Practice changing data and emerging concepts from recent radiation therapy randomised clinical trials

Abstract

Introduction: Oncology treatments are constantly and rapidly evolving. We aimed at highlighting the latest radiation therapy practice changing trials and emerging concepts, through an overview of recent randomised clinical trials (RCTs).

Materials and methods: Requests were performed in the Medline database to identify all publications reporting radiation therapy RCTs from 2018 to 2021.

Results: Recent RCTs sustained the role of newer combinatorial strategies through radioimmunotherapy for early stage or metastatic lung cancer, newer pro-apoptotic agents (e.g. debio 1143 in locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) or nanoparticles (e.g. NBTXR3 in locally advanced soft-tissue sarcoma). High-tech radiotherapy allows intensifying treatments and gaining ground in some indications through the development of stereotactic body radiotherapy for example. First randomised evidence on personalised radiation therapy through imaging-based (¹⁸FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography for lung cancer or early stage unfavourable Hodgkin lymphoma, PMSA positron emission tomography-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for high-risk prostate cancer) or biological biomarkers (PSA for prostate cancer, HPV for head and neck cancer, etc) were conducted to more tailored treatments, with more favourable outcomes. Patients' quality of life and satisfaction appeared to be increasing aims. RCTs have validated (ultra)hypofractionated schemes in many indications as for breast, prostate or rectal cancer, resulting in equivalent outcomes and toxicities, more convenient for patients and favouring shared decision making.

Conclusion: Radiation therapy is a dynamic field of research, and many RCTs have greatly impacted therapeutic standards over the last years. Investments in radiotherapy research should facilitate the transfer of innovation to clinic.

Keywords: Hypofractionated; Practice changing data; Quality of life; Radiotherapy; Randomised; Shared decision making.