Isolated intrathoracic relapse in small-cell lung cancer: incidence and implications

Between 1978 and 1983, 56 patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were treated by combination chemotherapy and moderate-dose thoracic irradiation (30 Gy). There are four survivors beyond 4 years; other patients were followed up until death, and sites of relapse documented, with five exceptions. Nine patients died with disease apparently confined to the chest. This suggests that treatments aimed at achieving better local control warrant prospective evaluation.