Fractionated radiotherapy for high-risk patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

The treatment of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and cardiopulmonary dysfunction has rapidly evolved during the past decade. Although fractionated radiotherapy has been the most frequently used alternative treatment, additional approaches, including limited resection with or without brachytherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation are increasingly used and have now been studied prospectively. This review will focus on the potential current role of fractionated radiotherapy for high-risk patients with particular consideration of altered fractionation schemes and recent advances in treatment related technology.