Outcomes Based On Brain Metastases Characteristics And Treatment Modality For Patients With EGFR-Mutated And ALK-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Purpose/objective(s): Lung cancer patients with driver mutations and brain metastases can be managed with various modalities given intracranial penetrance of available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We sought to determine these patient’s outcomes based on brain metastases characteristics and the upfront treatment modalities utilized, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Conclusion: For patients with EGFR-mutated or ALK-rearranged NSCLC and brain metastases, there was no difference in IC-PFS based on number or volume of brain metastases. Those treated with TKI alone experienced similar IC-PFS and risk of neurologic death as those also treated with radiotherapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate optimal treatment strategies for these patients, particularly for those with larger or symptomatic brain metastases when radiation is typically recommended. READ ARTICLE

International Journal of Radiation Oncology DOI:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.07.2048

Authors: S.W. Dutta, M.L. Mack, K.A. Ward, E. Aliotta, R. Hall, R.D. Gentzler, J.P. Sheehan