Management of mediastinal compression due to bronchogenic carcinoma

Fifty-six cases of bronchogenic carcinoma with mediastinal compression were analyzed retrospectively. Microscopic confirmation was obtained in 23 patients and small cell carcinoma was most frequent. Radiation treatment gave complete remission in about 70 per cent when the total tumour dose exceeded 35 Gy fractionated during 3 weeks. Addition of cyclophosphamide marginally increased the remission rate to about 85 per cent. Total tumour doses of less than 35 Gy gave obviously poorer results. The response rate was highest in small cell carcinoma.