Prophylactic cranial irradiation in stage IV small cell lung cancer: Selection of patients amongst European IASLC and ESTRO experts

Publication

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in stage IV small cell lung cancer: Selection of patients amongst European IASLC and ESTRO experts

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 31, 2019

Putora Paul Martin, Novello Silvia, O'Brien Mary, Paz Ares Luis, Peeters Stephanie, Pöttgen Christoph, Ramella Sara, Reck Martin, Slotman Ben, Troost Esther G C, Van Houtte Paul, Westeel Virginie, Widder Joachim, Mornex Francoise, Nestle Ursula, McDonald Fiona, Glatzer Markus, Belderbos Jose, Besse Benjamin, Blackhall Fiona, Califano Raffaele, Cappuzzo Federico, de Marinis Filippo, Dziadziuszko Rafal, Felip Enriqueta, Faivre-Finn Corinne, Früh Martin, Garrido Pilar, Le Pechoux Cecila, De Ruysscher Dirk

Citation

Putora P, Novello S, O'Brien M, Paz Ares L, Peeters S, Pöttgen C, Ramella S, Reck M, Slotman B, Troost E, Van Houtte P, Westeel V, Widder J, Mornex F, Nestle U, McDonald F, Glatzer M, Belderbos J, Besse B, Blackhall F, Califano R, Cappuzzo F, de Marinis F, Dziadziuszko R, Felip E, Faivre-Finn C, Früh M, Garrido P, Le Pechoux C, De Ruysscher D. Prophylactic cranial irradiation in stage IV small cell lung cancer: Selection of patients amongst European IASLC and ESTRO experts. Radiother Oncol 2019; 133:163-166.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Radiother Oncol 2019; 133

Publication Date

Jan 31, 2019

Issn Electronic

1879-0887

Pages

163-166

Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
Due to conflicting results between major trials the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in stage IV small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is controversial.

METHODS
We obtained a list of 13 European experts from both the European Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ESTRO) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). The strategies in decision making for PCI in stage IV SCLC were collected. Decision trees were created representing these strategies. Analysis of consensus was performed with the objective consensus methodology.

RESULTS
The factors associated with the recommendation for the use of PCI included the fitness of the patient, young age and good response to chemotherapy. PCI was recommended by the majority of experts for non-elderly fit patients who had at least a partial response (PR) to chemotherapy (for complete remission (CR) 85% of radiation oncologists and 69% of medical oncologists, for PR: 85% of radiation oncologists and 54% of medical oncologists). For patients with stable disease after chemotherapy, PCI was recommended by 6 out of 13 (46%) radiation oncologists and only 3 out of 13 medical oncologists (23%). For elderly fit patients with CR, a majority recommended PCI (62%) and no consensus was reached for patients with PR.

CONCLUSION
European radiation and medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer recommend PCI in selected patients and restrict its use primarily to fit, non-elderly patients who responded to chemotherapy.