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Palliative radiotherapy for synchronous bilateral lung cancers
1Division of Radiation Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Oncology
|July 28, 2001
Summary
External beam radiation therapy offers palliative benefits for synchronous bilateral lung cancers (SBLC). However, survival remains poor, suggesting a need for curative-intent treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy with radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Limited data exists on outcomes for synchronous bilateral lung cancers (SBLC) treated with radiation.
- SBLC poses unique management challenges due to its bilateral nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of palliative external beam irradiation in patients with SBLC.
- To assess survival rates, response to treatment, and factors influencing outcomes in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with SBLC treated with external beam irradiation for palliation over 19 years.
- Data collected included survival, symptom response (subjective and objective), and radiation dose.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 7 months, with 63% of patients surviving at least 6 months.
- Complete subjective response was 100%, and objective response was 60% in evaluable patients.
- Radiation dose did not significantly impact survival.
Conclusions:
- External beam radiotherapy provides effective palliation for symptoms associated with SBLC.
- The poor prognosis highlights the need to explore curative-intent strategies, including higher-dose radiotherapy or combined chemoradiotherapy for SBLC.