1
|
Tang L, Tian G, Li N. Current dilemma and future directions over prophylactic cranial irradiation in SCLC: a systematic review in MRI and immunotherapy era. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1382220. [PMID: 39139283 PMCID: PMC11319250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1382220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant pathological type of lung cancer with the highest mortality, and the incidence of brain metastasis (BM) is in high frequency. So far, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has been suggested as an effective treatment for preventing brain metastasis of SCLC. PCI has long been applied to limited-stage SCLC (LS-SCLC) patients who have achieved complete remission after radiotherapy and chemotherapy as a standard treatment. However, the neurocognitive decline is a major concern surrounding PCI. New therapeutic approaches targeting PCI-induced neurotoxicity, including hippocampal protection or memantine, have been increasingly incorporated into the therapeutic interventions of PCI. Helical tomotherapy, RapidArc, and Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with a head-tilting baseplate are recommended for hippocampal protection. Besides, in the MRI and immunotherapy era, the significance of PCI in SCLC patients is controversial. SCLC patients with PCI should be recruited in clinical trials since this is the only way to improve the existing standard of care. This review summarizes the current therapeutic strategy and dilemma over PCI for SCLC, providing a theoretical basis for clinical decision-making and suggestions for PCI practice in clinical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ho YC, Shieh LT, Lin CH, Chen CC, Ho SY. Perihippocampal failure after hippocampal-avoidance brain radiotherapy in small cell lung cancer patients: Cases report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38884. [PMID: 38996135 PMCID: PMC11245236 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Brain metastasis is a major concern, and may occur in roughly 50% of patients during the clinical course of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Because prophylactic cranial irradiation reduces the incidence of brain metastases and improves overall survival, prophylactic cranial irradiation is recommended for SCLC patients without distant metastases or an extensive stage and have responded well to systemic therapy. Hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) is preferred to preserve hippocampal function while minimizing negative cognitive effects. PATIENT CONCERNS Reducing the dose delivered to the hippocampus below the therapeutic brain dose may increase the risk of hippocampal progression; thus, HA-WBRT may be associated with a risk of perihippocampal recurrence. DIAGNOSIS Three patients with SCLC received HA-WBRT and developed intracranial failure during clinical follow-up; 3 relapsed with intracranial failure in the perihippocampal region after 12, 13, and 7 months, respectively. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES Compared to the therapeutic brain dose of cases and the underdose region around the HA region, we matched MRI scans of intracranial failure and previous planning scans of simulation and found a deviation of the underdosed region within the perihippocampal failure of approximately 55% to 63%. LESSONS Perihippocampal failure is a rare clinical outcome in SCLC patients following HA-WBRT. Perihippocampal failure could be caused by an underdose of radiation or by the aggressiveness of the cancer itself. More research into this topic is encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chia Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tsun Shieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yow Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Chiang AC. Big Decisions on Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Focus on Clinical Care Updates and Patient Perspectives. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e432520. [PMID: 38830134 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_432520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an uncommon, aggressive high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, associated with tobacco use. It is a highly chemosensitive disease that initially responds quickly to systemic therapy, although patients with SCLC tend to develop relapse. Although the landscape of SCLC treatment has remained stagnant for many decades, the field has seen notable advances in the past few years, including the use of immunotherapy, the development of further lines of systemic therapy, the refinement of thoracic and intracranial radiotherapy, and-most recently-the promise of more targeted therapies. Patients with SCLC also must face unique psychosocial burdens in their experience with their cancer, distinct from patients with other lung cancer. In this article, we review the latest literature and future directions in the management and investigation of SCLC, as well as the critical decisions that providers and patients must navigate in the current landscape. We also present the perspectives of several patients with SCLC in conjunction with this summary, to spotlight their individual journeys in the context of this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng X, Liu K, Shen N, Gao Y, Zhu C, Li C, Rong C, Li S, Qian B, Li J, Wu X. Predicting overall survival and prophylactic cranial irradiation benefit in small-cell lung cancer with CT-based deep learning: A retrospective multicenter study. Radiother Oncol 2024; 195:110221. [PMID: 38479441 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110221] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To develop a computed tomography (CT)-based deep learning model to predict overall survival (OS) among small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and identify patients who could benefit from prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) based on OS signature risk stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study retrospectively included 556 SCLC patients from three medical centers. The training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts comprised 309, 133, and 114 patients, respectively. The OS signature was built using a unified fully connected neural network. A deep learning model was developed based on the OS signature. Clinical and combined models were developed and compared with a deep learning model. Additionally, the benefits of PCI were evaluated after stratification using an OS signature. RESULTS Within the internal and external validation cohorts, the deep learning model (concordance index [C-index] 0.745, 0.733) was far superior to the clinical model (C-index: 0.635, 0.630) in predicting OS, but slightly worse than the combined model (C-index: 0.771, 0.770). Additionally, the deep learning model had excellent calibration, clinical usefulness, and improved accuracy in classifying survival outcomes. Remarkably, patients at high risk had a survival benefit from PCI in both the limited and extensive stages (all P < 0.05), whereas no significant association was observed in patients at low risk. CONCLUSIONS The CT-based deep learning model exhibited promising performance in predicting the OS of SCLC patients. The OS signature may aid in individualized treatment planning to select patients who may benefit from PCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zheng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Kaicai Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China; Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Na Shen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yankun Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Chao Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Cuiping Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Chang Rong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Baoxin Qian
- Huiying Medical Technology, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Jianying Li
- CT Advanced Application, GE HealthCare China, Beijing 100186, China
| | - Xingwang Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Simó M, Rodríguez-Fornells A, Navarro V, Navarro-Martín A, Nadal E, Bruna J. Mitigating radiation-induced cognitive toxicity in brain metastases: More questions than answers. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae137. [PMID: 39247496 PMCID: PMC11379916 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of advanced systemic therapies added to the use of cranial radiation techniques has significantly improved outcomes for cancer patients with multiple brain metastases (BM), leading to a considerable increase in long-term survivors. In this context, the rise of radiation-induced cognitive toxicity (RICT) has become increasingly relevant. In this critical narrative review, we address the controversies arising from clinical trials aimed at mitigating RICT. We thoroughly examine interventions such as memantine, hippocampal avoidance irradiation during BM treatment or in a prophylactic setting, and the assessment of cognitive safety in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Our focus extends to recent neuroscience research findings, emphasizing the importance of preserving not only the hippocampal cortex but also other cortical regions involved in neural dynamic networks and their intricate role in encoding new memories. Despite treatment advancements, effectively managing patients with multiple BM and determining the optimal timing and integration of radiation and systemic treatments remain areas requiring further elucidation. Future trials are required to delineate optimal indications and ensure SRS safety. Additionally, the impact of new systemic therapies and the potential effects of delaying irradiation on cognitive functioning also need to be addressed. Inclusive trial designs, encompassing patients with multiple BM and accounting for diverse treatment scenarios, are essential for advancing effective strategies in managing RICT and the treatment of BM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Simó
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL); Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Science, Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital - Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Rodríguez-Fornells
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL); Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Science, Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentín Navarro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arturo Navarro-Martín
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Nadal
- Preclinical and Experimental Research in Thoracic Tumors (PReTT), Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruna
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital - Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Candiff O, Belderbos J, Wolf AL, Damen E, van Haaren P, Crijns W, Hol S, Paelinck L, van Kesteren Z, Jaspers J, de Kerf G, van Elmpt W, Ubbels F, Schagen S, de Ruysscher D, de Ruiter M. Quality assurance and safety of hippocampal avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation in the multicenter randomized phase III trial (NCT01780675). JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2023; 3:135-140. [PMID: 39035727 PMCID: PMC11256712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective NCT01780675, a multicenter randomized phase III trial of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) versus PCI with hippocampal sparing in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) investigated neurocognitive decline and safety. As part of quality assurance, we evaluated if hippocampal avoidance (HA)-PCI was performed according to the NCT01780675 trial protocol instructions, and performed a safety analysis to study the incidence and location of brain metastases for patients treated with HA-PCI. Methods This retrospective analysis evaluated the quality of the irradiation given in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing SCLC patients receiving PCI with or without hippocampal avoidance, using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The dose distribution for each patient receiving HA-PCI was retrieved and analyzed to evaluate if the treatment dose constraints were met. A questionnaire was sent out to all participating sites, and data on radiotherapy technique, pre-treatment dummy runs, phantom measurements and treatment electronic portal imaging device (EPID) dosimetry were collected and analyzed. As part of the safety analysis, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans on which cranial disease progression was first diagnosed were collected and matched to the radiotherapy planning dose distribution. The matched scans were reviewed to analyze the location of the brain metastases in relation to the prescribed dose. Results A total of 168 patients were randomized in the NCT01780675 trial in 10 centers in the Netherlands and Belgium from April 2013 until March 2018. Eighty two patients receiving HA-PCI without evidence of brain metastases were analyzed. All patients were treated with 25 Gy in 10 fractions. Dummy runs and phantom measurements were performed in all institutions prior to enrolling patients into the study. The radiotherapy (RT) plans showed a median mean bilateral hippocampal dose of 8.0 Gy, range 5.4-11.4 (constraint ≤ 8.5 Gy). In six patients (7.3%) there was a protocol violation of the mean dose in one or both hippocampi. In four of these six patients (4.9%) the mean dose to both hippocampi exceeded the constraint, in 1 patient (1.2%) only the left and in 1 patient (1.2%) only the right hippocampal mean dose was violated (average median dose left and right 8.9 Gy). All patients met the trial dose constraint of V 115% PTV ≤ 1%; however the D max PTV constraint of ≤ 28.75 Gy was violated in 22.0% of the patients. The safety analysis showed that 14 patients (17.1%) developed cranial progression. No solitary brain metastases in the underdosed region were found. Two out of 11 patients with multiple brain metastasis developed metastasis in the underdosed region(s). Conclusions The radiotherapy quality within the HA-PCI trial is performed according to the protocol guidelines. The dose constraints to the hippocampi are met in the vast majority of cases. In all patients, the volume of the brain for which a higher dose was accepted, is according to the trial. However, within this volume there are small areas with higher doses than advised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Candiff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - José Belderbos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Lisa Wolf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eugène Damen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul van Haaren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Crijns
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, KU Leuven, Belguim, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Hol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute Verbeeten, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Paelinck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Zdenko van Kesteren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC–Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jaspers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Mc Cancer Institute–Erasmus Mc University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert de Kerf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Antwerp University and Antwerp University Hospital/Iridium Netwerk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wouter van Elmpt
- Radiation Oncology (Maastro), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Fred Ubbels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen–University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Schagen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Ruysscher
- Radiation Oncology (Maastro), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel de Ruiter
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chu X, Zhu Z. Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer: an update. Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:61-67. [PMID: 36421007 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review presents recent updates in the seminal literature of research on prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). RECENT FINDINGS Brain MRI restaging before the administration of PCI reveals a substantial proportion of brain metastasis in baseline brain metastasis free extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC) and limited-stage SCLC (LS-SCLC). Posthoc analyses from the CASPIAN and IMpower133 trials revealed decreases in brain metastasis rates in ES-SCLC treated with chemoimmunotherapy relative to the brain metastasis rates in ES-SCLC treated with chemotherapy alone. A recent meta-analysis of literature published after the landmark 1999 Auperin meta-analysis confirmed the survival benefit of PCI in LS-SCLC patients. A recent study employing PET before and after PCI demonstrated that hippocampal avoidance -PCI (HA-PCI) preserved the metabolic activity of the hippocampi compared with regular PCI. Two phase III trials evaluating neurocognitive functions after HA-PCI versus PCI have yielded conflicting results. Ongoing clinical trials (MAVERICK, PRIMALung, NRG CC003, NCT04535739, NCT04829708 and NCT03514849) regarding PCI versus MRI surveillance and HA-PCI versus PCI were also discussed. SUMMARY Currently, the indications for PCI in SCLC are under question in the modern MRI era. Result from prospective phase III, MRI staged and MRI monitored RCTs are expected to elucidate the role of PCI in LS-SCLC and ES-SCLC. Preliminary results indicated that adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy may reduce brain metastasis rate in SCLC. Further data to this aspect are warranted to determine the role of PCI in the immuno-chemotherapy era. The future direction for PCI should be the comprehensive integration of personalized patient selection, HA-PCI utilization and potential employment of other neurocognitive preservation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengfei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|