Phase 2 Trial of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Patients with Primary Renal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Most renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are localized and managed by active surveillance, surgery, or minimally invasive techniques. Stereotactic ablative radiation (SAbR) may provide an innovative non-invasive alternative although prospective data are limited.

Objective: To investigate whether SAbR is effective in the management of primary RCCs.

Design, setting, and participants: Patients with biopsy-confirmed radiographically enlarging primary RCC (≤5 cm) were enrolled. SAbR was delivered in either three (12 Gy) or five (8 Gy) fractions.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary endpoint was local control (LC) defined as a reduction in tumor growth rate (compared with a benchmark of 4 mm/yr on active surveillance) and pathologic evidence of tumor response at 1 yr. Secondary endpoints included LC by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1), safety, and preservation of kidney function. Exploratory tumor cell-enriched spatial protein and gene expression analysis were conducted on pre- and post-treatment biopsy samples.

Results and limitations: Target accrual was reached with the enrollment of 16 ethnically diverse patients. Radiographic LC at 1 yr was observed in 94% of patients (15/16; 95% confidence interval: 70, 100), and this was accompanied by pathologic evidence of tumor response (hyalinization, necrosis, and reduced tumor cellularity) in all patients. By RECIST, 100% of the sites remained without progression at 1 yr. The median pretreatment growth rate was 0.8 cm/yr (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.3, 1.4), and the median post-treatment growth rate was 0.0 cm/yr (IQR: -0.4, 0.1, p < 0.002). Tumor cell viability decreased from 4.6% to 0.7% at 1 yr (p = 0.004). With a median follow-up of 36 mo for censored patients, the disease control rate was 94%. SAbR was well tolerated with no grade ≥2 (acute or late) toxicities. The average glomerular filtration rate declined from a baseline of 65.6 to 55.4 ml/min at 1 yr (p = 0.003). Spatial protein and gene expression analyses were consistent with the induction of cellular senescence by radiation.

Conclusions: This clinical trial adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that SAbR is effective for primary RCC supporting its evaluation in comparative phase 3 clinical trials.

Patient summary: In this clinical trial, we investigated a noninvasive treatment option of stereotactic radiation therapy for the treatment of primary kidney cancer and found that it was safe and effective.

Keywords: Primary renal cell carcinoma; Renal cell carcinoma; Senescence; Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.