[Prophylactic cranial irradiation: a new standard for all responding patients with small cell lung cancer]

The occurrence of brain metastases in patients with small cell lung cancer increases with time and is a determinant of a poor prognosis. Previously, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was exclusively administered to patients with a complete response after chemotherapy. A new study has shown that PCI, compared to controls, decreases cumulative incidence of symptomatic brain metastases at one year by 25.8% (14.6% in the irradiaton group vs. 40.4% in the control group). PCI also prolongs both disease-free and overall survival. Only mild adverse effects were reported. This study sets a new standard for the treatment of all patients with small cell lung cancer who respond to chemotherapy. PCI should be administered 4-6 weeks after chemotherapy.