Key result
SBRT safely and effectively treats most adrenal tumors.
Why the study?
Although surgical adrenalectomy has historically managed adrenal metastases, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an alternative requiring careful treatment planning considering size, motion, fractionation, and nearby organs.
SBRT is a safe and effective alternative to surgical adrenalectomy for managing adrenal metastases, though it requires careful treatment planning to mitigate risks like adrenal insufficiency.
Supports SBRT consideration for adrenal metastases; leaves open randomized trials versus adrenalectomy.
PURPOSE: Adrenal metastases are frequently diagnosed in patients with common solid tumors. Surgical adrenalectomy has historically been used for their management. However, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative. Careful treatment planning is essential, considering multiple factors such as tumor size and location, motion management, dose and fractionation, and proximity to adjacent organs at risk. This case-based practice guide and review provides an overview of SBRT for the management of adrenal tumors, with a particular focus on adrenal metastases. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three clinical scenarios were selected to illustrate the use of SBRT in managing adrenal tumors. These include a small right-sided metastasis treated with single-fraction, fiducial-based SBRT, a large left-sided metastasis treated with fractionated SBRT under magnetic resonance imaging guidance, and a case of bilateral metastases, which emphasizes the potential risk of adrenal insufficiency. We also address the limited evidence available regarding the management of primary adrenal gland tumors with SBRT. RESULTS: SBRT is an effective treatment modality for most adrenal tumors, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Thoughtful treatment planning and an understanding of potential pitfalls, limitations, and risks are essential to ensure the appropriate use of SBRT. CONCLUSIONS: This case-based guide and review provides a comprehensive overview of SBRT for treating adrenal tumors, specifically metastases. We present and discuss clinical cases and relevant literature, highlighting key considerations specific to adrenal SBRT.
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Ehret et al. (2025) conducted a review in Adrenal metastases (n=3). Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) was evaluated. Stereotactic body radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality for most adrenal tumors, demonstrating a favorable safety profile.
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