ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the results and side effects of radiotherapy(RT) combined with hyperthermia(HT) for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)with lesion(T) ≥5?cm in diameter.Methods Patients conforming to T≥5?cm or T volume ≥125?cm~3 in the lung and other required eligibilities were given RT and HT.The temperature of HT in the center of Ts was automatically programmed between 43.0℃ and 43.5℃ by a computer.RT dose of D_T60-66?Gy was delivered in 30-33 fractions with in 1 hour after HT.Results From October 2001 to April 2004,30 patients were registered for this study.Among all patients,23 males and 7 female with median age of 61 years(32-81);22 squamous cancer and 8 adenocarcinoma type;6 stage Ⅰb,1 Ⅱb,10 Ⅲa,8 Ⅲb and 5 Ⅳ lesions.The mean volumes of T was 275.45?cm~3(125-900?cm~3).The mean number of HT given was 7.2 times(2-14).The mean irradiation dose was 59.10?Gy(23.96-9.67?Gy).Five out of 30 patients were dropped from this trial due to reasons un-related to acute side effects of RT or HT.None complained of breathlessness or aggravation of respiratory symptom during heating.No change had been observed in blood pressure,pulse or frequency of breath before or after HT,nor was there any hardening of subcutaneous fatty tissue as well as lipid nodules or severer than grade Ⅲ acute irradiation side effects.Complete response was observed in 23%,partial response in 50%,no change or progression in 27%.Loco-regional control rate was 83% with a median of median locoregional duration of 19.2 months.Eleven patients had died,including 2 of hemoptysis.The median survival duration was 19.7 months and 1-year survival rate was 75%.Conclusions Radiotherapy combined with hyperthermia modal can be used for NSCLC with primary lesion≥5?cm as it carries better efficiency and loco-regional control without server side effects.