Effects of therapeutic irradiation delivered in early childhood upon subsequent lung function

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Pediatrics; (United States)

OSTI ID:7187456

Wohl, M E.B.; Griscom, N T; Graggis, D G; Jaffe, N

To determine the long-term effects of therapeutic pulmonary irradiation and treatment with actinomycin D during a period of lung growth, 12 patients treated for Wilms' tumor metastatic to the lung and 8 patients treated for Wilms' tumor with no evidence of pulmonary metastases were studied 7 to 14 years after their initial tumor therapy. All patients had received irradiation to the tumor bed and treatment with actinomycin D. Group 1 had received a single course of bilateral pulmonary irradiation; group 2 had received additional pulmonary irradiation and/or thoracic surgery; group 3 had received no therapeutic irradiation directed primarily to the chest. Total lung capacity (TLC) averaged 71 percent of predicted value in group 1, 58 percent in group 2, and 94 percent in group 3. Diffusing capacity in groups 1 and 2 was reduced to the same extent as lung volume. Quasi-static pressure-volume relationships, studied in three of six patients in group 1, were within the normal range when lung volume was expressed as percentage of observed TLC. Airway resistance, evaluated by spirometry, maximum expiratory flow-volume curves, and resistance of the total respiratory system, was normal or reduced. The data support the hypothesis that therapeutic irradiation during a period of lung growth primarily affects the lung parenchyma and produces a decrease in subsequent size of both the lung and chest wall. No effect of actinomycin D alone upon the lung could be demonstrated.

• Research Organization: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston
• OSTI ID: 7187456
• Journal Information: Pediatrics; (United States), Journal Name: Pediatrics; (United States) Vol. 55:4; ISSN PEDIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTINOMYCIN
ANIMALS
ANTIBIOTICS
ANTIMITOTIC DRUGS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
CHILDREN
DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
DISEASES
DRUGS
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATIENTS
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SIDE EFFECTS
THERAPY
VERTEBRATES