Predicting tumor control after resection bed radiosurgery of brain metastases.

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the resection bed of a brain metastasis is an important treatment option.

Objective: To identify factors associated with tumor progression after SRS of the resection bed of a brain metastasis and to evaluate patterns of failure for patients who eventually had tumor progression.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent tumor bed radiosurgery after an initial gross total resection. The mean imaging follow-up time was 55 weeks. The median margin dose was 16 Gy. Forty-seven patients (39.2%) underwent whole-brain radiation therapy before or shortly after SRS.

Results: Local tumor control was achieved in 103 patients (85.8%). Progression-free survival was 96% at 6 months, 87% at 12 months, and 74% at 24 months. Recurrence most commonly occurred deep in the cavity (65%) outside the planned treatment volume (PTV) margin (53%). PTV, cavity diameter, and a margin dose < 16 Gy significantly correlated with local failure. For patients with PTVs ≥ 8.0 cm, local progression-free survival declined to 93% at 6 months, 83% at 12 months, and 65% at 24 months. Development or progression of distant metastases occurred in 40% of patients. Whole-brain radiation therapy was not associated with improved local control.

Conclusion: Resection bed SRS for brain metastases provided excellent local control. The cavity PTV is predictive of tumor control. Because failure usually occurs outside the PTV, inclusion of a judicious 2- to 3-mm margin beyond the area of postoperative enhancement may be prudent.