (HICs), proved that single-fraction RT is equally effective compared to multi-fractionated RT. However, the evidence is scarce regarding low/middle-income countries (LMICs), where the diagnosis of BMs could be later and RT techniques less advanced. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the efficacy of palliative RT of BMs in the LMIC setting. A literature search was performed independently by two authors on the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Overall, 333 records were screened and after the selection process, 11 papers were included in the analysis. Complete pain response rates ranged from 11.5% to 37.1% (median: 22%) for single-fraction RT and from 0% to 35.1% (median: 19%) for multi-fractionated RT. Partial pain response rates ranged from 23.1% to 76.9% (median: 53.8%) for single fraction RT and from 23.8% to 84.6% (median: 65%) for multi-fractionated RT. Four randomized trials compared single-fraction RT with multiple-fraction RT and none of them showed significant differences in terms of pain relief. Our analysis showed that pain response rates after palliative RT recorded in LMIC are like those reported in studies performed in HIC. Even in this setting, RT in single fraction shows comparable pain response rates to multifractional RT.

Implementation Strategies to Promote Short-Course Radiation for Bone Metastases

Importance

For patients with nonspine bone metastases, short-course radiotherapy (RT) can reduce patient burden without sacrificing clinical benefit. However, there is great variation in uptake of short-course RT across practice settings.

Objective

To evaluate whether a set of 3 implementation strategies facilitates increased adoption of a consensus recommendation to treat nonspine bone metastases with short-course RT (ie, ≤5 fractions).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective, stepped-wedge, cluster randomized quality improvement study was conducted at 3 community-based cancer centers within an existing academic-community partnership. Rollout was initiated in 3-month increments between October 2021 and May 2022. Participants included treating physicians and patients receiving RT for nonspine bone metastases. Data analysis was performed from October 2022 to May 2023.

Exposures

Three implementation strategies-(1) dissemination of published consensus guidelines, (2) personalized audit-and-feedback reports, and (3) an email-based electronic consultation platform (eConsult)-were rolled out to physicians.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was adherence to the consensus recommendation of short-course RT for nonspine bone metastases. Mixed-effects logistic regression at the bone metastasis level was used to model associations between the exposure of physicians to the set of strategies (preimplementation vs postimplementation) and short-course RT, while accounting for patient and physician characteristics and calendar time, with a random effect for physician. Physician surveys were administered before implementation and after implementation to assess feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of each strategy.

Results

Forty-five physicians treated 714 patients (median [IQR] age at treatment start, 67 [59-75] years; 343 women [48%]) with 838 unique nonspine bone metastases during the study period. Implementing the set of strategies was not associated with use of short-course RT (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.45-1.34; P = .40), with unadjusted adherence rates of 53% (444 lesions) preimplementation vs 56% (469 lesions) postimplementation; however, the adjusted odds of adherence increased with calendar time (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.20-2.36; P = .003). All 3 implementation strategies were perceived as being feasible, acceptable, and appropriate; only the perception of audit-and-feedback appropriateness changed before vs after implementation (19 of 29 physicians [66%] vs 27 of 30 physicians [90%]; P = .03, Fisher exact test), with 20 physicians (67%) preferring reports quarterly.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this quality improvement study, a multicomponent set of implementation strategies was not associated with increased use of short-course RT within an academic-community partnership. However, practice improved with time, perhaps owing to secular trends or physician awareness of the study. Audit-and-feedback was more appropriate than anticipated. Findings support the need to investigate optimal approaches for promoting evidence-based radiation practice across settings.

Radiation Therapy in the Last Month of Life: Association With Aggressive Care at the End of Life

CONTEXT

Half of the patients with cancer who undergo radiation therapy do so with palliative intent.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the proportion of undergoing radiation in the last month of life, patient characteristics, cancer course, the type and duration of radiation, whether palliative care was involved, and the of radiation with aggressive cancer care metrics.

METHODS

One thousand seven hundred twenty-seven patients who died of cancer between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, were included. Demographics, cancer stage, palliative care referral, advance directives, use of home health care, radiation timing, and survival were collected. Type of radiation, course, and intent were reviewed. Chi-square analysis was utilized for categorical variables, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables. A stepwise selection was used to build a Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-three patients underwent radiation in the last month of life. Younger patients underwent radiation 67.3 years (SD 11.52) versus 69.2 years (SD 11.96). 42.6% had radiation within two weeks of death. The average fraction number was 5.5. Individuals undergoing radiation were more likely to start chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life, continue chemotherapy within two weeks of death, be admitted to the ICU, and have two or more hospitalizations or emergency room visits. Survival measured from the date of diagnosis was shorter for those undergoing radiation, 122 days (IQR 58-462) versus 474 days (IQR 225-1150). Palliative care consultations occurred later in those undergoing radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Radiation therapy in the last month of life occurs in younger patients with rapidly progressive cancer, who are subject to more aggressive cancer care, and have late palliative care consults.

Randomized controlled study of pain education in patients receiving radiotherapy for painful bone metastases

BACKGROUND

Although short-course radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with painful bone metastases, pain is not always sufficiently controlled. We therefore investigated the additional effect of a nurse-led pain education program on pain control and quality of life (QoL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter study, patients with solid tumor bone metastases and a worst pain intensity of ≥5 on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS) were randomized between care as usual (control-group) and care as usual plus the Pain Education Program (PEP-group). PEP consisted of a structured interview and personalized education with follow-up phone calls. Patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory, EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and BM22 at week 0, 1, 4, 8 and 12. The primary outcome was pain control, defined as the number of patients whose worst pain intensity was <5 on a 0-10 NRS after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were time to reach control of pain (NRS < 5), mean worst pain and average pain, and QoL at weeks 1, 4, 8 and 12.

RESULTS

Of 308 included patients, 182 (92 PEP-group) completed 12 weeks follow-up. At 12 weeks, more patients in the PEP-group (71%) compared to the control-group (52%) reported pain control (P =.008). In the PEP-group, pain control was reached earlier than in the control-group (median 29 days versus 56 days; P =.003). Mean worst and average pain decreased in both groups but decreased more in the PEP-group. QoL did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The addition of PEP to care as usual for patients treated with radiotherapy for painful bone metastases resulted in less pain and faster pain control.

Evaluation of a workflow for cone-beam CT-guided online adaptive palliative radiotherapy planned using diagnostic CT scans

PURPOSE

Single-visit radiotherapy (RT) is beneficial for patients requiring pain control and can limit interruptions to systemic treatments. However, the requirement for a dedicated planning CT (pCT)-scan can result in treatment delays. We developed a workflow involving preplanning on available diagnostic CT (dCT) imaging, followed by online plan adaption using a cone-beam CT (CBCT)-scan prior to RT-delivery, in order to account for any changes in anatomy and target position.

METHODS

Patients previously treated with palliative RT for bone metastases were selected from our hospital database. Patient dCT-images were deformed to treatment CBCTs in the Ethos platform (Varian Medical Systems) and a synthetic CT (sCT) generated. Treatment quality was analyzed by comparing a coverage of the V95% of the planning/clinical target volume and different organ-at-risk (OAR) doses between adapted and initial clinical treatment plans. Doses were recalculated on the CBCT and sCT in a separate treatment planning system. Adapted plan doses were measured on-couch using an anthropomorphic phantom with a Gafchromic EBT3 dosimetric film and compared to dose calculations.

RESULTS

All adapted treatment plans met the clinical goals for target and OARs and outperformed the original treatment plans calculated on the (daily) sCT. Differences in V95% of the target volume coverage between the initial and adapted treatments were <0.2%. Dose recalculations on CBCT and sCT were comparable, and the average gamma pass rate (3%/2 mm) of dosimetric measurements was 98.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Online daily adaptive RT using dCTs instead of a dedicated pCT is feasible using the Ethos platform. This workflow has now been implemented clinically.

Same-day adaptive palliative radiotherapy without prior CT simulation: Early outcomes in the FAST-METS study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Standard palliative radiotherapy workflows involve waiting times or multiple clinic visits. We developed and implemented a rapid palliative workflow using diagnostic imaging (dCT) for pre-planning, with subsequent on-couch target and plan adaptation based on a synthetic computed tomography (CT) obtained from cone-beam CT imaging (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with painful bone metastases and recent diagnostic imaging were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, ethics-approved study. The workflow consisted of 1) telephone consultation with a radiation oncologist (RO); 2) pre-planning on the dCT using planning templates and mostly intensity-modulated radiotherapy; 3) RO consultation on the day of treatment; 4) CBCT scan with on-couch adaptation of the target and treatment plan; 5) delivery of either scheduled or adapted treatment plan. Primary outcomes were dosimetric data and treatment times; secondary outcome was patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

47 patients were enrolled between December 2021 and October 2022. In all treatments, adapted treatment plans were chosen due to significant improvements in target coverage (PTV/CTV V95%, p-value < 0.005) compared to the original treatment plan calculated on daily anatomy. Most patients were satisfied with the workflow. The average treatment time, including consultation and on-couch adaptive treatment, was 85 minutes. On-couch adaptation took on average 30 min. but was longer in cases where the automated deformable image registration failed to correctly propagate the targets.

CONCLUSION

A fast treatment workflow for patients referred for painful bone metastases was implemented successfully using online adaptive radiotherapy, without a dedicated CT simulation. Patients were generally satisfied with the palliative radiotherapy workflow.

Pain Response Rates After Conventional Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastases Assessed Using International Consensus Pain Response Endpoints: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Initial Radiation Therapy and Reirradiation

Previous meta-analysis of conventional radiation therapy for painful bone metastases showed overall response (OR) rates of 72% to 75% (evaluable patients), 61% to 62% (intent-to-treat patients) for initial radiation therapy, and 68% for reirradiation (evaluable patients). However, the definition of pain response differed among the studies included. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pain response rates assessed by the International Consensus Pain Response Endpoints (ICPRE) for both initial radiation therapy and reirradiation. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for articles published between 2002 and 2021. The inclusion criteria were (1) prospective studies or studies based on prospectively collected data and (2) studies in which pain response was assessed using ICPRE. Our primary outcomes of interest were the OR rates (sum of the complete and partial response rates) for both initial radiation therapy and reirradiation. Of the 6470 articles identified in our database search, 32 and 3 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis of initial radiation therapy and reirradiation, respectively. The OR rates of initial radiation therapy in evaluable patients (n = 4775) and intent-to-treat patients (n = 6775) were 60.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.2-65.4) and 45.4% (95% CI, 38.7-52.4), respectively. The OR rates of reirradiation in evaluable patients (n = 733) and intent-to-treat patients (n = 1085) were 70.8% (95% CI, 15.7-96.9) and 62.2% (95% CI, 5.3-98.0), respectively. Subgroup analyses of initial radiation therapy including the comparison of randomized and nonrandomized studies showed no significant differences in any comparison, indicating similar response rates across different study designs. For initial radiation therapy, we determined the ICPRE-assessed response rates, which were lower than previously reported. The OR and complete response rates should be benchmarks for future randomized and nonrandomized studies. For reirradiation, the wide CIs demonstrate that the response rates based on ICPRE require further investigation.

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Painful Bone Metastases in Europe, A Group Concept Mapping Study

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is an innovative treatment for patients with painful bone metastases. The adoption of MR-HIFU will be influenced by several factors beyond its effectiveness. To identify contextual factors affecting the adoption of MR-HIFU, we conducted a group concept mapping (GCM) study in four European countries. The GCM was conducted in two phases. First, the participants brainstormed statements guided by the focus prompt "One factor that may influence the uptake of MR-HIFU in clinical practice is...". Second, the participants sorted statements into categories and rated the statements according to their importance and changeability. To generate a concept map, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were conducted, and average ratings for each (cluster of) factors were calculated. Forty-five participants contributed to phase I and/or II (56% overall participation rate). The resulting concept map comprises 49 factors, organized in 12 clusters: "competitive treatments", "physicians' attitudes", "alignment of resources", "logistics and workflow", "technical disadvantages", "radiotherapy as first-line therapy", "aggregating knowledge and improving awareness", "clinical effectiveness", "patients' preferences", "reimbursement", "cost-effectiveness" and "hospital costs". The factors identified echo those from the literature, but their relevance and interrelationship are case-specific. Besides evidence on clinical effectiveness, contextual factors from 10 other clusters should be addressed to support adoption of MR-HIFU.

Simulation-Free Radiation Therapy: An Emerging Form of Treatment Planning to Expedite Plan Generation for Patients Receiving Palliative Radiation Therapy

Purpose

Herein we report the clinical and dosimetric experience for patients with metastases treated with palliative simulation-free radiation therapy (SFRT) at a single institution.

Methods and Materials

SFRT was performed at a single institution. Multiple fractionation regimens were used. Diagnostic imaging was used for treatment planning. Patient characteristics as well as planning and treatment time points were collected. A matched cohort of patients with conventional computed tomography simulation radiation therapy (CTRT) was acquired to evaluate for differences in planning and treatment time. SFRT dosimetry was evaluated to determine the fidelity of SFRT. Descriptive statistics were calculated on all variables and statistical significance was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and t test methods.

Results

Thirty sessions of SFRT were performed and matched with 30 sessions of CTRT. Seventy percent of SFRT and 63% of CTRT treatments were single fraction. The median time to plan generation was 0.88 days (0.19-1.47) for SFRT and 1.90 days (0.39-5.23) for CTRT (P = .02). The total treatment time was 41 minutes (28-64) for SFRT and 30 minutes (21-45) for CTRT (P = .02). In the SFRT courses, the maximum and mean deviations in the actual delivered dose from the approved plans for the maximum dose were 4.1% and 0.07%, respectively. All deliveries were within a 5% threshold and deemed clinically acceptable.

Conclusions

Palliative SFRT is an emerging technique that allowed for a statistically significant lower time to plan generation and was dosimetrically acceptable. This benefit must be weighed against increased total treatment time for patients receiving SFRT compared with CTRT, and appropriate patient selection is critical.

Focused Ultrasound and RadioTHERapy for non-invasive palliative pain treatment in patients with bone metastasis: a study protocol for the three armed randomized controlled FURTHER trial

BACKGROUND

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP), caused by bone metastases, is a common complication of cancer and strongly impairs quality of life (QoL). External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the current standard of care for treatment of CIBP. However, approximately 45% of patients have no adequate pain response after EBRT. Magnetic resonance image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) may improve pain palliation in this patient population. The main objective of this trial was to compare MR-HIFU, EBRT, and MR-HIFU + EBRT for the palliative treatment of bone metastases.

METHODS/DESIGN

The FURTHER trial is an international multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial. A total of 216 patients with painful bone metastases will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive EBRT only, MR-HIFU only, or combined treatment with EBRT followed by MR-HIFU. During a follow-up period of 6 months, patients will be contacted at eight time points to retrieve information about their level of pain, QoL, and the occurrence of (serious) adverse events. The primary outcome of the trial is pain response at 14 days after start of treatment. Secondary outcomes include pain response at 14 days after trial enrolment, pain scores (daily until the 21st day and at 4, 6, 12 and 24 weeks), toxicity, adverse events, QoL, and survival. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis will be conducted.

DISCUSSION

The FURTHER trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MR-HIFU-alone or in combination with EBRT-compared to EBRT to relieve CIBP. The trial will be performed in six hospitals in four European countries, all of which are partners in the FURTHER consortium.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The FURTHER trial is registered under the Netherlands Trials Register number NL71303.041.19 and ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT04307914. Date of trial registration is 13-01-2020.

Management of Long Bones Metastatic Disease: Concepts That We All Know but Not Always Remember

Bones are the third most common site of metastatic disease. Treatment is rarely curative; rather, it seeks to control disease progression and palliate symptoms. Imaging evaluation of a patient with symptoms of metastatic bone disease should begin with plain X-rays. Further imaging consists of a combination of (PET)-CT scan and bone scintigraphy. We recommend performing a biopsy after imaging workup has been conducted. Metastatic bone disease is managed with a combination of systemic treatment, radiotherapy (RT), and surgery. External beam RT (EBRT) is used for pain control and postoperatively after fracture stabilization. Single-fraction and multiple-fractions schemes are equally effective achieving pain control. Adequate assessment of fracture risk should guide the decision to stabilize an impending fracture. Despite low specificity, plain X-rays are the first tool to determine risk of impending fractures. CT scan offers a higher positive predictive value and can add diagnostic value. Surgical management depends on the patient's characteristics, tumor type, and location of fracture/bone stock. Fixation options include plate and screw fixation, intramedullary (IM) nailing, and endoprostheses. Despite widespread use, the need for prophylactic stabilization of the entire femur should be individually analyzed in each patient due to higher complication rates of long stems.

Replacing performance status with a simple patient-reported outcome in palliative radiotherapy prognostic modelling

Background and purpose

Prognostication is key to determining care in advanced incurable cancer. Although performance status (PS) has been shown to be a strong prognostic predictor, inter-rater reliability is limited, restricting models to specialist settings. This study assessed the extent to which a simple patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), the EQ-5D, may replace PS for prognosis of patients with bone metastases.

Materials and methods

Data from 1,011 patients in the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study were used. Cox proportional hazards models were developed to investigate the prognostic value of models incorporating PS alone, the EQ-5D SC dimension alone, all EQ-5D dimensions and EQ-VAS, and finally all dimensions and PS. Three prognostic groups were identified and performance assessed using the Harrell's C-index and Altman-Royston index of separation.

Results

Replacing performance status (PS) with the self-care (SC) dimension of the EQ-5D provides similar model performance. In our SC-based model, three groups are identified with median survival of 86 days (95 % CI 76-101), 174 days (95 % CI 145-213), and 483 days (95 % CI 431-539). Whilst not statistically significantly different, the C-index was 0.706 for the PS-only model, 0.718 for SC-only and 0.717 in our full model, suggesting patient-report outcome models perform as well as that based on PS.

Conclusion

Prognostic performance was similar across all models. The SC model provides prognostic value similar to that of PS, particularly where a prognosis of<6 months is considered. Larger, more contemporaneous studies are needed to assess the extent to which PROMs may be of prognostic value, particularly where specialist assessment is less feasible.

Early economic modeling of magnetic resonance image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound compared to radiotherapy for pain palliation of bone metastases

Introduction

Magnetic Resonance Image-guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment option for palliative patients with painful bone metastases. Early evidence suggests that MR-HIFU is associated with similar overall treatment response, but more rapid pain palliation compared to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). This modelling study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of MR-HIFU as an alternative treatment option for painful bone metastases from the perspective of the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI).

Materials and methods

A microsimulation model with lifelong time horizon and one-month cycle length was developed. To calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), strategy A (MR-HIFU as first-line treatment or as retreatment option in case of persistent pain or only partial pain relief after EBRT) was compared to strategy B (EBRT alone) for patients with bone metastases due to breast, prostate, or lung cancer. Input parameters used for the model were extracted from the literature. Results were expressed as EUR per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and EUR per pain response (i.e., months spent with complete or partial pain response). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to test the robustness of results, and a value of information analysis was conducted.

Results

Compared to strategy B, strategy A resulted in additional costs (EUR 399) and benefits (0.02 QALYs and 0.95 months with pain response). In the base case, the resulting ICERs (strategy A vs. strategy B) are EUR 19,845/QALY and EUR 421 per pain response. Offering all patients MR-HIFU as first-line treatment would increase the ICER by 50% (31,048 EUR/QALY). PSA showed that at a (hypothetical) willingness to pay of EUR 20,000/QALY, the probability of MR-HIFU being cost-effective was 52%. The expected value of perfect information (EVPI) for the benefit population in Germany is approximately EUR 190 Mio.

Conclusion

Although there is considerable uncertainty, the results demonstrate that introducing MR-HIFU as a treatment alternative for painful bone metastases might be cost-effective for the German SHI. The high EVPI indicate that further studies to reduce uncertainty would be worthwhile.

ESTRO ACROP guidelines for external beam radiotherapy of patients with uncomplicated bone metastases

After liver and lungs, bone is the third most common metastatic site (Nystrom et al., 1977). Almost all malignancies can metastasize to the skeleton but 80% of bone metastases originate from breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancer (Mundy, 2002). Introduction of effective systemic treatment in many cancers has prolonged patients' survival, including those with bone metastases. Bone metastases may significantly reduce quality of life due to related symptoms and possible complications, such as pain and neurologic compromise. The most serious complications of bone metastases are skeletal-related events (SRE), defined as pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, pain, or other symptoms requiring an urgent intervention such as surgery or radiotherapy. In turn, growing access to modern diagnostic tools allows early detection of asymptomatic bone metastases that could be successfully managed with local treatment avoiding development of SRE. The treatment for bone metastases should focus on relieving existing symptoms and preventing new ones. Radiotherapy is the standard of care for patients with symptomatic bone metastases, providing durable pain relief with minimal toxicity and reasonable cost-effectiveness. Historically, the dose was prescribed in one to five fractions and delivered using simple planning techniques. While 3D-conformal radiotherapy is still widely used for treating bone metastases, introduction of highlyconformal radiotherapy techniques such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have opened new therapeutic possibilities that should be considered in selected patients with bone metastases.

Feasibility of postoperative spine stereotactic body radiation therapy in proximity of carbon and titanium hybrid implants using a robotic radiotherapy device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility of postoperative stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with hybrid implants consisting of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone and titanium (CFP-T) using CyberKnife.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All essential steps within a radiation therapy (RT) workflow were evaluated. First, the contouring process of target volumes and organs at risk (OAR) was done for patients with CFP-T implants. Second, after RT-planning, the accuracy of the calculated dose distributions was tested in a slab phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom using film dosimetry. As a third step, the accuracy of the mandatory image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) including automatic matching was assessed using the anthropomorphic phantom. For this goal, a standard quality assurance (QA) test was modified to carry out its IGRT part in presence of CFP-T implants.

RESULTS

Using CFP-T implants, target volumes could precisely delineated. There was no need for compromising the contours to overcome artifact obstacles. Differences between measured and calculated dose values were below 11% for the slab phantom, and at least 95% of the voxels were within 5% dose difference. The comparisons for the anthropomorphic phantom showed a gamma-passing rate (5%, 1 mm) of at least 97%. Additionally the test results with and without CFP-T implants were comparable. No issues concerning the IGRT were detected. The modified machine QA test resulted in a targeting error of 0.71 mm, which corresponds to the results of the unmodified standard tests.

CONCLUSION

Dose calculation and delivery of postoperative spine SBRT is feasible in proximity of CFP-T implants using a CyberKnife system.

Spinal metastasis: narrative reviews of the current evidence and treatment modalities

The treatment for spinal metastasis has evolved significantly during the past decade. An advancement in systemic therapy has led to a prolonged overall survival in cancer patients, thus increasing the incidence of spinal metastasis. In addition, with the improved treatment armamentarium, the prediction of patient survival using traditional prognostic models may have limitations and these require the incorporation of some novel parameters to improve their prognostic accuracy. The development of minimally-invasive spinal procedures and minimal access surgical techniques have facilitated a quicker patient recovery and return to systemic treatment. These modern interventions help to alleviate pain and improve quality of life, even in candidates with a relatively short life expectancy. Radiotherapy may be considered in non-surgical candidates or as adjuvant therapy for improving local tumour control. Stereotactic radiosurgery has facilitated this even in radioresistant tumours and may even replace surgery in radiosensitive malignancies. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence leading to the paradigm shifts in the modern treatment of spinal metastasis.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Non-Spine Bone Metastases: Results of a Modified Delphi Consensus Process

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Evidence is emerging for new paradigms in the management of non-spine bone metastases.

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Consensus was feasible amongst physicians in both academic and community-based practice settings.

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Topics deemed of highest importance for consensus included referral for surgical stabilization and approach to peri-operative radiation, preferred radiation fractionation and appropriate use of stereotactic techniques, and clinical scenarios classified as potentially “complex” warranting multidisciplinary discussion.

Purpose

Methods and Materials

Results

Conclusions

A time-driven activity-based costing approach of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for cancer-induced bone pain

OBJECTIVE

To determine resource consumption and total costs for providing magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) treatment to a patient with cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP).

METHODS

We conducted a time-driven activity-based costing (TD-ABC) of MR-HIFU treatments for CIBP from a hospital perspective. A European care-pathway (including a macro-, meso-, and micro-level) was designed to incorporate the care-delivery value chain. Time estimates were obtained from medical records and from prospective direct observations. To calculate the capacity cost rate, data from the controlling department of a German university hospital were allocated to the modules of the care pathway. Best- and worst-case scenarios were calculated by applying lower and upper bounds of time measurements.

RESULTS

The macro-level care pathway consisted of eight modules (i.e., outpatient consultations, pretreatment imaging, preparation, optimization, sonication, post-treatment, recovery, and anesthesia). The total cost of an MR-HIFU treatment amounted to €5147 per patient. Best- and worst-case scenarios yielded a total cost of €4092 and to €5876. According to cost categories, costs due to equipment accounted for 41% of total costs, followed by costs with personnel (32%), overhead (16%) and materials (11%).

CONCLUSION

MR-HIFU is an emerging noninvasive treatment for alleviating CIBP, with increasing evidence on treatment efficacy. This costing study can support MR-HIFU reimbursement negotiations and facilitate the adoption of MR-HIFU as first-line treatment for CIBP. The present TD-ABC model creates the opportunity of benchmarking the provision of MR-HIFU to bone tumor.Key pointsMagnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is an emerging noninvasive treatment modality for alleviating cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP).From a hospital perspective, the total cost of MR-HIFU amounted to €5147 per treatment.This time-driven activity-based costing model creates the opportunity of benchmarking the provision of MR-HIFU to bone tumor.

Personalized Treatment Selection Leads to Low Rates of Local Salvage Therapy for Bone Metastases

PURPOSE

Local therapy for patients with nonspine bone metastases is evolving, with data supporting the use of single-fraction treatments, and more recently, showing possible benefit from stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). However, the rate of local salvage therapy (LST) after each technique has not been characterized in real-world clinic settings where patients are selected at physician discretion. We examined rates of LST in patients with nonspine bone metastases.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We reviewed records of RT for nonspine bone metastases at our institution from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. We defined LST as the first occurrence of RT or surgery for oncologic progression to a bone metastasis after initial RT. Cumulative incidence functions for retreatment were generated. We conducted multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with LST.

RESULTS

A total of 1754 patients were analyzed, with median follow-up of 16.2 months (range, 0-36.8 months). Of all episodes of RT, 51.5% were multifraction external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), 7.0% were single-fraction EBRT, and 41.4% were SBRT. Altogether, 88 patients (5.0%) required LST, with an incidence at 6 months of 2.5%. Incidence of LST at 6 months was 2.1% for SBRT, 5.3% for single-fraction conventional regimens, and 2.4% for multifraction conventional regimens (P = .26). Patients of younger age, who had a higher Karnofsky performance status, and/or who had lesions in the pelvis had a higher risk of retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large institutional cohort, the rate of LST was low, with no difference between RT techniques. The findings indicated that SBRT for patients at high risk for treatment failure may reduce the rate of retreatment overall. When treatment modality was selected based on patient characteristics, rates of LST were lower than when treatment was randomly selected.

Palliative Radiation for Cancer Pain Management

Bone metastases are the most common cause of cancer-related pain. Radiation therapy (RT) is a very common and effective treatment to relieve pain. Conventionally fractionated RT typically consists of the following regimens: 8 Gy in a single treatment, 20 Gy in five fractions, 24 Gy in six fractions, or 30 Gy in ten fractions. All treatment regimens have similar rates of pain relief (range 50-80%), with single-fraction treatment often requiring retreatment. While many painful bony metastases can be managed with RT alone, some may be more complex, often requiring multidisciplinary management, including the need for surgical stabilization or augmentation prior to RT. There are multiple assessment tools including the neurologic, oncologic, mechanical, and systemic (NOMS) decision framework, which allows clinicians to assess the proper course of treatment for these patients. For patients with good prognosis, oligometastatic disease, or those presenting with more radioresistant tumors, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be another option, which offers ablative doses of radiation delivered over several treatments. This chapter reviews the fundamentals of RT for palliation.

Radiotherapy Practice for Treatment of Bone Metastasis in Ethiopia

PUROSE

Ethiopia has one cobalt radiotherapy (RT) machine to serve a population of more than 100 million. The purpose of this study was to report on patterns of palliative RT of bone metastasis in a severely low-capacity setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient and treatment characteristics of patients irradiated for palliation of symptomatic bone metastasis were extracted from a retrospective database of patients treated between May 2015 and January 2018. This database included a random sample of 1,823 of the estimated 4,000 patients who were treated with RT within in the study period. Associations between the applied RT schedule and patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated with the χ² test. Hypothetical savings of RT sessions and time were compared in the case of a single-fraction policy.

RESULTS

From the database, 234 patients (13%) were treated for bone metastasis. Most patients were ≤ 65 years of age (n = 189; 80%) and female (n = 125; 53%). The most common primary sites were breast (n = 82; 35%) and prostate (n = 36; 15%). Fractionated regimens were preferred over single fraction: 20 Gy in 5 fractions (n = 192; 82.1%), 30 Gy in 10 fractions (n = 7; 3%), and 8 Gy in 1 fraction (n = 28; 12%). Factors associated with single-fraction RT included nonaxial sites of bone metastasis (P < .01) and an address outside Addis Ababa (P ≤ .01). If single-fraction RT would have been given uniformly for bone metastasis, this would have resulted in a 78% reduction in the number of RT sessions and 76% reduction in total RT time.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of palliative RT for bone metastasis in Ethiopia favors fractionated regimens over single fraction. Efforts should be made to adopt evidence-based and cost-effective guidelines.

Palliative local treatment of bone metastases by 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance: single-center experience

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance for palliative local treatment of bone metastases.

METHODS

From December 2014 to September 2017, 82 patients with painful bone metastases, who experienced treatment failure using standard strategies or rejected treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance. Technical success, visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), verbal rating scale (VRS), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The success rate of 125I seed implantation was 100%. The VAS and NRS scores for the most severe pain were 7.0 (5.0-9.0) and 8.0 (6.0-9.0) before brachytherapy. The pain scores assessed every 2 hours gradually decreased within 12 hours (p < 0.001). A comparison of KPS scores showed that patients had significantly better quality of life on weeks 1, 4, and 8 than on week 0 (p < 0.001). The associated complications were mild subcutaneous hemorrhage 25.6% (21/82), fever 7.3% (6/82), minor displacement of radioactive seeds 5.0% (4/82), pathologic fracture 2.4% (2/82), and local skin reaction 2.4% (2/82). After symptomatic treatment, all complications were relieved. Minor displacement of radioactive seeds did not cause damage to adjacent tissues. No serious life-threatening complications occurred in the study group.

CONCLUSION

DynaCT-guided 125I seed implantation is a safe and effective method for palliation of painful bone metastases from cancer after failure or rejection of conventional treatments.

Process mining to optimize palliative patient flow in a high-volume radiotherapy department

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Management of palliative patients can be often out of standard clinical pathways.

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Process mining methodology has still not been exploited for palliative patients.

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Process discovery of event-log highlighted current workflow complexity/ weaknesses.

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Conformance checking evaluated how a set of events-log flow through a given model.

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Palliative patient patterns of care can be tracked and monitored by process mining.

Introduction

In radiotherapy, palliative patients are often suboptimal managed and patients experience long waiting times. Event-logs (recorded local files) of palliative patients, could provide a continuative decision-making system by means of shared guidelines to improve patient flow. Based on an event-log analysis, we aimed to accurately understand how to successively optimize patient flow in palliative care.

Methods

A process mining methodology was applied on palliative patient flow in a high-volume radiotherapy department. Five hundred palliative radiation treatment plans of patients with bone and brain metastases were included in the study, corresponding to 290 patients treated in our department in 2018. Event-logs and the relative attributes were extracted and organized. A process discovery algorithm was applied to describe the real process model, which produced the event-log. Finally, conformance checking was performed to analyze how the acquired event-log database works in a predefined theoretical process model.

Results

Based on the process discovery algorithm, 53 (10%) plans had a dose prescription of 8 Gy, 249 (49.8%) plans had a dose prescription of 20 Gy and 159 (31.8%) plans had a dose prescription of 30 Gy. The remaining 39 (7.8%) plans had different dose prescriptions. Considering a median value, conformance checking demonstrated that event-logs work in the theoretical model.

Conclusions

The obtained results partially validate and support the palliative patient care guideline implemented in our department. Process mining can be used to provide new insights, which facilitate the improvement of existing palliative patient care flows.

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound of Osseous Metastases: Treatment Parameters Associated With Successful Pain Reduction

BACKGROUND

A phase 3 multicenter trial demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound (US) is a safe, noninvasive treatment that alleviated pain from bone metastases. However, outcomes varied among institutions (from 0%-100% treatment success).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify patient selection, technical treatment, and imaging parameters that predict successful pain relief of osseous metastases after MRI-guided focused US.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a phase 3 clinical study that included participants who received MRI-guided focused US treatment for painful osseous metastases. Noncontrast CT was obtained before treatment. T2-weighted and T1-weighted postcontrast MRIs at 1.5 T or 3 T were obtained before, at the time of, and at 3 months after treatment. Numerical Rating Scale pain scores and morphine equivalent daily dose data were obtained over a 3-month follow-up period. At the 3-month endpoint, participants were categorized as pain relief responders or nonresponders based on Numerical Rating Scale and morphine equivalent daily dose data. Demographics, technical parameters, and imaging features associated with pain relief were determined using stepwise univariable and multivariable models. Responder rates between the subgroup of participants with all predictive parameters and that with none of the parameters were compared using Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The analysis included 99 participants (mean age, 59 ± 14 years; 56 women). The 3 variables that predicted successful pain relief were energy density on the bone surface (EDBS) (P = 0.001), the presence of postprocedural periosteal devascularization (black band, BB+) (P = 0.005), and female sex (P = 0.02). The subgroup of participants with BB+ and EDBS greater than 5 J/mm2 had a larger decrease in mean pain score (5.2; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-5.8) compared with those without (BB-, EDBS ≤ 5 J/mm2) (1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-3.0; P < 0.001). Participants with all 3 predictive variables had a pain relief responder rate of 93% compared with 0% in participants having none of the predictive variables (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High EDBS during treatment, postprocedural periosteal devascularization around the tumor site (BB+), and female sex increased the likelihood of pain relief after MRI-guided focused US of osseous metastasis.

Combining radiotherapy and focused ultrasound for pain palliation of cancer induced bone pain; a stage I/IIa study according to the IDEAL framework

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Combined treatment of EBRT and MR-HIFU is feasible and well tolerated by patients.

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Clinical outcomes of combined treatment of EBRT and MR-HIFU are promising.

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Superiority of combined treatment over standard EBRT needs to be evaluated in a comparative study.

Background

Cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) strongly interferes with patient’s quality of life. Currently, the standard of care includes external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), resulting in pain relief in approximately 60% of patients. Magnetic Resonance guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is a promising treatment modality for CIBP.

Methods

A single arm, R-IDEAL stage I/IIa study was conducted. Patients presenting at the department of radiation oncology with symptomatic bone metastases in the appendicular skeleton, as well as in the sacrum and sternum were eligible for inclusion. All participants underwent EBRT, followed by MR-HIFU within 4 days. Safety and feasibility were assessed, and pain scores were monitored for 4 weeks after completing the combined treatment.

Results

Six patients were enrolled. Median age was 67 years, median lesion diameter was 56,5 mm. In all patients it was logistically possible to plan and perform the MR-HIFU treatment within 4 days after EBRT. All patients tolerated the combined procedure well. Pain response was reported by 5 out of 6 patients at 7 days after completion of the combined treatment, and stabilized on 60% at 4 weeks follow up. No treatment related serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

This is the first study to combine EBRT with MR-HIFU. Our results show that combined EBRT and MR-HIFU in first-line treatment of CIBP is safe and feasible, and is well tolerated by patients. Superiority over standard EBRT, in terms of (time to) pain relief and quality of life need to be evaluated in comparative (randomized) study.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy administered to a previously irradiated spine is effective and well-tolerated

PURPOSE

This study sought to discern the clinical outcomes of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) administered to the spine in patients who had undergone previous radiotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 81 sites of 74 patients who underwent previous radiotherapy administered to the spine or peri-spine and subsequently received IMRT for the spine were analyzed in this study. The prescribed dose of 80 Gy in a biologically effective dose (BED) of α/β = 10 (BED10) was set as the planning target volume. The constraint for the spinal cord and cauda equine was D0.1 cc ≤ 100 Gy and ≤ 150 Gy of BED for re-irradiation alone and the total irradiation dose, respectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 10.1 (0.9-92.1) months after re-irradiation, while the median interval from the last day of the previous radiotherapy to the time of re-irradiation was 15.6 (0.4-210.1) months. Separately, the median prescript dose of re-irradiation was 78.0 (28.0-104.9) of BED10. The median survival time in this study was 13.9 months, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of 53.7%, 29.3%, and 26.6%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rates were 90.8%, 84.0%, and 84.0%, respectively. Neurotoxicity was observed in two of 72 treatments (2.8%) assessed after re-irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Re-irradiation for the spine using IMRT seems well-tolerated. Definitive re-irradiation can be a feasible treatment option in patients with the potential for a good prognosis.

Early palliative radiation versus observation for high-risk asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic bone metastases: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

In patients with metastatic cancer, the bone is the third-most common site of involvement. Radiation to painful bone metastases results in high rates of pain control and is an integral part of bone metastases management. Up to one-third of inpatient consults are requested for painful bone metastases, and up to 60% of these patients had evidence of these lesions visible on prior imaging. Meanwhile recent advances have reduced potential side effects of radiation. Therefore, there is an opportunity to further improve outcomes for patients using prophylactic palliative radiation to manage asymptomatic bone metastases.

Methods/study design

In this trial, 74 patients with metastatic solid tumors and high-risk asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic bone metastases will be enrolled and randomized to early palliative radiation or standard of care. This will be the first trial to assess the efficacy of prophylactic palliative radiation in preventing skeletal related events (SREs), the primary endpoint. This endpoint was selected to encompass patient-centered outcomes that impact quality of life including pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, and intervention with surgery or radiation. Secondary endpoints include hospitalizations, Bone Pain Index, pain-free survival, pain-related quality of life, and side effects of radiation therapy.

Discussion

In this study, we propose a novel definition of high-risk bone metastases most likely to benefit from preventive radiation and use validated questionnaires to assess pain and impact on quality of life and health resource utilization. Observations from early patient enrollment have demonstrated robustness of the primary endpoint and need for minor modifications to Bone Pain Index and data collection for opioid use and hospitalizations. With increasing indications for radiation in the oligometastatic setting, this trial aims to improve patient-centered outcomes in the polymetastatic setting.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Number/Clinical trials.gov, ID:NCT03523351. Registered on 14 May 2018.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-020-07591-w.

Adapting palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases during the Covid-19 pandemic: GEMO position paper

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The COVID-19 crisis requires a reorganization of the health system, particularly in radiotherapy.

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Metastatic patients are particularly fragile.

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A single 8Gy fraction is recommended for most clinical situations.

The current health crisis caused by COVID-19 is a challenge for oncology treatment, especially when it comes to radiotherapy. Cancer patients are already known to be very fragile and COVID-19 brings about the risk of severe respiratory complications. In order to treat patients safely while protecting medical teams, the entire health care system must optimize the way it approaches prevention and treatment at a time when social distancing is key to stemming this pandemic. All indications and treatment modalities must be re-discussed. This is particularly the case for radiotherapy of bone metastases for which it is possible to reduce the number of sessions, the frequency of transport and the complexity of treatments. These changes will have to be discussed according to the organization of each radiotherapy department and the health situation, while medical teams must remain vigilant about the risks of complications of bone metastases, particularly spinal metastases. In this short piece, the members of the GEMO (the European Study Group of Bone Metastases) offer a number of recommendations to achieve the above objectives, both in general and in relation to five of the most common situations on radiation therapy for bone metastases.

Frequency of Complicated Symptomatic Bone Metastasis Over a Breadth of Operational Definitions

PURPOSE

Numerous randomized trials have demonstrated noninferiority of single- versus multiple-fraction palliative radiation therapy (RT) in the management of uncomplicated bone metastases; yet there is neither a clear definition of what constitutes a complicated lesion, nor substantial data regarding the prevalence of such complicating features in clinical practice. Thus, we identify a range of evidence-based operational definitions of complicated symptomatic bone metastases and characterize the frequency of such complicating features at a high-volume, tertiary care center.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective review of patients seen in consultation for symptomatic bone metastases between March 1, 2007, and July 31, 2013, at Johns Hopkins Hospital identified patient and disease characteristics. Descriptive statistics characterized the frequency of the following complicating features: prior RT, prior surgery, neuraxis compromise, pathologic fracture, and soft tissue component at the symptomatic site. A range of definitions for complicated bone metastases was evaluated based on combinations of these features. Uni- and multivariable logistic regressions evaluated the odds of complicated bone metastases as a function of site of primary cancer and of the symptomatic target lesion.

RESULTS

A total of 686 symptomatic bone metastases in 401 patients were evaluated. Percent of target sites complicated by prior RT was 4.4%, prior surgery was 8.9%, pathologic fracture was 20.6%, neuraxis compromise was 52.0% among spine and medial pelvis sites, and soft tissue component was 38.6%. More than 96 possible definitions of complicated bone metastases were identified. The presence of such complicated lesions ranged from 2.3% to 67.3%, depending on the operational definition used. Odds of a complicated lesion were significantly higher for spine sites and select nonbreast histologies.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, we found complicated symptomatic bone metastases may be present in up to two-thirds of patients. Literature review also demonstrates no clear standard definition of complicated bone metastases, potentially explaining underutilization of single-fraction palliative RT in this setting.

Systematic Review of the Role of Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Bone Metastases

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) might improve pain and local control in patients with bone metastases compared to conventional radiotherapy, although an overall estimate of these outcomes is currently unknown.

METHODS

A systematic review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting pain response and local control among patients with bone metastases from solid-organ tumors who underwent SBRT in 1-6 fractions. All studies prior to April 15, 2017, were included. Study quality was assessed by predefined criteria, and pain response and local control rates were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 2619 studies were screened; 57 were included (reporting outcomes for 3995 patients) of which 38 reported pain response and 45 local control rates. Local control rates were high with pain response rates above those previously reported for conventional radiotherapy. Marked heterogeneity in study populations and delivered treatments were identified such that quantitative synthesis was not appropriate. Reported toxicity was limited. Of the pain response studies, 73.7% used a retrospective cohort design and only 10.5% used the international consensus endpoint definitions of pain response. The median survival within the included studies ranged from 8 to 30.4 months, suggesting a high risk of selection bias in the included observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates the potential benefit of SBRT over conventional palliative radiotherapy in improving pain due to bone metastases. Given the methodological limitations of the published literature, however, large randomized trials are now urgently required to better quantify this benefit.

Single vs multiple fraction palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases: Cumulative meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

There has been a long-standing debate regarding the efficacy of single fraction radiotherapy (SFRT) compared to multiple fraction radiotherapy (MFRT); many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted to resolve the debate and suggested SFRT is equally as effective as MFRT. Given the adequate amalgamated sample size that exists, it is difficult to appreciate the need for further RCTs. The aim of this paper was to conduct a cumulative meta-analysis to determine whether further trials will be of value to the meta-conclusion. This paper also assessed publication quality.

METHODS

A total of 29 studies were used in our meta-analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 3) by Biostat was used to conduct a cumulative meta-analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was employed to assess study quality of the included RCTs. Funnel plots were generated using Review Manager (RevMan 5.3) by Cochrane IMS, to visually assess for publication bias.

RESULTS

All but one endpoint, overall response rates in assessable patients, maintained the same meta-conclusion over publication time; published studies did not change the amalgamated scientific conclusion of existing literature. Additional studies have simply confirmed pre-existing conclusions and refined the point estimate of the efficacy estimate. The majority of included studies have low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the meta-conclusion has remained consistent over time - SFRT is equally as efficacious as MFRT. Recent studies have had little impact on the overall conclusion, and given the vast amount of resources to execute a randomized trial, future resources should not be used to repeat these studies, and can be better allocated to test other hypotheses.

Translational and basic science opportunities in palliative care and radiation oncology

Radiation therapy is commonly used in the metastatic setting to palliate pain, neurological deficits, bleeding and other complications of metastatic disease, allowing patients to live longer and have better quality of life. Despite the effective use of radiation and other palliative treatment modalities, many patients continue to experience poorly controlled pain and other serious sequelae of their disease, underscoring the need for additional research in this area. In this review we highlight recent developments impacting the fields of palliative care and radiation oncology and describe opportunities for research and innovation including studies of tumor microenvironment, identification of effective biomarkers of tumor response and combinatorial treatments with new systemic agents. It is our hope that progress in these fields will improve the lives of patients living with advanced malignancies.

Net Pain Relief After Palliative Radiation Therapy for Painful Bone Metastases: A Useful Measure to Reflect Response Duration? A Further Analysis of the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study

Purpose

Pain response rates are equivalent after single 8 Gy and fractionated palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases. Reirradiation remains more frequent after a single fraction, although this does not simply reflect pain recurrence. Given the possible role of stereotactic radiation therapy in providing durable pain control, measures of durability are required. Net pain relief (NPR), the proportion of remaining life spent with pain response, may provide this. This study assesses the use of NPR as an outcome measure after palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases.

Methods and Materials

This is a secondary analysis of data collected in the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study, a randomized trial comparing palliative radiation therapy delivered as 8 Gy in a single fraction and 24 Gy in 6 fractions. NPR was assessed by survival cohorts, treatment regimen, and primary diagnoses. The consequences of missing data upon the use of NPR in future studies were considered within sensitivity analyses.

Results

Patients whose pain improved after palliative radiation therapy experienced improvement for 56.6% of their remaining lives. Missing responses in questionnaires mean the range of uncertainty in NPR is 36.1% to 62.1%. When response beyond reirradiation was excluded, NPR after treatments of single-fraction 8 Gy and 24 Gy in 6 fractions was 49.0% and 56.5%, respectively (P = .004). Differential willingness to reirradiate may be influencing this outcome. When response beyond reirradiation was included, this difference was not seen (NPR of 55.4% vs 57.7%, respectively [P = .191]).

Conclusions

Patients who responded to conventional radiation therapy experienced improved pain control for approximately half of their remaining life. NPR may provide valuable information in assessing pain response durability. Missing data are, however, inevitable in this population. This must be minimized and the consequences recognized and reported. Additionally, reirradiation protocols and the frequency and duration of trial follow-up may have a significant impact upon this outcome, requiring careful consideration during trial design if NPR is to be used in future studies.

The Analysis of Multivariate Longitudinal Data: An Instructive Application of the Longitudinal Three-Mode Model

Structural equation modeling is a common technique to assess change in longitudinal designs. However, these models can become of unmanageable size with many measurement occasions. One solution is the imposition of Kronecker product restrictions to model the multivariate longitudinal structure of the data. The resulting longitudinal three-mode models (L3MMs) are very parsimonious and have attractive interpretation. This paper provides an instructive description of L3MMs. The models are applied to health-related quality of life (HRQL) data obtained from 682 patients with painful bone metastasis, with eight measurements at 13 occasions; before and every week after treatment with radiotherapy. We explain (1) how the imposition of Kronecker product restrictions can be used to model the multivariate longitudinal structure of the data, (2) how to interpret the Kronecker product restrictions and the resulting L3MM parameters, and (3) how to test substantive hypotheses in L3MMs. In addition, we discuss the challenges for the evaluation of (differences in) fit of these complex and parsimonious models. The L3MM restrictions lead to parsimonious models and provide insight in the change patterns of relationships between variables in addition to the general patterns of change. The L3MM thus provides a convenient model for multivariate longitudinal data, as it not only facilitates the analysis of complex longitudinal data but also the substantive interpretation of the dynamics of change.