Deterioration in lung function following hemithorax irradiation for pleural mesothelioma
- Helsinki Univ. Central Hospital (Finland)
Thirty-four patients receiving high-dose hemithorax irradiation as part of the treatment for pleural mesothelioma were studied with regard to changes in lung function following irradiation, and these changes were correlated with the radiologically-assessed lung injury. The latter was scored from 0 to 500 and found to be severe by 6 months (mean score 360), very severe by 9 months (mean score 430), and nearly total by 12 months (mean score 480) after treatment. Forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity both showed a significant decline at 1.5-2 months following the end of radiotherapy and thereafter up to the end of the 1 year follow-up period. Neither of these variables could be correlated consistently with the radiologically-assessed changes. Hypoxemia and pathological physiological shunting increased transiently 1-2 months after irradiation in 2 of the 6 patients monitored. The observed radiologically-assessed final effects of high-dose hemithorax irradiation are compatible with a total loss of lung function on the irradiated side. Before this form of treatment is used, lung function should be evaluated as for pneumonectomy.
- OSTI ID:
- 6140749
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Vol. 20:3; ISSN 0360-3016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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LUNGS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
NEOPLASMS
RADIOTHERAPY
PLEURA
SIDE EFFECTS
PATIENTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DISEASES
MEDICINE
MEMBRANES
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SEROUS MEMBRANES
THERAPY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man