[Non-small cell lung cancer. Survival after radiotherapy and prognostic factors].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the results of radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and identify the clinical and therapeutic variables that might influence prognosis.


METHODS
In a population base of 109 patients, 87 met the enrollment criteria. The patients received thoracic radiotherapy over the macroscopic tumor volume and lymph drainage areas, using conventional fractions. Systemic cytostatic therapy was also given to 61% of the patients.


RESULTS
Staging was as follows: 33% (28/87) I and II, 20% (18/87) IIIA and 47% (41/87) IIIB. The mean radiotherapy dose was 66.7 Gy (95% CI, 65-67). Full clinical remission was achieved by 22% (18/87), half of whom later suffered recurrences. Partial remission was achieved by 26% (21/87). No response was observed in 52% (42/87). Statistically significant differences in actuarial survival rates were found for staging and tumor response. Mean survival for stages I and II was 29 months (95% CI, 19-39), for IIIA it was 22 (95% CI, 16-28) months, and for IIIB 16 months (95% CI, 12-20). The most common complications were cutaneous, esophageal and pulmonary, with a low incidence of grade 3 toxicity (less than 3%) and absence of grade 4.


CONCLUSIONS
No differences in survival were observed for age, tumor location or histological type. Local control of the disease decisively influenced patient survival.
Jaén Olasolo
J
J
Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica. Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar. Cádiz. Spain. jjaen@hpm.sas.junta-andalucia.es
Alonso Redondo
E
E
León Jiménez
A
A
Rueda Ramos
A
A
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004947:Esophagus / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000528:radiation effects; D015993:Life Tables; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D015182:Lymphatic Irradiation; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013270:Stomach / Q000528:radiation effects; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome