Stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung metastases from colorectal cancer: a single institution experience

Aim: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been used as an alternative to surgical intervention to treat primary malignanices of the lung as well as lesions from other primaries. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of SBRT in treating lung metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials & methods: We reviewed 22 patients that underwent lung SBRT for metastases from CRC. Almost all patients received chemotherapy before and after undergoing SBRT. Outcomes that were analyzed included overall survival, distant failure and progression-free survival, as well as the effects of biologically effective dose (BED) and KRAS status on local control. Results: Seven females and 15 males underwent SBRT to lung metastases from CRC. The median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status was one (0–2). The median dose was 48 Gy (40–54 Gy) in 5 fx (4–8 fx) and the median number of nodules treated with SBRT was one (1–3). Median follow-up was 28.5 months from SBRT and 79 months (9–145) from primary diagnosis. Local control at 1 and 3 years was 75 and 58%, respectively. There was a trend toward improved local control with increasing biologically effective dose (BED10 > 100; p = 0.07). Cancers that were positive for the KRAS mutation had increased local control at 12 months, 100 versus 75% (p = 0.0199). Median OS from the primary diagnosis of CRC and from SBRT was 79 and 31 months, respectively. There were no predictors for OS. There were no episodes of acute or late grade 3 or higher toxicity. Conclusion: The results of this study add to the growing body of literature to support SBRT for lung metastases, specifically those patients with limited lung metastases from CRC. The choice of radiation dose remains important, even in metastatic disease, as highlighted by the trend toward improved local control with increasing BED10.