Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is an established treatment modality for several solid malignancies, whereas its role in breast cancer remains investigational. This study reports the five-year efficacy, safety, and survival outcomes of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) in patients with HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. This is a prospective single-center pilot study that includes 62 patients with non-metastatic HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer treated between 2018 and 2022. Patients received hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (40.5 Gy/15 fractions with a simultaneous integrated boost to 54 Gy to the macroscopic tumor using 18-FDG-PET-CT) delivered concurrently with subtype-specific systemic therapy, followed by surgery. Surgery was performed 4–6 weeks after PCRT. Primary endpoints included pathological complete response (pCR), toxicity, and long-term oncological outcomes. Between September 2018 and August 2022, 62 patients were enrolled (median age 53 years). Tumor subtypes were 28 TN (45
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:The management of metastatic cancer is shifting from a strict division between curative local therapy and palliative systemic treatment toward a biology-driven continuum. In this setting, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), has emerged as an effective consolidative approach for patients with limited metastatic burden. Its role is now being explored beyond the classical oligometastatic paradigm, including oligoprogressive and selected polymetastatic disease. This narrative review summarizes the evidence supporting SBRT/SABR in patients with metastatic burden exceeding the traditional definition (≤3-5 metastases), focusing on emerging clinical scenarios. METHODS:A structured PubMed/MEDLINE search identified studies published between January 2000 and December 2025 using MeSH and free-text terms related to stereotactic radiotherapy and metastatic disease states. Randomized trials, prospective cohorts, and retrospective studies evaluating SBRT/SABR in oligoprogressive and other non-classical settings were included. Reviews, case reports, and preclinical studies were excluded. Due to heterogeneity in definitions and study designs, findings were synthesized narratively. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS:Prospective and observational data show that SBRT/SABR achieves high local control with acceptable toxicity in oligometastatic disease and is increasingly investigated in patients with higher metastatic burden. The conventional cutoff of ≤3-5 metastases appears arbitrary, with ongoing trials assessing broader indications. Clinical benefit is strongly influenced by tumor biology, with more favorable outcomes in prostate and renal cell carcinoma than in other malignancies. SBRT/SABR is also used in oligoprogressive disease to prolong systemic therapy efficacy and for local symptom control. Patient-reported outcomes suggest disease progression, rather than treatment toxicity, is the main driver of quality-of-life decline. CONCLUSIONS:SBRT/SABR may extend beyond the oligometastatic paradigm, but lesion count alone is insufficient for patient selection. Optimal use requires individualized, biology-driven strategies. Future research should refine selection criteria, incorporate biomarkers, and clarify integration with systemic therapies.
Background:Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and oligometastases are usually treated with surgery and radiation. The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy is controversial. The detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may provide further insight in prognosis as well as help in decision of adjuvant therapies. We aim to show that detection of ctDNA after definitive therapy in oligometastatic CRC is associated with worse outcomes. Methods:A single centre prospective study included patients with oligometastatic CRC treated with surgery or radiation with definitive intent. Plasma samples were collected before procedure and 4 weeks after, prior to adjuvant chemotherapy. Plasma samples were analyzed using a tumor-naive assay focusing on genomic and methylation alterations (Guardant Reveal). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan Meier method. Results:A total of 25 patients were included: 19 were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment. ctDNA detection at baseline was not associated with any clinicopathological characteristics, neither OS nor DFS. In contrast, patients with ctDNA detection post-treatment had worse OS [hazard ratio (HR): 11.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-97.05] and a trend to shorter DFS (HR: 2.97; 95% CI: 0.97-9.06). Patients who were persistently negative or cleared ctDNA had similar outcomes. Conclusions:ctDNA detection after surgery/radiation in oligometastatic CRC predicts worse OS and DFS. ctDNA could help to guide the decision regarding need of adjuvant chemotherapy in this population.
SRS for the treatment of limited brain metastases (BM) is widely accepted, but there are still limitations in the management of numerous BM. Frameless single-isocenter multitarget SRS is a novel technique that allows for rapid treatment delivery to multiple BM. We report our preliminary clinical, dosimetric, and patient´s shifts outcomes with this technique. We have reviewed clinical and dosimetric outcomes of patients with intact BM treated with SRS using one isocenter either for single (1BM) or multiple (≥ 2BM) targets). Immobilization was based on an SRS stereotactic mask. Elements Multiple Brain Mets SRS (Brainlab AG, Munich, Germany) software was used for registration, image fusion, target contouring, and treatment planning. Exactrac Dynamic (Brainlab AG, Munich, Germany) and a 6 degree of freedom couch were used for monitoring, correcting the position and assessing and applying residual errors also when couch rotations. During dose delivery, the patient position was monitored and registered using surface tracking and stereoscopic X-rays. From May 2022 to December 2023, we treated 60 patients with a total of 255 BM. The 67
Painful musculoskeletal disorders (PMDs) represent an increasing public health concern, particularly among aging populations. When conservative therapies prove insufficient, low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) has emerged as a non-invasive and effective treatment alternative. Despite growing clinical evidence supporting its efficacy, LDRT remains underutilized due to persistent skepticism and the absence of standardized clinical guidelines. This review synthesizes current evidence on the use of LDRT for PMDs, focusing on its biological mechanisms, optimal dosing regimens, clinical efficacy, and safety profile. Attention is given to dose fractionation strategies, timing of re-irradiation, and technological advancements that enhance treatment precision. LDRT provides pain relief in 60–90
Background: Atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare cutaneous tumour of mesenchymal origin, often presenting as a rapidly growing, painless mass in sun-exposed areas. Although historically considered benign, it has an intermediate malignant potential with a risk of recurrence and, in rare cases, metastasis. Treatment primarily involves surgical excision, although recurrence rates can occur. Adjuvant superficial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (plesiotherapy) is able to reduce recurrence risk, particularly after local tumour relapses and/or when complete excision with wide margins is unfeasible. It provides excellent local control, cosmetic outcomes and minimal toxicity, making it a promising option in selected cases. This report highlights the utility of customised-mold HDR plesiotherapy for a locally recurrent atypical fibroxanthoma.
PURPOSE:This study evaluated the feasibility and tolerability of SABR in patients with high- and very-high-risk prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS:A prospective study included patients with high-risk and N1 prostate cancer. SABR was delivered as 40 Gy in 8 Gy fractions, with optional elective nodal irradiation (26 Gy in 5.2 Gy fractions) and a 40 Gy nodal boost for N1 disease. The treatment protocol involved 24 to 36 months of androgen deprivation therapy, premedication with alpha-1 receptor antagonists, and dexamethasone (4 mg on treatment days). Adverse events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, while quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25 questionnaires at the final check-up. RESULTS:The study included 96 patients (median age 77.2 years) with a median follow-up of 29.8 months. Elective nodal radiation therapy was delivered to 66.7% of patients, and 16.8% received a nodal boost. Acute grade 2 (G2) genitourinary and gastrointestinal (GI) events occurred in 5.2% and 7.3% of patients, respectively, with no grade ≥3 acute events. Late grade ≥2 genitourinary and GI events were observed in 7.8% and 15.7% of patients, respectively, including 1 grade 4 GI event. Common late symptoms included nocturia and rectal bleeding. Most patients (86.5%) reported no or minor difficulties posttreatment, though challenges with sexual activity, nocturia, and incontinence were noted. Physicians underestimated urgency and nocturia and overestimated rectal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS:SABR delivering 40 Gy in 5 fractions is feasible and well-tolerated for high-risk prostate cancer, with minimal additional toxicity from elective nodal irradiation and a boost to N1 disease. These findings support SABR as an effective treatment, warranting further long-term studies.
AIMS:Data on feasibility and safety of ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (UHF-RT) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remain limited, particularly regarding its use with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB). MATERIALS AND METHODS:This prospective cohort study included 100 women with histologically confirmed DCIS treated between April 2020 and May 2024. Ninety patients underwent breast-conserving surgery, and 10 received postmastectomy radiotherapy due to high-risk features. All patients received UHF-RT to 26 Gy in five fractions, with SIB to 29-32 Gy delivered using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or volumetric modulated arc therapy. Acute and late toxicities were assessed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0, and recurrence-free survival was analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS:At a median follow-up of 44 months, all patients were alive and disease-free except one, who experienced in situ recurrence at 31 months and was successfully salvaged. The 48-month actuarial local control rate was 98.8%. Acute toxicity was mostly grade 1 dermatitis (57%) or oedema (10%). No grade ≥3 toxicity was observed. Fat necrosis occurred in 11% of patients, all asymptomatic. Late events included hyperpigmentation (9%), fibrosis (6%), and mild pain (28%). No clinical or dosimetric variables were significantly associated with toxicity. CONCLUSION:Ultra-hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy with SIB is feasible, safe, and well-tolerated in patients with DCIS, including those at high risk postmastectomy. These findings provide early evidence supporting its use, pending results from ongoing randomised trials.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the feasibility and tolerance of ultra-hypofractionated SABR (stereotactic ablative radiation therapy) protocol following radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS:We included patients undergoing adjuvant or salvage SABR between April 2019 and April 2023 targeting the surgical bed and pelvic lymph nodes up to a total dose of 36.25 Gy (7.25 Gy/fraction) and 26 Gy (5.2 Gy/fraction), respectively, in 5 fractions on alternate days with an urethra sparing protocol. Acute and late adverse effects were assessed using the CTCAE v5.0. Pearson's chi-square test for categorical variables was used to compare characteristics and possible associations among different subgroups. RESULTS:Adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) was administered to 40 high-risk patients (detectable post-surgery PSA, Grade Group 4/5, nodal involvement, R1/R2 resection margin), while salvage radiotherapy (SRT) was delivered to 60 patients with rising PSA levels post-undetectable values. Elective nodal irradiation was performed in 57 patients, with 11 additional patients receiving a simultaneous integrated boost (total dose: 40 Gy in 5 fractions) for macroscopic nodal disease. Twenty-four high-risk patients underwent 24-months androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Treatment was well-tolerated with minimal toxicity. The maximum grade of SABR-related toxicity observed was grade 3. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity included seven cases of grade 2 and one of grade 3, while acute genitourinary (GU) events were limited to grade 2 in eight patients. Early-late toxicity included two cases of grade 3 and seven of grade 2 for GI, and 11 cases of grade 2 for GU. No toxicity above grade 3 was reported. With a median follow-up of 24 months (6-60 months), 14 patients experienced disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS:Ultra-hypofractionated adjuvant/salvage SABR appears feasible and safe. Longer follow-up is needed to validate observed outcomes.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of liver metastases. Patients with up to 5 liver metastases were enrolled in this prospective multicenter study and underwent SBRT. Efficacy outcomes included in-field local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Acute and late toxicities were evaluated using CTCAE v.4.0. A total of 52 patients with 105 liver metastases were treated between 2015 and 2018. The most common primary tumor was colorectal cancer (72
Purpose: Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy is the standard of care for all patients with breast cancer, irrespective of stage or prior treatments. While extreme hypofractionation is accepted for early-stage tumours, its application in irradiating locoregional lymph nodes remains controversial. Materials and methods: A prospective registry analysis from July 2020 to September 2023 included 276 patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with one-week ultra-hypofractionation (UHF) at 26 Gy in 5 fractions on the whole breast (58.3 %) or thoracic wall (41.7 %) and ipsilateral regional lymph nodes and simultaneous integrated boost (58.3 %). Primary endpoint was assessment of acute adverse events (AEs). Secondarily, onset of early-delayed toxicity was assessed. A minimum 6-month follow-up was required for assessing potential treatment-related early-delayed complications. Acute or late complications attributable to treatment were assessed at inclusion using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 criteria. Results: With a median follow-up of 19 months (range 1-49 months), 159 (57.6 %) patients reported AEs, predominantly grade (G) 1 (n = 139, 50.4 %) and G2 (n = 20, 7.8 %). Skin acute toxicity was common (G1/2: 134, G3: 14), while breast oedema occurred in 10 patients (G1: 9, G2: 1), and 15.9 % reported breast pain (G1: 42, G2: 2). Ipsilateral arm oedema was observed in 1.8 % patients. For patients with a follow-up beyond 6 months (n = 213), 23.4 % patients reported G1/G2 skin AEs, 8.8 % had G1/G2 breast/chest wall oedema, and 8.9 % experienced arm lymphedema. There were no cases of brachial plexopathy or G3 toxicity in this group of patients. Conclusions: One-week UHF adjuvant locoregional radiation is well-tolerated, displaying low-toxicity profiles comparable to other studies using similar irradiation schedules.
To assess the clinical outcomes of patients with spine metastases treated with SBRT at our institution. Patients with spine metastases treated with SBRT (1 fraction/18 Gy or 5 fractions/7 Gy) during the last 12 years have been analyzed. All patients were simulated supine in a vacuum cushion or with a shoulder mask. CT scans and MRI image registration were performed. Contouring was based on International Spine-Radiosurgery-Consortium-Consensus-Guidelines. Highly conformal-techniques (IMRT/VMAT) were used for treatment planning. Intra and interfraction (CBCT or X-Ray-ExacTrac) verification were mandatory. From February 2010 to January 2022, 129 patients with spinal metastases were treated with SBRT [1 fraction/18 Gy (75
Preoperative radiation therapy following by limb-sparing or conservative surgery is a standard approach for limb and trunk STS. Data supporting hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules are scarce albeit biological sensitivity of STS to radiation would justify it. We sought to evaluate the impact of moderate hypofractionation on pathologic response and its influence on oncologic outcomes. From October 2018 to January 2023, 18 patients with limb or trunk STS underwent preoperative radiotherapy at a median dose of 52.5 Gy (range 49.5–60 Gy) in 15 fractions of 3.5 Gy (3.3-4 Gy) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A favorable pathologic response (fPR) was considered as ≥ 90