title: Limited resection for non-small cell lung cancer: observed local control with implantation of I-125 brachytherapy seeds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Limited resection for lung cancer has been associated with a relatively high incidence of local recurrence. This retrospective study evaluates the impact of implanting radioactive iodine-125 (125I) seeds along the resection margin in these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-three patients with lung cancer who were not candidates for lobectomy or pneumonectomy underwent a limited resection of 35 primary non-small cell lung cancers. 125I brachytherapy seeds were implanted along the resection margin to reduce the risk of local recurrence. Survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and sites of recurrence were documented. Follow-up ranged from 20 to 98 months (median, 51 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 5-year survival was 47% for all patients. For patients with T1N0 tumors, it was 67%, and for patients with T2N0 tumors, it was 39%. However, the cancer-specific survivals were 77% and 53% for patients with T1N0 and T2N0 tumors, respectfully. Ten patients experienced recurrence, with two local (at the resection margin) and six regional recurrences (five mediastinum, one chest wall). Both local recurrences and one regional recurrence occurred in the 19 patients with T1N0 tumors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  125I seed implantation along the resected margin for compromised patients undergoing limited resection of lung cancer results in a relatively low incidence of local recurrence and may prolong survival.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Radiation Oncology, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Winnie
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Benedict D T
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: DiPetrillo
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Neuschatz
authors.forename: Jody
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morr
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rivard
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes