[The effectiveness of 2 systems of chemoradiation treatment in inoperable small-cell lung cancer]

A comparative evaluation of treatment results was carried out in two groups of patients with small-cell lung cancer; in group 1, patients received radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously (68 cases) while in group 2 chemotherapy was followed by radiation (67 cases). Complete remission was observed in 62% in group 1. In group 2, it was 7% immediately after chemotherapy to soar up to 46% following radiation treatment. Radiation-induced pneumosclerosis was roentgenologically detected in all those followed up and presented with symptoms in 12.5% and 27.6% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The frequency of distant metastasis in patients with complete and partial remission was identical in both groups. Metastasis-free period was significantly longer in complete remission patients as compared to those with partial remission; it was still longer in chemotherapy responders in group 2. The procedure involving sequential chemo- and radiation treatment should be preferred.