Prophylactic cranial irradiation in limited disease small-cell lung cancer in complete remission: a retrospective analysis.
Recently a meta-analysis showed an improved survival probability of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in limited disease small-cell lung cancer (LD SCLC) in complete remission after chemotherapy. We evaluated treatment results of PCI+ and PCI- in these patients. Whether PCI (n = 65) or no PCI (n = 37) was administered did not depend either on patients or on tumour characteristics. After 2 years the incidence of brain metastases was 11% in PCI+ patients and 51% in PCI- patients. Both disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly longer after PCI. PCI reduces the incidence of brain metastases, prolongs brain metastases-free period, and overall survival in LD SCLC patients in complete remission after chemotherapy.
van der Linden
Y M
YM
University Medical Center Leiden, Department of Radiotherapy, The Netherlands.
van Kempen
M L
ML
van der Tweel
I
I
Vanderschueren
R G
RG
Schlösser
N J
NJ
Lammers
J W
JW
Struikmans
H
H
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000556:secondary; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000379:methods*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies