[Radiotherapy in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer]

The results of curative radiotherapy in 59 patients with non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung treated from 1977 to 1988 are reported. Squamous cell carcinoma without evidence of metastatic disease was present in 28 patients. Radiotherapy alone was used in 43 patients; 13 patients received either pre or post operative radiotherapy. Complications developed in 6 patients, only 1 had esophageal stenosis deemed important. The first site of failure was extrathoracic in 76% of patients, the brain being the most frequently involved site (41%). Brain failure rate was greater for squamous cell carcinoma than for other tumors. The 5 year survival rate was 20% with a minimum follow up period of 24 months (median 57). Better results were obtained in patients receiving high dose continuous radiotherapy and in those with associated surgery. Thus, radiotherapy is an alternative therapy for patients with lung carcinoma, with a reasonable survival rate and few complications.