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Hypofractionated Versus Single Fraction Stereotactic Adjuvant Radiotherapy to the Resection Cavity of Brain Metastases

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Brain Metastases
Resection Cavity
Interventions
Radiation: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) versus single fraction stereotactic radiotherapy radiosurgery (SRS)
Registration Number
NCT05160818
Lead Sponsor
Technical University of Munich
Brief Summary

This prospective, randomized, controlled, monocentric clinical phase III study focuses on stereotactic irradiation of resection cavities of brain metastases after surgical resection and seeks to demonstrate the superiority of fractionated irradiation schemes in terms of local control.

Detailed Description

There is a growing scientific focus on single fraction stereotactic (SRS) and hypofractionated stereotactic irradiation (HFSRT) after surgical resection of brain metastasis and its use is more frequently recommended in international guidelines. Despite intensive research, the optimal fractionation scheme and dose prescription for adjuvant irradiation of the resection cavity remains unclear.

Based on our own institutional data \[Cit.1\] and a recently published metaanalysis \[Cit.2\], we hypothesize that local control (LC) after HFSRT is superior compared to SRS in terms of LC. To evaluate the hypothesis in a prospective, randomized, controlled setting we designed the SATURNUS study.

A total of 126 patients will be randomized 1:1 to either HFSRT (dose 6-7 x 5 Gy) or SRS (dose 1 x 12-20 Gy). If further unresected brain metastases are present, they will be treated with SRS (1 x 14 - 22 Gy). Irradiation is carried out with a Gamma Knife or a Linear Accelerator. In line with current clinical practice, the choice of positioning method for SRS with the Gamma Knife (mask or stereotactic frame) is left to the patient. In the case of SRS with the Linear Accelerator or HFSRT, fixation is done with a mask as technically not otherwise feasible. Follow-up-MRI will be at least carried out 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. Primary endpoint of the study is local control (LC) at the irradiated resection cavity after 12 months. Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) as well as salvage-treatments, irradiation-associated toxicities (especially rate of radionecrosis) and quality-of-life parameters are investigated as secondary endpoints.

To the best of our knowledge, the SATURNUS study is the only randomized phase III study comparing different techniques of postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy after resection of brain metastases adequately powered to detect a superiority of HSFRT regarding LC.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
126
Inclusion Criteria
  • Histologically confirmed solid tumor disease
  • One to three resected brain metastases
  • Consent to perform adjuvant irradiation by an interdisciplinary tumor board
  • Completed wound healing
  • Resection within the last six weeks at the time of study inclusion
  • Diameter of the resection cavity ≤ 4 cm (on Planning MRI)
  • Age > 18 years
  • KPS > 60%
  • Adequate contraceptive measures for fertile women / men
  • Written informed consent (must be available before enrolment in the trial)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Contraindication for repetitive contrast enhanced MRI
  • Leptomeningeal disease
  • Small cell histology, hematological malignancies and / or germ cell malignancies
  • Previous irradiation of the brain
  • Pregnant and lactating women
  • Inability to understand the character and consequences of the study
  • Withdrawal of consent

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Arm A: HSFRTHypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) versus single fraction stereotactic radiotherapy radiosurgery (SRS)Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to the resection cavity, dose prescription: 6-7 x 5 Gy
Arm B: SRSHypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) versus single fraction stereotactic radiotherapy radiosurgery (SRS)Single fraction stereotactic radiotherapy to the resection cavity, dose prescription: 1 x 12-20 Gy
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Local control12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Local control at the resected site(s)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Salvage-free survival12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Overall survival

LRC12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Locoregional control=CNS progression free survival

Irradiation-related toxicityup to 12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

according to CTCAE v4.03, especially rate of radionecrosis

QoLup to 12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Quality of life according to EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-B20

Intracranial salvage therapy12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Number and kind of intracranial salvage treatments

Pseudoprogressionup to 12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Rate of pseudoprogression

Time to loss of independenceup to 12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

defined as decrease in Barthel index by \> 20 points

OS12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Overall survival

LC12 months after adjuvant radiotherapy

Local control at all treated site(s)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dept. Radiation Oncology

🇩🇪

Munich, Bavaria, Germany

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