Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy using coplanar VMAT for single small brain metastasis: dosimetric analysis and clinical outcomes

Bibliographic Details
Title: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy using coplanar VMAT for single small brain metastasis: dosimetric analysis and clinical outcomes
Authors: Jialu Lai, An Li, Xianhu Zeng, Jia Liu, Lin Zhou
Source: Frontiers in Oncology, Vol 15 (2025)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Subject Terms: hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, small brain metastases, planning target volume margin, dosimetric parameters, clinical outcome, Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens, RC254-282
More Details: PurposeTo evaluate the dosimetric parameters and clinical outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) for small brain metastases [BMs; planning target volume (PTV) ≤ 4 cm3) via coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (C-VMAT).MethodsBetween March 2019 and February 2023, 68 patients with a single BM treated with Linac-based HSRT (24–39 Gy in three fractions) via C-VMAT and a 3-mm PTV margin were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. A frameless head–neck–shoulder thermoplastic mask, whose immobilization accuracy is inferior to that of specialized mask fixation systems, was used to immobilize patients. Dosimetric parameters and clinical outcomes were evaluated.ResultsC-VMAT provided clinically satisfactory treatment plans, with median gradient index, conformity index, homogeneity index, and PTV coverage values of 4.30, 1.05, 1.28, and 98%, respectively. The median volumes of normal brain tissue receiving 18 Gy, 21 Gy, and 23 Gy were 7.29 cm3, 5.33 cm3, and 4.40 cm3, respectively. High delivery accuracy was observed, with a gamma passing rate ≥90% for all plans. As of June 2023, the median follow-up time was 9.1 months. The intracranial objective response rate and disease control rate were 64% and 96%, respectively. The median intracranial progression-free survival was 26.9 (95% CI, 12.7–41.1) months. The 1- and 2-year local control (LC) rates were 91.5% (95% CI, 80.1%–100%) and 83.2% (95% CI, 64.6%–100%), respectively. The 1- and 2-year intracranial control rates were 70.9% (95% CI, 55.2%–86.6%) and 51.2% (95% CI, 32.6%–69.8%), respectively. Only four irradiated lesions progressed at the end of follow-up. The cerebral radiation necrosis rate of all patients was 7.4%.ConclusionC-VMAT HSRT combined with a 3-mm PTV margin is an effective and safe treatment modality for small BMs.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2234-943X
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1428922/full; https://doaj.org/toc/2234-943X
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1428922
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/8cc5c9fb55134ff080e405a47a681dd7
Accession Number: edsdoj.8cc5c9fb55134ff080e405a47a681dd7
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:2234943X
DOI:10.3389/fonc.2025.1428922
Published in:Frontiers in Oncology
Language:English