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Scandurra G, Lombardo V, Scibilia G, Sambataro D, Gebbia V, Scollo P, Pecorino B, Valerio MR. New Frontiers in the Treatment of Patients with HER2+ Cancer and Brain Metastases: Is Radiotherapy Always Useful? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2466. [PMID: 39001528 PMCID: PMC11240652 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BM) pose a significant challenge in the management of HER2+ breast cancer since almost 50% of patients with HER2+ breast cancer develop brain tumors. The complex process of brain metastases involves genetic mutations, adaptations and mechanisms to overcome the blood-brain barrier. While radiotherapy is still fundamental in local therapy, its use is associated with cognitive adverse effects and limited long-term control, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments. Targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, offer promising options for HER2+ breast cancer patients with BM. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in controlling tumor growth and improving patient outcomes, posing the question of whether radiotherapy is always the unique choice in treating this cancer. Ongoing research into novel anti-HER2 antibodies and innovative combination therapies holds promise for advancing treatment outcomes and enhancing patient care in this clinical scenario. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of traditional medical treatments, molecularly targeted therapy and investigational agents in the management of HER2+ breast cancer with BM, highlighting the evolving landscape and potential future directions in treatment strategies to improve patient survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppa Scandurra
- Medical Oncology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Scibilia
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, 97100 Ragusa, Italy
| | - Daniela Sambataro
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Umberto I Hospital, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gebbia
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, CdC Torina, 90145 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Scollo
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Basilio Pecorino
- Department of the Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Umberto I Hospital, 94100 Enna, Italy
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Doğan B, Demir H, Işık N, Gunalp G, Günbey HP, Yaprak G. Investigation of the risk factors in the development of radionecrosis in patients with brain metastases undergoing stereotactic radiotherapy. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1022-1028. [PMID: 38426391 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence, timing, and the factors predictors radionecrosis (RN) development in brain metastases (BMs) undergoing stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). METHODS The study evaluated 245 BMs who exclusively received SRT between 2010 and 2020. RN was detected pathologically or radiologically. RESULTS The median of follow-up was 22.6 months. RN was detected in 18.4% of the metastatic lesions, and 3.3% symptomatic, 15.1% asymptomatic. The median time of RN was 22.8 months (2.5-39.5), and the rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 16.8%, 41.4%, and 66%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that Graded Prognostic Assessment (P = .005), Score Index of Radiosurgery (P = .015), Recursive Partitioning Analysis (P = .011), the presence of primary cancer (P = .004), and localization (P = .048) significantly increased the incidence of RN. No significant relationship between RN and brain-gross tumour volume doses, planning target volume, fractionation, dose (P > .05). Multivariate analysis identified SIR > 6 (OR: 1.30, P = .021), primary of breast tumour (OR: 2.33, P = .031) and supratentorial localization (OR: 3.64, P = .025) as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS SRT is used effectively in BMs. The incidence of RN following SRT is undeniably frequent. It was observed that the incidence rate increased as the follow-up period increased. We showed that brain-GTV doses are not predictive of RN development, unlike other publications. In study, a high SIR score and supratentorial localization were identified as factors that increased the risk of RN. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE RN is still a common complication after SRT. Symptomatic RN is a significant cause of morbidity. The causes of RN are still not clearly identified. In many publications, brain dose and volumes have been found to be effective in RN. But, with this study, we found that brain dose volumes and fractionation did not increase the incidence of RN when brain doses were taken into account. The most important factor in the development of RN was found to be related to long survival after SRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedriye Doğan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Malatya, 44280, Turkey
| | - Harun Demir
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Konya, 42020, Turkey
| | - Naciye Işık
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kırdar City Hospital, İstanbul, Istanbul, 34100, Turkey
| | - Gun Gunalp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kırdar City Hospital, İstanbul, Istanbul, 34100, Turkey
| | - Hediye Pınar Günbey
- Department of Radiology, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34100, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Yaprak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kırdar City Hospital, İstanbul, Istanbul, 34100, Turkey
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Dobeson CB, Birkbeck M, Bhatnagar P, Hall J, Pearson R, West S, English P, Butteriss D, Perthen J, Lewis J. Perfusion MRI in the evaluation of brain metastases: current practice review and rationale for study of baseline MR perfusion imaging prior to stereotactic radiosurgery (STARBEAM-X). Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220462. [PMID: 37660364 PMCID: PMC10646666 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an established focal treatment for brain metastases with high local control rates. An important side-effect of stereotactic radiosurgery is the development of radionecrosis. On conventional MR imaging, radionecrosis and tumour progression often have similar appearances, but have contrasting management approaches. Perfusion MR imaging is often used in the post-treatment setting in order to help distinguish between the two, but image interpretation can be fraught with challenges.Perfusion MR plays an established role in the baseline and post-treatment evaluation of primary brain tumours and a number of studies have concentrated on the value of perfusion imaging in brain metastases. Of the parameters generated, relative cerebral blood volume is the most widely used variable in terms of its clinical value in differentiating between radionecrosis and tumour progression. Although it has been suggested that the relative cerebral blood volume tends to be elevated in active metastatic disease following treatment with radiosurgery, but not with treatment-related changes, the literature available on interpretation of the ratios provided in the context of defining tumour progression is not consistent.This article aims to provide an overview of the role perfusion MRI plays in the assessment of brain metastases and introduces the rationale for the STARBEAM-X study (Study of assessment of radionecrosis in brain metastases using MR perfusion extra imaging), which will prospectively evaluate baseline perfusion imaging in brain metastases. We hope this will allow insight into the vascular appearance of metastases from different primary sites, and aid in the interpretation of post-treatment perfusion imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Birkbeck
- Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Priya Bhatnagar
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie Hall
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel Pearson
- Department of Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Serena West
- Department of Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Philip English
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - David Butteriss
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joanna Perthen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joanne Lewis
- Department of Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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4
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Bodensohn R, Maier SH, Belka C, Minniti G, Niyazi M. Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Multiple Brain Metastases: A Review of Treatment Techniques. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5404. [PMID: 38001664 PMCID: PMC10670108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement of systemic targeted treatments has led to improvements in the management of metastatic disease, particularly in terms of survival outcomes. However, brain metastases remain less responsive to systemic therapies, underscoring the significance of local interventions for comprehensive disease control. Over the past years, the threshold for treating brain metastases through stereotactic radiosurgery has risen. Yet, as the number of treated metastases increases, treatment complexity and duration also escalate. This trend has made multi-isocenter radiosurgery treatments, such as those with the Gamma Knife, challenging to plan and lengthy for patients. In contrast, single-isocenter approaches employing linear accelerators offer an efficient and expeditious treatment option. This review delves into the literature, comparing different linear-accelerator-based techniques with each other and in relation to dedicated systems, focusing on dosimetric considerations and feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Bodensohn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian H. Maier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.M.); (C.B.)
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.M.); (C.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership between DKFZ and LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Munich, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Minniti
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maximilian Niyazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.M.); (C.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, A Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Crouzen JA, Petoukhova AL, Broekman MLD, Fiocco M, Fisscher UJ, Franssen JH, Gadellaa-van Hooijdonk CGM, Kerkhof M, Kiderlen M, Mast ME, van Rij CM, Nandoe Tewarie R, van de Sande MAE, van der Toorn PPG, Vlasman R, Vos MJ, van der Voort van Zyp NCMG, Wiggenraad RGJ, Wiltink LM, Zindler JD. SAFESTEREO: phase II randomized trial to compare stereotactic radiosurgery with fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:273. [PMID: 36964529 PMCID: PMC10039548 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a frequently chosen treatment for patients with brain metastases and the number of long-term survivors is increasing. Brain necrosis (e.g. radionecrosis) is the most important long-term side effect of the treatment. Retrospective studies show a lower risk of radionecrosis and local tumor recurrence after fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (fSRS, e.g. five fractions) compared with stereotactic radiosurgery in one or three fractions. This is especially true for patients with large brain metastases. As such, the 2022 ASTRO guideline of radiotherapy for brain metastases recommends more research to fSRS to reduce the risk of radionecrosis. This multicenter prospective randomized study aims to determine whether the incidence of adverse local events (either local failure or radionecrosis) can be reduced using fSRS versus SRS in one or three fractions in patients with brain metastases. METHODS Patients are eligible with one or more brain metastases from a solid primary tumor, age of 18 years or older, and a Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70. Exclusion criteria include patients with small cell lung cancer, germinoma or lymphoma, leptomeningeal metastases, a contraindication for MRI, prior inclusion in this study, prior surgery for brain metastases, prior radiotherapy for the same brain metastases (in-field re-irradiation). Participants will be randomized between SRS with a dose of 15-24 Gy in 1 or 3 fractions (standard arm) or fSRS 35 Gy in five fractions (experimental arm). The primary endpoint is the incidence of a local adverse event (local tumor failure or radionecrosis identified on MRI scans) at two years after treatment. Secondary endpoints are salvage treatment and the use of corticosteroids, bevacizumab, or antiepileptic drugs, survival, distant brain recurrences, toxicity, and quality of life. DISCUSSION Currently, limiting the risk of adverse events such as radionecrosis is a major challenge in the treatment of brain metastases. fSRS potentially reduces this risk of radionecrosis and local tumor failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClincalTrials.gov, trial registration number: NCT05346367 , trial registration date: 26 April 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Crouzen
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - M Fiocco
- Mathematical Institute of Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - U J Fisscher
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - M Kerkhof
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M Kiderlen
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M E Mast
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - R Vlasman
- Radiotherapy Institute Friesland, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - M J Vos
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - L M Wiltink
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J D Zindler
- Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Holland Proton Therapy Center, Delft, The Netherlands.
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6
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BalajiSubramanian S, Al Hajri T, Satyapal N, Laiq S, Al Hajri Z. Symptomatic Brain Radiation Necrosis in an Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-Positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patient After Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy While on Alectinib. Cureus 2023; 15:e35952. [PMID: 37038567 PMCID: PMC10082649 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a higher incidence of brain metastasis. Despite having a favorable prognosis and relatively long survival with second-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), patients can have substantial morbidity, negatively affecting functional progression-free and symptom-free survival. Studies have shown that ALK-rearranged NSCLC is a risk factor for developing radiation necrosis (RN). Recently, second-generation TKI, especially lorlatinib, alectinib, and brigatinib, have demonstrated good central nervous system (CNS) penetration and overall response rates in patients with brain metastasis. However, to improve overall outcomes in symptomatic or limited brain metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly preferred over whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) prior to systemic therapy to avoid significant cognitive deterioration. To improve the therapeutic ratio, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) has been explored for brain metastasis. Herein, we report on one ALK-rearranged NSCLC patient who developed RN despite FSRT, one year after the completion of radiotherapy while on alectinib.
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7
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Iqubal A, Iqubal MK, Sharma S, Wasim M, Alfaleh MA, Md S, Baboota S, Ali J, Haque SE. Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic promise of phytochemicals and nanocarriers based drug delivery against radiotherapy-induced neurotoxic manifestations. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1492-1511. [PMID: 35543534 PMCID: PMC9103628 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2064562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the extensively used therapeutic modalities in glioblastoma and other types of cancers. Radiotherapy is either used as a first-line approach or combined with pharmacotherapy or surgery to manage and treat cancer. Although the use of radiotherapy significantly increased the survival time of patients, but its use has been reported with marked neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction that eventually reduced the quality of life of patients. Based on the preclinical and clinical investigations, the profound role of increased oxidative stress, nuclear translocation of NF-kB, production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-β, increased level of MMPs, increased apoptosis, reduced angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and histological aberrations in CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG region of the hippocampus have been reported. Various pharmacotherapeutic drugs are being used as an adjuvant to counteract this neurotoxic manifestation. Still, most of these drugs suffer from systemic adverse effect, causes interference to ongoing chemotherapy, and exhibit pharmacokinetic limitations in crossing the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, various phytoconstituents, their nano carrier-based drug delivery systems and miRNAs have been explored to overcome the aforementioned limitations. The present review is focused on the mechanism and evidence of radiotherapy-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction, pathological and molecular changes in the brain homeostasis, available adjuvants, their limitations. Additionally, the potential role and mechanism of neuroprotection of various nanocarrier based natural products and miRNAs have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.,Product Development Department, Sentiss Research Centre, Sentiss Pharma Pvt Ltd, Gurugram, India
| | - Sumit Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Wasim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research & Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanjula Baboota
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Javed Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Ehtaishamul Haque
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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8
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Lupattelli M, Tini P, Nardone V, Aristei C, Borghesi S, Maranzano E, Anselmo P, Ingrosso G, Deantonio L, di Monale E Bastia MB. Stereotactic radiotherapy for brain oligometastases. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2022; 27:15-22. [PMID: 35402029 PMCID: PMC8989457 DOI: 10.5603/rpor.a2021.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases, the most common metastases in adults, will develop in up to 40% of cancer patients, accounting for more than one-half of all intracranial tumors. They are most associated with breast and lung cancer, melanoma and, less frequently, colorectal and kidney carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosis. For the treatment plan, computed tomography (CT ) images are co-registered and fused with a gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI where tumor volume and organs at risk are contoured. Alternatively, plain and contrast-enhanced CT scans are co-registered. Single-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT ) is used to treat patients with good performance status and up to 4 lesions with a diameter of 30 mm or less that are distant from crucial brain function areas. Fractionated SRT (2–5 fractions) is used for larger lesions, in eloquent areas or in proximity to crucial or surgically inaccessible areas and to reduce treatment-related neurotoxicity. The single-fraction SRT dose, which depends on tumor diameter, impacts local control. Fractionated SRT may encompass different schedules. No randomized trial data compared the safety and efficacy of single and multiple fractions. Both single-fraction and fractionated SRT provide satisfactory local control rates, tolerance, a low risk of transient acute adverse events and of radiation necrosis the incidence of which correlated with the irradiated brain volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lupattelli
- Radiation Oncology Section, University of Perugia and Perugia General Hospital, Italy
| | - Paolo Tini
- Unit of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Italy
| | - Valerio Nardone
- Unit of Radiation Oncology, Ospedale del Mare, Napoli, Italy
| | - Cynthia Aristei
- Radiation Oncology Section, University of Perugia and Perugia General Hospital, Italy
| | - Simona Borghesi
- Radiation Oncology Unit of Arezzo-Valdarno, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Italy
| | | | - Paola Anselmo
- Radiation Oncology Centre, S. Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ingrosso
- Radiation Oncology Section, University of Perugia and Perugia General Hospital, Italy
| | - Letizia Deantonio
- Radiation Oncology Clinic, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona-Lugano, Switzerland
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9
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Ippolito E, Silipigni S, Matteucci P, Greco C, Carrafiello S, Palumbo V, Tacconi C, Talocco C, Fiore M, D’Angelillo RM, Ramella S. Radiotherapy for HER 2 Positive Brain Metastases: Urgent Need for a Paradigm Shift. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061514. [PMID: 35326665 PMCID: PMC8946529 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BMs) are common among patients affected by HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (>30%). The management of BMs is usually multimodal, including surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy and palliative care. Standard brain radiotherapy (RT) includes the use of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for limited disease and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for extensive disease. The latter is an effective palliative treatment but has a reduced effect on brain local control and BM overall survival, as it is also associated with severe neurocognitive sequelae. Recent advances both in radiation therapy and systemic treatment may change the paradigm in this subset of patients who can experience long survival notwithstanding BMs. In fact, in recent studies, SRT for multiple BM sites (>4) has shown similar efficacy when compared to irradiation of a limited number of lesions (one to three) without increasing toxicity. These findings, in addition to the introduction of new drugs with recognized intracranial activity, may further limit the use of WBRT in favor of SRT, which should be employed for treatment of both multiple-site BMs and for oligo-progressive brain disease. This review summarizes the supporting literature and highlights the need for optimizing combinations of the available treatments in this setting, with a particular focus on radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edy Ippolito
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Sonia Silipigni
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Paolo Matteucci
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06225411708
| | - Carlo Greco
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Sofia Carrafiello
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Palumbo
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Claudia Tacconi
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Claudia Talocco
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Michele Fiore
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
| | | | - Sara Ramella
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.I.); (S.S.); (C.G.); (S.C.); (V.P.); (C.T.); (C.T.); (M.F.); (S.R.)
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10
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Abstract
Imaging of brain metastases (BMs) has advanced greatly over the past decade. In this review, we discuss the main challenges that BMs pose in clinical practice and describe the role of imaging.Firstly, we describe the increased incidence of BMs of different primary tumours and the rationale for screening. A challenge lies in selecting the right patients for screening: not all cancer patients develop BMs in their disease course.Secondly, we discuss the imaging techniques to detect BMs. A three-dimensional (3D) T1W MRI sequence is the golden standard for BM detection, but additional anatomical (susceptibility weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging), functional (perfusion MRI) and metabolic (MR spectroscopy, positron emission tomography) information can help to differentiate BMs from other intracranial aetiologies.Thirdly, we describe the role of imaging before, during and after treatment of BMs. For surgical resection, imaging is used to select surgical patients, but also to assist intraoperatively (neuronavigation, fluorescence-guided surgery, ultrasound). For treatment planning of stereotactic radiosurgery, MRI is combined with CT. For surveillance after both local and systemic therapies, conventional MRI is used. However, advanced imaging is increasingly performed to distinguish true tumour progression from pseudoprogression.FInally, future perspectives are discussed, including radiomics, new biomarkers, new endogenous contrast agents and theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie H A E Derks
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid A M van der Veldt
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Smits
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Efficacy and safety of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases using three fractions: A single-centre retrospective study. Cancer Radiother 2021; 25:763-770. [PMID: 34083125 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) has become a standard of care for patients with a limited number of brain metastases (BM). An increasing number of linear accelerators (LA) are able to accurately perform HFSRT including VersaHD® (Elekta®) LA. The main aim of this study was to report clinical outcomes of BM treated by HFSRT using 3×7.7Gy on 70% isodose line in terms of local control (LC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between November 2016 and October 2018, all patients suffering from histologically-proven primary with one or several newly diagnosed BM treated by HFSRT were retrospectively included and evaluated. Patients who had received prior treatment by neurosurgery or cerebral radiotherapy were excluded. RESULTS Among 44 patients, 61 BM were treated. With a median follow-up of 31.9 months, LC rates at 6 and 12 months were 93.2% and 90.9, respectively. Single-BM was independently predictive of LC (P=0.025) and overall survival (P=0.013). Acute toxicity rates were acceptable: 65.9% of patients had grade 1 and 2 and no acute grade 3 toxicity according to the NCI-CTCAE (version 5.0). Regarding delayed toxicity, one case (2.3%) of radionecrosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CONCLUSION In our single-centre retrospective analysis, BM treatment by HFSRT delivered in three fractions showed a 12-month LC rate of 90.9% without major toxicities, which suggests safety and efficiency of this technique. However, longer-term follow-up and prospective studies are still needed to confirm these results.
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12
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Jablonska PA, Bosch-Barrera J, Serrano D, Valiente M, Calvo A, Aristu J. Challenges and Novel Opportunities of Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092141. [PMID: 33946751 PMCID: PMC8124815 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the most common primary malignancy that tends to metastasize to the brain. Owing to improved survival of lung cancer patients, the prevalence of brain metastases is a matter of growing concern. Brain radiotherapy remains the mainstay in the management of metastatic CNS disease. However, new targeted therapies such as the tyrosine kinase or immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated intracranial activity and promising tumor response rates. Here, we review the current and emerging therapeutical strategies for brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer, both brain-directed and systemic, as well as the uncertainties that may arise from their combination. Abstract Approximately 20% patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with CNS spread at the time of diagnosis and 25–50% are found to have brain metastases (BMs) during the course of the disease. The improvement in the diagnostic tools and screening, as well as the use of new systemic therapies have contributed to a more precise diagnosis and prolonged survival of lung cancer patients with more time for BMs development. In the past, most of the systemic therapies failed intracranially because of the inability to effectively cross the blood brain barrier. Some of the new targeted therapies, especially the group of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown durable CNS response. However, the use of ionizing radiation remains vital in the management of metastatic brain disease. Although a decrease in CNS-related deaths has been achieved over the past decade, many challenges arise from the need of multiple and repeated brain radiation treatments, which carry along not insignificant risks and toxicity. The combination of stereotactic radiotherapy and systemic treatments in terms of effectiveness and adverse effects, such as radionecrosis, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This review discusses the challenges of the use of radiation therapy in NSCLC BMs in view of different systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, TKIs and immunotherapy. It also outlines the future perspectives and strategies for personalized BMs management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Anna Jablonska
- Brain Metastases and CNS Oncology Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-946-2000
| | - Joaquim Bosch-Barrera
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Doctor Josep Trueta University Hospital, 17007 Girona, Spain;
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Salt, 17190 Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of Girona, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (D.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Alfonso Calvo
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (D.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Aristu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Protontherapy Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 28027 Madrid, Spain;
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Zhou S, Xie J, Huang Z, Deng L, Wu L, Yu J, Meng X. Anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy for brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer: Mechanisms, advances, and challenges. Cancer Lett 2021; 502:166-179. [PMID: 33450361 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The brain is one of the most common metastatic sites in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Despite the availability of several therapeutic options, the treatment efficacy remains unsatisfactory for NSCLC brain metastases. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies have reshaped therapeutic strategies in advanced NSCLC. Preliminary evidence has shown that anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy is also effective in NSCLC patients with brain metastases. However, the traditional view asserted that these therapeutic antibodies were incapable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with large molecular size, thus most patients with brain metastases were excluded from most studies on anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. Therefore, the efficacy and its mechanisms of action of anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy against brain metastases in NSCLC have not been clarified. In this review, we will survey the underlying mechanisms and current clinical advances of anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases in NSCLC. The trafficking of activated cytotoxic T cells that are mainly derived from the primary tumor and deep cervical lymph nodes is critical for the intracranial response to anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy, which is driven by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Additionally, promising combined strategies with the rationale in the treatment of brain metastases will be presented to provide future directions for clinical study design. Several significant challenges in the preclinical and clinical studies of brain metastases, as well as potential solutions, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhou
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoqin Huang
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Wu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiangjiao Meng
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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