86P - Prophylactic cranial irradiation in SCLC: A survey of German radiation oncology institutions on recommendations for brain imaging
- Chukwuka Eze (DE)
- Olarn Roengvoraphoj (DE)
- Maurice Dantes (DE)
- Reem Abdo (DE)
- Nina-Sophie Schmidt-Hegemann (DE)
- Claus Belka (DE)
- Farkhad Manapov (DE)
- Chukwuka Eze (DE)
Abstract
Background
Prophylactic cranial irradiation in SCLC is recommended in therapy responders to primary treatment. The landmark PCI trials largely took place in the pre-MRI era. Recently, the role of brain imaging in PCI has come under increased scrutiny. We conducted this survey to gauge the patterns of brain imaging in PCI amongst radiation oncologists in Germany.
Methods
We surveyed radiation oncology institutions in Germany via an online questionnaire sent by e-mail to member institutions in the online directory of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (
Results
We received a total of 39 responses. Of which 34 were completed and eligible for further evaluation. 97% and 92% of respondents recommended brain imaging prior to initial treatment in LS- and ES-SCLC, respectively with contrast-enhanced MRI being the preferred modality in 86% of cases. Ninety-one percent of respondents recommended brain imaging not older than 4 weeks prior to PCI delivery with 71% recommending commencing PCI <4 weeks after primary treatment. Of all responses, 38% followed their patients regularly with serial brain imaging following PCI with the absolute majority preferring image acquisition only in symptomatic patients. On detection of brain metastases (BMs), 59% recommended stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or repeat whole brain radiotherapy depending on the number of BMs.
Conclusions
Patterns of brain imaging in Germany are in general consistent with the guidelines with contrast-enhanced MRI being the preferred modality for brain staging prior to primary treatment and especially after multimodality treatment and before PCI delivery.
Legal entity responsible for the study
University Hospital, LMU Munich
Funding
Has not received any funding
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
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