Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) using 70 Gy in 10 fractions for non-small cell lung cancer: exploration of clinical indications

Abstract

Background and purpose: We report our outcomes for patients with NSCLC treated with SABR to 70 Gy in 10 fractions and propose indications for this regimen as well as new dose-volume constraints.

Materials and methods: Volumetric image-guided SABR was used to treat 82 patients with clinical challenging NSCLC, not suitable for 50 Gy in 4 fractions, to a final dose of 70 Gy in 10 fractions. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), toxicity, and disease control.

Results: At a median follow-up time of 21.1 months, 2-year OS and local control rates were 66.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The most common side effects were radiation pneumonitis (14.6% grade 2, 2.4% grade 3), followed by chest wall pain (4.9% grade 2, 1.2% grade 3). Multivariate analysis revealed chest wall V50>60 cm(3) to be associated with chest wall pain. No patient developed brachial plexopathy. One patient with bronchial tree tumor invasion died of hemoptysis.

Conclusions: SABR with 70 Gy in 10 fractions appears to achieve excellent local control and acceptable toxicity for clinically challenging cases with improved tolerance of the chest wall and brachial plexus as compared with 50 Gy in 4 fractions. This regimen may not be suitable in patients with tumor invading critical central structures. More studies are needed to validate our conclusions.

Keywords: Central lesion; Hypofractionation; NSCLC; SABR; SBRT.