Implanted radiation device cuts brain tumor recurrence: 5 study notes

An implanted radiation device has improved tumor control and overall survival compared with standard radiation therapy in patients with newly diagnosed operable brain metastases, according to phase 3 clinical trial data presented May 30 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.

Here are five things to know:

1. The study enrolled 230 patients across 32 centers. The randomized phase 3 Roads trial compared surgery plus tile-based radiation therapy with surgery plus stereotactic radiation therapy.
2. The device significantly reduced tumor recurrence. The 12-month rate of tumor surgical bed recurrence was 1.0% in the tile-based radiation therapy group, compared with 11.9% in the stereotactic radiation therapy group.
3. Patients were less likely to experience recurrence or death. Those who received tile-based radiation therapy had a greater than 50% reduction in the risk of tumor recurrence or death compared with patients who received stereotactic radiation therapy.
4. The treatment improved overall survival. Estimated 24-month overall survival was 61.7% for patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy, compared with 35.7% for those treated with stereotactic radiation therapy. Surgical bed recurrence-free survival was not reached in the tile-based radiation therapy group versus 10.9 months in the comparison group.
5. The survival benefit did not come with additional safety concerns. Functional status, quality of life, adverse events and other safety measures were similar between the groups. GT Medical Technologies also said patients treated with the implanted device completed cranial management for the operable tumor in a median of one day, compared with 30 days for patients receiving standard radiation therapy.

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