Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with or without surgery for primary and metastatic liver tumors

Radiomodulating Properties of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) Agent Ferumoxytol on Human Monocytes: Implications for MRI-Guided Liver Radiotherapy

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have attracted great attention not only for therapeutic applications but also as an alternative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that helps visualize liver tumors during MRI-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SPION can provide functional imaging of liver parenchyma based upon its uptake by the hepatic resident macrophages or Kupffer cells with a relative enhancement of malignant tumors that lack Kupffer cells. However, the radiomodulating properties of SPION on liver macrophages are not known. Utilizing human monocytic THP-1 undifferentiated and differentiated cells, we characterized the effect of ferumoxytol (Feraheme®), a carbohydrate-coated ultrasmall SPION agent at clinically relevant concentration and therapeutically relevant doses of gamma radiation on cultured cells in vitro. We showed that ferumoxytol affected both monocytes and macrophages, increased the resistance of monocytes to radiation-induced cell death and inhibition of cell activity, and supported the anti-inflammatory phenotype of human macrophages under radiation. Its effect on human cells depended on the duration of SPION uptake and was radiation dose-dependent. The results of this pilot study support a strong mechanism-based optimization of SPION-enhanced MRI-guided liver SBRT for primary and metastatic liver tumors, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis awaiting a liver transplant.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) With Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Functional Treatment Planning in Patients With Advanced Hepatic Cirrhosis

Purpose

We report on the feasibility and outcomes of liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) functional treatment planning in patients with Child-Pugh (CP) B/C cirrhosis.

Methods and Materials

Liver SPECT with 99mTc-sulfur colloid was coregistered to treatment planning computed tomography (CT) for the guided avoidance of functional hepatic parenchyma during SBRT. Functional liver volumes (FLVs) obtained from SPECT were compared with anatomic liver volumes defined on the planning CT. Radiation dose constraints were adapted exclusively to FLV. Local control, toxicity, and survival were reported with at least 6 months of radiographic follow-up. Pre- and posttransplant outcomes were analyzed in a subset of patients who completed SBRT as a bridge to liver transplant. Model of End-Stage Liver Disease was used to score hepatic function before and after SBRT completion.

Results

With a median follow-up of 32 months, 45 patients (58 lesions) with HCC and CP-B/C cirrhosis received SBRT to a median dose of 45 Gy (3-5 fractions). FLV loss (34%, P < .001) was observed in all patients, and the functional and anatomic liver volumes matched well in a control group of noncirrhotic/non-HCC patients. Despite marked functional parenchyma retraction, the amount of FLV on SPECT exposed to the threshold irradiation was significantly less than the CT liver volumes (P < .001) because of the optimized beam placement during dosimetry planning. Twenty-three patients (51%) successfully completed orthotopic liver transplant, with a median time to transplant of 9.2 months. With 91% in-field local control, the overall 2-year survival was 65% (90% after the orthotopic liver transplant), with no incidence of radiation-induced liver disease observed within 3 to 4 months or accelerated CP class migration from B to C within the first 6 months post-SBRT. Mean Model of End-Stage Liver Disease-Na score was not significantly elevated at 3-month intervals after SBRT completion.

Conclusions

Functional treatment planning with 99mTc sulfur colloid SPECT/CT allows identification and avoidance of functional hepatic parenchyma in patients with CP-B/C cirrhosis, leading to low toxicity and satisfactory transplant outcomes.

Refining stereotactic body radiation therapy as a bridge to transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: An institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been established as a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there are no consensus guidelines to advise optimal patient selection and radiotherapy planning parameters to minimise the risk of surgical and medical complications after liver transplant (LT) in patients who have had prior SBRT for HCC, whilst optimising treatment benefit.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who received liver SBRT as a bridge to LT at a tertiary institution between 2017 and 2019.

RESULTS

Nine patients received SBRT as bridging therapy to LT. HCC location varied from peripheral to central/hilar regions and HCC diameter was 13-54 mm. Median time between SBRT and LT was 141 days (range 27-461 days). Median operating time was 360 min (range 270-480 min). Four patients (44%) had visible SBRT reaction or fibrosis at the time of LT. SBRT reaction resulted in clinical impact in one patient (11%) only, where vascular clamping of the IVC was required for 10 min.

CONCLUSION

SBRT is a safe and effective treatment for HCC enabling patients to remain within LT criteria, even for lesions not amenable to other more conventional bridging therapies. We describe a preliminary decision pathway to guide the optimal use of SBRT as a bridge to LT developed in our institution.

Quantifying Liver Heterogeneity via R2*-MRI with Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION) to Characterize Liver Function and Tumor

Simple Summary

Super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are phagocytized by the hepatic Kupffer cells (KC) in the liver and shorten MRI signals within the volume of functional liver parenchyma (FLP) where KCs are found. However, malignant tumors lacking KCs exhibit minimal signal change, resulting in increasing liver heterogeneity. This study investigates whether SPIONs improve liver heterogeneity on R2*-MRI to characterize FLP and non-FLP (i.e., tumor, hepatic vessels, liver fibrosis and scarring associated with hepatic cirrhosis, prior liver-directed therapies or hepatic resection). By using SPIONs, liver heterogeneity was improved across two MRI sessions with and without an intravenous SPION injection, and the volume of FLP was identified in our auto-contouring tool. This is a desirable technique for achieving more accurate characterizations of liver function and tumors during radiation treatment planning.

Abstract

The use of super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as an MRI contrast agent (SPION-CA) can safely label hepatic macrophages and be localized within hepatic parenchyma for T2*- and R2*-MRI of the liver. To date, no study has utilized the R2*-MRI with SPIONs for quantifying liver heterogeneity to characterize functional liver parenchyma (FLP) and hepatic tumors. This study investigates whether SPIONs enhance liver heterogeneity for an auto-contouring tool to identify the voxel-wise functional liver parenchyma volume (FLPV). This was the first study to directly evaluate the impact of SPIONs on the FLPV in R2*-MRI for 12 liver cancer patients. By using SPIONs, liver heterogeneity was improved across pre- and post-SPION MRI sessions. On average, 60% of the liver [range 40–78%] was identified as the FLPV in our auto-contouring tool with a pre-determined threshold of the mean R2* of the tumor and liver. This method performed well in 10 out of 12 liver cancer patients; the remaining 2 needed a longer echo time. These results demonstrate that our contouring tool with SPIONs can facilitate the heterogeneous R2* of the liver to automatically characterize FLP. This is a desirable technique for achieving more accurate FLPV contouring during liver radiation treatment planning.

Oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer: Current management

BACKGROUND

In the past decade, major developments have improved the survival of patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 20% - 50% of patients with NSCLC present with oligometastases at diagnosis. For this group of patients, it seems that an increase in survival would justify aggressive local therapies. The development of minimally invasive surgery and advanced radiotherapy techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) makes local control possible for selected patients with metastatic NSCLC. The advantage of SBRT over surgery is that it is a non-invasive technique, with minimum side effects, and is more suitable for fragile and elderly patients, non-candidates for surgery, or patients who refuse surgery.

AIM

The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest scientific evidence on the management of oligometastatic NSCLC, focusing on the role of radiotherapy.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

The initial treatment recommended for patients with oligometastatic NSCLC is systemic therapy. Patients should be considered for radical treatment to both the primary tumor and oligometastases. Aggressive local therapy comprises surgery and/or definitive radiotherapy such as SRS or SBRT, and may be preceded or followed by systemic treatment. Recent clinical evidence from Phase II trials reports benefits in terms of PFS in patients with good performance status and long disease-free periods, with good response to systemic therapy, especially in EGFR wild-type tumors. Phase I and II trials have shown that radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy can improve tumor response rate and possibly overall survival. The recommendation is also to include OM patients in ongoing clinical trials.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Based on 99mTc-GSA SPECT Image-guided Inverse Planning for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

A recent planning study suggested that ^99mTc-labelled diethylene triamine pentaacetate-galactosyl human serum albumin (^99mTc-GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image-guided inverse planning (IGIP) shows dosimetric superiority to conventional planning in sparing liver function. Here, we report the first clinical translation of ^99mTc-GSA SPECT IGIP for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

CASE REPORT

A 60-year-old male developed obstructive jaundice caused by recurrent HCC in segment 1 after hepatic resection. He underwent repeated radiotherapy (RT) consisting of 45 Gy in 15 fractions 8 years ago and 30 Gy in 5 fractions 2 years ago. We performed SBRT consisting of 40 Gy in 8 fractions using ^99mTc-GSA SPECT-IGIP. We confirmed the dosimetric superiority of functional IGIP to conventional planning. He achieved complete response as assessed using the target volume. The patient has remained alive without recurrence for 18 months. He did not experience radiation-induced liver disease.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent HCC was successfully and safely salvaged via re-irradiation with SBRT using ^99mTc-GSA SPECT-IGIP.

Recent developments and ongoing trials in transplant oncology

Over the past two decades since the introduction of the Milan criteria, the field of transplant oncology has undergone a rapid development with a rising proportion of liver transplantations being performed for oncological indications. For many patients with liver tumours, transplantation represents the only chance for cure. However, many challenges remain, such as the adequate patient selection, management of post-transplant recurrence and refinement of neoadjuvant treatment protocols. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of liver transplantation for oncological indications such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal liver metastasis and metastatic neuroendocrine tumours. We also summarize the ongoing research and explore future trends. Clinical trials are currently studying new diagnostic modalities, innovative pharmacological treatments, novel surgical techniques, downstaging regimens and new indications for liver transplantation. These emerging results will continue to shape the field of transplant oncology and provide us with the necessary tools to better select, treat and follow patients with liver tumours qualifying for liver transplantation.

Liver transplant mortality and morbidity following preoperative radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) can be used for tumor downstaging and as a bridge to transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its effect on surgical complications is unknown. Therefore, we investigated post-transplant mortality and acute readmission rates in HCC with and without preoperative RT using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

METHODS

After exclusion, 11,091 transplant patients were analyzed, 165 of whom received RT prior to transplant. Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis identified characteristics associated with use of RT, and factors associated with increased 30/90-day mortality and 30-day readmission, following propensity matching.

RESULTS

Although RT (median 40 Gy in 5 fractions) was more often delivered to larger tumors and advanced stages, it resulted in 59% downstaging rate, 39% pathologic complete response rate, and a median of 4 additional months to transplantation. Crude 30/90-day mortality rates were both 1.2% with preoperative RT, compared to 2.7% and 4.4% without. The 30-day readmission rate was 5.5% with RT and 10.7% without it. Propensity matched analysis demonstrated no statistical differences in 30/90-day mortality and a lower 30-day readmission rate with preoperative RT. Age >58, stage III disease, lack of transarterial chemoembolization, and shorter time to transplant independently predicted higher 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative RT for HCC did not increase postoperative mortality or length of stay following liver transplant.

Clinical impact of radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for colorectal liver metastasis as local therapies for elderly, vulnerable patients

Background and Aim

Surgical resection is the standard local therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, elderly and vulnerable patients sometimes have various organ dysfunctions. We have to conduct nonsurgical local therapies for those patients who might not tolerate surgery or systemic chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 254 patients who underwent local therapies, including surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), for CRLM from January 2010 to December 2016, at seven tertiary‐care institutions in Japan. This study was designed to include elderly, vulnerable patients who received local therapy for CRLM. For those undergoing liver resection, only those having one or more points of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were enrolled.

Results

Of the total 169 enrolled patients, 122 patients underwent surgery, 42 RFA, and 5 SBRT as the first local therapy for CRLM. Median overall survival from the first local therapy was 5.9 years for the surgery group, 2.7 years for the RFA group, and 3.8 years for the SBRT group. The proportion of the patients with CCI ≧3 was significantly higher in the group of RFA/SBRT than surgery (P < 0.0001). In selected patients with CCI ≧3, there was no difference of the median survival time between the surgery group and the RFA group.

Conclusions

We could have other treatment options to provide nonsurgical local therapies (RFA/SBRT) for elderly, vulnerable CRLM patients who have risks for surgery.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A New Strategy for Loco-Regional Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma While Awaiting Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Trans-arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation are commonly used for control of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on liver transplant (LTx) waiting list. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) was introduced to our institution for HCC as a bridging or downsizing therapy to LTx.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five HCC lesions in 22 patients were treated with SBRT while waiting for LTx from January 2010 to December 2015. Nineteen of these patients received deceased donor LTx. SBRT was defined as 40-50 Gy delivered in 4-6 fractions. Pre- and post-liver transplant outcome were analyzed in addition to the dropout rate and tumor response to SBRT.

RESULTS

Median size of original tumors was 3.2 cm (2.0-8.9), and median size of tumor after SBRT was significantly smaller at 0.9 cm (0-3.2) in the explanted livers (p < 0.01). The dropout rate was 9%, and they were only downsized patients outside of Milan criteria. Liver disease did not progress between pre- and post-SBRT except one patient. Twenty-eight percent of treated HCCs showed complete pathologic response, and 22% had extensive partial response with some residual tumor. No HCC recurrence was experienced after LTx.

CONCLUSION

SBRT is indicated to be safe, effective treatment for HCC on LTx waiting list, and it leads to satisfactory post-liver transplant outcomes.

Comparing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) versus re-trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (re-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma patients who had incomplete response after initial TACE (TASABR): a randomized controlled trial

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75–85% of primary liver cancers and is prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Till now, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is still one of common modalities in managing unresectable intermediate-stage HCC. However, post-TACE residual viable HCC is not uncommon, resulting in unsatisfied overall survival after TACE alone. Recently, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has been suggested to manage HCC curatively. However, evidence from phase-III trials is largely lacking.

Hence, the present phase III randomized trial is designed to compare clinical outcomes between SABR and re-TACE for unresectable HCC patients who had incomplete response after initial TACE.

Methods

The present study is an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial. A total of 120 patients will be included into two study groups, i.e., SABR and re-TACE, with a 1:1 allocation rate. A 3-year allocating period is planned. Patients with incomplete response after initial TACE will be enrolled and randomized. The primary endpoint is 1-year freedom-form-local-progression rate. Secondary endpoints are disease-progression-free survival, overall survival, local control, response rate, toxicity, and duration of response of the treated tumor.

Discussion

SABR has been reported as an effective modality in managing intermediate-stage HCC patients, but evidence from phase-III randomized trials is largely lacking. As a result, conducting randomized trials to demarcate the role of SABR in these patients is warranted, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where HBV- and HCV-related HCCs are prevalent.

Trial registration

Before enrolling participants, the present study was registered prospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov (trial identifier, NCT02921139) on Sep. 29, 2016. This study is ongoing.

Effect of Daily and Every Other Day Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Schedules on Treatment-Related Fatigue in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

We compared the rate and severity of fatigue in patients who completed stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the liver daily (QD) compared with every other day (QOD).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From 2010 to 2017, 91 patients with Child Pugh (CP) A (n = 57) or CP-B (n = 34) cirrhosis who completed 100 SBRT sessions to 110 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions were analyzed in this study. Confounding variables with fatigue such as CP-C cirrhosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score >2, or a history of ascites or encephalopathy were excluded. Fatigue was assessed against several treatment- and patient-related variables with univariate and propensity score-matched multivariate analysis. The median follow-up time was 18 months.

RESULTS

Patients with HCC and Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer stages 0 (n = 10), A (n = 32), and B (n = 58), and a median age of 62 years were analyzed. The median tumor diameter was 3 cm (1.1-11 cm). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score was 0 (n = 44), 1 (n = 43), or 2 (n = 13). The median dose was 45 Gy in 5 fractions, and 65 treatments were QD and 45 QOD. Grades 1 and 2 fatigue developed in 49% and 14% of treatments, respectively. Among the patients who were treated daily, 78% developed Grade 1 or 2 fatigue compared with 44% who were treated QOD (odds ratio: 4.52; P = .001). Grade 2 fatigue occurred in 22% of patients compared with 7.3% for QD and QOD treatment, respectively (odds ratio: 3.83; P = .048). There was no difference in fatigue rate for time of treatment (morning or afternoon), dose, treated volume, CP score, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer stage, or performance status, which were not associated with any level of fatigue. There was no difference in local control between QD and QOD treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional daily treatment fractions, SBRT that is delivered QOD to cirrhotic patients with HCC may reduce the risk of fatigue.

Radiation-Induced Liver Disease and Modern Radiotherapy

Modern radiotherapy techniques have enabled high focal doses of radiation to be delivered to patients with primary and secondary malignancies of the liver. The current clinical practice of radiation oncology has benefitted from decades of research that have informed how to achieve excellent local control and survival outcomes with minimal toxicities. Still, one of the most devastating consequences of radiation to the liver remains a challenge: radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). Here, we will review the current understanding of classic and nonclassic RILD from a clinical perspective, the evaluation and management of patients who are at risk of developing RILD, methods to reduce the likelihood of RILD using modern radiation techniques, and the diagnosis and treatment of radiation-related liver toxicities.

Long-term radiological and histological outcomes following selective internal radiation therapy to liver metastases from breast cancer

Liver metastasis from breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis and is a major cause of early morbidity and mortality. When liver resection is not feasible, minimally invasive directed therapies are considered to attempt to prolong survival. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 microspheres is a liver-directed therapy that can improve local control of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. We present a case of a patient with a ductal breast adenocarcinoma, who developed liver and bone metastasis despite extensive treatment with systemic chemotherapies. Following SIRT to the liver, after an initial response, the patient ultimately progressed in the liver after 7 months. Liver tumor histology obtained 20 months after the SIRT intervention demonstrated the presence of the resin microspheres in situ. This case report demonstrates the long-term control that may be achieved with SIRT to treat liver metastases from breast cancer that is refractory to previous chemotherapies, and the presence of microspheres in situ long-term.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung metastases from colorectal cancer: a single institution experience

Aim: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been used as an alternative to surgical intervention to treat primary malignanices of the lung as well as lesions from other primaries. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of SBRT in treating lung metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials & methods: We reviewed 22 patients that underwent lung SBRT for metastases from CRC. Almost all patients received chemotherapy before and after undergoing SBRT. Outcomes that were analyzed included overall survival, distant failure and progression-free survival, as well as the effects of biologically effective dose (BED) and KRAS status on local control. Results: Seven females and 15 males underwent SBRT to lung metastases from CRC. The median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status was one (0–2). The median dose was 48 Gy (40–54 Gy) in 5 fx (4–8 fx) and the median number of nodules treated with SBRT was one (1–3). Median follow-up was 28.5 months from SBRT and 79 months (9–145) from primary diagnosis. Local control at 1 and 3 years was 75 and 58%, respectively. There was a trend toward improved local control with increasing biologically effective dose (BED10 > 100; p = 0.07). Cancers that were positive for the KRAS mutation had increased local control at 12 months, 100 versus 75% (p = 0.0199). Median OS from the primary diagnosis of CRC and from SBRT was 79 and 31 months, respectively. There were no predictors for OS. There were no episodes of acute or late grade 3 or higher toxicity. Conclusion: The results of this study add to the growing body of literature to support SBRT for lung metastases, specifically those patients with limited lung metastases from CRC. The choice of radiation dose remains important, even in metastatic disease, as highlighted by the trend toward improved local control with increasing BED10.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy used as a bridge to liver transplant in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and Child-Pugh score ≥8 cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

To report on SBRT as a bridge to OLT for patients with HCC and Child-Pugh ≥8 cirrhosis.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 15 patients, treated from 2010-2017. Three patients excluded secondary to delisting from prohibitive substance. Twelve patients (17 lesions) included for final analysis. Hepatic SPECT functional treatment planning utilized.

RESULTS

The median age of 60 years with a median CP 9 and MELD 14. The median SBRT dose was 40 Gy in 5 fractions, and median tumor size was 2.3cm (1.2-5.3cm). Median follow-up and survival was 40-months and 46-months, respectively. One patient succumbed to renal/hepatic failure before OLT. Radiographic response was 80%. pCR at explant was 46%. No grade ≥ 3 acute toxicities. Median time to progression of CP ≥ 2 was 9.7-months and MELD progression was not met before OLT.

CONCLUSION

SBRT with functional treatment planning can be used safely as a bridge to OLT in select patients with CP ≥8 cirrhosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with child Pugh-A Cirrhosis treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy

AIM

To evaluate the control, survival, and hepatic function for Child Pugh (CP)-A patients after Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

From 2009 to 2016, 40 patients with Barcelona Liver Clinic (BCLC) stages 0-B HCC and CP-A cirrhosis completed liver SBRT. The mean prescription dose was 45 Gy (40 to 50 Gy in 4-5 fractions). Local relapse, defined as recurrence within the planning target volume was assessed with intravenous multiphase contrast computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging every 4-6 mo after completion of SBRT. Progression of cirrhosis was evaluated by CP and Model for End Stage Liver Disease scores every 3-4 mo. Toxicities were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v4.03). Median follow-up was 24 mo.

RESULTS

Forty-nine HCC lesions among 40 patients were analyzed in this IRB approved retrospective study. Median tumor diameter was 3.5 cm (1.5-8.9 cm). Six patients with tumors ≥ 5 cm completed planned selected transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with SBRT. Eight patients underwent orthotropic live transplant (OLT) with SBRT as a bridging treatment (median time to transplant was 12 mo, range 5 to 23 mo). The Pathologic complete response (PCR) rate in this group was 62.5%. The 2-year in-field local control was 98% (1 failure). Intrahepatic control was 82% and 62% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was 92% and 60% at 1 and 2 years, with a median survival of 41 mo per Kaplan Meier analysis. At 1 and 2 years, 71% and 61% of patients retained CPA status. Of the patients with intrahepatic failures, 58% developed progressive cirrhosis, compared to 27% with controlled disease (P = 0.06). Survival specific to hepatic failure was 92%, 81%, and 69% at 12, 18, and 24 mo. There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity. On univariate analysis, gross tumor volume (GTV) < 23 cc was associated with freedom from CP progression (P = 0.05), hepatic failure-specific survival (P = 0.02), and trended with OS (P = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

SBRT is safe and effective in HCC with early cirrhosis and may extend waiting time for transplant in patients who may not otherwise be immediate candidates.

Ablative Therapy for Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The oligometastatic state represents a distinct entity among those with metastatic disease and consists of patients with metastases limited in number and location, representing an intermediate state between locally confined and widely metastatic cancer. Although similar, "oligorecurrence" (limited number of metachronous metastases under conditions of a controlled primary lesion) and "oligoprogressive" (disease progression at a limited number of sites with disease controlled at other disease sites) states are distinct entities. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the oligometastatic state is relatively common, with 20% to 50% of patients having oligometastatic disease at diagnosis. This subgroup of patients when receiving ablative therapy, such as surgery or stereotactic body radiation radiotherapy, can obtain markedly long progression-free and overall survival. The role of radical treatment for intracranial oligometastases is well established. Fewer data exist regarding radical treatment of extracranial metastases in lung cancer; however, retrospective series using surgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy for extracranial oligometastatic disease in NSCLC have shown excellent local control, with a suggestion of improvement in progression-free survival. In the present report, we have reviewed the data on the treatment of brain metastases in oligometastatic NSCLC and the results of ablative treatment of extracranial sites. Recently, the first randomized trial comparing ablative treatment versus control in oligometastatic disease was reported, and those data are reviewed in the context of smaller series. Finally, areas of controversy are discussed and a therapeutic approach for patients with oligometastatic disease is proposed.

A systematic review of outcomes following stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in the treatment of early-stage primary lung cancer

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) describes a radiotherapy (RT) technique where high doses of radiation are precisely delivered to an extracranial target within the body, using either a single fraction of RT or using multiple small numbers of fractions. SABR has now become the standard of care treatment for patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom surgery is not appropriate. This systematic review considers the evidence supporting the use of SABR in early-stage NSCLC, reported toxicity rates, the use of SABR in centrally located NSCLC, the use of SABR as salvage therapy following surgery or RT, and future potential drug combinations with SABR.

Stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of local recurrences of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) consists of tumors with a generally poor prognosis, and treatment options for patients with disease recurrence are extremely limited. Due to this poor patient prognosis, the possible treatment toxicity should be carefully balanced against its potential benefit and patient quality of life. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a rapidly expanding novel technique combining a short treatment time together with high local efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile. There are no publications thus far presenting data regarding the usage of SBRT utilizing a conventional linear accelerator in locally recurrent EC patients. In the present study, 2 patients with recurrent EC in the neck lymph nodes were treated by SBRT in the Department of Oncology, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic. The treatment dose was 30 and 40 Gy in 5 daily fractions, with a prescribed dose to 65 and 81% isodose, for each patient respectively, utilizing a volumetric arc therapy technique, a 6-MV photon beam and an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. The treatment was delivered without any unintentional treatment interruptions and without any treatment-related acute toxicity. The maximum dose in the patients was 45.9 and 49.2 Gy, respectively. The maximum doses for the surrounding major blood vessels were 35.4 and 45.7 Gy, respectively. Maximum doses to the trachea and the esophagus in the first patient were 32.6 and 27.0 Gy. In the second patient, these doses were not clinically significant. SBRT utilizing linear accelerators should be considered in patients with localized recurrent EC, offering the patients the chance for local control with minimal treatment toxicity.

Significant symptoms alleviation and tumor volume reduction after combined simultaneously integrated inner-escalated boost and volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy in a patient with unresectable bulky hepatocellular carcinoma: A care-compliant case report

BACKGROUND

Clinically, elderly patients with unresectable bulky hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are difficult to manage, especially in those with co-infections of hepatitis B and C virus. Herein, we reported such a case treated with radiotherapy (RT) by using combined simultaneously integrated inner-escalated boost and volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (SIEB-VMAT). After RT, significant symptoms alleviation and durable tumor control were observed.

CASE SUMMARY

At presentation, an 85-year-old male patient complained abdominal distention/pain, poor appetite, and swelling over bilateral lower limbs for 1 month. On physical examination, a jaundice pattern was noted. Laboratory studies showed impaired liver and renal function. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 12.5-cm bulky tumor over the caudate lobe of the liver. Biopsy was done, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was reported histopathologically. As a result, AJCC stage IIIA (cT3aN0M0) and BCLC stage C were classified. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and sorafenib were not recommended because of his old age, central bulky tumor, and a bleeding tendency. Thus, RT with SIEB-VMAT technique was given alternatively. RT was delivered in 26 fractions, with dose gradience as follows: 39 Gy on the outer Plan Target Volume (PTV), 52 Gy in the middle PTV, and 57.2 Gy in the inner PTV. Unexpectedly, cyproheptadine (a newly recognized potential anti-HCC agent) was retrospectively found to be prescribed for alleviating skin itching and allergic rhinitis since the last 2 weeks of the RT course (2 mg by mouth Q12h for 24 months).After RT, significant symptoms alleviation and tumor volume reduction were observed for 32 months till multiple bone metastases. Before and after RT, a large tumor volume reduction rate of 88.7% was observed (from 608.4 c.c. to 68.7 c.c.). No severe treatment toxicity was noted during and after RT. The patient died due to aspiration pneumonia with septic shock at 4 months after bone metastases identified.

CONCLUSIONS

SIEB-VMAT physically demonstrated double benefits of intratumor dose escalation and extra-tumor dose attenuation. Significant tumor regression and symptoms alleviation were observed in this elderly patient with unresectable bulky HCC. Further prospective randomized trials are encouraged to demarcate effective size of SIEB-VMAT with or without cyproheptadine.