Results of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Primary Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Large Multicenter Series

Abstract

Background and objective

For inoperable patients, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a noninvasive treatment approach for primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We aimed to evaluate local control (LC) of primary RCC treated with SBRT.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study involved 16 centers in Australia, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The primary endpoint was the LC probability, and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of cancer-related deaths, toxicities, and renal function evolution after SBRT.

Key findings and limitations

A total of 144 patients, treated between 2008 and 2020, with a median follow-up of 43 mo (interquartile range [IQR], 24.0–81.2), were included. The median age was 76 yr (IQR, 67.0–82.0) and the median tumor size was 4.4 cm (IQR, 3.3–5.6). The median baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 60 ml/min/1.73 m². Of the patients, 40% had mild to moderate eGFR (30–60 ml/min). The two main treatment regimens were 42 Gy in three fractions and 26 Gy in one fraction. The LC probability was 98% at 1 yr (95% confidence interval [CI], 94–99) and 96% (95% CI, 92–99) at 5 yr. The median OS was 58 mo and the cumulative incidence of cancer-related deaths was 8% (95% CI, 3–15) at 5 yr. Seventy-one patients (49%) experienced at least one toxicity, including grade 1 in the majority (32%), grade 2 (14%), and grade 3 (1%). Two patients (1%) underwent dialysis (grade 4). The median eGFR loss was –7 ml/min (IQR, –17; 0) at the last follow-up.

Conclusions and clinical implications

This large series of primary RCC treated with SBRT demonstrates excellent LC and renal function preservation, and is associated with an acceptable toxicity profile. SBRT is an alternative treatment for inoperable patients.