RESUMO
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy is one of the important treatment methods for patients aged 65 and older with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy in elderly patients with inoperable NSCLC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-one patients aged 65 and older with stage II and III NSCLC were treated by three dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Clinical effects, survival rates and pulmonary toxicity were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall response rate (CR+PR) was 87.1% (27/31). The 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 83.9% (26/31), 51.6% (16/31), and 25.8% (8/31) respectively. The relation of treatment efficacy and tumor size was observed. Acute radiation pneumonitis occurred in 3.2% (1/31) of the patients. Radiation pulmonary fibrosis occurred in 19.4% (6/31) of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with inoperable NSCLC and has a high survival rate.</p>
