[Particle therapy--carbon ion radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer]

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is a promising modality because of its excellent dose localization and high biological effect on the tumor. Our clinical trials led us to conclude that irradiation with heavy particle beams, notably carbon ion beams, offers a significant potential for improving tumor control without increasing toxicity risks. In lung cancer treatment, between 1994 and 1999, a phase I/II study of the treatment for stage I non-small cell lung cancer by CIRT was first conducted using a dose escalation method to determine the optimal dose. Furthermore, definite tumor control was also confirmed by the autopsies of CIRT-treated patients and in cases treated by surgery. In the present study, a phase II clinical trial and a phase I/II dose escalation clinical trial are reported.