Purpose/objective: Currently, there are few prospective data on the tolerability of combining targeted therapies (TT) with radiation therapy (RT). The objective of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility and toxicity of pairing RT with concurrent TT in cancer patients. The aim was to enhance the existing evidence base for the simultaneous administration of targeted substances together with radiotherapy.
Methods: Prospective study enrollment was conducted at a single institution between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, for all patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed cancer who underwent external beam radiotherapy in combination with targeted therapy. The study, known as the "targeted RT study," was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00026193. Systematic documentation of the toxicity profiles of different targeted therapies was performed, and the assessment of acute toxicity followed the guidelines of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version v5.0.
Results: A total of 334 patients underwent 683 radiation therapy series. During the course of RT, 51 different TT substances were concurrently administered. External beam radiotherapy was employed for various anatomical sites. The combination of RT and concurrent TT administration was generally well tolerated, with no instances of severe acute toxicity observed. The most commonly reported toxicity was fatigue, ranging from mild to moderate Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) °I-°III. Other frequently observed toxicities included dermatitis, dyspnea, dysphagia, and dry cough. No toxicity greater than moderate severity was recorded at any point. In only 32 patients (4.7% of evaluated RT series), the concurrent substance administration was discontinued due to side effects. However, these side effects did not exceed mild severity according to CTCAE, suggesting that discontinuation was a precautionary measure. Only one patient receiving Imatinib treatment experienced a severe CTCAE °III side effect, leading to discontinuation of the concurrent substance due to the sudden occurrence of melaena during RT.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study did not demonstrate a significant increase or additional toxicity when combining radiotherapy and concurrent targeted therapy. However, additional research is required to explore the specific toxicity profiles of the various substances that can be utilized in this context.
Trial registration number: DRKS00026193. Date of registration 12/27/2022 (retrospectively registered).
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