The impact of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the multimodality treatment of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Expression and distribution of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in comparison between radiation necrosis and tumor tissue in metastatic brain tumor: A case report

We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with metastatic brain tumors who underwent surgical removal of the tumor and radiation necrosis. The patient had a history of colon cancer and had undergone surgical removal of a left occipital tumor. Histopathological evaluation revealed a metastatic brain tumor. The tumor recurred six months after surgical removal, followed by whole-brain radiotherapy, and the patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Six months later, the perifocal edema had increased, and the patient became symptomatic. The diagnosis was radiation necrosis and corticosteroids were initially effective. However, radiation necrosis became uncontrollable, and the patient underwent removal of necrotic tissue two years after stereotactic radiosurgery. Pathological findings predominantly showed necrotic tissue with some tumor cells. Since the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were expressed around the necrotic tissue, the main cause of the edema was determined as radiation necrosis. Differences in the expression levels and distribution of HIF-1α and VEGF were observed between treatment-naïve and recurrent tumor tissue and radiation necrosis. This difference suggests the possibility of different mechanisms for edema formation due to the tumor itself and radiation necrosis. Although distinguishing radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors using MRI remains challenging, the pathophysiological mechanism of perifocal edema might be crucial for differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors.

Management of Brain Metastases in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

The development of brain metastases is a poor prognostic indicator in renal cell carcinoma. Regular imaging and clinical examinations are necessary to monitor the brain before or during systemic therapy. Central nervous system-targeted radiation therapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, and surgical resection, is a standard treatment option. Clinical trials are currently investigating the role of targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations in treating brain metastases and decreasing intracranial disease progression.

Multimodal Treatments for Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results of a Multicentric Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a large series of brain metastatic renal cell carcinoma (BMRCC) patients treated in three Italian centers.

METHODS

A total of 120 BMRCC patients with a total of 176 lesions treated were evaluated. Patients received surgery plus postoperative HSRS, single-fraction SRS, or hypofractionated SRS (HSRS). Local control (LC), brain distant failure (BDF), overall survival (OS), toxicities, and prognostic factors were assessed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 77 months (range 16-235 months). Surgery plus HSRS was performed in 23 (19.2%) cases, along with SRS in 82 (68.3%) and HSRS in 15 (12.5%). Seventy-seven (64.2%) patients received systemic therapy. The main total dose and fractionation used were 20-24 Gy in single fraction or 32-30 Gy in 4-5 daily fractions. Median LC time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year LC rates were nr, 100%, 95.7% ± 1.8%, 93.4% ± 2.4%, and 93.4% ± 2.4%. Median BDF time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year BDF rates were n.r., 11.9% ± 3.1%, 25.1% ± 4.5%, 38.7% ± 5.5%, and 44.4% ± 6.3%, respectively. Median OS time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year OS rates were 16 months (95% CI: 12-22), 80% ± 3.6%, 58.3% ± 4.5%, 30.9% ± 4.3%, and 16.9% ± 3.6, respectively. No severe neurological toxicities occurred. Patients with a favorable/intermediate IMDC score, a higher RCC-GPA score, an early occurrence of BMs from primary diagnosis, absence of EC metastases, and a combined local treatment (surgery plus adjuvant HSRS) had a better outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS/HSRS is proven to be an effective local treatment for BMRCC. A careful evaluation of prognostic factors is a valid step to manage the optimal therapeutic strategy for BMRCC patients.

Prognostic factors for overall survival and intracranial progression in patients with renal cancer metastasis into the brain after neurosurgical treatment

Introduction. Treatment of patients with brain metastases is an important problem that should be considered in the framework of combination approach. Introduction of new techniques of drug therapy as well as radiotherapy and neurosurgical treatment allows to significantly increase patient survival. Effective drug therapy and local control of brain metastases are of utmost importance in prediction of overall survival and patient quality of life.

Aim. To investigate the prognostic factors for overall survival and intracranial progression (local recurrences, distant metastases) in patients with brain metastases of renal cancer after neurosurgical resection.

Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of the treatment results of 114 patients with metastatic brain lesions due to renal cancer who underwent neurosurgical resection (NSR) at the N. N. Blokhin National medical Research Center of Oncology was performed. Clinical data of 102 (89.5 %) of 114 patients for whom data on survival was available were evaluated. Among them, 80 (78.4 %) of patients died, 22 (21.5 %) are under observation. Extracranial disease status at the time of NSR was known in 82 (71.9 %) patients: 45 (54.8 %) patients had extracranial metastases, and 37 (45.1 %) did not. Total resection of brain metastases with perifocal and perivascular zones was performed in 92 (90.1 %) patients; in other cases, fragmental lesion resection was performed.

Results. median overall survival after NSR was 13.8 months (95 % confidence interval 10.3–18.6). per study data, factors affecting overall survival of patients with brain metastases of renal cancer after neurosurgical resection were presence /  absence of extracranial metastases and patient’s functional status. Local recurrences in the postoperative cavity after NSR were observed in 24 (21 %) of 114 patients. median time of local recurrence was not achieved. Statistically significant factor of high risk of recurrence in the postoperative cavity was presence of lesions with maximal diameter ≥2 cm. Development of new (distant) metastases was observed in 31 (27.2 %) of 114 patients. median survival without distant metastases in patients with brain metastases after NSR was not achieved. frequencies of distant metastases at 6, 12 and 24 months were 15.5; 24.1 and 35.8 % respectively. per multifactor analysis, factors affecting development of distant metastases in the brain after NSR are multiple metastatic brain lesions and presence of extracranial metastases.

Conclusion. Neurosurgical resection in patients with cerebral metastases of renal cancer in the total group leads to median overall survival of 13.8 months. predictors of better overall survival are absence of extracranial metastases and high functional status.

Real-world Practice Patterns and Safety of Concurrent Radiotherapy and Cabozantinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on the safety of cabozantinib use in combination with radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To report the practice patterns, safety, and efficacy of cabozantinib with radiotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An international multicenter retrospective study was conducted. Patients with mRCC treated with cabozantinib at any line of therapy and who received radiotherapy between 30 d prior to the start date of cabozantinib and 30 d following discontinuation of cabozantinib, from 2014 to 2020, were included. Concurrent use was defined as the use of cabozantinib on radiotherapy treatment days during any course of radiotherapy.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcomes of interest were the rate of grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) occurring within 90 d of receipt of radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization rate and patterns of cabozantinib and radiotherapy use. Baseline characteristics and AEs were presented descriptively.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 127 consecutive patients were included. Most patients had clear cell histology (88%), had International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium intermediate-risk disease (57%), and had received at least one prior line of therapy (93%). Of 127 patients, 67 (53%) received concurrent cabozantinib with radiotherapy, while the remaining held cabozantinib on radiotherapy days. Overall, grade 3-4 AEs occurred in 6.3% (n = 8/127) of patients. No grade 5 events were observed. In patients treated with conventional palliative radiotherapy (n = 88), the rate of grade 3-4 AEs in those who had concurrent versus those who had nonconcurrent cabozantinib was 6.3% (n = 3/48) versus 5.0% (n = 2/40). No patient was hospitalized due to radiotherapy-related toxicity. In patients treated with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR; n = 50), the rate of grade 3-4 AEs in those who had concurrent versus those who had nonconcurrent cabozantinib was 3.6% (n = 1/28) versus 9.1% (n = 2/22). One patient in the nonconcurrent group was hospitalized due to muscle weakness suspected to be related to associated vasogenic edema 19 d after SABR for multiple brain metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world study of patients with mRCC treated with cabozantinib, 53% of patients received radiotherapy concurrently, with few grade 3-4 AEs reported within 90 d of receiving radiotherapy. The use of radiotherapy and cabozantinib requires a risk-benefit assessment of patient and disease characteristics to optimize therapy regimens.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study reports the real-world experience of using radiotherapy in patients receiving cabozantinib for metastatic kidney cancer. Over half of the patients continued taking cabozantinib while receiving radiotherapy, and few patients developed serious side effects. The combined use of radiotherapy and cabozantinib requires a careful risk-benefit assessment to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

An interdisciplinary consensus on the management of brain metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Brain metastases are a challenging manifestation of renal cell carcinoma. We have a limited understanding of brain metastasis tumor and immune biology, drivers of resistance to systemic treatment, and their overall poor prognosis. Current data support a multimodal treatment strategy with radiation treatment and/or surgery. Nonetheless, the optimal approach for the management of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma remains unclear. To improve patient care, the authors sought to standardize practical management strategies. They performed an unstructured literature review and elaborated on the current management strategies through an international group of experts from different disciplines assembled via the network of the International Kidney Cancer Coalition. Experts from different disciplines were administered a survey to answer questions related to current challenges and unmet patient needs. On the basis of the integrated approach of literature review and survey study results, the authors built algorithms for the management of single and multiple brain metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The literature review, consensus statements, and algorithms presented in this report can serve as a framework guiding treatment decisions for patients. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:454-489.

Improving Brain Metastases Outcomes Through Therapeutic Synergy Between Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Targeted Cancer Therapies

Brain metastases are the most common form of brain cancer. Increasing knowledge of primary tumor biology, actionable molecular targets and continued improvements in systemic and radiotherapy regimens have helped improve survival but necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration between neurosurgical, medical and radiation oncologists. In this review, we will discuss the advances of targeted therapies to date and discuss findings of studies investigating the synergy between these therapies and stereotactic radiosurgery for non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma brain metastases.

Stereotactic radiosurgery results for brain metastasis patients with renal cancer: A validity study of Renal Graded Prognostic Assessment and proposal of a new grading index (JLGK2101 Study)

Background and purpose

The Renal Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) is relatively new and has not been sufficiently validated using a different dataset. We thus developed a new grading index, the Renal Brain Metastasis Score (Renal-BMS).

Materials and methods

Using our dataset including 262 renal cancer patients with brain metastases (BMs) undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (test series), we validity tested the Renal-GPA. Next, we applied clinical factor-survival analysis to the test series and thereby developed the Renal-BMS. This system was then validated using another series of 352 patients independently undergoing SRS at nine gamma knife facilities in Japan (verification series).

Results

Using the test series, with the Renal-GPA, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the post-SRS median survival times (MSTs) overlapped between pairs of neighboring subgroups. Among various pre-SRS clinical factors of the test series, six were highly associated with overall survival. Therefore, we assigned scores for six factors, i.e., "KPS ≥ 80%/<80% (0/3)", "tumor numbers 1-4/≥5 (score; 0/2)", "controlled primary cancer/not (0/2)", "existing extra-cerebral metastases/not (0/3)", "blood hemoglobin ≥ 11.0/<11.0 g/dl (0/1)" and "interval from primary cancer to SRS ≥ 5/<5 years (0/1)". Patients were categorized into three subgroups according to the sum of scores, i.e., 0-4, 5-8 and 9-12. In the test and verification series, post-SRS MSTs differed significantly (p < 0.0001) with no overlaps of 95% CIs among the three subgroups.

Conclusions

The Renal BMS has the potential to be very useful to physicians selecting among aggressive treatment modalities for renal cancer patients with BMs.

Prognostic Factors and Current Treatment Strategies for Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Brain: An Overview

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of primary cancers that frequently metastasize to the brain. Brain metastasis derived from RCC has the propensity of intratumoral hemorrhage and relatively massive surrounding edema. Moreover, it confers a grim prognosis in a great percentage of cases with a median overall survical (mOS) around 10 months. The well-recognized prognostic factors for brain metastatic renal cell carcinoma (BMRCC) are Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), the number of brain metastasis (BM), the presence of a sarcomatoid component and the presence of extracranial metastasis. Therapeutic strategies are multimodal and include surgical resection, radiotherapy, such as stereotactic radiosurgery due to the radioresistance of RCC and systemic strategies with tyrosin kinase inhibitors (TKI) or Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) whose efficacy is not well-established in this setting of patients due to their exclusion from most clinical trials. To date, in case of positive prognostic factors and after performing local radical therapies, such as complete resection of BM or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the outcome of these patients significantly improves, up to 33 months in some patients. As a consequence, tailored clinical trials designed for BMRCC are needed to define the correct treatment strategy even in this poor prognostic subgroup of patients.

Oligo metastatic renal cell carcinoma: stereotactic body radiation therapy, if, when and how?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has traditionally been considered radioresistant with a limited role for conventional fractionation as a local approach. Nevertheless, since the appearance of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), radiotherapy (RT) has been increasingly employed in the management of metastatic RCC (mRCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SBRT for synchronous and metachronous oligo metastatic RCC patients in terms of local control, delay of systemic treatment, overall survival and toxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Monocentric single institution retrospective data collection was performed. Inclusion criteria were: (1) oligo-recurrent or oligo-progressive disease (less than 5 metastases) in mRCC patients after radical/partial nephrectomy or during systemic therapy, (2) metastasectomy or other metastasis-directed, rather than SBRT not feasible, (3) any contraindication to receive systemic therapy (such as comorbidities), (4) all the histologies were included, (5) available signed informed consent form for treatment. Tumor response and toxicity were evaluated using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03, respectively. Progression-free survival in-field and out-field (in-field and out-field PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated via the Kaplan-Meier method. The drug treatment-free interval was calculated from the start of SBRT to the beginning of any systemic therapy.

RESULTS

From 2010 to December 2018, 61 patients with extracranial and intracranial metastatic RCC underwent SBRT on 83 lesions. Intracranial and extracranial lesions were included. Forty-five (74%) patients were treated for a solitary metastatic lesion. Median RT dose was 25 Gy (range 10-52) in 5-10 fractions. With a median follow-up of 2.3 years (range 0-7.15), 1-year in-field PFS was 70%, 2-year in-field PFS was 55%. One year out-field PFS was 39% and 1-year OS was 78%. Concomitant systemic therapy was employed for only 11 (18%) patients, for the others 50 (82%) the drug treatment-free rate was 70% and 50% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. No > G1 acute and late toxicities were reported.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of failure was pre-dominantly out-of-field, even if the population was negatively selected and the used RT dose could be considered palliative. Therefore, SBRT appears to be a well-tolerated, feasible and safe approach in oligo metastatic RCC patients with an excellent in-field PFS. SBRT might play a role in the management of selected RCC patients allowing for a delay systemic therapy begin (one out of two patients were free from new systemic therapy at 2 years after SBRT). Further research on SBRT dose escalation is warranted.

Efficacy of BRAF Inhibitors in Combination With Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

BRAF inhibitors have improved the outcome for patients with BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma and have shown intracranial responses in melanoma brain metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is being used as a local treatment for melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) with better local control and survival. We searched for studies comparing the combination of two treatments with SRS alone to detect any clinical evidence of synergism.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane library were searched until May 2020 for studies with desired comparative outcomes. Outcomes of interest that were obtained for meta-analysis included survival as the primary, and local control as the secondary outcome.

Results

A total of eight studies involving 976 patients with MBM were selected. Survival was significantly improved for patients receiving BRAF inhibitor plus SRS in comparison to SRS alone as assessed from the time of SRS induction (SRS survival: hazard ratio [HR] 0.67 [0.58–0.79], p <0.00001), from the time of brain metastasis diagnosis (BM survival: HR 0.65 [0.54, 0.78], p < 0.00001), or from the time of primary diagnosis (PD survival: HR 0.74 [0.57–0.95], p = 0.02). Dual therapy was also associated with improved local control, indicating an additive effect of the two treatments (HR 0.53 [0.31–0.93], p=0.03). Intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients receiving BRAF inhibitors plus SRS than in those receiving SRS alone (OR, 3.16 [1.43–6.96], p = 0.004).

Conclusions

BRAF inhibitors in conjunction with SRS as local treatment appear to be efficacious. Local brain control and survival improved in patients with MBM receiving dual therapy. Safety assessment would need to be elucidated further as the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was increased.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the brain: optimizing patient selection for gamma knife radiosurgery

INTRODUCTION

The effects of single-fraction gamma knife radiosurgery (sf-GKRS) on patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) brain metastases (BM) in the era of targeted agents (TA) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are insufficiently studied.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clear cell metastatic RCC patients treated with sf-GKRS due to BM in 2005-2014 at three European centres were retrospectively analysed (n = 43). Median follow-up was 56 months. Ninety-five percent had prior nephrectomy, 53% synchronous metastasis and 86% extracranial disease at first sf-GKRS. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ranged from 60 to 100%. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), local control (LC) and adverse radiation effects (ARE).

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-four targets were irradiated. The median number of targets at first sf-GKRS was two. The median prescription dose was 22.0 Gy. Thirty-seven percent had repeated sf-GKRS. Eighty-eight percent received TA. LC rates at 12 and 18 months were 97% and 90%. Median OS from the first sf-GKRS was 15.7 months. Low serum albumin (HR for death 5.3), corticosteroid use pre-sf-GKRS (HR for death 5.8) and KPS < 80 (HR for death 9.1) were independently associated with worse OS. No further prognostic information was gleaned from MSKCC risk group, synchronous metastasis, age, number of BM or extracranial metastases. Other prognostic scores for BM radiosurgery, including DS-GPA, renal-GPA, LLV-SIR and CITV-SIR, again, did not add further prognostic value. ARE were seldom symptomatic and were associated with tumour volume, 10-Gy volume and pre-treatment perifocal oedema. ARE were less common among patients treated with TA within 1 month of sf-GKRS.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified albumin, corticosteroid use and KPS as independent prognostic factors for sf-GKRS of clear cell RCC BM. Studies focusing on the prognostic significance of albumin in sf-GKRS are rare. Further studies with a larger number of patients are warranted to confirm the above analytical outcome. Also, in keeping with previous studies, our data showed optimal rates of local tumour control and limited toxicity post radiosurgery, rendering GKRS the tool of choice in the management of RCC BM.

Stereotactic radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy or targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) concurrently receiving targeted therapy (TT) or immunotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on patients with mRCC were extracted from a retrospective international multicentre register study (TOaSTT), investigating SRT concurrent (≤30 days) with TT/immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local metastasis control (LC) and time to systemic therapy switch were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank testing. Clinical and treatment factors influencing survival were analysed using multivariate Cox regression. Acute and late SRT-induced toxicity were defined according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.03.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients who underwent 128 sessions of SRT were included, of whom 58% presented with oligometastatic disease (OMD). ICIs and TT were received by 32% and 68% of patients, respectively. Twenty patients (37%) paused TT for a median (range) of 14 (2-21) days. ICI therapy was not paused in any patient. A median (range) of 1 (1-5) metastatic tumour was treated per patient, with a median (range) SRT dose of 65 (40-129.4) Gy (biologically effective dose). The OS, LC and PFS rates at 1 year were 71%, 75% and 25%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were not significantly different among patients receiving TT vs those receiving ICIs (P = 0.329). New lesions were treated with a repeat radiotherapy course in 46% of patients. After 1 year, 62% of patients remained on the same systemic therapy as at the time of SRT; this was more frequent for ICI therapy compared to TT (83% vs 36%; P = 0.035). OMD was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.035-0.528) and PFS (P = 0.004; 95% CI 0.165-0.717) in multivariate analysis. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) was the other independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.001, 95% CI 0.001-0.351). Acute grade 3 toxicity was observed in two patients, and late grade 3 toxicity in one patient. No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment with TT or immunotherapy and concurrent SRT was safe, without signals of increased severe toxicity. As we observed no signal of excess toxicity, full-dose SRT should be considered to achieve optimal metastasis control in patients receiving TT or immunotherapy. Favourable PFS and OS were observed for patients with oligometastatic RCC with a good ECOG-PS, which should form the basis for prospective testing of this treatment strategy in properly designed clinical trials.

Lapatinib Plus Local Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases From HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients and Role of Trastuzumab: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Intracranial activity of lapatinib has been demonstrated in several studies in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive breast cancers (HER-2+ BC). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been increasingly used as the local therapy for brain metastases in breast cancer patients. Increased objective response rate was observed for lapatinib plus whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is such patients with high toxicity.

Objective

We seek to obtain clinical evidence of synergistic efficacy of lapatinib in combination with radiation therapy, in particular, SRS.

Materials and methods

We carried out a comprehensive research using the following databases: PubMed; Medline; EMBASE; Cochrane library. These databases were searched until 10 June 2020. PRISMA guidelines were followed step by step for carrying out this systematic review and meta-analysis. Review Manager v 5.4 software was used for statistical evaluation of data.

Results

Overall 6 studies with 843 HER-2 positive breast cancer patients (442 HER-2 amplified disease, 399 luminal B disease) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A total 279 patients had received lapatinib in addition to HER-2 antibody (trastuzumab) plus/minus chemoradiotherapy, while 610 patients had received trastuzumab-based management or only chemoradiotherapy. Lapatinib-based management of BM was associated with significant increase in overall survival (HR 0.63 [0.52, 0.77], p < 0.00001). Combination of the two (trastuzumab plus lapatinib) was associated with increased survival advantage compared to each agent alone (0.55 [0.32, 0.92], p = 0.02). SRS in combination with lapatinib was associated with increased local control (HR 0.47 [0.33, 0.66], p = 0.0001). Ever use of lapatinib with SRS was associated an increased survival as reported in two studies (Shireen et al.: 27.3 vs. 19.5 months, p = 0.03; Kim et al.: 33.3 vs. 23.6 months, p = 0.009). Kim et al. also revealed significant increase in intracranial activity with concurrent lapatinib reporting 57% complete response compared to 38% (p < 0.001) and lower progressive disease rate of 11 vs. 19% (p < 0.001). Risk of radiation necrosis was decreased with lapatinib use.

Conclusions

Lapatinib has shown intracranial activity and yielded better survival for HER-2+ BC patients with BMs. SRS in combination with ever use of lapatinib had better local control and were associated with better survival. Radiation necrosis risk was reduced with the use of lapatinib.

Current Multimodality Treatments Against Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Brain metastasis (BM) is generally one of poor prognostic factors in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, because of longer control of extra-cranial disease by the recent introduction of molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor, the incidence of BM has been recently increasing and to progress the treatment of BM is one of urgent medical unmet needs. Although the pivotal clinical trials usually excluded patients with BM, BM subgroup data from the prospective and retrospective series have been gradually accumulated. To select the appropriate strategy, individual patient and tumor characteristics (e.g., Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), systemic cancer burden, the number/size/location of BM) are important information. Among the local treatments, the technology of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRT) has been especially advanced and its adaptation has been expanded. The combination of SRT with molecular target therapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor would be promising to further enhance the efficacy without increased toxicity.

Abstract

In patients with renal cell carcinoma, brain metastasis is generally one of the poor prognostic factors. However, the recent introduction of molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor has remarkably advanced the systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and prolonged the patients’ survival. The pivotal clinical trials of those agents usually excluded patients with brain metastasis. The incidence of brain metastasis has been increasing in the actual clinical setting because of longer control of extra-cranial disease. Brain metastasis subgroup data from the prospective and retrospective series have been gradually accumulated about the risk classification of brain metastasis and the efficacy and safety of those new agents for brain metastasis. While the local treatment against brain metastasis includes neurosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and conventional whole brain radiation therapy, the technology of stereotactic radiosurgery has been especially advanced, and the combination with systemic therapy such as molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor is considered promising. This review summarizes recent progression of multimodality treatment of brain metastasis of renal cell carcinoma from literature data and explores the future direction of the treatment.

Impact of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) Combined With Radiation Therapy for the Management of Brain Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: Targeted therapy has transformed the outcome for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Their efficacy and safety have also been demonstrated in brain metastatic RCC. Preclinical evidence suggests synergism of radiation and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Consequently, several studies have compared their efficacy in the treatment of RCC brain metastases to the era of brain management with surgery/radiation only.

Objectives: We seek to systematically review and meta-analyze the results of those studies that involved comparative intervention groups of brain management; TKIs, and never used TKIs.

Methods and Materials: Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for comparative studies. Overall survival as the primary outcome of interest, and local brain control, distant control, and adverse events as secondary outcomes of interest were recorded for meta-analysis. Hazard ratios were pooled together using Review Manager 5.3. Fixed effects or random effects model were adopted according to the level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis included studies that involved SRS as the local treatment of management.

Results: Overall 7 studies (n = 897) were included for meta-analysis. TKI use was associated with better survival (HR 0.60 [0.52, 0.69], p < 0.00001) and local brain control (HR 0.34 [0.11, 0.98], p = 0.05). SRS subgroup also revealed significantly better survival (HR 0.61 [0.44, 0.83], p = 0.002) and local brain control (HR 0.19 [0.08, 0.45], p = 0.0002). Distant brain control (HR 0.95 [0.67, 1.35], p = 0.79) and brain progression free survival were unaffected (HR 0.94 [0.56, 1.56], p = 0.80). Only one study (n = 376) reported significantly greater 12-months cumulative incidence of radiation necrosis with TKI use within 30 days of SRS (10.9 vs. 6.4%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions: TKIs use in combination with SRS is safe and effective for treating RCC brain metastases. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the results.

Tumor Primary Site and Histology Subtypes Role in Radiotherapeutic Management of Brain Metastases

Randomized controlled trials have failed to report any survival advantage for WBRT combined with SRS in the management of brain metastases, despite the enhanced local and distant control in comparison to each treatment alone. Literature review have revealed important role of primary histology of the tumor when dealing with brain metastases. NSCLC responds better to combined approach even when there was only single brain metastasis present while breast cancer has registered better survival with SRS alone probably due to better response of primary tumor to advancement in surgical and chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, mutation status (EGFR/ALK) in lung cancer and receptor status (ER/PR/HER2) in breast cancer also exhibit diversity in their response to radiotherapy. Radioresistant tumors like renal cell carcinoma and melanoma brain metastases have achieved better results when treated with SRS alone. Secondly, single brain metastasis may benefit from local and distant brain control achieved with combined treatment. These diverse outcomes suggest a primary histology-based analysis of the radiotherapy regimens (WBRT, SRS, or their combination) would more ideally establish the role of radiotherapy in the management of brain metastases. Molecularly targeted therapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents have revealed synergism with radiation therapy particularly SRS in treating cancer patients with brain metastases. Clinical updates in this regard have also been reviewed.

Oligometastasis and local ablation in the era of systemic targeted and immunotherapy

Background

During these last years, new agents have dramatically improved the survival of the metastatic patients. Oligometastases represent a continuous field of interest in which the integration of metastases-directed therapy and drugs could further improve the oncologic outcomes.

Herein a narrative review is performed regarding the main rationale in combining immunotherapy and target therapies with SBRT looking at the available clinical data in case of oligometastatic NSCLC, Melanoma and Kidney cancer.

Material and method

Narrative Review regarding retrospective and prospective studies published between January 2009 to November 2019 with at least 20 patients analyzed.

Results

Concerning the combination between SBRT and Immunotherapy, the correct sequence of remains uncertain, and seems to be drug-dependent. The optimal patients’ selection is crucial to expect substantial benefits to SBRT/Immunotherapy combination and, among several factors. A potential field of interest is represented by the so-called oligoprogressed disease, in which SBRT could improve the long-term efficacy of the existing target therapy.

Conclusions

A low tumor burden seems to be the most relevant, thus making the oligometastatic disease represent the ideal setting for the use of combination therapies with immunological drugs.

Overall survival and response to radiation and targeted therapies among patients with renal cell carcinoma brain metastases

OBJECTIVE

The object of this retrospective study was to investigate the impact of targeted therapies on overall survival (OS), distant intracranial failure, local failure, and radiation necrosis among patients treated with radiation therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastases to the brain.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with RCC brain metastasis (BM) between 1998 and 2015 at a single institution were included in this study. The primary outcome was OS, and secondary outcomes included local failure, distant intracranial failure, and radiation necrosis. The timing of targeted therapies was recorded. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to model OS, while multivariate competing-risks regression was used to model local failure, distant intracranial failure, and radiation necrosis, with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-six patients presented with 912 RCC BMs. Median OS was 9.7 months. Consistent with the previously validated diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment (DS-GPA) for RCC BM, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and number of BMs were the only factors prognostic for OS. One hundred forty-seven patients (39%) received vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Median OS was significantly greater among patients receiving TKIs (16.8 vs 7.3 months, p < 0.001). Following multivariate analysis, KPS, number of metastases, and TKI use remained significantly associated with OS.The crude incidence of local failure was 14.9%, with a 12-month cumulative incidence of 13.4%. TKIs did not significantly decrease the 12-month cumulative incidence of local failure (11.4% vs 14.5%, p = 0.11). Following multivariate analysis, age, number of BMs, and lesion size remained associated with local failure. The 12-month cumulative incidence of radiation necrosis was 8.0%. Use of TKIs within 30 days of SRS was associated with a significantly increased 12-month cumulative incidence of radiation necrosis (10.9% vs 6.4%, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of targeted therapies in patients with RCC BM treated with intracranial SRS was associated with improved OS. However, the use of TKIs within 30 days of SRS increases the rate of radiation necrosis without improving local control or reducing distant intracranial failure. Prospective studies are warranted to determine the optimal timing to reduce the rate of necrosis without detracting from survival.

Prognostic factors and survival in Japanese patients with brain metastasis from renal cell cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma have poor outcomes despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, factors affecting such poor outcomes are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with overall survival in renal cell carcinoma patients with brain metastasis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 50 consecutive patients with brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma at our institution between 1988 and 2017. The evaluated prognostic factors for overall survival included clinicopathological factors at diagnosis, treatment for brain metastasis, and the Graded Prognostic Assessment score of renal cell carcinoma. The associations between preoperative clinicopathological factors and overall survival were assessed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were included, among whom 39 died during follow-up. The median follow-up was 8.2 months. The median survival time was 8.2 months (95% confidence interval 5.5-13.7). A Graded Prognostic Assessment score ≤ 2 (hazard ratio 1.967; 95% confidence interval 1.024-3.892; P = 0.042), the presence of sarcomatoid components (hazard ratio 3.299; 95% confidence interval 1.424-7.193; P = 0.007), and no treatment for brain metastasis (hazard ratio 2.594; 95% confidence interval 1.033-5.858; P = 0.043) were independently associated with poor prognosis in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with renal cell carcinoma who develop brain metastasis have poor overall survival. The Graded Prognostic Assessment score, sarcomatoid components, and treatment for brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma were independent factors associated with prognosis.

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma Brain Metastases in the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Era: Outcomes of 120 Patients

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety of a large consecutive series of 362 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) brain metastases treated using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2015, 362 consecutive patients with brain metastases from RCC were treated using SRS in 1 fraction: 226 metastases (61 patients) using Gamma-Knife at a median of 18 Gy (50% isodose line); 136 metastases (63 patients) using linear accelerator at a median of 16 Gy (70% isodose line). The median patient age was 58 years. At the first SRS, 37 patients (31%) received a systemic treatment. Among systemic therapies, TKIs were the most common (65%).

RESULTS

The local control rates were 94% and 92% at 12 and 36 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a minimal dose >17 Gy and concomitant TKI treatment were associated with higher rates of local control. The overall survival rates at 12 and 36 months were 52% and 29%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with poor survival included age ≥65 years, lower score index for SRS, concomitant lung metastases, time between RCC diagnosis and first systemic metastasis ≤4 months, occurrence during treatment with a systemic therapy, no history of neurosurgery, and persistence or occurrence of neurological symptoms at 3 months after SRS. Seventeen patients had Grade III/IV adverse effects of whom 3 patients presented a symptomatic radionecrosis.

CONCLUSION

SRS is highly effective in patients with brain metastases from RCC. Its association with TKIs does not suggest higher risk of neurologic toxicity.

Brain Complete Response to Cabozantinib prior to Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cabozantinib represents an established vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in the treatment paradigm of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Its activity in mRCC patients with brain metastases (BMs) has been largely underreported in prospective clinical trials. We present the unique case of a heavily pretreated mRCC patient with BMs who achieved a brain complete response to cabozantinib prior to receiving radiation therapy. We end with a literature review and discussion of the biologic rationale and growing evidence supporting the intracranial activity of cabozantinib.

Timing of brain metastases development in metastatic renal cell cancer patients treated with targeted therapies and survival outcomes: An Australian multicenter study

AIM

Targeted therapy (TT) has improved survival for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, survival is usually limited if brain metastases (BMs) develop. We aimed to evaluate survival outcomes in mRCC patients based on timing of BM diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of mRCC patients with BM who received TT at any point between 2005 and 2014. We determined overall survival (OS) from stage IV diagnosis, TT initiation and BM diagnosis, and prognostic factors. Patients were grouped into three categories: synchronous-BM, metachronous-BM diagnosed while conservatively managed (metachronous-BM before TT) and metachronous-BM diagnosed during TT. Survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and predictors were calculated using Cox hazards regression.

RESULTS

Incidence of BM was 17% in mRCC patients treated with TT (two centers). Fifty-four mRCC-BM patients were identified from five tertiary centers. Twenty-eight percentage (15/54) had synchronous-BM, 28% (15/54) had metachranous-BM before TT and 44% (24/54) had metachronous-BM during TT. Most had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms at BM diagnosis (78%; 42/54). Median OS from stage IV diagnosis, TT commencement and BM diagnosis was 28 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 16-43), 19 months (95% CI 9-26) and 9 months (95% CI 5-16), respectively. Synchronous-BM group trended toward poorer survival from TT commencement (P = 0.06). Metachronous-BM during TT group had lower survival from BM diagnosis than synchronous-BM and metachronous-BM before TT group (P < 0.001). Eight of 50 deaths (16%) were from neurological complications. The presence of CNS symptoms did not predict worse survival from stage IV diagnosis (P = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

In patients with mRCC, the development of BM while on TT portends shorter prognosis compared with synchronous diagnosis of BM at stage IV disease or metachronous BM developed prior to commencing TT. The presence of CNS symptoms does not predict worse survival.

Improved Survival Outcomes for Kidney Cancer Patients With Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BM) occur frequently in patients with metastatic kidney cancer and are a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Although historically associated with a poor prognosis, survival outcomes for patients in the modern era are incompletely characterized. In particular, outcomes after adjusting for systemic therapy administration and International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors are not well-known.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective database of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center between 2006 and 2015 was created. Data relevant to their diagnosis, treatment course, and outcomes were systematically collected. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Patients with BM were compared with patients without BM after adjusting for the timing of BM diagnosis, either prior to or during first-line systemic therapy. The impact of stratification according to IMDC risk group was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 56 (28.4%) of 268 patients with metastatic RCC were diagnosed with BM prior to or during first-line systemic therapy. Median overall survival (OS) for systemic therapy-naive patients with BM compared with matched patients without BM was 19.5 versus 28.7 months (P = .0117). When analyzed according to IMDC risk group, the median OS for patients with BM was similar for favorable- and intermediate-risk patients (not reached vs. not reached; and 29.0 vs. 36.7 months; P = .5254), and inferior for poor-risk patients (3.5 vs. 9.4 months; P = .0462). For patients developing BM while on first-line systemic therapy, survival from the time of progression did not significantly differ by presence or absence of BM (11.8 vs. 17.8 months; P = .6658).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival rates for patients with BM are significantly better than historical reports. After adjusting for systemic therapy, the survival rates of patients with BM in favorable- and intermediate-risk groups were remarkably better than expected and not statistically different from patients without BM, though this represents a single institution experience, and numbers are modest.

Prognostic factors for survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients with brain metastases receiving targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of our study was to examine the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with brain metastases (BMs) receiving targeted therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight patients from 16 oncology centers for whom complete clinical data were available were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age was 57 years (range 30-80). Most patients underwent a nephrectomy (n = 41; 70.7%), were male (n = 42; 72.4%) and had clear-cell (CC) RCC (n = 51; 87.9%). Patients were treated with first-line suni-tinib (n = 45; 77.6%) or pazopanib (n = 13; 22.4%). The median time from the initial RCC diagnosis to the diagnosis of BMs was 9 months. The median time from the first occurrence of metastasis to the development of BMs was 7 months. The median overall survival (OS) of mRCC patients with BMs was 13 months. Time from the initial diagnosis of systemic metastasis to the development of BMs (<12 months; p = 0.001), histological subtype (non-CC; p<0.05) and number of BMs (>2; p<0.05) were significantly associated with OS in multivariate analysis. There were no cases of toxic death. One mRCC patient with BMs (1.7%) experienced treatment-related cerebral necrosis. All other toxicities included those commonly observed with VEGF-TKI therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The time from the initial diagnosis of systemic metastasis to the development of BMs (<12 months), a non-CC histological subtype, and a greater number of BMs (>2) were independent risk factors for a poor prognosis.

Combined irradiation and targeted therapy or immune checkpoint blockade in brain metastases: toxicities and efficacy

Background

Targeted therapies (TT) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are currently modifying the landscape of metastatic cancer management and are increasingly used over the course of many cancers treatment. They allow long-term survival with controlled extra-cerebral disease, contributing to the increasing incidence of brain metastases (BMs). Radiation therapy remains the cornerstone of BMs treatment (either whole brain irradiation or stereotactic radiosurgery), and investigating the safety profile of radiation therapy combined with TT or ICI is of high interest. Discontinuing an efficient systemic therapy, when BMs irradiation is considered, might allow systemic disease progression and, on the other hand, the mechanisms of action of these two therapeutic modalities might lead to unexpected toxicities and/or greater efficacy, when combined.

Patients and methods

We carried out a systematic literature review focusing on the safety profile and the efficacy of BMs radiation therapy combined with targeted agents or ICI, emphasizing on the role (if any) of the sequence of combination scheme (drug given before, during, and/or after radiation therapy).

Results

Whereas no relevant toxicity has been noticed with most of these drugs, the concomitant use of some other drugs with brain irradiation requires caution.

Conclusion

Most of available studies appear to advocate for TT or ICI combination with radiation therapy, without altering the clinical safety profiles, allowing the maintenance of systemic treatments when stereotactic radiation therapy is considered. Cognitive functions, health-related quality of life and radiation necrosis risk remain to be assessed. The results of prospective studies are awaited in order to complete and validate the above discussed retrospective data.

The Efficacy of Conventionally Fractionated Radiation in the Management of Osseous Metastases from Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

There is little data regarding the effectiveness of palliative radiation with conventional fractionation for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which has been described as radioresistant. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic bony disease from RCC treated with radiation therapy at our institution.

Methods

Forty patients with histologically confirmed RCC with a total of 53 treatment courses were included. Pain response after radiotherapy was recorded and freedom from progression was generated using posttreatment radiographs. Patient data was analyzed to assess influence on local control.

Results

Patients had a median age of 63. Median follow-up was 9.3 months. The most common radiation dose was 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Pain control after radiotherapy was achieved in 73.6% of patients. Increasing age was associated with nonresponse at the initial pain assessment post-RT (p = 0.02). In lesions with initial pain response, nonclear cell histology was associated with increased pain recurrence (p = 0.01) and a shorter duration to pain recurrence (p = 0.01). Radiographic control at 1 year was 62%.

Conclusions

Pain response and control rates for osseous metastatic disease in RCC are comparable to other histologies when treated with conventional fractionation. These appear to be inferior to reported control rates from stereotactic treatments.

Genetic Characterization of Brain Metastases in the Era of Targeted Therapy

In the current era of molecularly targeted therapies and precision medicine, choice of cancer treatment has been increasingly tailored according to the molecular or genomic characterization of the cancer the individual has. Previously, the clinical observation of inadequate control of brain metastases was widely attributed to a lack of central nervous system (CNS) penetration of the anticancer drugs. However, more recent data have suggested that there are genetic explanations for such observations. Genomic analyses of brain metastases and matching primary tumor and other extracranial metastases have revealed that brain metastases can harbor potentially actionable driver mutations that are unique to them. Identification of genomic alterations specific to brain metastases and targeted therapies against these mutations represent an important research area to potentially improve survival outcomes for patients who develop brain metastases. Novel approaches in genomic testing such as that using cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) facilitate advancing our understanding of the genomics of brain metastases, which is critical for precision medicine. CSF-derived ctDNA sequencing may be particularly useful in patients who are unfit for surgical resection or have multiple brain metastases, which can harbor mutations that are distinct from their primary tumors. Compared to the traditional chemotherapeutics, novel targeted agents appear to be more effective in controlling the CNS disease with better safety profiles. Several brain metastases-dedicated trials of various targeted therapies are currently underway to address the role of these agents in the treatment of CNS disease. This review focuses on recent advances in genomic profiling of brain metastases and current knowledge of targeted therapies in the management of brain metastases from cancers of the breast, lung, colorectum, kidneys, and ovaries as well as melanoma.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as one-and-a-half syndrome

We report a case of 43-year-old male, presented with sudden onset binocular diplopia on lateral gazes. Ocular examination showed features of ipsilateral one-and-a-half syndrome. Comprehensive systemic work in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain illustrated irregular mixed solid and cystic lesions in the brainstem, possibly indicative of brain metastases. Further imaging revealed hidden renal cell carcinoma as a primary neoplasm, which led to secondary manifestations.

Multimodality treatment of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy

In patients with renal cancer, brain metastasis is associated with poor survival and high morbidity. Poor life expectancy is often associated with widespread extracranial metastases. In such patients, a multidisciplinary approach is paramount. Brain metastases-specific therapies may include surgery, radiosurgery, conventional radiation and targeted therapies (TT) or a combination of these treatments. Some factors are important prognostically when choosing the best strategy: performance status, the number, size and location of brain metastases, the extension of systemic metastases and a well-controlled primary tumour. Failure of chemical therapy has always been attributed to an intact blood-brain barrier and acquired drug resistance by renal cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated objective responses with TT in a variety of cancer types, including renal cancer. In most cases, these agents have been used in combination and in conjunction with whole-brain radiation therapy and radiosurgery. Local control appears to be better with the combined method if the patient has a good performance status and may improve overall survival. This review summarizes current literature data on multidisciplinary approach in the management of renal brain metastasis with radiation, surgery and TT with an emphasis on potential better outcomes with a combination of current treatment methods.

Treatment of brain metastases in the modern genomic era

Development of brain metastasis (BM) portends a dismal prognosis for patients with cancer. Melanomas and carcinomas of the lung, breast, and kidney are the most common malignancies to metastasize to the brain. Recent advances in molecular genetics have enabled the identification of actionable, clinically relevant genetic alterations within primary tumors and their corresponding metastases. Adoption of genotype-guided treatment strategies for the management of systemic malignancy has resulted in dramatic and durable responses. Unfortunately, despite these therapeutic advances, central nervous system (CNS) relapses are not uncommon. Although these relapses have historically been attributed to limited blood brain barrier penetration of anti-neoplastic agents, recent work has demonstrated genetic heterogeneity such that metastatic sites, including BM, harbor relevant genetic alterations that are not present in primary tumor biopsies. This improved insight into molecular mechanisms underlying site specific recurrences can inform strategies for targeting these oncogenic drivers. Thus, development of rational, genomically guided CNS-penetrant therapies is crucial for ongoing therapeutic success.

Survival was Significantly Better with Surgical/Medical/Radiation Co-interventions in a Single-Institution Practice Audit of Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose

To audit outcomes after introducing frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases, including co-interventions: neurosurgery, systemic therapy, and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). We report median overall survival (MS), local failure, and distant brain failure. We hypothesized patients treated with SRS would have clinically meaningful improved MS compared with historic institutional values. We further hypothesized that patients treated with co-interventions would have clinically meaningful improved MS compared with patients treated with SRS alone.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients (N = 120) with limited intracranial disease underwent 130 frameless SRS sessions from April 2010 to May 2013. Median follow-up was 11 months. MS was measured from brain metastases diagnosis, local failure, and distant brain failure from the time of first SRS.

Results

Practice pattern during the first year of the study favored upfront WBRT (79%) over SRS (21%) while upfront SRS (45%) was almost as common as upfront WBRT (55%) in the last year of the study. MS was 18 months; 37% received SRS alone as initial radiotherapy (MS 12 months); 63% received WBRT prior to SRS (MS 19 months); 50% received systemic therapy post-SRS (MS 21 months); and 26% had tumor resection then SRS to the surgical cavity (MS 42 months). Local failure occurred in 10% of lesions and radio-necrosis occurred in 4%. Differences in distant brain failure among patients treated with upfront SRS (40% rate), WBRT followed by SRS (33% rate) or systemic therapy post-SRS (37% rate) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Frameless SRS effectively treats surgical cavities, persistent tumors post-WBRT, and can be used as an upfront treatment of brain metastases. Surgery, systemic therapy, and WBRT are associated with longer MS. Patients can live for years while receiving multiple therapies. Systemic therapy for patients with brain metastases is increasingly common, palliative care occurs earlier and improves survival, and WBRT use is not routine. Modern series sometimes produce unexpectedly good results. Classification and treatment protocols are evolving. This practice audit is note-worthy for (i) high median overall survival, (ii) systemic therapy after radiosurgery for patients with tumors treated by radiosurgery, (iii) distant brain failure not significantly related to WBRT, and (iv) neurosurgery, systemic therapy, and WBRT are independently associated with improved MS.

Clinical Outcome of Third-Line Pazopanib in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 2-3% of all malignant tumors. The prevalence of brain metastases from RCC is less than 20% of cases. Traditionally, whole brain radiotherapy as well as the latest stereotactic radiosurgery improves both survival and local tumor control. These treatments also allow stabilization of clinical symptomatology. However, validated treatment guidelines for RCC patients with brain metastases are not yet available on account of the frequent exclusion of such patients from clinical trials. Moreover, limited data about the sequential use of three therapies, changing the class of agent, have been published up to now. Case Report. We report the case of a patient with metastatic RCC who developed disease progression after sunitinib and everolimus as first-line and second-line therapy, respectively. Thus, he underwent a multimodality treatment with pazopanib, as third-line therapy, to control systemic disease and radiosurgery directed on the new brain metastasis. To date, the patient is still receiving pazopanib, with progression-free survival and overall survival of 43 and 103 months, respectively. Conclusion. In a context characterized by different emerging options, with no general consensus on the optimal treatment strategy, the use of pazopanib in pretreated patients could be a suitable choice.

Heterogeneous drug target expression as possible basis for different clinical and radiological response to the treatment of primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma: suggestions from bench to bedside

Metastatic disease occurs in a significant percentage of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and is usually associated with an overall poor prognosis. However, not all of the sites of metastases seem to have the same prognostic significance in patients receiving targeted agents. Indeed, patients with lung-only metastases seem to present a better survival than patients with other sites, whereas liver and bone metastases are associated with a worst prognosis. Some clinical studies suggest that metastatic sites are more responsive than primary tumors. This event may be due to intratumor heterogeneity in terms of somatic mutations, chromosome aberrations, and tumor gene expression, primarily centered around Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) pathway, such as VHL mutations, HIF levels, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms, and VEGF receptor levels. Nevertheless, these data do not completely explain the discordant biological behavior between primary tumor and metastatic sites. Understanding the causes of this discordance will have profound consequences on translational research and clinical trials in RCC. In this review, we overview current data on the differences between primary RCC and metastases in terms of drug target expression and clinical/radiological response to targeted agents, thus describing the prognostic role of different metastatic sites in RCC patients.

Evaluation of tyrosine kinase receptors in brain metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals cMet as a negative prognostic factor

AIMS

Brain metastases (BMs) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are associated with a dismal prognosis, with limited treatment options. Tyrosine kinases are relevant 'druggable' biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tyrosine kinase receptors anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRA) and cMet in a large series of ccRCC BMs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ALK, EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 53 ccRCCs BMs and 12 matched primary tumours. ALK and MET gene status and copy number alterations of chromosome 7 were studied with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Data on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and Ki67 and microvessel density were available from previous studies. ALK was negative in all analysed specimens. EGFR was overexpressed in 41 of 51 (80.4%) BMs and in seven of eight primary tumours, PDGFRA was overexpressed in all BMs except one and in all primary tumours, and cMet was expressed in 26 of 50 (52%) BMs and in two of seven primary tumours, and did not correlate with MET amplification or polysomy 7. cMet was the only parameter associated with significantly shorter BM-specific survival (median 8 months versus 33 months, P = 0.005, Cox regression).

CONCLUSIONS

EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet are commonly overexpressed in ccRCC BMs. cMet overexpression correlates with significantly shorter BM-specific survival.

Safety and efficacy of targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma with brain metastasis

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The role of targeted therapy in this setting is not well established. The primary objective was to assess overall survival (OS) and neurologic events in patients with brain metastasis treated with targeted agents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with RCC treated with targeted agents for brain metastasis between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively identified. Kaplan-Meier methodology and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the association between clinical features and OS.

RESULTS

Of 65 patients identified, 52 (80%) were treated with antiangiogenic agents and 13 (20%) received inhibitors of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin [serine/threonine kinase]); 57 (88%) had local therapy for brain metastasis, including surgery in 3 (5%), radiation therapy in 36 (55%), and both surgery and radiotherapy in 18 (28%). Median follow-up was 12.3 months (1.1-58.8). Median treatment duration for targeted therapy as first-line therapy was 3.4 months (0.3-31.9). The median OS was 12.2 months (95% CI, 8.0-15.5). The risk group according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) stratification (P = .001), the histology subtype (clear vs. other) (P < .0001), and the number of brain lesions (1 vs. ≥ 2) (P = .004) correlated with OS on multivariate analysis. Neurologic complications were identified in 5 patients (8%), including 2 with radiation necrosis and 3 with brain metastasis hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

The use of targeted agents in the multimodal treatment of patients with RCC and brain metastasis was not associated with excessive neurologic adverse events. Clear cell histology, favorable MSKCC risk status, and solitary brain metastasis are associated with more favorable OS.

A phase II trial of sunitinib in patients with renal cell cancer and untreated brain metastases

BACKGROUND

The expanded access program and anecdotal cases suggested sunitinib is safe in RCC patients with BM and might have worthwhile activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a phase II trial, patients with untreated BM received the standard regimen of sunitinib. The primary end point was objective response (OR) rate in BM after 2 cycles. An OR rate of 35% was prospectively defined as the minimum needed to warrant further investigation. According to Simon's optimal 2-stage design, at least 3 of the initial 15 patients had to have an OR for accrual to continue.

RESULTS

Among 16 evaluable patients, 1 had a complete response outside the central nervous system (CNS). CNS disease was stabilized in 5 (31%). However, no BM showed an OR. Therefore, no further accrual took place. Median time to progression was 2.3 months and overall survival was 6.3 months. There was 1 toxic death, from peritonitis with gastric perforation. Three patients experienced at least 1 treatment-related grade 3 or greater toxicity but no neurological adverse events were attributable to sunitinib.

CONCLUSION

Although tolerability was acceptable in RCC patients with previously untreated BM, sunitinib has limited efficacy in this setting.