Postoperative radiotherapy of NSCLC--outcome after 3-D treatment planning.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefit of postoperative radiotherapy depending on lymph node involvement in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of patients with NSCLC, who have been treated at the University of Giessen between 1986 and 1996 by surgery (n = 437) or surgery and 3-D planned postoperative radiotherapy with 50-60 Gy (n = 115). Evaluation of survival rates and risk of death depending on postoperative radiotherapy taking into account N-category, tumor stage, completeness of resection and performance status.


RESULTS
With individually 3-D planned postoperative radiotherapy there was a lower risk of death in all stages with lymph node metastases. The relative risks of death and the 95% CI were in pN1 0.64 (0.39-1.03), in pN2 0.31 (0.18-0.56) and in pN3 0.25 (0.10-0.64).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the risk of death in NSCLC with lymph node involvement can be reduced by individually 3-D planned postoperative radiotherapy.
von Lieven
H
H
Wilhelm-Conrad-Röntgen-Klinik, University of Giessen.
Burkhardt
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome