Salvage Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recurrent WHO Grade 2 and 3 Meningiomas: A Multicenter Study (STORM)

PURPOSE

The role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of grade 2 and 3 meningiomas is not well elucidated. Unfortunately, local recurrence rates are high, and guidelines for management of recurrent disease are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted STORM (Salvage Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recurrent WHO Grade 2 and 3 Meningiomas), a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients treated with primary SRS for recurrent grade 2 and 3 meningiomas.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data on patients with recurrent grade 2 and 3 meningioma treated with SRS at first recurrence were retrospectively collected from 8 academic centers in the United States. Patients with multiple lesions at the time of initial diagnosis or more than 2 lesions at the time of first recurrence were excluded from this analysis. Patient demographics and treatment parameters were extracted at time of diagnosis, first recurrence, and second recurrence. Oncologic outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival, as well as toxicity outcomes, were reported at the patient level.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2022, 108 patients were identified (94% grade 2, 6.0% grade 3). A total of 106 patients (98%) had upfront surgical resection (60% gross-total resection) with 18% receiving adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Median time to first progression was 2.5 years (IQR, 1.34-4.30). At first recurrence, patients were treated with single or fractionated SRS to a median marginal dose of 16 Gy to a maximum of 2 lesions (87% received single-fraction SRS). The median follow-up time after SRS was 2.6 years. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS was 90%, 75%, and 57%, respectively, after treatment with SRS. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival was 97%, 94%, and 92%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, grade 3 disease (HR, 6.80; 95% CI, 1.61-28.6), male gender (HR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.47-8.26), and receipt of prior RT (HR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.23-5.86) were associated with worse PFS. SRS dose and tumor volume were not correlated with progression. Treatment was well tolerated, with a 3.0% incidence of grade 2+ radiation necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest multicenter study to evaluate salvage SRS in recurrent grade 2 and 3 meningiomas. In this select cohort of patients with primarily grade 2 meningioma with a potentially more favorable natural history of delayed, localized first recurrence amenable to salvage SRS, local control rates and toxicity profiles were favorable, warranting further prospective validation.

Multi-Institutional Study of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recurrent WHO Grade 2/3 Meningiomas: An Interim Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Meningiomas are the most common tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Approximately 80% are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1, while 20% correspond to grade 2 or grade 3. In those with grade 2/3 disease, local recurrence is not uncommon. Salvage treatment options vary widely and include resection, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and/or clinical trials. Although retrospective studies have reported on the use of upfront SRS in grade 2/3 meningiomas, large-scale outcomes with SRS in the recurrent setting are lacking. The objective of this study was to report on oncologic outcomes for patients with recurrent grade 2/3 meningioma treated with SRS.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This is an ongoing multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. Eligibility criteria include patients >18 years old with pathologically confirmed WHO grade 2 or 3 meningioma treated with SRS monotherapy at the time of first recurrence. Patients require pathologic confirmation only at time of diagnosis; those with upfront grade 1 disease must have pathologic confirmation of grade 2/3 disease at time of first recurrence. Patients with multifocal disease upfront were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients met eligibility criteria. Baseline demographics at time of initial diagnosis are shown in table 1. At the time of first recurrence, 57 (95%) were WHO grade 2, and 3 (5%) were grade 3. Median follow up time from first recurrence was 5.02 years. Median marginal SRS dose was 16 Gy (IQR 14-17) to a 2.67cc planning treatment volume (IQR 1.4-5.1). 92% of patients received single fraction SRS. Median time to second recurrence was 5.92 years. 1, 3, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 95%, 68%, and 51%, respectively. 1, 3, and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 100%, 98%, and 96%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, grade 3 disease was independently associated with worse PFS (HR 15.7, p = 0.03). Median SRS dose and treatment volume did not correlate with PFS. 1 patient (1.7%) experienced symptomatic radiation necrosis requiring steroids, 3 (5.0%) experienced new seizure activity, and 2 (3.3%) additional patients showed clinical evidence of post-treatment neurocognitive decline.

CONCLUSION

Based on this interim analysis, primary SRS for recurrent grade 2/3 meningioma appears safe and feasible, with outcomes comparable to prospective data on high-risk grade 2/3 patients treated with post-operative fractionated EBRT. We look forward to further analysis with a larger cohort which may help guide further prospective studies.

Multi-Institutional Report of Re-Irradiation for Recurrent High-Grade Glioma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Significant heterogeneity exists with regards to prior published reports of re-irradiation (re-RT) in patients with recurrent high grade glioma (HGG). A multi-institutional database of 10 academic centers across the United States was created to analyze prognostic outcomes for re-RT for recurrent HGG, which included WHO Grade III and Grade IV tumors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with HGG who had initially received standard radiotherapy (RT) and were subsequently treated with a course of re-RT at recurrence were included in the study. Factors assessed to delineate a significant association with overall survival (OS) and toxicity included age, KPS, number of relapses, dose, use of bevacizumab (BEV) or temozolomide (TMZ), time from prior RT, histology, RT target, re-RT target> 5cm and extent of resection, and MGMT methylation status. The Kaplan-Meier Method was used to estimate OS. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify factors associated with OS. Toxicity outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Significance was assumed if p<0.05. Data management and decision management software were used for all analyses.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2022, 280 patients from 10 academic institutions were treated with re-RT for diagnosis of recurrent HGG. 133 patients (71.1%) had a histologic glioblastoma (GBM) at the time of re-RT, with the remainder having Grade 3 gliomas. Median dose delivered at re-RT was 47 Gy BED10 (IQR 47 - 53 Gy BED10), with the most common regimen being 35 Gy in 10 fractions. 83 patients (56%) had GTV greater than 5 cm treated with re-RT. 183 patients (79%) received concurrent systemic therapy, including 95 (41%) who received concurrent TMZ and 86 (45%) who received concurrent BEV. Median OS for the entire cohort was 10 months. Increasing dose at re-RT was associated with improved OS (OR 0.80 95% CI 0.67-0.95, p = 0.10 per 10 Gy BED10), as was dose greater than 47 Gy BED10, which is equivalent to 35 Gy in 10 fractions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91). Concurrent TMZ was also associated with improved OS (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46-0.83, p < 0.01). 32/143 (22%) patients evaluable for toxicity experienced Grade 2 or greater adverse radiation effect (ARE). Use of BEV was associated with decreased toxicity (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.98, p = 0.05). Dose at re-RT (OR 1.07 per 10 Gy BED10, p = 0.78), a GTV > 5cm (OR 1.39, p = 0.44), and the use of concurrent TMZ (OR 1.90, p = 0.10) were not associated with Grade 2 or greater ARE.

CONCLUSION

Higher dose of re-RT and use of concurrent TMZ led to improved OS in recurrent HGG patients without an associated increased rate of ARE. Use of BEV decreased the likelihood of Grade 2 or greater ARE in the re-RT setting for these recurrent HGG patients.

Association of Unilateral Radiotherapy With Contralateral Lymph Node Failure Among Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Ipsilateral neck radiotherapy (RT) is controversial in some patients with tonsil cancer due to concern for nodal failure within the contralateral nonirradiated neck (hereinafter referred to as contralateral neck failure [CNF]).

Objective

To determine the rate of CNF following ipsilateral neck RT in patients with tonsil cancer.

Data Sources

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were queried for peer-reviewed, English language articles published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2021.

Study Selection

Studies reporting rates of CNF from at least 20 patients treated with ipsilateral neck RT. Studies were excluded if they lacked full text, reported results from databases or systematic reviews, or did not provide RT details.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were extracted following the PRISMA reporting guideline. Study quality was assessed using criteria from a methodological index for nonrandomized studies. Pooled outcomes were estimated using random-effects models.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome was the pooled rate of CNF following ipsilateral neck RT. Secondary outcomes were the pooled rates of CNF by tumor and nodal staging categories from the 7th edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and rates of toxic effects.

Results

A total of 17 studies (16 retrospective and 1 prospective) including 1487 unique patients were identified. The pooled risk of CNF was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.2%-2.6%). The rate of CNF by tumor (T) category was as follows: 1.3% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.3%) for T1; 3.0% (95% CI, 1.6%-4.4%) for T2; 11.3% (95% CI, 3.3%-19.2%) for T3; and 16.0% (95% CI, -7.8% to 39.8%) for T4. Patients with T3 to T4 tumors had a significantly higher rate of CNF than those with T1 to T2 tumors (11.5% [95% CI, 3.9%-19.1%] vs 1.8% [95% CI, 1.0%-2.6%]; P < .001). The rate of CNF by nodal (N) category was 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-2.2%) for N0; 4.8% (95% CI, 2.4%-7.2%) for N1; 3.1% (95% CI, 0.4%-5.8%) for N2a; 3.1% (95% CI, 1.2%-4.9%) for N2b; and 0 (95% CI, not applicable) for N3. Rates of CNF were similar for patients with N2b to N3 and N0 to N2a disease (3.0% [95% CI, 1.2%-4.7%] vs 1.7% [95% CI, 0.6%-2.8%], respectively; P = .07). Compared with bilateral RT, ipsilateral RT was associated with increased risk of CNF (log odds ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 0.09-2.48]; P = .04). The crude rates of xerostomia of grade 3 or greater and feeding tube use were 0.9% (95% CI, -0.2% to 1.9%) and 13.3% (95% CI, 8.3%-18.3%), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, ipsilateral neck RT was associated with a low rate of CNF in patients with small, lateralized tonsil cancers. Bilateral neck RT was associated with lower risk of CNF compared with ipsilateral neck RT. Patients with tumors of a higher T category were at increased risk for CNF following ipsilateral neck RT, and advanced nodal stage was not associated with CNF. Rates of toxic effects appeared favorable in patients treated with ipsilateral neck RT.

Outcomes of radiation-induced meningiomas treated with stereotactic radiosurgery

PURPOSE

Data on the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treatment of radiation-induced meningiomas (RIMs) are limited.

METHODS

A single institution database of Cobalt-60 SRS cases from 08/1999 to 10/2020 was reviewed. Radiation-induced meningiomas were identified using Cahan's criteria. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), local control (LC), treatment failure, and treatment toxicity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients with 86 RIM lesions were identified. Median follow-up after SRS was 59 months. The median dose prescribed to the 50% isodose line was 14 Gy (range 12-20 Gy). The actuarial 5-yr OS and PFS were 96% and 68%, respectively. Patients treated for recurrent RIMs had a significantly lower PFS (45% vs 94% at 3 yr, p < 0.005) than patients treated in the upfront setting. Patients with presumed or WHO grade I RIMs had a significantly greater PFS (3-year PFS 96% vs 20%) than patients with WHO grade II RIMs (p < 0.005). On a per-lesion basis, local control (LC) at 1-, 3-, and 5-yrs was 82%, 76%, 74%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, female gender was associated with improved LC (p < 0.001), while marginal doses > 14 Gy were associated with worse local control (p < 0.001). Grade I-III toxicity following treatment was 9.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment option for radiographic RIMs, WHO grade I RIMs, or lesions treated in the upfront setting. WHO grade II lesions and recurrent lesions are at increased risk for disease progression.

Clinical Outcomes of Dose Escalated Re-Irradiation in Patients with Recurrent High Grade Glioma

Background

Reirradiation for recurrent gliomas is a controversial treatment option with no clear standard dose or concurrent systemic therapy.

Methods

This series represents a single institution retrospective review of patients treated with re-irradiation for recurrent high grade glioma. After 2012, patients were commonly offered concurrent bevacizumab as a cytoprotective agent against radiation necrosis. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate overall and progression-free survival. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify factors associated with overall and progression-free survival.

Results

Between 2001 and 2021, 52 patients underwent re-irradiation for a diagnosis of recurrent high grade glioma. 36 patients (69.2%) had a histologic diagnosis of glioblastoma at time of re-irradiation. The median BED10 (biologic equivalent dose 10 Gy) of re-irradiation was 53.1 Gy . Twenty-one patients (40.4%) received concurrent bevacizumab with re-irradiation. Median survival for the entire cohort and for glioblastoma at time of recurrence patients was 6.7 months and 6.0 months , respectively. For patients with glioblastoma at time of recurrence, completing re-irradiation (HR 0.03, p &lt; 0.001), use of concurrent bevacizumab (HR 0.3, p=0.009), and the BED10 (HR 0.9, p=0.005) were predictive of overall survival. Nine patients developed Grade 3-5 toxicity; of these, 2 received concurrent bevacizumab and 7 did not (p=0.15).

Conclusion

High dose re-irradiation with concurrent bevacizumab is feasible in patients with recurrent gliomas. Concurrent bevacizumab and increasing radiation dose may improve survival in recurrent glioblastoma patients.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for synchronous early stage non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who present with multiple pulmonary nodules, it is often difficult to distinguish metastatic disease from synchronous primary lung cancers (SPLC). We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) alone to synchronous primary lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with synchronous AJCC 8^th Edition Stage IA-IIA NSCLC and treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to all lesions between 2009-2018 were reviewed. SPLC was defined as patients having received two courses of SBRT within 180 days for treatment of separate early stage tumors. In total, 36 patients with 73 lesions were included. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), cumulative incidence of local failure (LF), and regional/distant failure (R/DF) were estimated and compared with a control cohort of solitary early stage NSCLC patients.

RESULTS

Median PFS was 38.8 months (95% CI 14.3-not reached [NR]); 3-year PFS rates were 50.6% (35.6-72.1). Median OS was 45.9 months (95% CI: 35.9-NR); 3-year OS was 63.0% (47.4-83.8). Three-year cumulative incidence of LF and R/DF was 6.6% (3.7-13.9) and 35.7% (19.3-52.1), respectively. Patients with SPLC were compared to a control group (n = 272) of patients treated for a solitary early stage NSCLC. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS (p = .91) or OS (p = .43). Evaluation of the patterns of failure showed a trend for worse cumulative incidence of R/DF in SPLC patients as compared to solitary early stage NSCLC (p = .06).

CONCLUSION

SBRT alone to multiple lung tumors with SPLC results in comparable PFS, OS, and LF rates to a cohort of patients treated for solitary early stage NSCLC. Those with SPLC had non-significantly higher R/DF. Patients with SPLC should be followed closely for failure and possible salvage therapy.

Adrenal SBRT: a multi-institutional review of treatment outcomes and toxicity

The adrenal glands are a common site of metastatic disease. Definitive treatment for oligometastatic disease using ablative radiotherapy is becoming common in modern radiation oncology practice. However, most data on the treatment of adrenal metastases are limited to single institution reports. Furthermore, delivering ablative radiotherapy doses to intra-abdominal lesions can be challenging due to the proximity of the gastrointestinal tract. We report the outcomes of a multi-institutional cohort of patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for adrenal metastases, primarily using 10 fraction regimens. Retrospective review of institutional databases revealed 29 lesions in 27 patients were treated from 2005 to 2018 at two institutions. Outcome data, including local control, disease-free, and overall survival were abstracted from the medical record system. Toxicity was graded using CTCAE v5.0. Detailed radiotherapy data was abstracted from the treatment planning systems. The median dose was 50 Gy in 10 fractions. Actuarial 1 and 2 year local control was 86% and 76% respectively. The median overall and disease-free survival were 22.8 and 5.6 months respectively. There were no associations identified between local failure and GTV and PTV physical or biologic effective dose. Two patients developed late Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity. High dose radiotherapy to adrenal metastases is a feasible treatment with excellent local control and a reasonable safety profile. For lesions in close proximity to gastrointestinal structures, moderately hypofractionated 10 fraction regimens may be a reasonable compromise between local control and toxicity.

Results of a third Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECTIVE

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a commonly used procedure for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN), with repeat GKRS routinely done in cases of pain relapse. The results of a third GKRS in cases of further pain relapse have not been well described. In this study, the authors report the largest series of patients treated with a third GKRS for TN to date.

METHODS

Retrospective review of institutional electronic medical records and a GKRS database was performed to identify patients who had been treated with a third GKRS at the authors' institution in the period from 2010 to 2018. Telephone interviews were used to collect long-term follow-up data. Pain outcomes were measured using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity scale, with a score ≤ IIIb indicating successful treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-two nerves in 21 patients had sufficient follow-up to determine BNI pain score outcomes. Eighteen of 22 cases had a successful third GKRS, with a median durability of pain relief of 3.88 years. There was no significant difference in the durability of pain relief after a third GKRS compared with those of institutional historical controls of prior series of first and second GKRS procedures. Ten cases had new or worsening facial numbness, with 1 case being bothersome. Four cases of toxicity other than facial numbness were reported, including 1 case of corneal abrasions and possible neurotrophic keratopathy. No cases of anesthesia dolorosa were reported. No factors predicting treatment success or the durability of pain relief were identified. Nonnumbness toxicity was more common in those with a proximally placed shot at the third GKRS.

CONCLUSIONS

A third GKRS is an effective treatment option for TN patients who have pain relapse after repeat GKRS. Pain outcomes of a third GKRS are similar to those following a first or second GKRS. Toxicity is tolerable in patients with a distally placed shot at the third GKRS.

Bench to Bedside: Animal Models of Radiation Induced Musculoskeletal Toxicity

Ionizing radiation is a critical aspect of current cancer therapy. While classically mature bone was thought to be relatively radio-resistant, more recent data have shown this to not be the case. Radiation therapy (RT)-induced bone loss leading to fracture is a source of substantial morbidity. The mechanisms of RT likely involve multiple pathways, including changes in angiogenesis and bone vasculature, osteoblast damage/suppression, and increased osteoclast activity. The majority of bone loss appears to occur rapidly after exposure to ionizing RT, with significant changes in cortical thickness being detectable on computed tomography (CT) within three to four months. Additionally, there is a dose–response relationship. Cortical thinning is especially notable in areas of bone that receive >40 gray (Gy). Methods to mitigate toxicity due to RT-induced bone loss is an area of active investigation. There is an accruing clinical trial investigating the use of risderonate, a bisphosphonate, to prevent rib bone loss in patients undergoing lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Additionally, several other promising therapeutic/preventative approaches are being explored in preclinical studies, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), amifostine, and mechanical loading of irradiated bones.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for bilateral trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECTIVE

A small subset of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) will experience bilateral symptoms. Treatment in these patients is controversial because the population is heterogeneous and patients may have nonvascular etiologies of their pain. This study reports treatment outcomes in the largest cohort of patients with bilateral TN who have undergone Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) to date.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 51 individual nerves in 34 patients with bilateral TN who were treated with GKRS at the authors’ institution between 2001 and 2015, with 12 nerves in 11 patients undergoing repeat GKRS for recurrent or persistent symptoms. Long-term follow-up was obtained by telephone interview. Pain outcomes were measured using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale, with BNI IIIb or better considered a successful treatment.

RESULTS

There was sufficient follow-up to determine treatment outcomes for 48 individual nerves in 33 patients. Of these nerves, 42 (88%) achieved at least BNI IIIb pain relief. The median duration of pain relief was 1.9 years, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year pain relief rates were 64%, 44%, and 44%, respectively. No patients experienced bothersome facial numbness, and 1 case of anesthesia dolorosa and 2 cases of corneal dryness were reported. Patients with a history of definite or possible multiple sclerosis were significantly more likely to experience BNI IV–V relapse. There was no statistically significant difference in treatment outcomes between patients in this series versus a large cohort of patients with unilateral TN treated at the authors’ institution. There was sufficient follow-up to determine treatment outcomes for 11 individual nerves in 10 patients treated with repeat GKRS. Ten nerves (91%) improved to at least BNI IIIb after treatment. The median duration of pain relief was 2.8 years, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of pain relief of 79%, 53%, and 53%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between initial and repeat GKRS. One case of bothersome facial numbness and 1 case of corneal dryness were reported, with no patients developing anesthesia dolorosa with retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

GKRS is a safe, well-tolerated treatment for patients with medically refractory bilateral TN. Efficacy of treatment appears similar to that in patients with unilateral TN. GKRS can be safely repeated in this population if necessary.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Trigeminal Neuralgia

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia in the setting of multiple sclerosis (MS-TN) is a challenging condition to manage that is commonly treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; Elekta AB). However, data regarding the efficacy of this treatment are somewhat limited, particularly for repeat GKRS.

OBJECTIVE

To report outcomes of GKRS for MS-TN from a cohort study.

METHODS

Retrospective review of our GKRS database identified 77 cases of unilateral MS-TN (UMSTN) in 74 patients treated with GKRS between 2001 and 2016, with 37 cases undergoing repeat GKRS. Background medical history, treatment outcomes and complications, and dosimetric data were obtained by retrospective chart reviews and telephone interviews.

RESULTS

Eighty-two percent of UMSTN cases achieved Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) IIIb or better pain relief following initial GKRS for a median duration of 1.1 yr. Estimated rates of pain relief at 1, 3, and 5 yr were 51, 39, and 29% respectively. Eighty-eight percent achieved BNI IIIb or better pain relief after repeat GKRS for a median duration of 4.0 yr. Estimated rates of pain relief at 1 and 3 yr were 70 and 54%, respectively. Median doses for initial and repeat GKRS were 85 and 80 Gy to the 100% isodose line, respectively. Those with MS-TN had a shorter duration of BNI IIIb or better pain relief after initial (4.6 vs 1.1 yr), but not repeat GKRS (3.8 vs 4.0 yr) compared to a historical cohort from our institution.

CONCLUSION

GKRS is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for patients with MS-TN. More durable relief is often achieved with repeat GKRS.

Moderately Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Alone for Stage I-IIB Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management of patients with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not amenable to surgical resection or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or those with hilar nodal involvement ineligible for surgery or concurrent chemoradiotherapy is unclear. This report describes survival outcomes and toxicity profiles of patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) alone.

METHODS

A total of 52 patients with Stage I-IIB NSCLC treated with HRT alone between 2010-2018 were reviewed. Patients were categorized as having ultracentral tumors if the planning target volume contacted or overlapped the proximal bronchial tree, esophagus, pulmonary vein or artery. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the competing risk cumulative incidence of locoregional failure (LRF) and distant failure (DF) were estimated using death without failure as a competing risk. Pneumonitis and esophagitis rates were evaluated as per Acute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients analyzed, 50 patients were treated with radiotherapy alone to a dose of 70.2 Gy in 26 fractions, one patient was treated with 68 Gy in 25 fractions and one patient was treated with 65 Gy in 26 fractions. The median age was 72 (range 48-89), 42% of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2-3, 46% were stage I and 54% were stage II. Hilar nodal involvement was present in 21% of patients and 74% of node-negative patients had ultracentral primary tumors. Median OS was 39.6 months and the median PFS was 21.0 months. Overall three-year cumulative incidence of LRF and DF were 32% and 34%, respectively. Grade 3 pneumonitis occurred in two (4%) patients. No grade 3+ acute esophagitis or grade 4-5 toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy consisting of 70.2 Gy is well-tolerated and results in favorable locoregional control for stage I-IIB patients who are not candidates for SBRT, surgery, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for an isolated splenic metastasis from ovarian carcinoma

Splenic metastases from oligometastatic ovarian carcinoma are a rare occurrence. Usual treatment for splenic metastases includes splenectomy, but some patients are either unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective ablative modality for treating metastatic disease. SBRT to abdominopelvic tumors has been shown to be safe and effective for properly-selected patients and is particularly attractive in the oligometastatic setting as an alternative to radical resection. In this case study, we report a patient with an isolated splenic metastasis from ovarian carcinoma treated with 50 Gy in 10 fractions.

Emerging Indications for Fractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

BACKGROUND

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) allows for the treatment of intracranial tumors with a high degree of dose conformality and precision. There are, however, certain situations wherein the dose conformality of GKRS is desired, but single session treatment is contraindicated. In these situations, a traditional pin-based GKRS head frame cannot be used, as it precludes fractionated treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience in treating patients with fractionated GKRS using a relocatable, noninvasive immobilization system.

METHODS

Patients were considered candidates for fractionated GKRS if they had one or more of the following indications: a benign tumor >10 cc in volume or abutting the optic pathway, a vestibular schwannoma with the intent of hearing preservation, or a tumor previously irradiated with single fraction GKRS. The immobilization device used for all patients was the Extend system (Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion, Elekta, Kungstensgatan, Stockholm).

RESULTS

We identified 34 patients treated with fractionated GKRS between August 2013 and February 2015. There were a total of 37 tumors treated including 15 meningiomas, 11 pituitary adenomas, 6 brain metastases, 4 vestibular schwannomas, and 1 hemangioma. At last follow-up, all 21 patients treated for perioptic tumors had stable or improved vision and all 4 patients treated for vestibular schwannoma maintained serviceable hearing. No severe adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Fractionated GKRS was well-tolerated in the treatment of large meningiomas, perioptic tumors, vestibular schwannomas with intent of hearing preservation, and in reirradiation of previously treated tumors.

Repeat Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia

BACKGROUND:

Repeat Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an established option for patients whose pain has recurred after the initial procedure, with reported success rates varying from 68% to 95%. Predictive factors for response to the repeat GKRS are ill-defined.

OBJECTIVE:

This cohort study aimed to report the outcomes and factors predictive of success for patients who have undergone repeated GKRS for trigeminal neuralgia at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

METHODS:

Between 1999 and 2013, 152 patients underwent repeat GKRS at Wake Forest, 125 of whom were available for long-term follow-up. A retrospective chart review and telephone interviews were conducted to determine background medical history, dosimetric data, outcomes, and adverse effects of the procedure.

RESULTS:

Eighty-four percent of patients achieved at least Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) IIIb pain relief, with 46% achieving BNI I. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of BNI I pain relief were 63%, 50%, and 37%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of BNI IIIb or better pain relief were 74%, 59%, and 46%, respectively. One patient experienced bothersome numbness and 2 patients developed anesthesia dolorosa. The dominant predictive factors for pain relief were facial numbness after the first GKRS and a positive pain response to the first GKRS.

CONCLUSION:

Repeat GKRS is an effective method of treating recurrent trigeminal neuralgia. Patients who have facial numbness after the first treatment and a positive pain response to the first GKRS are significantly more likely to respond well to the second treatment.