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International Journal of Radiation... Feb 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis reports on outcomes and hepatic toxicity rates after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver-confined... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis reports on outcomes and hepatic toxicity rates after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver-confined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and presents consensus guidelines regarding appropriate patient management. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review was performed from articles reporting outcomes at ≥5 years published before October 2022 from the Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases with the following search terms: ("stereotactic body radiotherapy" OR "SBRT" OR "SABR" OR "stereotactic ablative radiotherapy") AND ("hepatocellular carcinoma" OR "HCC"). An aggregated data meta-analysis was conducted to assess overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) using weighted random effects models. In addition, individual patient data analyses incorporating data from 6 institutions were conducted as their own subgroup analyses. Seventeen observational studies, comprising 1889 patients with HCC treated with ≤9 SBRT fractions, between 2003 and 2019, were included in the aggregated data meta-analysis. The 3- and 5-year OS rates after SBRT were 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47%-66%) and 40% (95% CI, 29%-51%), respectively. The 3- and 5-year LC rates after SBRT were 84% (95% CI, 77%-90%) and 82% (95% CI, 74%-88%), respectively. Tumor size was the only prognostic factor for LC. Tumor size and region were significantly associated with OS. Five-year LC and OS rates of 79% (95% CI, 0.74-0.84) and 25% (95% CI, 0.20-0.30), respectively, were observed in the individual patient data analyses. Factors prognostic for improved OS were tumor size <3 cm, Eastern region, Child-Pugh score ≤B7, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage of 0 and A. The incidence of severe hepatic toxicity varied according to the criteria applied. SBRT is an effective treatment modality for patients with HCC with mature follow-up. Clinical practice guidelines were developed on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS).
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Radiosurgery; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37597757
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.08.015 -
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Aug 2023Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective and safe modality for early-stage lung cancer and lung metastases. However, tumors in an ultra-central location... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for Ultra-Central lung Tumors: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis and International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society practice guidelines.
BACKGROUND
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective and safe modality for early-stage lung cancer and lung metastases. However, tumors in an ultra-central location pose unique safety considerations. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the current safety and efficacy data and provide practice recommendations on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS).
METHODS
We performed a systematic review using PubMed and EMBASE databases of patients with ultra-central lung tumors treated with SBRT. Studies reporting local control (LC) and/or toxicity were included. Studies with <5 treated lesions, non-English language, re-irradiation, nodal tumors, or mixed outcomes in which ultra-central tumors could not be discerned were excluded. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting relevant endpoints. Meta-regression was conducted to determine the effect of various covariates on the primary outcomes.
RESULTS
602 unique studies were identified of which 27 (one prospective observational, the remainder retrospective) were included, representing 1183 treated targets. All studies defined ultra-central as the planning target volume (PTV) overlapping the proximal bronchial tree (PBT). The most common dose fractionations were 50 Gy/5, 60 Gy/8, and 60 Gy/12 fractions. The pooled 1- and 2-year LC estimates were 92 % and 89 %, respectively. Meta-regression identified biological effective dose (BED10) as a significant predictor of 1-year LC. A total of 109 grade 3-4 toxicity events, with a pooled incidence of 6 %, were reported, most commonly pneumonitis. There were 73 treatment related deaths, with a pooled incidence of 4 %, with the most common being hemoptysis. Anticoagulation, interstitial lung disease, endobronchial tumor, and concomitant targeted therapies were observed risk factors for fatal toxicity events.
CONCLUSION
SBRT for ultra-central lung tumors results in acceptable rates of local control, albeit with risks of severe toxicity. Caution should be taken for appropriate patient selection, consideration of concomitant therapies, and radiotherapy plan design.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Lung; Dose Fractionation, Radiation; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37393758
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107281 -
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Aug 2023A systematic review of treatment characteristics, outcomes, and treatment-related toxicities of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pulmonary oligometastases...
PURPOSE
A systematic review of treatment characteristics, outcomes, and treatment-related toxicities of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pulmonary oligometastases served as the basis for development of this International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) practice guideline.
METHODS
In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed of retrospective series with ≥50 patients/lung metastases, prospective trials with ≥25 patients/lung metastases, analyses of specific high-risk situations, and all randomized trials published between 2012 and July 2022 in the MEDLINE or Embase database using the key words "lung oligometastases", "lung metastases", "pulmonary metastases", "pulmonary oligometastases", "stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)" and "stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SBRT)". Weighted random effects models were used to calculate pooled outcomes estimates.
RESULTS
Of the 1884 articles screened, 35 analyses (27 retrospective-, 5 prospective, and 3 randomized trials) reporting on treatment of >3600 patients and >4650 metastases were included. The median local control was 90 % (Range: 57-100 %) at 1 year and 79 % (R: 70-96 %) at 5 years. Acute toxicity ≥3 was reported for 0.5 % and late toxicity ≥3 for 1.8 % of patients. A total of 21 practice recommendations covering the areas of staging & patient selection (n = 10), SBRT treatment (n = 10), and follow-up (n = 1) were developed, with agreements rates of 100 %, except for recommendation 13 (83 %).
CONCLUSION
SBRT represents an effective definitive local treatment modality combining high local control rates with low risk of radiation-induced toxicities.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Radiation Injuries; Lung
PubMed: 37390723
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107284 -
The Lancet. Oncology Jan 2024Surgery is the standard of care for patients with primary renal cell carcinoma. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a novel alternative for patients who are...
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for primary renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and practice guideline from the International Society of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (ISRS).
Surgery is the standard of care for patients with primary renal cell carcinoma. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a novel alternative for patients who are medically inoperable, technically high risk, or who decline surgery. Evidence for using SBRT in the primary renal cell carcinoma setting is growing, including several rigorously conducted prospective clinical trials. This systematic review was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of SBRT for primary renal cell carcinoma. Review results then formed the basis for the practice guidelines described, on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society. 3972 publications were screened and 36 studies (822 patients) were included in the analysis. Median local control rate was 94·1% (range 70·0-100), 5-year progression-free survival was 80·5% (95% CI 72-92), and 5-year overall survival was 77·2% (95% CI 65-89). These practice guidelines addressed four key clinical questions. First, the optimal dose fractionation was 25-26 Gy in one fraction, or 42-48 Gy in three fractions for larger tumours. Second, routine post-treatment biopsy is not recommended as it is not predictive of patient outcome. Third, SBRT for primary renal cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney is safe and effective. Finally, guidelines for post-treatment follow-up are described, which include cross-axial imaging of the abdomen including both kidneys, adrenals, and surveillance of the chest initially every 6 months. This systematic review and practice guideline support the practice of SBRT for primary renal cell carcinoma as a safe and effective standard treatment option. Randomised trials with surgery and invasive ablative therapies are needed to further define best practice.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Radiosurgery
PubMed: 38181809
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00513-2 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Jan 2024Recent progress in diagnostics and treatment of metastatic cancer patients have improved survival substantially. These developments also affect local therapies, with...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Recent progress in diagnostics and treatment of metastatic cancer patients have improved survival substantially. These developments also affect local therapies, with treatment aims shifting from short-term palliation to long-term symptom or disease control. There is consequently a need to better define the value of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of spinal metastases.
METHODS
This ESTRO clinical practice guideline is based on a systematic literature review conducted according to PRISMA standards, which formed the basis for answering four key questions about the indication and practice of SBRT for spine metastases.
RESULTS
The analysis of the key questions based on current evidence yielded 22 recommendations and 5 statements with varying levels of endorsement, all achieving a consensus among experts of at least 75%. In the majority, the level of evidence supporting the recommendations and statements was moderate or expert opinion, only, indicating that spine SBRT is still an evolving field of clinical research. Recommendations were established concerning the selection of appropriate patients with painful spine metastases and oligometastatic disease. Recommendations about the practice of spinal SBRT covered technical planning aspects including dose and fractionation, patient positioning, immobilization and image-guided SBRT delivery. Finally, recommendations were developed regarding quality assurance protocols, including description of potential SBRT-related toxicity and risk mitigation strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
This ESTRO clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations and statements regarding the selection of patients with spinal metastases for SBRT and its safe implementation and practice. Enrollment of patients into well-designed prospective clinical trials addressing clinically relevant questions is considered important.
Topics: Humans; Radiosurgery; Prospective Studies; Spinal Neoplasms; Dose Fractionation, Radiation; Spine
PubMed: 37925107
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109966 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics Dec 2023Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are aggressive and malignant tumors of the brainstem. Stereotactic biopsy can obtain molecular and genetic information for...
OBJECTIVE
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are aggressive and malignant tumors of the brainstem. Stereotactic biopsy can obtain molecular and genetic information for diagnostic and potentially therapeutic purposes. However, there is no consensus on the safety of biopsy or effect on survival. The authors aimed to characterize neurological risk associated with and the effect of stereotactic biopsy on survival among patients with DIPGs.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify all studies examining pediatric patients with DIPG who underwent stereotactic biopsy. The search strategy was deployed in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The quality of studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, and risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions tool. Bibliographic, demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted from studies meeting inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Of 2634 resultant articles, 13 were included, representing 192 patients undergoing biopsy. The weighted mean age at diagnosis was 7.5 years (range 0.5-17 years). There was an overall neurosurgical complication rate of 13.02% (25/192). The most common neurosurgical complication was cranial nerve palsy (4.2%, 8/192), of which cranial nerve VII was the most common (37.5%, 3/8). The second most common complication was perioperative hemorrhage (3.6%, 7/192), followed by hemiparesis (2.1%, 4/192), speech disorders (1.6%, 3/192) such as dysarthria and dysphasia, and movement disorders (1.0%, 2/192). Hydrocephalus was less commonly reported (0.5%, 1/192), and there were no complications relating to wound infection/dehiscence (0%, 0/192) or CSF leak (0%, 0/192). No mortality was specifically attributed to biopsy. Diagnostic yield of biopsy revealed a weighted mean of 97.4% (range 91%-100%). Of the studies reporting survival data, 37.6% (32/85) of patients died within the study follow-up period (range 2 weeks-48 months). The mean overall survival in patients undergoing biopsy was 9.73 months (SD 0.68, median 10 months, range 6-13 months).
CONCLUSIONS
Children with DIPGs undergoing biopsy have mild to moderate rates of neurosurgical complications and no excessive morbidity. With reasonably acceptable surgical risk and high diagnostic yield, stereotactic biopsy of DIPGs can allow for characterization of patient-specific molecular and genetic features that may influence prognosis and the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Child; Infant; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Glioma; Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma; Brain Stem Neoplasms; Biopsy
PubMed: 37724839
DOI: 10.3171/2023.7.PEDS22462 -
Respiration; International Review of... 2024Early detection and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules are crucial for improving patient outcomes. While surgical resection of malignant nodules is still the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Early detection and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules are crucial for improving patient outcomes. While surgical resection of malignant nodules is still the preferred treatment option, it may not be feasible for all patients. We aimed to discuss the advances in the treatment of pulmonary nodules, especially stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and interventional pulmonology technologies, and provide a range of recommendations based on our expertise and experience.
SUMMARY
Interventional pulmonology is an increasingly important approach for the management of pulmonary nodules. While more studies are needed to fully evaluate its long-term outcomes and benefits, the available evidence suggests that this technique can provide a minimally invasive and effective alternative for treating small malignancies in selected patients. We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed, designed a framework to include the advances in surgery, SBRT, and interventional pulmonology for the treatment of pulmonary nodules, and provided a range of recommendations based on our expertise and experience.
KEY MESSAGES
As such, alternative therapeutic options such as SBRT and ablation are becoming increasingly important and viable. With recent advancements in bronchoscopy techniques, ablation via bronchoscopy has emerged as a promising option for treating pulmonary nodules. This study reviewed the advances of interventional pulmonology in the treatment of peripheral lung cancer patients that are not surgical candidates. We also discussed the challenges and limitations associated with ablation, such as the risk of complications and the potential for incomplete nodule eradication. These advancements hold great promise for improving the efficacy and safety of interventional pulmonology in treating pulmonary nodules.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules; Bronchoscopy
PubMed: 38382478
DOI: 10.1159/000535824 -
Health Technology Assessment... Dec 2023A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and preserved liver function.
OBJECTIVE
To review and compare the effectiveness of all current ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Nine databases (March 2021), two trial registries (April 2021) and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews.
REVIEW METHODS
Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of ablative and non-surgical therapies, versus any comparator, for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Randomised controlled trials were quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and mapped. The comparative effectiveness of therapies was assessed using network meta-analysis. A threshold analysis was used to identify which comparisons were sensitive to potential changes in the evidence. Where comparisons based on randomised controlled trial evidence were not robust or no randomised controlled trials were identified, a targeted systematic review of non-randomised, prospective comparative studies provided additional data for repeat network meta-analysis and threshold analysis. The feasibility of undertaking economic modelling was explored. A workshop with patients and clinicians was held to discuss the findings and identify key priorities for future research.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (with over 3700 relevant patients) were included in the review. The majority were conducted in China or Japan and most had a high risk of bias or some risk of bias concerns. The results of the network meta-analysis were uncertain for most comparisons. There was evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection is inferior to radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% credible interval 1.16 to 1.82), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% credible interval 1.11 to 1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk 1.19, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 1.39) and local recurrence (relative risk 1.80, 95% credible interval 1.19 to 2.71). Percutaneous acid injection was also inferior to radiofrequency ablation for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% credible interval 1.05 to 2.51). Threshold analysis showed that further evidence could plausibly change the result for some comparisons. Fourteen eligible non-randomised studies were identified ( ≥ 2316); twelve had a high risk of bias so were not included in updated network meta-analyses. Additional non-randomised data, made available by a clinical advisor, were also included ( = 303). There remained a high level of uncertainty in treatment rankings after the network meta-analyses were updated. However, the updated analyses suggested that microwave ablation and resection are superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection for some outcomes. Further research on stereotactic ablative radiotherapy was recommended at the workshop, although it is only appropriate for certain patient subgroups, limiting opportunities for adequately powered trials.
LIMITATIONS
Many studies were small and of poor quality. No comparative studies were found for some therapies.
CONCLUSIONS
The existing evidence base has limitations; the uptake of specific ablative therapies in the United Kingdom appears to be based more on technological advancements and ease of use than strong evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, there is evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection are inferior to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and resection.
STUDY REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020221357.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131224) and is published in full in ; Vol. 27, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Ethanol; Liver Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ablation Techniques
PubMed: 38149643
DOI: 10.3310/GK5221 -
BMC Cancer Oct 2023Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumours. Variation exists in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with 10 or more brain metastases.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumours. Variation exists in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with 10 or more brain metastases. Concerns include an increasing number of brain metastases being associated with poor survival, the lack of prospective, randomised data and an increased risk of toxicity.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess overall survival of patients with ten or more brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery as primary therapy. The search strings were applied to MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Log hazard ratios and standard errors were estimated from each included study. A random-effects meta-analysis using the DerSimonian and Laird method was applied using the derived log hazard ratios and standard errors on studies which included a control group.
RESULTS
15 studies were included for systematic review. 12 studies were used for pooled analysis for overall survival at set time points, with a predicted 12 month survival of 20-40%. The random-effects meta-analysis in five studies of overall survival comparing ten or greater metastases against control showed statistically worse overall survival in the 10 + metastases group (1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.18, p-value = < 0.01, I = 6%). A funnel plot showed no evidence of bias. There was insufficient information for a meta-analysis of toxicity.
DISCUSSION
Overall survival outcomes of patients with ten or more brain metastases treated with SRS is acceptable and should not be a deterrent for its use. There is a lack of prospective data and insufficient real-world data to draw conclusions on toxicity.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42021246115.
Topics: Humans; Radiosurgery; Cranial Irradiation; Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37858075
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11452-7 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Oct 2023To perform a systematic review of literature specific to single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for large vestibular schwannomas (VS), maximum... (Review)
Review
Single-fraction radiosurgery outcomes for large vestibular schwannomas in the upfront or post-surgical setting: a systematic review and International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) Practice Guidelines.
PURPOSE
To perform a systematic review of literature specific to single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for large vestibular schwannomas (VS), maximum diameter ≥ 2.5 cm and/or classified as Koos Grade IV, and to present consensus recommendations on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS).
METHODS
The Medline and Embase databases were used to apply the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. We considered eligible prospective and retrospective studies, written in the English language, reporting treatment outcomes for large VS; SRS for large post-operative tumors were analyzed in aggregate and separately.
RESULTS
19 of the 229 studies initially identified met the final inclusion criteria. Overall crude rate of tumor control was 89% (93.7% with no prior surgery vs 87.7% with prior surgery). Rates of salvage microsurgical resection, need for shunt, and additional SRS in all series versus those with no prior surgery were 9.6% vs 3.3%, 4.7% vs 6.4% and 1% vs 0.9%, respectively. Rates of facial palsy and hearing preservation in all series versus those with no prior surgery were 1.3% vs 3.4% and 34.2% vs 40.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Upfront SRS resulted in high rates of tumor control with acceptable rates of facial palsy and hearing preservation as compared to the results in those series including patients with prior surgery (level C evidence). Therefore, although large VS are considered classic indication for microsurgical resection, upfront SRS can be considered in selected patients and we recommend a prescribed marginal dose from 11 to 13 Gy (level C evidence).
Topics: Humans; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Neuroma, Acoustic; Prospective Studies; Facial Paralysis; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 37843727
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04455-8