Intraluminal irradiation for inoperable obstructing endobronchial carcinoma of the lung

Between April 1, 1987 and August 31, 1988, 31 patients with inoperable symptomatic obstructing carcinoma of the lung underwent 79 intraluminal irradiation sessions in an effort to re-establish patency of the airway. Palliation was excellent, 74% of the patients had complete relief of atelectasis, while two patients with extensive tracheal disease experienced little objective response. There was little morbidity, other than that associated with bronchoscopy. Overall, survival at 6 months was 55% with 22% of patients at risk for 18 months surviving. This compares favorably with the more complicated technique of laser resection for relieving malignant airway obstruction.