Real-world Pattern-of-Care Analysis of Cutaneous Lymphomas Radiotherapy Among EORTC Members.

Abstract

Purpose: We aim to determine the current treatment patterns and recommendations among physicians for cutaneous lymphomas and to identify the types of skin lymphomas for which existing radiation regimens need improvement.

Materials/methods: A questionnaire from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) was distributed to all members of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Tumour Group and radiation oncology scintific council. This online survey included 13 questions regarding treatment practices for patients with cutaneous lymphoma. The survey was conducted from August 21 to December 18, 2023. Frequency distributions and subgroup comparisons were calculated and analyzed.

Results: We collected 51 completed questionnaires from investigators from 19 countries specializing in cutaneous lymphoma treatment. Radiation doses varied significantly (range, 4-60 Gy). Based on the histologic entity, up to one-third of the investigators delivered hypofractionated regimens (range, 14% - 35%). Reduced-dose radiotherapy was considered by 27% to 63% of investigators. Meanwhile, 18 (35%) investigators considered adapting the radiation dose to the response to immunochemotherapy when treating primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphomal-leg type. Regarding total skin electron beam therapy, 91% of centres delivered reduced-dose regimens, and 18% of investigators applied ultra-hypofractionated protocols.

Conclusion: Radiotherapy of cutaneous lymphoma patients is highly heterogeneous among EORTC centres. Development of evidence-based recommendations for radiotherapy dose, fractionation, and technique for cutaneous lymphomas is required for optimization and standardization of treatment.