ESTRO-EANO guideline on target delineation and radiotherapy details for glioblastoma.

in Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology by Maximilian Niyazi, Nicolaus Andratschke, Martin Bendszus, Anthony J Chalmers, Sara C Erridge, Norbert Galldiks, Frank J Lagerwaard, Pierina Navarria, Per Munck Af Rosenschöld, Umberto Ricardi, Martin J van den Bent, Michael Weller, Claus Belka, Giuseppe Minniti

TLDR

  • The study aims to update the way doctors plan and deliver radiation therapy to patients with a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma. The study involved 14 experts who analyzed the best ways to plan the radiation therapy and came up with a set of recommendations. The recommendations include using a single clinical target volume definition based on postoperative contrast-enhanced T1 abnormalities, using isotropic margins without the need to cone down, and using a PTV margin based on the individual mask system and IGRT procedures available. The study also presents special situations with corresponding potential adaptations depending on the specific clinical situation.

Abstract

Target delineation in glioblastoma is still a matter of extensive research and debate. This guideline aims to update the existing joint European consensus on delineation of the clinical target volume (CTV) in adult glioblastoma patients. The ESTRO Guidelines Committee identified 14 European experts in close interaction with the ESTRO clinical committee and EANO who discussed and analysed the body of evidence concerning contemporary glioblastoma target delineation, then took part in a two-step modified Delphi process to address open questions. Several key issues were identified and are discussed including i) pre-treatment steps and immobilisation, ii) target delineation and the use of standard and novel imaging techniques, and iii) technical aspects of treatment including planning techniques and fractionation. Based on the EORTC recommendation focusing on the resection cavity and residual enhancing regions on T1-sequences with the addition of a reduced 15 mm margin, special situations are presented with corresponding potential adaptations depending on the specific clinical situation. The EORTC consensus recommends a single clinical target volume definition based on postoperative contrast-enhanced T1 abnormalities, using isotropic margins without the need to cone down. A PTV margin based on the individual mask system and IGRT procedures available is advised; this should usually be no greater than 3 mm when using IGRT.

Overview

  • The study aims to update the existing joint European consensus on delineation of the clinical target volume (CTV) in adult glioblastoma patients. The ESTRO Guidelines Committee identified 14 European experts in close interaction with the ESTRO clinical committee and EANO who discussed and analysed the body of evidence concerning contemporary glioblastoma target delineation, then took part in a two-step modified Delphi process to address open questions. The primary objective of the study is to provide a comprehensive update on the delineation of the CTV in adult glioblastoma patients, including pre-treatment steps, target delineation, and technical aspects of treatment. The study aims to provide a single clinical target volume definition based on postoperative contrast-enhanced T1 abnormalities, using isotropic margins without the need to cone down. A PTV margin based on the individual mask system and IGRT procedures available is advised; this should usually be no greater than 3 mm when using IGRT.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • The study identifies several key issues in glioblastoma target delineation, including pre-treatment steps and immobilisation, target delineation and the use of standard and novel imaging techniques, and technical aspects of treatment including planning techniques and fractionation. The study recommends a single clinical target volume definition based on postoperative contrast-enhanced T1 abnormalities, using isotropic margins without the need to cone down. A PTV margin based on the individual mask system and IGRT procedures available is advised; this should usually be no greater than 3 mm when using IGRT. The study also presents special situations with corresponding potential adaptations depending on the specific clinical situation.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study's findings provide a comprehensive update on the delineation of the CTV in adult glioblastoma patients, including pre-treatment steps, target delineation, and technical aspects of treatment. The study's recommendations can be used to improve the accuracy and consistency of target delineation in adult glioblastoma patients. Future research should focus on developing novel imaging techniques and improving the accuracy of target delineation in specific clinical situations. The study also highlights the importance of individualized treatment planning and the use of IGRT in improving the accuracy of target delineation in adult glioblastoma patients.