Researchers suggest tile-based radiation therapy as standard of care to lower risk of recurrence in brain metastases
A multicenter clinical trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery to deliver targeted radiation therapy improved tumor control, lowered the risk of recurrence and improved overall survival compared with the current standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases who need surgery.
A new clinical trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that collagen tile-based radiation therapy, known as GammaTile TBRT, could serve as the standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases who require surgery. The trial, known as the ROADS trial, compared GammaTile TBRT with the current standard of care, stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).
After one year, patients who received GammaTile TBRT had a significantly lower rate of recurrence at the surgical site (1.3%) compared to those who received SRT (15.4%). This reduced the likelihood of additional procedures, such as surgery or radiation, being needed. Median overall survival was 42.5 months with GammaTile TBRT, more than double the 17.6 months seen with SRT.
The radioactive tiles are implanted during surgery, allowing for immediate treatment and focal dose escalation, leading to improved local tumor control and overall survival. The tiles are small, about the size of a postage stamp, and contain cesium-131 seeds encased in a collagen matrix. The tiles evenly distribute low-dose radiation over several weeks, limiting exposure to healthy tissue.
The study found no significant differences in serious treatment-related side effects between the two groups. Additionally, patients receiving GammaTile TBRT could complete cranial radiation faster, often in just one day, compared to a median of 32 days for those undergoing postoperative SRT, potentially allowing for earlier returns to systemic cancer treatments.
The researchers hope that these results will lead to broader clinical adoption of GammaTile TBRT and accelerate its inclusion in treatment guidelines.
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