Stereotactic MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy reirradiation (SMART reRT) for locally recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Stereotactic MR-guided online adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) has demonstrated a superior radiotherapeutic ratio for pancreatic patients, by enabling dose escalation while minimizing the dose to the proximal gastrointestinal organs at risk through online adaptive radiotherapy. The safe delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is of particular importance in the reirradiation setting and has been historically limited to CT-based nonadaptive modalities. Herein, we report the first use of online adaptive radiotherapy in the reirradiation setting, specifically for treatment of locally recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma through SMART reirradiation (SMART reRT).

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe the treatment of a 68-year-old male who was diagnosed with, unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Initial treatment included FOLFIRINOX followed by 45 Gy in 25 fractions on a helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) device with concurrent capecitabine, followed by a boost of 14.4 Gy in 8 fractions to a on an MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) linac. At approximately 12 months from initial radiotherapy, the patient experienced local progression of the pancreas body/tail and therefore SMART reRT of 50 Gy in 5 fractions was initiated. The technical considerations of cumulative dose for gastrointestinal organs across multiple courses, treatment planning principles, and adaptive radiotherapy details are outlined in this case study. The patient tolerated treatment well with minimal fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic ratio of reirradiation may be improved using daily MR guidance with online adaptive replanning, especially for lesions in proximity to critical structures. Future studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes of dose escalated MR-guided reRT, define OAR dose constraints for reRT, and assess cumulative dose across the adapted SMART reRT fractions and the original RT plan.