Radiology, Vol 172, 851-855, Copyright © 1989 by Radiological Society of North America
Unresectable non-oat cell carcinoma of the lung: definitive radiation therapy
RV Mantravadi, JO Gates, JN Crawford, D Bajpai, JD Trenkner and LN Jordan
Radiation Oncology Associates, Parkview Regional Oncology Center, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Between 1976 and 1983, 267 patients with non-oat cell carcinoma of the lung
were treated with radiation therapy alone. One hundred thirty-four patients
had squamous cell carcinoma; 69, large cell carcinoma; and 64,
adenocarcinoma. Stage III carcinoma was diagnosed in 87% of the patients.
Total radiation dose was less than 45 Gy in 69 patients (low dose group),
45-55 Gy in 161 (middle dose group), and 55-65 Gy in 37 (high dose group);
dosage was 180-200 cGy daily, 5 days per week. Minimum follow-up was 3
years (median, 6 years). Tumor control within the radiation fields was
achieved in 12%, 43%, and 78% of the low, middle, and high dose groups,
respectively. A complete response rate of 13%, 23%, and 35% and an overall
response of 43%, 71%, and 86% were seen in the low, middle, and high dose
groups, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for all
patients was 7% and was dependent on radiation dose and tumor response.
This study indicates that tumor control and complete response rates are
improved with a radiation dose of 55-65 Gy and that complete responders
have improved survival.
