Combined external beam radiotherapy and intraluminal brachytherapy for tracheal and bronchogenic carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the role of combined external beam radiotherapy and intraluminal brachytherapy for tracheal cancer and bronchogenic carcinoma. Methods From February 1987 to August 1996, 4 patients with primary tracheal cancer, 22 with primary lung cancer and 14 (18 sites) with postoperative recurrent lung cancer were irradiated. External beam radiotherapy (EBR ) was delivered with linac X-ray to a total dose of 30-77?Gy (median 52?Gy). Intraluminal irradiation (IR ) was delivered with low dose rate 192 Ir (1.48?BGq) to a total dose of 10-53?Gy (median 28?Gy), 4-6?Gy per fraction on the bronchial mucosa. Results Complete response (CR) was obtained in 37 patients, partial response (PR) in 2 and minor response (MR) in 1. The 3-year and 5-year local control rates by Kaplan-Meier method were 75% and 65%. Twenty-three patients have survived for 3 years or longer, with a 3-year survival rate of 57.5%. Complications were rare. Conclusions Combined external beam radiotherapy and intraluminal irradiation is effective for primary lung cancer and localized tracheal cancer, possibly giving long-term survivals.