[Prophylactic cranial irradiation: a new standard for all responding patients with small cell lung cancer].
The occurrence of brain metastases in patients with small cell lung cancer increases with time and is a determinant of a poor prognosis. Previously, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was exclusively administered to patients with a complete response after chemotherapy. A new study has shown that PCI, compared to controls, decreases cumulative incidence of symptomatic brain metastases at one year by 25.8% (14.6% in the irradiaton group vs. 40.4% in the control group). PCI also prolongs both disease-free and overall survival. Only mild adverse effects were reported. This study sets a new standard for the treatment of all patients with small cell lung cancer who respond to chemotherapy. PCI should be administered 4-6 weeks after chemotherapy.
Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Longziekten, Groningen. h.j.m.groen@int.umcg.nl
H J M
HJ
Groen
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000556:secondary; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012074:Remission Induction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome