Efficiency and Safety of CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery in the Multimodal Management of Patients with Acromegaly

Simple Summary Radiosurgery as an adjuvant treatment for acromegaly has shown efficacy in endocrine and tumor biochemical control, with an acceptable safety profile; however, the reported endocrine and tumor control rates and safety profile are heterogeneous. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the efficiency and safety of radiosurgery in a well-characterized cohort of acromegalic patients, in addition to analyzing the prognostic factors associated with disease remission. We found a statistically significant reduction in IGF-1, IFG-1 x ULN, and GH concentrations at one year, and at the end of follow-up; in addition, it was observed that high basal IGF-1 concentrations were predictors of the biochemical absence of remission. We did not observe cases of optic neuritis associated with radiation toxicity or stroke. Objective: To analyze, in a cohort of acromegalic patients, the results of the efficiency and safety of radiosurgery (CyberKnife), as well as the prognostic factors associated with disease remission. Material and methods: Observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study that included acromegalic patients with persistent biochemical activity after initial medical-surgical treatment, who received treatment with CyberKnife radiosurgery. GH and IGF-1 levels at baseline after one year and at the end of follow-up were evaluated. Results: 57 patients were included, with a median follow-up of four years (IQR, 2-7.2 years). The biochemical remission rate was 45.6%, 33.33% achieved biochemical control, and 12.28% attained biochemical cure at the end of follow-up. A progressive and statistically significant decrease was observed in the comparison of the concentrations of IGF-1, IFG-1 x ULN, and baseline GH at one year and at the end of follow-up. Both cavernous sinus invasion and elevated baseline IGF-1 x ULN concentrations were associated with an increased risk of biochemical non-remission. Conclusion: Radiosurgery (CyberKnife) is a safe and effective technique in the adjuvant treatment of GH-producing tumors. Elevated levels of IGF x ULN before radiosurgery and invasion of the cavernous sinus by the tumor could be predictors of biochemical non-remission of acromegaly.

Automated summary

Radiosurgery is an effective and safe method in the adjuvant treatment of acromegaly, with the ability to control endocrine and tumor biochemical markers. In this study, the efficiency and safety of radiosurgery (CyberKnife) were evaluated in a cohort of acromegalic patients, and prognostic factors associated with disease remission were analyzed.