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Ohtakara K, Suzuki K. Non-coplanar Arc-Involved Beam Arrangement With Sufficient Arc Rotations Is Suitable for Volumetric-Modulated Arc-Based Radiosurgery for Single Brain Metastasis. Cureus 2024; 16:e67265. [PMID: 39301366 PMCID: PMC11411344 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67265] [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] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) leveraging a multileaf collimator (MLC) for brain metastasis (BM), volumetric-modulated arcs (VMAs) enable the generation of a suitable dose distribution with efficient planning and delivery. However, the arc arrangement, including the number of arcs, allocation, and rotation ranges, varies substantially among devices and facilities. Some modalities allow coplanar arc(s) (CA(s)) or beam(s) alone, and some facilities only use them intentionally despite the availability of non-coplanar arcs (NCAs). The study was conducted to examine the significance of NCAs and the optimal arc rotation ranges in VMA-based SRS for a single BM. Materials and methods This was a planning study for the clinical scenario of a single BM, including 20 clinical cases with a gross tumor volume (GTV) of 0.72-44.30 cc. Three different arc arrangements were compared: 1) reciprocating double CA alone of each 360º rotation with different collimator angles of 0 and 90º, 2) one CA and two NCAs of each 120º rotation with the shortest beam path lengths to the irradiation isocenter (NCA_L), and 3) one CA of 360º rotation and two NCAs of each 180º rotation (NCA_F). The three arcs were allocated similarly to equally divide the cranial hemisphere with different collimator angles of 0, 45, and 90º. Three VMA-based SRS plans were generated for each GTV using a 5 mm leaf-width MLC with the identical optimization method that prioritized the steepness of dose gradient outside the GTV boundary without any constraints to the GTV internal dose. A prescribed dose was uniformly assigned to the GTV D V-0.01 cc, the minimum dose of GTV minus 0.01 cc. The GTV dose conformity, the steepness of dose gradients both outside and inside the GTV boundary, the degree of concentric lamellarity of the dose gradients, and the appropriateness of the dose attenuation margin outside the GTV boundary were evaluated using metrics appropriate for each. Results The arc arrangements including NCAs showed significantly steeper dose gradients both outside and inside the GTV boundary with smaller dose attenuation margins than the CAs alone, while NCAs showed no significant advantage on the GTV dose conformity. In the NCA-involved arc arrangements, the NCA_F was significantly superior to the NCA_L in terms of the GTV dose conformity, the steepness of dose gradient outside the GTV, the degree of concentric lamellarity of the dose gradients outside and inside the GTV boundary, and the appropriateness of dose attenuation margin. However, the NCA_F showed no significant advantage on the steepness of dose increase inside the GTV boundary over the NCA_L. The dose increase just inside the prescribed isodose surface to the GTV boundary was significantly steeper with the NCA_L than the NCA_F. Conclusions In VMA-based SRS for a single BM, an arc arrangement including NCAs is indispensable, and sufficient arc rotations are suitable for achieving a dose distribution that maximizes therapeutic efficacy and safety in comparison to limited ones which are appropriate for dynamic conformal arcs. Although VMA with CAs alone can provide a non-inferior GTV dose conformity to NCAs, CA(s) alone should be applied only to situations where shorter irradiation time is prioritized over efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Suzuki K. Consideration of Optimal Evaluation Metrics for Internal Gross Tumor Dose Relevant to Tumor Response in Multi-fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Brain Metastasis. Cureus 2024; 16:e65338. [PMID: 39184769 PMCID: PMC11344629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65338] [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] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis (BM), the target dose inhomogeneity remains highly variable among modalities, irradiation techniques, and facilities, which can affect tumor response during and after multi-fraction SRS. Volumetric-modulated arcs (VMAs) can provide a concentrically-layered steep dose increase inside a gross tumor volume (GTV) boundary compared to dynamic conformal arcs. This study was conducted to review the optimal evaluation method for the internal GTV doses relevant to maximal response and local control, specifically to examine the significance of the doses 2 mm and 4 mm inside the GTV boundary in VMA-based SRS. Materials and methods This was a planning study for the clinical scenario of a single BM and targeted 25 GTVs of >0.50 cc, including eight spherical models with diameters of 10-45 mm and 17 clinical BMs (GTV: 0.72-44.33 cc). SRS plans were generated for each GTV using VMA with a 5-mm leaf-width multileaf collimator and the optimization that prioritized the steepness of the dose gradient outside the GTV boundary without any internal dose constraints. The dose prescription and evaluation were based on the GTV D V-0.01 cc, a minimum dose of GTV minus 0.01 cc. Two planning systems were compared for the GTV - 2 mm and GTV - 4 mm structures that were generated by equally reducing 2 mm and 4 mm from the GTV surface. The D eIIVs, a minimum dose of the irradiated isodose volume equivalent to the GTV - 2 mm and GTV - 4 mm, were compared to other common metrics. Results The GTV - 2 mm and GTV - 4 mm volumes differed significantly between the systems. In the spherical GTVs, the irradiated isodose surfaces of GTV D 80% and D 50% corresponded to 0.4-1.6 mm (<2 mm) and 1.0-4.6 mm inside the GTV boundary, respectively. In the 25 GTVs, the GTV - 2 mm coverage with the D eIIV varied from 83.7% to 98.2% (95-98% in 68% of the cases), while the GTV coverage with the GTV - 2 mm D eIIV was 20.2-75.9%. In the 23 GTVs of ≥1.26 cc, the GTV coverage with the GTV - 4 mm D eIIV varied from 1.9% to 55.6% (<50% in 87% of the cases). No significant difference was observed between the GTV D 50% and the GTV - 2 mm D eIIV, while the GTV - 4 mm D eIIV was significantly higher than the GTV D 50%. No significant correlations were observed between the GTV D 50% and the D eIIVs of the GTV - 2 mm and GTV - 4 mm. Conclusions The doses 2 mm and 4 mm inside a GTV have low correlations with the GTV D 50% and may be more relevant to maximal response and local control for SRS of BM. The D eIIV instead of the minimum dose of a fixed % coverage (e.g. D 98%) is suitable for reporting the doses 2 mm and 4 mm inside the GTV boundary in terms of avoiding the over- or under-coverage, with consideration to substantial variability in minus margin addition functions among planning systems. In VMA-based SRS with a steep dose gradient, the doses 2-4 mm inside a GTV decrease significantly as the GTV increases, which can attenuate the excessive dose exposure to the surrounding brain in a large BM due to the GTV shrinkage during multi-fraction SRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Suzuki K. Appropriateness of Dose Attenuation Margin Outside the Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) in Volumetric-Modulated Arc-Based Radiosurgery for Brain Metastasis With the Steepest Dose Gradient Outside the GTV and Biologically Effective Dose 80 Gy to GTV Boundary. Cureus 2024; 16:e62784. [PMID: 39036259 PMCID: PMC11260198 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62784] [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] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis (BM), volumetric-modulated arcs (VMA) can provide a suitable dose distribution and efficient delivery, even with a widely available 5-mm leaf-width multileaf collimator (MLC). The planning optimization with affirmatively accepting internal high doses of a gross tumor volume (GTV) enhances the steepness of the dose gradient outside the GTV. However, an excessively steep dose falloff outside a GTV is susceptible to insufficient coverage of inherent irradiation uncertainties with the dose attenuation margin. This study was conducted to examine the appropriateness of dose attenuation margin outside a GTV in 5-mm MLC VMA-based SRS with a steep dose gradient and dose prescription with a biologically effective dose (BED) 80 Gy in various fractions to the GTV margin. Materials and methods This was a planning study for the clinical scenario of a single BM and targeted 28 GTVs, including nine sphere-shaped models with diameters of 5-45 mm and 19 clinical BMs (GTV 0.08-44.33 cc). SRS plans were generated for each GTV using 5-mm MLC VMA with an optimization that prioritized the steepness of dose falloff outside the GTV boundary without any internal dose constraints. A prescribed dose with the BED 80 Gy in 1-10 fraction(s) was assigned to the GTV D V-0.01 cc, a minimum dose of GTV minus 0.01 cc (D >95% for GTV >0.20 cc, D 95% for GTV ≤0.20 cc). The BED was based on the linear-quadratic formula with an alpha/beta ratio of 10 (BED10). Two planning systems were compared for the GTV + 2 mm structures that were generated by adding an isotropic 2-mm margin to the GTV. Results The GTV + 2 mm volumes differed significantly between the systems and further varied on the dose-volume histograms. The D V-0.05 cc, D 98%, and D 95% of the GTV + 2 mm were associated with substantial over- or under-coverages of the GTV + 2 mm, although the irradiated isodose volumes (IIVs) of the D 98% were closest to the GTV + 2 mm in general. The coverage values of the GTV + 2 mm with the minimum dose of the IIV equivalent to the GTV + 2 mm, D eIIV, were 93.3%-98.7% (≥95% in 26 cases). The GTV + 2 mm D eIIV relative to the GTV D V-0.01 cc was ≥81.9% (BED10 ≥60 Gy in ≤5 fractions) in 13 cases, while those were <69.8% (BED10 <48 Gy in ≤5 fractions) in four cases with the GTV of 0.33-1.77 cc. Conclusions A dose attenuation margin outside a GTV can be excessively steep for some small GTVs in 5-mm MLC VMA-based SRS with a steepest dose gradient and a BED10 80 Gy in ≤5 fractions to the GTV D V-0.01 cc, for which an adjustment of the too precipitous dose gradient is preferred to sufficiently cover relevant uncertainties. A GTV + 2 mm D eIIV with ≥95% coverage is more suitable for evaluating the appropriateness of dose attenuation outside the GTV than other common metrics with a fixed % coverage or D V-≤0.05 cc. Given the substantial variability in margin addition functions among planning systems, dose prescription to a margin-added GTV is unsuitable for ensuring uniform dose prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Suzuki K. Proposal of an Alternative Near-Minimum Isodose Surface DV-0.01 cc Equally Minimizing Gross Tumor Volume Below the Relevant Dose as the Basis for Dose Prescription and Evaluation of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases. Cureus 2024; 16:e57580. [PMID: 38707120 PMCID: PMC11069632 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57580] [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] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis (BM), the prescribed dose is generally reported as a minimum dose to cover a specific percentage (e.g. D98%) of the gross tumor volume (GTV) with or without a margin or an unspecified intended marginal dose to the GTV boundary. In dose prescription to a margin-added planning target volume (PTV), the GTV marginal dose is likely variable and unclear. This study aimed to reveal major flaws of dose prescription to a fixed % coverage of a target volume (TV), such as GTV D98% or PTV D95%, and to propose an alternative. Materials and methods Seven quasi-spherical models with volumes ranging from 1.00 to 15.00 cc were assumed as GTVs. The GTVs and the volumes generated by adding isotropic 1- and 2-mm margins to the GTV boundaries (GTV + 1 and 2 mm) were used for SRS planning, dose prescription, and evaluation. Volumetric-modulated arcs with a 5-mm leaf-width multileaf collimator were used to optimize each SRS plan to ensure the steepest dose gradient outside each TV boundary. In dose prescription to the GTV D98%, 0.02-0.3 cc of the GTV is below the prescribed dose, and the volume increases with larger GTVs. The volume below the prescribed dose should be less than the equivalent of a 3-mm-diameter lesion, i.e. 0.01 cc. Therefore, DV-0.01 cc was defined as an alternative near-minimum dose for which the TV below a relevant dose is less than 0.01 cc. Four different dose prescriptions, including the GTV DV-0.01 cc, were compared using specific doses in 1, 3, and 5 fractions, equivalent to 80, 60, and 50 Gy, respectively, as biologically effective doses (BEDs) to the boundaries of GTV, GTV + 1 mm, and GTV + 2 mm, respectively. Results Dose prescription to the GTV DV-0.01 cc corresponds to 95.0, 98.0, and 99.0-99.93% coverages for the GTV of 0.20, 0.50, and 1.00-15.00 cc, respectively. The GTV DV-0.01 cc varied substantially and decreased significantly as the GTV increased in dose prescriptions to the GTV D98%, GTV + 1 mm D95%, and GTV + 2 mm D95%. The GTV + 2 mm DV-0.01 cc increased significantly as the GTV increased, except for the dose prescription to the GTV + 2 mm D95% with a decreasing tendency. When comparing BED-based specific dose prescriptions, dose prescription to the GTV DV-0.01 cc was optimal in terms of the following: 1) consistency of the near-minimum dose of GTV; 2) the highest BED at 2 mm outside the GTV, except for 1.00 cc GTV, and the rational increase with increasing GTV; and 3) the highest BED at 2 mm inside the GTV. In dose prescription with the BED of 80 Gy in 1 fraction and 5 fractions to the GTV DV-0.01 cc, the GTV limits were ≤1.40 and ≤8.46 cc, respectively, in order for the irradiated isodose volume not to exceed the proposed thresholds for minimizing the risk of brain radionecrosis. Conclusions Dose prescription to a fixed % coverage of a GTV with or without a margin leads to the substantially varied near-minimum dose at the GTV boundary, which significantly decreases with increasing GTV. Alternatively, GTV DV-0.01 cc with a variable coverage (D>95%) for >0.20 cc GTV and fixed D95% for ≤0.20 cc GTV is recommended as the basis for dose prescription and evaluation, along with supplemental evaluation of the marginal dose of the GTV plus a margin (e.g. GTV + 2 mm) to demonstrate the appropriateness of dose attenuation outside the GTV boundary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Tanahashi K, Yamada T, Tsunoda N, Suzuki K. Robotic Radiosurgical Boost After Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for 12 Brain Metastases: En Bloc Consecutive Irradiation With Comprehensively Optimized Single Plan for Eight Lesions Totaling 118 cc. Cureus 2023; 15:e51367. [PMID: 38292980 PMCID: PMC10825388 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51367] [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] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
General radiotherapeutic management for >10 brain metastases (BMs) totaling >100 cm3, including multiple large lesions (>10-30 cm3) in close proximity, demonstrated limited efficacy and/or safety. We describe a case of 12 BMs, summating 122.2 cm3, including a 39.6 cm3 maximum lesion and adjacent ones. The patient had an 8.1-year treatment history for recurrent/metastatic breast cancer refractory to endocrine and chemotherapy. BMs were treated with conventional whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with 30 Gy/10 fractions (fr), followed by an immediate stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost with 27 Gy/5 fr (52-64% isodoses) which covers the gross tumor boundaries of selected eight lesions (total 118.4 cm3). The SRS dose was defined to ensure the cumulative biologically effective dose (BED10) of just ≥80 Gy while minimizing the risk of radiation injury. The SRS was performed using a CyberKnife (CK) robotic system (Accuray Incorporated, Sunnyvale, California, United States) with a variable-sized collimator (10-40 mm), for which en bloc consecutive irradiation, using 215 beams based on a comprehensively optimized single plan (path), was adopted. The treatment time per fraction was ≤45 min (mean 5.6 min per lesion). Afterward, BMs demonstrated remarkable regression over six months, causing the total residual visible lesions of 12.6 cm3 (10.3%) at 11.4 months, despite the absence of obvious lesion shrinkage during the radiotherapy. WBRT, followed by an immediate 5-fr SRS boost with a total BED10 of 80 Gy to large and/or culprit lesions, can be an efficacious and safe treatment option for multiple BMs, totaling >120 cm3. En bloc consecutive irradiation with a single path provides overwhelmingly more efficient delivery for treating multiple lesions using CK in terms of irradiation time and comprehensive reduction of normal brain dose compared to individual planning. Volumetric-modulated arc-based >10-fr SRS with simultaneously integrated reduced-dose WBRT may be an alternative to further enhance efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kuniaki Tanahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, JPN
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Takehiro Yamada
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Nobuyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Breast Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, JPN
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Kondo T, Obata Y, Fujii K, Suzuki K. Five-Fraction Radiosurgery Using a Biologically Equivalent Dose of a Single Fraction of 24 Gy for a 3-cm Parasagittal Para-Central Sulcus Brain Metastasis From Adenocarcinoma of the Cecum. Cureus 2023; 15:e48799. [PMID: 38098911 PMCID: PMC10720925 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An isolated single brain metastasis (BM) is an extremely rare manifestation of failure in patients with cecal adenocarcinoma (CAC). Total en bloc resection (while preserving function) of a 3-cm BM involving both the primary motor and sensory cortexes presents a conundrum: achieving long-term local control and safety of such a BM is also challenging for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We describe the case of a 3.1-cm BM from CAC in the left parasagittal para-central sulcus region, which was treated using five-fraction SRS with a biologically effective dose (BED) of 81.6 Gy. In the SRS, the gross tumor volume (GTV, 7.14 cm3) was defined based on computed tomography (CT)/T1/T2 matching (enhancing lesion 11.66 cm3), and 98.7% of the GTV (CT/T2 mass) was covered with 43.6 Gy (58% isodose) using volumetric-modulated arcs. The maximum tumor response was partial (19.7% of the prior GTV) and sustained for 15.2 months, leaving minor neurological symptoms. However, the patient developed neurological worsening at six months, attributed to adverse radiation effects with a CT/T1/T2 mismatch, for which medical management, including the addition of bevacizumab (BEV), was effective for one year. Multi-fraction SRS with a high marginal and internal BED and sequential systemic therapy, including BEV, can be a minimally invasive, efficacious, and durable treatment option for a large CAC-BM involving the central sulcus. Early co-administration of BEV following SRS, dose escalation to the GTV boundary, and more than five fractions of SRS may be considered to improve the efficacy and safety further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Takanori Kondo
- Department of Surgery, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Yuma Obata
- Department of Surgery, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, JPN
- Department of Surgery, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Kentaro Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Ohka F, Tanahashi K, Yamada T, Suzuki K. Fifteen-Fraction Radiosurgery Followed by Reduced-Dose Whole-Brain Irradiation With a Total Biologically Effective Dose of >90-100 Gy for a Locally Invasive Brain Metastasis From Lung Adenocarcinoma With a High Dissemination Potential. Cureus 2023; 15:e49596. [PMID: 38161920 PMCID: PMC10754716 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
A deep-seated, locally infiltrative 5.8-cm brain metastasis (BM) involving the ventricular wall and optic radiation is deemed unamenable for a safe total resection, while preventing tumor seeding. Meanwhile, radiotherapeutic management alone for such a BM close to the brainstem is also challenging. We describe such a BM (gross tumor volume [GTV] 40.3 cm3) from lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), located in the left temporo-occipital lobes, with extensive invasion to the tentorium cerebelli and a high potential for dissemination. The BM was treated with 15-fraction(s) (fr) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) followed by whole-brain irradiation (WBI) at 27 Gy/15 fr with a 19-day interval. During the SRS, the solid component away from the tentorium showed obvious shrinkage. The cumulative biologically effective doses (BEDs) of the minimum and D99% of the GTV were ≥92.3 Gy and ≥102.6 Gy, respectively, where the BED was based on the linear-quadratic formula at an alpha/beta ratio of 10 (BED10). Despite a maximum response with nearly complete regression at 7.5 months, local tumor regrowth near the tentorial incisura became gradually apparent from 11.2 to 19.3 months. Salvage re-SRS with 53 Gy/10 fr specific to these lesions resulted in obvious regression at 5.8 months. However, radiation injury concomitant with triventriculomegaly progressed from 7.9 to 13.9 months, eventually leading to meningeal dissemination and patient mortality at 34.6 months. This case demonstrates that a BED10 ≥90-100 Gy in 30 fr to the GTV boundary with a more than two-week interval without combined systemic therapy is insufficient for achieving complete local tumor eradication of a 40-cc LAC-BM. Shorter treatment duration with a steeper dose gradient outside and inside the GTV in the SRS or a volumetric modulated arc-based SRS combined with simultaneously integrated WBI may improve efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Fumiharu Ohka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Kuniaki Tanahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, JPN
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Takehiro Yamada
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Nakao M, Muramatsu H, Suzuki K. Nineteen-Month Immunity to Adverse Radiation Effects Following 5-Fraction Re-radiosurgery With 43.6 Gy for Local Progression After Prior 3-Fraction Radiosurgery for Brain Metastasis From Pan-Negative Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cureus 2023; 15:e46374. [PMID: 37920648 PMCID: PMC10619972 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of patients with local control failure following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis (BM) can be frequently challenging. Re-irradiation with multi-fraction (fr) SRS by using a biological effective dose of ≥80 Gy, based on the linear-quadratic formula with an alpha/beta ratio of 10 (BED10), can be an efficacious option for such a scenario with the BED10 of <80 Gy. However, its long-term safety beyond one year remains unclear. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with a single metachronous BM from lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), without major genetic alterations, in which re-SRS with 43.6 Gy/5 fr (BED10 81.6 Gy) for local progression, following prior 3-fr SRS of the BM, resulted in sustained regression without any local adverse radiation effects (AREs) for 19 months. The BM with a gross tumor volume (GTV) of 1.12 cm3 in the left parietal lobe was initially treated with SRS of 27 Gy/3 fr (50% isodose). Despite steroid administration for nivolumab-induced bullous pemphigoid associated with transient elevation of tumor markers, the BM showed local progression with T1/T2 matching at 38.3 and eight months after SRS and discontinuation of nivolumab, respectively. In the 5-fr re-SRS, 99% of the GTV (1.18 cm3) was covered with 43.6 Gy (63% isodose). However, along with the thoracic disease progression, multiple new BMs developed 15.5 months after the re-SRS, for which volumetric-modulated arc-based whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was administered, with simultaneously integrated boosts to 17 lesions and moderate dose attenuation in the pre-irradiated region. However, concurrent administration of gemcitabine and WBRT might have led to persistent severe anorexia for 2.5 months. The patient died 10.8 years after the initial chemotherapy. The relatively small GTV with the superficial location may have rendered the re-irradiated region immune to AREs after the high BED10 re-SRS. Long-term survival can be achieved by chemoimmunotherapy in patients with pan-negative LAC, with limited systemic metastases who are unfit for targeted agents. Therefore, SRS for limited BMs in such scenarios should aim for complete local tumor eradication beyond a partial response in either a first-line or re-irradiation setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Makoto Nakao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Hideki Muramatsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Arakawa S, Nakao M, Muramatsu H, Suzuki K. Volumetric-Modulated Arc-Based Re-radiosurgery With Simultaneous Reduced-Dose Whole-Brain Irradiation for Local Failures Following Prior Radiosurgery of Brain Oligometastases From Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cureus 2023; 15:e44492. [PMID: 37791190 PMCID: PMC10544458 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
First-line and possibly repeated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with preserving whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is an attractive and promising option for synchronous or metachronous limited brain metastases (BMs) from small cell lung cancer (SCLC), for which a modest prescription dose is generally preferred, such as a biological effective dose of ≤60 Gy, based on the linear-quadratic formula with an alpha/beta ratio of 10 (BED10). In addition, the optimal planning scheme for re-SRS for local progression after SRS of BMs from SCLC remains unclear. Herein, we describe a case of limited BMs developing after a partial response to standard chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for limited-stage SCLC. The BMs, including local failures following prior single-fraction (fr) SRS, were re-treated with volumetric-modulated arc-based SRS combined with simultaneous reduced-dose WBRT. The first SRS with 36.3 Gy/3 fr (BED10 80 Gy) for a small BM resulted in a local control of 17.2 months. However, the second SRS with 20 Gy/1 fr (BED10 60 Gy) to the 60% or 85% isodose surface (IDS) covering the gross tumor volume (GTV) of three new BMs with a paradoxical T1/T2 mismatch, that is, a visible mass on T2 larger than an enhancing area, resulted in partial symptomatic local progression of all lesions within 5.2 months, along with the development of two new lesions, despite continued amrubicin monotherapy. In contrast, the third SRS with 53 Gy/10 fr (BED10 81 Gy) to ≤74% IDSs encompassing the GTV boundary resulted in complete responses of all the lesions during six months. However, despite a combined use of WBRT of 25 Gy in the third SRS, symptomatic spinal cerebrospinal fluid dissemination and new BMs developed, the former leading to patient mortality. A BED10 of ≥80 Gy to the GTV margin and a steep dose increase inside the GTV boundary are suitable to ensure excellent local control in SRS for SCLC BMs. Re-SRS with the aforementioned scheme can be an efficacious option for local failures following prior SRS with a BED10 of ≤60 Gy. Modest dose escalation with a simultaneous integrated boost to bulky lesions in the initial CRT may reduce the development of new BM through improved control of the potential source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Sosuke Arakawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya, JPN
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Makoto Nakao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Hideki Muramatsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Tanahashi K, Kamomae T, Suzuki K. 5-Fraction Re-radiosurgery for Progression Following 8-Fraction Radiosurgery of Brain Metastases From Lung Adenocarcinoma: Importance of Gross Tumor Coverage With Biologically Effective Dose ≥80 Gy and Internal Dose Increase. Cureus 2023; 15:e42299. [PMID: 37609081 PMCID: PMC10441669 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The criteria for indication of salvage stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for local progression following multi-fraction (mf) SRS of brain metastases (BMs) remain controversial, along with the optimal planning scheme. Herein, we described a case of BMs from pan-negative lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), in which the two lesions of local progression following initial eight-fraction (8-fr) SRS were re-treated with 5-fr SRS with the biologically effective dose (BED10) of ≥80 Gy, based on the linear-quadratic (LQ) formula with an alpha/beta ratio of 10. The re-SRS resulted in the alleviation of symptoms and favorable tumor responses with minimal adverse effects during the 7.3-month follow-up. In the lesions of local progression, the gross tumor volume (GTV) coverage with 49.6 Gy (BED10 80 Gy) was generally insufficient, and the GTV dose wes relatively homogeneous with ≥87% isodose covering. In contrast, the 5-fr re-SRS was performed with sufficient GTV coverage with ≤68% isodose of 43 Gy (BED10 80 Gy). Taken together, sufficient GTV coverage with a BED10 of ≥80 Gy and steep dose increase inside the GTV boundary, that is, extremely inhomogeneous GTV dose, are important in 8-fr SRS for ensuring excellent local control of BMs from pan-negative LAC. For local progression following mfSRS that does not fulfill both criteria, re-SRS with the above planning scheme can be an efficacious and safe treatment option for at least six months, especially in cases in which the prior SRS was performed with a dose/fractionation under adequate consideration of brain tolerance. The BED10 seems to be the most suitable for estimating the anti-tumor efficacies of SRS doses in 3-8 fr, similar to that of a single fraction of 24 Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kuniaki Tanahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, JPN
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Takeshi Kamomae
- Radioisotope Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Tanahashi K, Kamomae T, Ito E, Suzuki K. Local Control Failure After Five-Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery Alone for Symptomatic Brain Metastasis From Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma Despite 43 Gy to Gross Tumor Margin With Internal Steep Dose Increase and Tumor Shrinkage During Irradiation. Cureus 2023; 15:e38645. [PMID: 37284398 PMCID: PMC10241550 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Five-fraction (fr) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly being applied to large brain metastases (BMs) >2-3 cm in diameter, for which 30-35 Gy is the commonly prescribed dose. Since 2018, to further enhance both safety and efficacy, we have limited the five-fr SRS to approximately ≤3 cm BMs and adopted our own modified dose prescription and distribution: 43 and 31 Gy cover the boundaries of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and 2 mm outside the GTV, respectively, along with a steep dose increase inside the GTV boundary, that is, an intentionally very inhomogeneous GTV dose. Herein, we describe a case of symptomatic BM treated with five-fr SRS using the above policy, which resulted in a maximum tumor response with nearly complete remission (nCR) followed by gradual tumor regrowth despite obvious tumor shrinkage during irradiation. A 71-year-old man who had previously undergone surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lungs presented with right-sided hemiparesis attributed to the para-falcine BM (27 mm in maximum diameter, 5.38 cm3). The BM was treated with five-fr SRS, with 99.2% of the GTV covered with 43 Gy and 59% isodose. Neurological symptoms improved during SRS, and obvious tumor shrinkage and mitigation of perilesional edema were observed upon completion of SRS. No subsequent anti-cancer pharmacotherapy was administered due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Despite a maximum response with nCR at four months, the tiny residual enhancing lesion gradually enlarged from 7.7 months to 22.7 months without neurological worsening. Although a consistent T1/T2 mismatch suggested the dominance of brain radionecrosis, 11C-methionine positron emission tomography showed increased uptake in the enhancing lesion. Pathological examination after total lesionectomy at 24.6 months revealed viable tumor tissue. Post-SRS administration of nintedanib for IPF may have provided some anti-tumor efficacy for lung SCC and may mitigate the adverse effects of SRS. The present case suggests that even ≥43 Gy with ≤60% isodose to the GTV boundary and ≥31-35 Gy to the 2 mm outside the GTV are insufficient to achieve long-term local tumor control by five-fr SRS alone in some large BM from lung SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kuniaki Tanahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, JPN
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Takeshi Kamomae
- Radioisotope Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Eiji Ito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Suzuki K. Five-Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery With Non-Contrast-Enhanced MRI-Based Target Definition and Moderate Dose Spillage Margin for Limited Brain Metastases With Impaired Renal Function. Cureus 2023; 15:e37384. [PMID: 37182057 PMCID: PMC10174596 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) planning for brain metastases (BMs), the target volume is usually defined as an enhancing lesion based on contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance images (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) images. However, contrast media (CM) are unsuitable for certain patients with impaired renal function. Herein, we describe two limited BM cases not amenable to CM, which were treated with five-fraction (fr) SRS, without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), through a target definition based on non-CE-MRI. These included synchronous and partly symptomatic four BMs from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Case 1) and one presymptomatic regrowing lesion after WBRT for BMs from lung adenocarcinoma (Case 2). In both cases, all BMs were visualized as well-demarcated mass lesions almost distinguishable from the affected parenchyma on non-CE-MRI, particularly on T2-weighted images (WI). The gross tumor volume (GTV) was defined mainly based on T2-WI under a comprehensive comparison of non-CE-T1/T2-WIs and CT for SRS planning under image co-registration and fusion. Stereotactic radiosurgery was implemented with volumetric modulated arcs using a 5-mm leaf width multileaf collimator, for both of which 5 fr was selected, considering the maximum tumor volume and the effects from WBRT, respectively. Dose distribution was designed to ensure a moderate dose attenuation margin outside the GTV boundary and a concentrically-laminated steep dose increase inside the GTV boundary. Specifically, the peripheries of the GTV and 2 mm outside the GTV boundary were covered by ≥43 Gy with <70% isodose relative to the maximum dose and ≥31 Gy, respectively. The not-too-steep dose spillage margin can cover potentially invisible tumor invasion outside the GTV and other inherent uncertainties regarding target definition and irradiation accuracy. Post-SRS tumor responses were excellent clinically and/or radiographically with mild adverse radiation effects in Case 2. In limited BM cases unsuitable to CM, multi-fraction SRS with non-CE-MRI-based GTV definition and sufficient GTV dose along with moderate dose spillage margin would be a valuable treatment option for selected cases, with the entire GTV boundaries being almost visible on non-CE-MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ohtakara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, JPN
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
| | - Kojiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, JPN
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Ohtakara K, Nakao M, Muramatsu H, Suzuki K. Five-Year Sustained Complete Remission With Minimal Adverse Effects Following Radiosurgery for 2-cm Brain Metastasis With Deep Eloquent Location From Lung Adenocarcinoma Despite Low Marginal Dose and High 12 Gy Volume. Cureus 2023; 15:e36680. [PMID: 37113354 PMCID: PMC10126149 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In single-fraction (sf) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases (BM) from lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), a marginal dose of ≥22-24 Gy is generally deemed desirable for achieving long-term local tumor control, whereas symptomatic brain radionecrosis significantly increases when the surrounding brain volume receiving ≥12 Gy (V12 Gy) exceeds >5-10 cm3, especially in a deep location. Here, we describe a 75-year-old male with a single LAC-BM of 20 mm in diameter, with a deep eloquent location, which was treated with sfSRS followed by erlotinib, resulting in sustained local complete remission (CR) with minimal adverse radiation effect at nearly five years after sfSRS. The LAC harbored epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was defined based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) alone. sfSRS was implemented 11 days after planning CECT acquisition. The original GTV had some under- and over-coverage of the enhancing lesion. The D98% values of corrected GTV (cGTV) (3.08 cm3) and 2-mm outside the cGTV were 18.0 Gy with 55% isodose and 14.8 Gy, respectively. The irradiated isodose volumes, including the GTV, receiving ≥22 Gy and ≥12 Gy were 2.18 cm3 and 14.32 cm3, respectively. Erlotinib was administered 13 days after sfSRS with subsequent dose adjustments over 22 months. There was a remarkable tumor response and subsequent nearly CR of the BM were observed at 2.7 and 6.3 months, respectively, with the tumor remnant being visible as a tiny cavitary lesion located in the cortex of the post-central gyrus at 56.4 months. The present case suggests the existence of: (i) extremely radio- and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-sensitive LAC-BM for which sfSRS of ≤18 Gy combined with EGFR-TKI is sufficient for attaining long-term CR; and (ii) long-term brain tolerance following sfSRS despite high 12 Gy volume and deep eloquent location in the late 70s The moderate marginal dose of the GTV, the main location of the BM in the cerebral cortex, and the excellent tumor responses with sufficient extrication from the mass effect may render the BM immune to late adverse radiation effect.
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Ohtakara K, Aoki S, Tajima M, Ohno T, Suzuki K. Gradual and Remarkable Tumor Shrinkage Following Seven-Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery Alone With a Marginal Dose of 48.3 Gy for Large Lobar Possibly Intra-sulcal Brain Metastasis From Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cureus 2023; 15:e36346. [PMID: 37082500 PMCID: PMC10111507 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BMs) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have the tendency of slow and insufficient tumor shrinkage along with prolongation of massive peritumoral edema following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Herein, we describe a case of large lobar RCC-BM, with possible intra-sulcal location, treated with 7-fraction (fr) SRS without subsequent anti-cancer medication, which resulted in gradual and remarkable tumor shrinkage with extrication from the mass effect. A 59-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with bilateral RCC associated with multiple lung metastases and subsequently presented with symptomatic single BM of 32 mm in the maximum diameter (9.54 cm3) two months later while vacillating. A biopsy of the kidney showed clear cell carcinoma. The patient was deemed medically inoperable for BM due to unfit conditions, including severe deep venous thromboses and thrombocytopenia. Considering the tumor volume, irregular tumor configuration, non-superficial location, and mass effect, 98% of the gross tumor volume (GTV D98%) was covered by 48.3 Gy in 7 fr with 64% isodose. Dose distribution was optimized with volumetric modulated arcs with the affirmative allowance of very inhomogeneous GTV dose. Anti-cancer medication was limited to nivolumab plus ipilimumab followed by everolismus 12 days before and during SRS, respectively. Subsequently, the patient transitioned to palliative care due to a declining general condition. Although long-term administration of steroids was required, gradual and marked tumor shrinkage (1.25 cm3, 13.1% of the initial volume) and mitigation of the peritumoral edema was observed during six months after SRS. The main location of the initial BM was deemed as intra-sulcal in the intraparietal sulcus and originated in the cerebral cortex. The patient died nine months after SRS. The gradual but remarkable tumor response obtained with 7-fr SRS alone, in this case, provides a basis to further optimize fractionated SRS dosage to enhance efficacy and safety for large and/or symptomatic RCC-BMs not amenable to immediate surgical removal, in combination with anti-cancer pharmacotherapy, if feasible, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which may enhance efficacy against BM and mitigate adverse effects relevant to high dose SRS.
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