[Radiotherapy of small cell bronchial cancer]

In the combined modality treatment of the small carcinoma of the lung chemotherapy is obligatory. Radiotherapy plays a decisive role, especially in limited disease tumors. Numerous randomized studies show that the rate of locoregional recurrence is reduced, whereas the survival rate is raised by the irradiation of the thorax. Dose size, target volume, fractionation as well as adaptation to the chemotherapy regimes are still a matter for discussion. In extensive disease stage, radiotherapy generally plays a role only as a palliative treatment modality. Undoubtedly, the prophylactic cranial irradiation diminishes the frequency of brain metastases. Regarding the potential neurological late toxicity we must carefully pay attention to the dosage, the fractionation, and the indication to this treatment. Half and total body irradiation only should be considered in prospective studies.