Scientific Article
An International Expert Survey on the Indications and Practice of Radical Thoracic Reirradiation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adro.2021.100653Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Abstract

Purpose

Thoracic reirradiation for non-small cell lung cancer with curative intent is potentially associated with severe toxicity. There are limited prospective data on the best method to deliver this treatment. We sought to develop expert consensus guidance on the safe practice of treating non-small cell lung cancer with radiation therapy in the setting of prior thoracic irradiation.

Methods and Materials

Twenty-one thoracic radiation oncologists were invited to participate in an international Delphi consensus process. Guideline statements were developed and refined during 4 rounds on the definition of reirradiation, selection of appropriate patients, pretreatment assessments, planning of radiation therapy, and cumulative dose constraints. Consensus was achieved once ≥75% of respondents agreed with a statement. Statements that did not reach consensus in the initial survey rounds were revised based on respondents’ comments and re-presented in subsequent rounds.

Results

Fifteen radiation oncologists participated in the 4 surveys between September 2019 and March 2020. The first 3 rounds had a 100% response rate, and the final round was completed by 93% of participants. Thirty-three out of 77 statements across all rounds achieved consensus. Key recommendations are as follows: (1) appropriate patients should have a good performance status and can have locally relapsed disease or second primary cancers, and there are no absolute lung function values that preclude reirradiation; (2) a full diagnostic workup should be performed in patients with suspected local recurrence and; (3) any reirradiation should be delivered using optimal image guidance and highly conformal techniques. In addition, consensus cumulative dose for the organs at risk in the thorax are described.

Conclusions

These consensus statements provide practical guidance on appropriate patient selection for reirradiation, appropriate radiation therapy techniques, and cumulative dose constraints.

Cited by (0)

Sources of support: This work was supported by an educational grant from the Beatson Cancer Charity and the University of Glasgow.

Disclosures: Dr Rulach has received research funding from the Beatson Cancer Charity and the University of Glasgow. Dr Ball has served on an advisory board for AstraZeneca. Dr Chua reports personal fees from AstraZeneca and PeerVoice, outside the submitted work. Dr Dahele has received research funding from Varian Medical Systems. Dr Gomez has received research funding from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Varian Medical Systems, AstraZeneca, Merck, and Bristol-Myers Squibb; personal fees from Varian Medical Systems, AstraZeneca, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, US Oncology, Reflexion, WebMD, Vindico, and Medscape; and serves on an advisory board for AstraZeneca. Dr Hanna has served on an advisory board for AstraZeneca. Dr Louie has served on speaker’s bureau for Varian Medical Systems, Reflexion, and AstraZeneca. Dr Moghanaki has received funding from Varian Medical Systems. Dr Peedell has received speaker’s fees from Elekta. Dr Chalmers has received research funding from the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, and AstraZeneca. All other authors have no disclosures to declare.

Data Sharing Statement: Research data are stored in an institutional repository and will be shared upon request to the corresponding author.