[Clinical experience in patients with Pancoast's tumor treated by fast neutron therapy]

We review our results with fast neutron therapy in Pancoast's tumor, and compare them with results obtained by photon beam therapy. 13 patients with Pancoast's tumor were divided into two groups; Group I (8 patients) received fast neutron therapy. Group II (5 patients) were treated by voltage X-ray therapy. 1. Group I was comprised of 3 patients receiving mixed beam therapy (TDF 80-100) and 5 patients subjected to boost therapy. All group II patients received 3100 to 8000 rads. 2. Fast neutron therapy was effective in 7 patients. In group II, high voltage X-ray therapy was effective in only 3 patients. 3. Two group I patients are still alive without signs of recurrence. The others died with a mean survival of 11 months. All group II patients died; their mean survival was 4.2 months. Our results suggest that fast neutron therapy is suitable and effective in patients with Pancoast's tumor.