Multifactorial analysis of NOC lung carcinoma radiotherapy

In order to evaluate survival of non-oat-cell lung carcinoma patients treated exclusively with radiotherapy, the authors analyzed a series of 791 cases irradiated at the Istituto del Radio "O. Alberti" from 1978 to 1982. The authors selected a homogeneous group of 131 patients, treated with high energy photons and with a fractionation course of a dose ranging from 1.75 to 2.00 Gy per fraction, 5 fractions per week, total dose ranging from 40 to 65 Gy within 4 to 8 weeks and with a time dose factor (TDF) ranging from 60 to 108. The survival curve was computed according to several prognostic factors by means of the Kaplan and Meier approach; a multifactorial analysis was carried out according to Cox's model. No factor significantly affected survival at the level P less than 0.05, except complications: anyway, TDF and tumor size seem to play a particular role. The non-oat-cell lung carcinoma patient who can profit from radiotherapy may be only partially featured: an improved survival and quality of life may be achieved if there are correct criteria to include the patient in the radiotherapy program, if the tumor is small, heavy complications are absent and treatment TDF ranges from 82 to 92.