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A multi-institutional analysis of fractionated versus single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the treatment of primary lung tumors: a comparison between two antipodal fractionations

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Abstract

Objectives

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a consolidate treatment for inoperable early-stage lung tumors, usually delivered in single or multi-fraction regimens. We aimed to compare these two approaches in terms of local effectiveness, safety and survival.

Materials and methods

Patients affected by medically inoperable early-stage lung tumor were treated at two Institutions with two different schedules: 70 Gy in ten fractions (TF) (BED10: 119 Gy) or 30 Gy in single fraction (SF) (BED10: 120 Gy).

Results

73 patients were treated with SBRT delivered with two biological equivalent schedules: SF (44) and TF (29). The median follow-up was 34 months (range 3–81 months). Three-year Overall survival (OS) was 57.9%, 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 77.2%, with no difference between treatment groups. Three-year progression-free survival (LPFS) was 88.9% and did not differs between SF and TF. Overall, four cases (5.4%) of acute grade ≥ 3 pneumonitis occurred. No differences in acute and late toxicity between the two groups were detected.

Conclusion

SF and TF seems to be equally safe and effective in the treatment of primary inoperable lung tumors especially for smaller lesion. The SF may be preferentially offered to reduce patient access to hospital with no negative impact on tumor control and survival.

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Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Author notes

  1. F. Alongi and L. Nicosia have equally contributed to the paper.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Radiation Oncology Department, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Cancer Care Center, via Don Sempreboni 5, 37034, Verona, Negrar, Italy

    F. Alongi, L. Nicosia, V. Figlia, R. Mazzola & N. Giaj-Levra

  2. University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    F. Alongi

  3. Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    V. De Sanctis, C. Reverberi, M. Valeriani & M. F. Osti

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Contributions

Original research concept and final revision of the manuscript: L.N. F.A., M.F.O.; writing contribution: R.M. N.G.L.; literature search: V.F.; data collection: V.F., C.R.; data storage: V.D.S.; statistical analysis: L.N. M.V.

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Correspondence to L. Nicosia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Filippo Alongi, Luca Nicosia, Vanessa Figlia, Vitaliana De Sanctis, Rosario Mazzola, Niccolò Giaj-Levra, Chiara Reverberi, Maurizio Valeriani, Mattia F. Osti declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Alongi, F., Nicosia, L., Figlia, V. et al. A multi-institutional analysis of fractionated versus single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the treatment of primary lung tumors: a comparison between two antipodal fractionations. Clin Transl Oncol 23, 2133–2140 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-021-02619-4

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