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Title: Role of chest irradiation in limited small cell carcinoma of the lung treated with combination chemotherapy

Journal Article · · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

Between October 1974 and December 1980, 123 patients with limited small cell carcinoma were treated in the Indiana University Medical Center Department of Radiation Oncology. Of these, 115 were treated with preplanned combined modality therapy using irradiation and polychemotherapy (Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Oncovin). All patients received whole brain prophylactic irradiation and were followed a minimum of 2 years. Sixty-six patients were given chest irradiation with all but two receiving 3500-4000 rad while 49 did not receive this treatment. Sixty-five percent of those patients receiving chest irradiation had a complete response to therapy, as opposed to 33% who did not. This study demonstrates an increase response rate, median survival, and overall survival in patients receiving chest irradiation. The high rate of relapse in the chest suggests the need for more effective control of the primary. This may be accomplished by increasing the dose of chest irradiation or surgical removal when feasible.

Research Organization:
Indiana Univ. School of Medicine, Indianapolis
OSTI ID:
6270095
Journal Information:
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 10:10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English