Gamma knife icon based hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (GKI-HSRS) for brain metastases: impact of dose and volume

Objective Gamma Knife Icon-based hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (GKI-HSRS) is a novel technical paradigm in the treatment of brain metastases that allows for both the dosimetric benefits of the GKI stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) platform as well as the biologic benefits of fractionation. We report mature local control and adverse radiation effect (ARE) outcomes following 5 fraction GKI-HSRS for intact brain metastases. Methods Patients with intact brain metastases treated with 5-fraction GKI-HSRS were retrospectively reviewed. Survival, local control, and adverse radiation effect rates were determined. Univariable and multivariable regression (MVA) were performed on potential predictive factors. Results Two hundred and ninety-nine metastases in 146 patients were identified. The median clinical follow-up was 10.7 months (range 0.5-47.6). The median total dose and prescription isodose was 27.5 Gy (range, 20-27.5) in 5 daily fractions and 52% (range, 45-93), respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.7 months, and the 1-year local failure rate was 15.2%. MVA identified a total dose of 27.5 Gy vs. <= 25 Gy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, p = 0.042), and prior chemotherapy exposure (HR 1.99, p = 0.015), as significant predictors of LC. The 1-year ARE rate was 10.8% and the symptomatic ARE rate was 1.8%. MVA identified a gross tumor volume of >= 4.5 cc (HR 7.29, p < 0.001) as a significant predictor of symptomatic ARE. Conclusion Moderate total doses in 5 daily fractions of GKI-HSRS were associated with high rates of LC and a low incidence of symptomatic ARE.

Automated summary

This study reports the outcomes of local control and adverse radiation effects following 5-fraction GKI-HSRS for intact brain metastases. The results show that moderate total doses in 5 daily fractions of GKI-HSRS are associated with high rates of local control and a low incidence of symptomatic adverse radiation effects.