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Abstract BACKGROUND This trial evaluated feasibility,response,PFS/OS of a randomization comparing two different RT schedules for DIPG while administering the same systemic treatment. We moreover evaluated the benefit of craniospinal irradiation(CSI) in case of disseminated(D) relapse. METHODS Patients: 2-21 years-old with at least radiologically verified DIPG (MRI blindly reviewed at diagnosis,every 12 weeks thereafter) and symptoms duration below 6 months. Biopsy required if atypical imaging, also allowed after adequate consensus.Vinorelbine 20 mg/m2+nimotuzumab 150 mg/m2 were administered weekly for 12; thereafter every other week until tumor progression or for up to 2 years. Standard(ST) arm was full brainstem/focal tumor site RT at total dose of 54Gy(1.8Gy/day); for local progression re-irradiation was proposed at 19.8Gy, in case of dissemination CSI at 36Gy was offered.Experimental(SP) arm included three elective courses of RT at defined time-points(36Gy, 19.8Gy and 19.8Gy) with reirradiation for relapse at 9 Gy/36 Gy as above described. Incidences of local(L) and D progression were assessed in a competing risk setting. RESULTS 55 patients were included from 4 Italian centers,27 in ST,30 males, median age 7.1 years. Median follow-up 39.1 months. Fifteen patients needed a shunt,13 during treatment;23 were biopsied,in 21 according to local protocols.22/23 tumors had H3.3K27 mutation. 53 relapsed, 34 L,13 D,6 L+D.Fifteen/19 with a D component receiving CSI had a median survival of 7.6 months after relapse, significantly higher than that of the 4 without CSI(median 2.9 months,P=0.020). Patients submitted to biopsies had more D(P=0.017) and less L progression(P=0.058). SP irradiation and any reirradiation at relapse were feasible and never produced significant radionecrosis.Median EFS/OS for the whole series were 8.4/14 months, respectively; not significantly different between patients with local vs. disseminated relapses. CONCLUSIONS Reirradiation, even if CSI, confirmed feasible and benefitted patients OS.Randomization results will be later reported.
Massimino et al. (Tue,) studied this question.