[Research progress of prophylactic cranial irradiation for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

As multi-modality treatments are now able to ensure better local control and a lower rate of extra-cranial metastasis, brain metastasis has become a major concern in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is now a standard treatment for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), it decreases the incidence of brain metastases and increases the survival rate. Despite the relatively high incidence of brain metastases in LA-NSCLC, the role of PCI in patients treated with radical intent has not been established yet. The objective of this systematic review was to establish whether PCI prevents the development of brain metastasis and increases survival in LA-NSCLC patients, the characteristics of the benefit patients, the tolerance and toxicity, the effective dose and timing of PCI. The main concern in this review is to establish the definitive role of PCI in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC.