skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Endobronchial radiation therapy (EBRT) in the management of lung cancer

Journal Article · · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA)

Between October 1987 and November 1988, 19 endobronchial Iridium-192 line source placements were attempted in 17 patients with advanced incurable lung cancer. Approximately 30 Gy was delivered to the endobronchus using a low dose rate (LDR) afterloading technique delivering a mean dose of 70 cGy/hr at 5 mm. Improvement in subjective symptoms was noted in 67% of evaluable patients whereas objective responses defined by chest X ray and bronchoscopy were noted in 26% and 60%, respectively. No significant morbidity was observed. The radiation exposure to health care workers was low ranging from 10 to 40 mRem per treatment course with most of the staff receiving less than 10 mRem per treatment course (minimal detectable level 10 mRem). The results of this series are compared with selected series using low dose rate as well as intermediate dose rate (IDR) and high dose rate (HDR) endobronchial radiation therapy (EBRT). Based on bronchoscopic responses from the selected series reviewed, both HDR low total dose per treatment (range 7.5-10 Gy) and LDR high total dose per treatment (range 30-50 Gy) are effective in palliating the vast majority of patients with endobronchial lesions. Intermediate dose rate is also effective using fractions similar to high dose rate but total dose similar to low dose rate. The efficacy of endobronchial radiation therapy in the palliative setting suggest a possible role for endobronchial radiation therapy combined with external beam irradiation with or without chemotherapy in the initial management of localized lung cancer. Defining the optimal total dose, dose rate, and the exact role of endobronchial radiation therapy in the management of lung cancer will require large cooperative trials with standardization of techniques and definitions.

OSTI ID:
6645609
Journal Information:
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Vol. 18:6; ISSN 0360-3016
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

High-Dose-Rate Endobronchial Brachytherapy for Recurrent Airway Obstruction From Hyperplastic Granulation Tissue
Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2008 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics · OSTI ID:6645609

High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for the treatment of benign obstructive endobronchial granulation tissue
Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 2006 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics · OSTI ID:6645609

Long-term results of endobronchial brachytherapy: A curative treatment?
Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2007 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics · OSTI ID:6645609