Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Centrally Located Lung Tumours Not Suitable for Stereotactic Body...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy is an alternative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients ineligible for other radical treatments.
• This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of a specific accelerated hypofractionated regimen (60 Gy in 15 fractions).

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the clinical outcomes of accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (60 Gy in 15 fractions) in NSCLC patients.
• To assess local failure, regional failure, distant progression, overall survival, and treatment-associated toxicities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 111 NSCLC patients treated with 60 Gy in 15 fractions.
• Analysis of local failure, regional failure, distant progression, overall survival, and toxicity.
• Statistical analysis to identify predictors of failure, including tumour size and nodal status.

Main Results:

• The cumulative incidence of local failure at 24 months was 14.2% in N0 patients and 14.8% in N+ patients.
• Tumour size >35 mm was a predictor for local failure (HR 2.706, P=0.0494).
• Distant progression at 24 months was 24.3% in N0 and 33.5% in N+ patients. Median overall survival was 38.1 months (N0) vs. 31.7 months (N+). Radiation pneumonitis was the most common toxicity (6.4%), with 10.3% Grade 3 toxicity at ≥1 year. No treatment-attributed deaths or hospitalizations occurred.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (60 Gy in 15 fractions) is well-tolerated in NSCLC patients.
• This regimen yields favorable clinical outcomes, including good local control and survival rates.
• The treatment demonstrates a manageable toxicity profile, making it a viable option for selected NSCLC patients.