Cytoreductive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and combination SBRT with immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Authors

  • Jonathan Peng Juravinski Cancer Center, McMaster University
  • Aly-Khan Lalani Juravinski Cancer Center, McMaster University
  • Anand Swaminath Juravinski Cancer Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6963

Keywords:

SBRT, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, immunotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Preclinical evidence demonstrates the immunogenic potential of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). There is growing interest in investigating this interplay with the immune system in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Cytoreduction with SBRT and combination therapy with SBRT and checkpoint inhibitor immuno-oncology agents (IO) are two potential therapeutic strategies in mRCC. In this review, we summarize the current clinical evidence for the use of cytoreductive SBRT to primary kidney and combination SBRT with IO.

Methods: A literature review for articles and abstracts published between January 2000 and March 2020 was conducted through the PubMed, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) databases. Evaluation of studies followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) criteria.

Results: A total of three articles for cytoreductive SBRT and one article and three abstracts for combination SBRT and IO in mRCC met inclusion criteria for this review. Evidence for SBRT to primary kidney is limited by small series and pilot studies. Outcomes vary widely due to small patient numbers and study heterogeneity. Local control ranges from 85–100% and one- and two-year overall survival ranges from 38–71% and 19–53%, respectively. Combination SBRT and IO are tolerable for patients with early data, suggesting grade 3–4 adverse event rates of 0–24%. Long-term survival data is not yet available.

Conclusions: Cytoreductive SBRT and combination SBRT with IO therapy represent promising treatment strategies in mRCC. The evidence for clinical benefit is currently limited and requires further study with well-designed, randomized controlled trials.

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Author Biographies

Aly-Khan Lalani, Juravinski Cancer Center, McMaster University

Assistant Professor 

Division of Medical Oncology

Department of Oncology

McMaster University

Staff Medical Oncologist Juravinski Cancer Center

Anand Swaminath, Juravinski Cancer Center

Associate Professor

Division of Radiation Oncology

Department of Oncology

McMaster University

Staff Radiation Oncologist Juravinski Cancer Center

Published

2021-01-04

How to Cite

Peng, J., Lalani, A.-K., & Swaminath, A. (2021). Cytoreductive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and combination SBRT with immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 15(8), 281–6. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6963