Outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for metastatic brain tumors with high risk factors

The present study aimed to analyze outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) delivered in five fractions to metastatic brain tumors. Between June 2008 and June 2011, 39 consecutive patients with 46 brain metastases underwent HFSRT at Kyoto University Hospital. Selection criteria included high risk factors such as eloquent location, history of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), or large tumor size. Given these factors, fractionated schedules were preferable in terms of radiobiology. The prescribed dose at the isocenter was basically 35 Gy in five fractions. Brainstem lesions with a history of WBRT were treated with 20–25 Gy in five fractions. Planning target volume was covered by the 80 % isodose line of the prescribed dose to the isocenter. Local-control probability and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. For the analysis of local control, the response criteria were defined as follows: complete response (CR) was defined as no visible gross tumor or absence of contrast enhancement, partial response (PR) as more than a 30 % decrease in size, progressive disease as more than a 20 % increase in size, and stable disease (SD) as all other responses. Local control was defined as a status of CR, PR, or SD. Only patients with at least 3 months or longer follow-up (21 patients, 27 tumors) were included in the analysis. Median age and Karnofsky performance status were 59 years (range, 39–84 years) and 90 (range, 40–100), respectively. Tumor volumes and maximum diameters ranged from 0.08 to 15.38 cm³ (median, 3.67 cm³) and from 3 to 34 mm (median, 18 mm), respectively. The median follow-up period was 329 days (range, 120–1,321 days). Local-control probabilities at 6 and 12 months were 92.1 and 86.7 %, respectively. Overall survival after HFSRT at 6 and 12 months was 85.4 and 64.5 %, respectively. Grade 3 radiation necrosis was observed in one patient according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. The patient was successfully managed conservatively. HFSRT for metastatic brain tumors yields high local-control probabilities without increasing severe adverse events despite high risk factors.