title: Hypofractionated accelerated radiochemotherapy with cytoprotection (Chemo-HypoARC) for inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Concurrent radiochemotherapy and altered radiotherapy fractionation are under thorough investigation in locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
  
  
  METHODS
  The efficacy and tolerance of hypofractionated accelerated radiochemotherapy supported with high dose (up to 1000 mg daily) amifostine cytoprotection (hypoARC) was examined in 31 patients. Fifteen fractions of 3.5 Gy were delivered within 28-35 days. Liposomal doxorubicin and oxaliplatin were concurrently given.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 65% of patients tolerated a daily amifostine dose of 750-1000 mg. Chemotherapy had an excellent tolerance. Grade 3 oesophagitis was noted in 7/31 (22.5%) patients. Radiation pneumonitis was absent and radiation fibrosis minimal. Complete and partial response were observed in 12/31 (38.6%) and 17/31 (54.8%) patients, respectively. The 2-year estimated local progression-free and overall survival interval were 58% and 45%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the simplicity of HypoARC, the very low morbidity, and the high complete response and survival rates obtained, HypoARC regimens deserve further testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece. targ@her.forthnet.gr
authors.forename: Michael I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Koukourakis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Patlakas
authors.forename: Marios E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Froudarakis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kyrgias
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skarlatos
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abatzoglou
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bougioukas
authors.forename: Demosthenes
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bouros
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004999:Amifostine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019610:Cytoprotection; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004999:Amifostine