Management outcomes for biopsy-proven radiation necrosis in patients with brain metastases in the era of immune-checkpoint blockade.

PURPOSE: Immunotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are frequently combined in the management of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. However, concurrent SRS and dual immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICPI) elevate the risk for symptomatic radionecrosis. As optimal radionecrosis management in the setting of immunotherapy is unknown, we aimed to characterize our institutional approaches and outcomes in patients with biopsy-proven radionecrosis.

METHODS

Patients with NSCLC and melanoma brain metastases treated with SRS from 2014 to 2022 were identified from a prospective database. Only cases with biopsy-confirmed radionecrosis were included. The primary outcome was radiographic stabilization following treatment. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic resolution, overall survival, and cause of death.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients [14 women (56%); median age, 58 years; 15 NSCLC (60%), 10 melanoma (40%); median follow-up: 66 months] with 30 cases of necrosis met inclusion criteria. 84% of patients received immunotherapy and twenty-one (84%) were symptomatic. Twenty-three cases (77%) received prophylactic steroids during SRS. Median time from SRS to biopsy-confirmed radionecrosis was 9.3 (95%CI: 6.8-17.9) months. Thirty-two interventions were performed: 21 laser interstitial thermal therapy, seven resection, and four medical management. Estimated 6-month radiographic stabilization was 80% (95%CI: 59-90%). Median time to stabilization with dual, single, and no ICPI was 2.7 (95%CI: 1.4-NR), 1.2 (95%CI: 0.8-NR), and 0 (95%CI: 0-NR) months, respectively. Three (14%) and two (29%) CTCAE grade ≥ 3 adverse events occurred following LITT and resection, respectively, with no grade 5 events.

CONCLUSION

Existing radionecrosis management strategies appear effective in patients receiving immunotherapy, though prospective trials are needed for validation.

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