Thoracic radiotherapy of limited-stage small cell lung cancer : current situation of dose fractionation / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Thoracic radiotherapy is a major treatment and dose fractionation remains controversial in limited-stage small cell lung cancer. Twice-daily (BID) radiotherapy, as a standard protocol established in prospective studies, is often replaced by other treatment strategies in clinical practice due to the occurrence of side effects and inconvenience. In addition, in inoperable stage Ⅰ small cell lung cancer with negative lymph nodes, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) provides a new option for some elderly patients who are expected to be unable to tolerate long-term radiotherapy. The appropriate dose fractionation scheme can both ensure the therapeutic effects and reduce toxic effects. This article reviews the research of limited-stage small cell lung cancer about dose fractionation.