Copenhagen, Denmark
Onsite/Online

ESTRO 2022

Session Item

Haematology
Poster (digital)
Clinical
Irradiating the spleen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: efficacy and tolerance
Harper Hubbeling, USA
PO-1172

Abstract

Irradiating the spleen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: efficacy and tolerance
Authors:

Harper Hubbeling1, Brandon S. Imber1, N. Ari Wijetunga1, Kathryn R. Tringale1, Carla Hajj1, Joachim Yahalom1

1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology, New York, USA

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Purpose or Objective

The spleen can be a persistent reservoir of disease in NHL and splenic infiltration and associated splenomegaly is a challenging complication. The choice between splenectomy and splenic RT is controversial, with little data to provide guidance in NHL. We aim to assess the tolerability and efficacy of splenic RT in NHL.

Material and Methods

We reviewed NHL patients treated from 2002 to 2021 with RT to the spleen. Splenomegaly was defined as vertical length >13cm. Splenic volume was obtained by manual contouring in MIM PACS 6.9.7. PET response was evaluated by Lugano criteria. AEs were retrospectively clinician graded using CTCAE. Significance was assessed with Kruskal Wallis test or T-test.

Results

19 patients (11 DLBCL, 5 MZL, 3 MCL) were identified with 21 courses of splenic RT. Median age was 75 (42–94); median KPS was 80 (50–90). Most patients (68%) had splenic only disease. Median splenic height pre-RT was 13.6 cm (6.4–26.6); 12 patients (57%) had baseline splenomegaly. Median splenic volume was 682cc (104–3355). 9 patients (43%) were symptomatic pre-RT (most frequently with pain: n=7, dyspnea: n=4, or nausea: n=4). 90% had any cytopenia before RT with median baseline WBC 5 (2–60), ANC 3 (0–11), Lymph 17 (3–76), Hgb 10 (7–13), and Plt 113 (22–208). RT was performed with definitive (n=7), palliative (n=7), or consolidative (n=4) intent, or as bridging to CAR T cells (n=3). Median dose was 30Gy for DLBCL (10.8–45), and 4Gy for MCL/MZL (0.6–20); 10 patients received ≥20Gy.


RT was well tolerated with 38% of courses without AEs and 57% with G1-2 AEs. AEs with frequency >10% were G1 fatigue (n=6), G1 anorexia (n=5), G1 nausea (n=5), G1 diarrhea (n=3), and G2 fatigue (n=3). There were no G3-4 AEs. One patient died from respiratory failure secondary to fungal pneumonia in the setting of lymphopenia following splenic RT. Cytopenias were evaluated in the 10 cases for which no chemo was given within 30d of RT. Median nadirs: WBC 3 (1–5), ANC 2 (1–4), Lymph 4 (1–17), Hgb 12 (6–13), Plt 78 (9–182) with 9, 9, 9, 6, and 11 median days from RT start to nadir, respectively. Lymph and Plt were disproportionately affected with Hgb preserved (Fig1; median reduction: WBC 38%, ANC 54%, Lymph 72%, Hgb 2%, Plt 84%; p<0.003). A greater absolute reduction in platelets was seen with ≥20Gy (median 107 vs. 68; p=0.02). In 3 patients (14%) cytopenias completely normalized post-RT. 4/11 symptomatic patients (36%) experienced complete relief. Median reduction in splenic volume was 34% (0–90; Fig2). ORR by PET was 80%: 37% CR, 43% PR, 10% SD, 5% PD. With a median follow up of 12mo, median duration of radiographic response was 8mo (0.5–103) with more durable response at ≥20Gy (median 35 vs. 5mo, p=0.01).

Conclusion

Splenic RT was well tolerated and had a high ORR of 80%. Radiographic response was more durable at ≥20Gy. Larger sample sizes with homogenous histology are needed to further evaluate the impact of dose on cell counts, clinical toxicity, and symptomatic relief.