The role of palliative thoracic radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

摘要: Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common cause of death in both males and females. Despite this high incidence mortality, comparatively little research has addressed palliative treatment thoracic symptoms. Until recently, information regarding indications effectiveness radiation setting was obtained from retrospective reviews single institutional experiences. More three major randomized trials UK Medical Research Council (1991, 1992, 1994) have use external beam comparisons different dose fractionation strategies for patients with non-small symptoms due to intra-thoracic tumor. These studies show that shorter schemes provide equivalent palliation essentially survival patient groups studied. Moreover, they estimates probability successful symptoms, toxicity each regimen. A panel oncologists expertise oncology, medical oncology epidemiology discussed above trial results a literature review. The concluded indicated hemoptysis, chest pain, dysphagia, dyspnea, MRC provided reasonable estimations efficacy setting. are more often than not improved radiotherapy (symptom improvement rates ranged about 50 85%) lasted substantial portion patients' remaining survival. could reach uniform consensus on appropriate given intent. agreed favourable stage IIIB NSCLC should be offered combined modality therapy intent prolonging survival, preferences risks benefits considered. Further study recommended, namely, evaluating five fractions vs fraction, using patient-based evaluation palliation. also recommended phase II development chemotherapy low-dose protocol future study.