Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) experience.
BACKGROUND
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced treatment delivery technique that can improve the therapeutic dose ratio. Its use in the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been well studied. This report reviews our experience with IMRT for patients with inoperable NSCLC.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of 55 patients with stage I-IIIB inoperable NSCLC treated with IMRT at our institution between 2001 and 2005. The study endpoints were toxicity, local control, and overall survival.


RESULTS
With a median follow-up of 26 months, the 2-year local control and overall survival rates for stage I/II patients were 50% and 55%, respectively. For the stage III patients, 2-year local control and overall survival rates were 58% and 58%, respectively, with a median survival time of 25 months. Six patients (11%) experienced grade 3 acute pulmonary toxicity. There were no acute treatment-related deaths. Two patients (4%) had grade 3 or worse late treatment-related pulmonary toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
IMRT treatment resulted in promising outcomes for inoperable NSCLC patients.
Sura
Sonal
S
Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Gupta
Vishal
V
Yorke
Ellen
E
Jackson
Andrew
A
Amols
Howard
H
Rosenzweig
Kenneth E
KE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome