Outcomes of extra-cranial stereotactic body radiotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: Treatment indication matters

Radiother Oncol. 2021 Aug:161:159-165. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.06.012. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Abstract

Background and purpose: To summarize the clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for metastatic breast cancer (mBC) from a large institution.

Materials and methods: Patients with mBC who received extra-cranial SBRT to metastatic lesions from 2011 to 2017 were identified. Treatment indications were: oligometastases, oligoprogression, and local control of dominant tumor (CDT). Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC) and cumulative incidence of starting/changing chemo or hormonal therapy (SCT). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictive factors.

Results: We analyzed 120 patients (193 treated metastatic lesions) with a median follow up of 15.25 months. 1-and 2-year LC rates were 89% and 86.6%, respectively. 1-and 2-year OS rates were 83.5% and 70%, respectively, with treatment indication and molecular subtype being the predictive factors on MVA. 1-year OS was 91.0%, 78.5% and 63.9% for oligometastases, oligoprogression and CDT, respectively (p = 0.003). The worst OS was seen in basal subtype with 1-and 2-year OS rates of 59.2% and 39.5% (p = 0.01). Treatment indication was found to be predictive for PFS and lower rates of SCT on MVA. 1-and 2-year PFS rates were 45% and 32%, respectively. The 1-year PFS for oligometastases, oligoprogression, and CDT was 66%, 19.6%, and 14.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of SCT at 1-year was 12% for oligometastases, 39.7% for oligoprogression and 53.3% for CDT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients treated for oligometastases have better OS and PFS than those treated for oligoprogression or CDT. SBRT may delay SCT in mBC patients, particularly those with oligometastases. SBRT provided an excellent LC in mBC patients.

Keywords: Metastatic breast cancer; Oligometastases; Oligoprogression; Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy; Stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms*
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Radiosurgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome