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.