[Combined treatment of lung cancer]

Since 1963 to 1975 one hundred and eighty eight patients were subjected to surgery with preoperative irradiation, using a betatron of 25 M. e. v. Irradiation was carried on during 2--3 weeks from 2 or 3 fields daily. A total focal dose ranged within the limits from 2500 to 4500 rad. Radical operations were performed in 159 patients, the mortality being 6.7%. The survival over 3 years--in 69.1%, over 5 years--in 57.3%. Postoperative irradiation using a betatron of 25 M. e. v. is found to contribute to an improvement of general condition in lung cancer patients and to render a positive effect on clinical and roentgenological signs of the disease. A comparative morphological study of diagnostic biopsy specimens and lung preparations, removed following irradiation, indicates various degree of cancer pathomorphosis up to tumor disappearrance and development of radiation sclerosis.