Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as an effective option in oligo-metastatic cancer patients affected by lymph node metastases, but its use might be questioned due to risk of regional and distant dissemination through the lymph node chain. The primary aim of our study was to assess the loco-regional control following SBRT in this setting. Ninety-one patients undergoing SBRT for at least one lymph node metastasis from miscellaneous primary tumors were retrospectively evaluated for patterns of failure and toxicity. locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) at 4 years were 79 and 44%. Repeated use of local therapy after progression resulted in a median interval of 17 months until allocation to systemic therapy or supportive care. Forty-three percent of patients were alive at 4 years. Local failure, occurring in 15% of patients, was the only predictor of poor survival (HR: 3.06). Tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm and urothelial primary tumor predicted for impaired local control (HR: 4.59 and 5.43, respectively). Metastases from pulmonary cancer showed a significant earlier distant dissemination (HR: 3.53). Only acute and late grade 1-2 toxicities were reported except for 1 case of G3 dysphagia. Loco-regional failure risk is low (18%) and justifies the use of local therapies for patients with oligometastatic disease. Durable disease remission can be achieved by iterative use of local approaches. Local control is correlated to improved OS. Diameter and primary tumor type may affect response to SBRT and risk for early metastatic dissemination.
Keywords: Chemotherapy; Local therapy; Lymph node metastases; Oligometastases; Stereotactic body radiotherapy.