Key result
Stereotactic radioablation is linked to a ~27-point QoL improvement despite universal AF recurrence.
Why the study?
Long-term follow-up data were needed following the only prior study evaluating the safety and feasibility of photon linear accelerator-based stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients.
Does stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation improve symptoms and maintain safety in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Observational (n=20)
No
Does stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation improve symptoms and maintain safety in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Absolute Event Rate: 75% vs 48%
p-value: p=<0.001
Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation is a feasible and safe non-invasive treatment for elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation that may improve quality of life and reduce symptomatic burden, despite universal eventual arrhythmia recurrence.
May improve QoL in elderly paroxysmal AF; hypothesis-generating for STAR versus ablation given universal recurrences.
Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is an innovative therapeutic approach for cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia. Regarding atrial fibrillation (AF), the only study evaluating the safety and feasibility of STAR (photon linear accelerator-based) in elderly patients was published in 2,023. In this brief communication, we reported the long-term follow-up of the enrolled patients. The current data demonstrate the feasibility of STAR in elderly patients with paroxysmal AF and its potential to improve quality of life. The treatment remains experimental, and more comprehensive safety data are necessary; furthermore, its efficacy will require further evaluation in a comparative study vs. catheter ablation.
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Monaco et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=20). Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) was evaluated on Quality of life (EQ VAS score) at 12 months (p=<0.001). Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation significantly improved quality of life scores at 12 months (from 48 to 75, p<0.001) in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, though all patients experienced at least one AF recurrence over a median 42-month follow-up.
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