Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery for the re-irradiation of brain lesions: a single-centre experience

Purpose The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and clinical benefit of cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery (CSRS) in patients treated at Florence University for recurrent, pre-irradiated brain lesions. Materials and methods Thirteen patients were retreated with cyberknife. Mean age was 47.1 years (range 33–77 years). Karnofsky performance status ranged from 60 to 100 (median 80). Eleven (84.6 %) out of 13 patients had metastatic lesions: four (36.4 %) had primary lung, three (27.2 %) had primary breast cancer and four (36.4 %) other types of solid malignancies. Two (15.4 %) out of 13 patients had recurrent of glioblastoma. Results In terms of compliance with CSRS, the majority of patients did not develop any acute side effects. However, two (15.4 %) out of 13 patients developed acute grade 2 toxicity requiring an increase of steroid medication. At the time of the last follow-up, response rates were as follows: complete response in one case (16.6 %), partial response in three (50 %) and stable disease in two (33.4 %). Conclusions Re-irradiation with CSRS is a feasible and effective option for pre-irradiated, recurrent brain lesions to obtain clinical benefit without excessive acute toxicity.