title: The role of prophylactic lung cancer irradiation in patients (with stage M1 disease) without chest symptoms.
abstract: The outcome with prophylactic lung cancer irradiation (PLCI) in persons with stage M1 disease but without chest symptoms was assessed in a retrospective review of 68 cases. Eighteen individuals (group A) received PLCI while 50 did not (group B). Median survival was similarly short (4 and 2 months, respectively) in group A and B. Twenty-one patients were evaluable concerning subsequent symptomatic local tumor progression (SLTP) based on clinical and radiographic manifestations. Three of 16 (19%) group B patients experienced SLTP, whereas none of the five in group A did (p = 0.26). Median survival was nine months in the latter and four months in the former patient set. The results suggested that, although PLCI may not enhance survival, it could promote a better quality of remaining life in these particular persons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport 71130.
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Ampil
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000528:radiation effects; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies