Thoracic irradiation of limited small cell lung cancer: have we defined optimal dose, time, and fractionation?
There is a general agreement that patients with limited small cell lung cancer (L-SCLC) are better treated with a combination of thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) and systemic chemotherapy (CT) than with either modality alone. There is little agreement, however, and few data from prospective trials, to define optimal ways of combining these modalities. This article will review available data on radiation dose, timing, fractionation, and volume issues in an attempt to develop standards for current practice and suggest appropriate questions for future prospective clinical trials.
Wagner
H
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Thoracic Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D015996:Survival Rate