[Spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy: French assessment in 2016]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the vertebral column is an advanced treatment modality reserved for select patients.
• Current practices for SBRT of the spine vary, necessitating an assessment of the existing landscape in France.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current medical practices for stereotactic body radiotherapy to the vertebral column in France in 2016.
• To evaluate practice diversity and identify areas for improvement in spine SBRT.
• To establish a common database for this specialized radiotherapy technique.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive questionnaire was developed with input from radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiotherapy residents.
• The online questionnaire was distributed to radiation oncologists and medical physicists at specialized French centers from April to June 2016.
• Survey topics included patient selection, simulation, target volume and organ at risk delineation, prescription, dosimetry, and image guidance.

Main Results:

• Thirty-one centers were surveyed, with a 78% response rate.
• The ideal patient profile included good performance status, long life expectancy, and controlled primary tumors with limited metastases.
• The most common prescription was 30 Gy in three fractions, with two-thirds of centers adhering to International Spine Radiosurgery Consortium recommendations for target volume delineation.

Conclusions:

• Despite a lack of formal consensus guidelines, some consistency in spine SBRT practices was observed.
• Further research is required to establish consensus on planning and treatment protocols for vertebral SBRT.
• The study identified key areas where standardization could enhance the effectiveness and safety of spine stereotactic radiotherapy.