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Reported Early Clinical Outcomes of Forward-Planned Multileaf Collimator-Based 3-Dimensional Conformal Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Technique for Large and Bulky Tumors

J. Knight, N. Trosper, J. Misa, M. Bernard, Denise Fabian, M. Kudrimoti, Weisi Yan, W. S. St. Clair et al.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 2025

23 participants · 12 citations

Abstract

PURPOSE

Conventionally fractionated radiation therapy for large, bulky (≥8 cm), unresectable tumors has been hampered by radiation-induced morbidity, but application of spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) for both palliative and curative intent has been increasingly accepted. We report our clinical use of novel 3-dimensional conformal multileaf collimator (MLC)-based SFRT with same-day computed tomography simulation and forward-planning method, providing a safe, rapidly efficacious reduction in disease burden and pain, with minimal normal-tissue toxicity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with large, unresectable bulky tumors received 15 Gy in 1 fraction to the gross tumor volume (GTV) within an hour of computed tomography simulation, using a forward-planned MLC-based SFRT technique. All patients subsequently received either 30 Gy in 10 fractions, generally 2 days after SFRT for palliative intent, or site-specific, full-prescription doses starting 2 to 3 days after SFRT for curative intent. Patients underwent follow-up examinations and imaging in 3-month intervals to assess tumor response, pain control, and radiation-associated toxicity.

RESULTS

Between November 2019 and January 2024, 24 large tumors in 23 patients were analyzed. Median follow-up was 6 months (range 3-36 months). After SFRT, 16 patients (69.5%) proceeded with palliative-intent radiation therapy, 6 patients (26.0%) underwent curative-intent radiation therapy, and 1 patient (4.3%) declined further…

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