[Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy combined with stereotactic radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: efficacy and complications].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) combined with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and the radiation-induced complications in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Sixty-eight patients with locally advanced NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The 33 patients in groups A received 3DCRT at the total dose of 66 to 70 Gy in 33 to 35 fractions, and the 35 patents in group B received stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) at the dose of 20 Gy in 4 fractions (500 cGy per fraction every other day) after 60 Gy 3DCRT.


RESULTS
The total response rates in groups A and B were 56.3% and 80.0%, with the complete remission rates of 9.4% and 28.6%, respectively, both showing significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The 1- and 2-year survival rates of the patients in group A were 65.6% and 46.8%, respectively, which were comparable to those in group B (74.3% and 51.4%, respectively, P>0.05). The median survival time in groups A and B were 12.6 and 18.3 months, respectively. The major radiation-induced complications in the two groups included grade I to II acute radiation esophagitis and hematopoietic toxicity. The complications in later stages following the radiation were grade I to II radiation lung fibrosis, occurring at a similar incidence between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of 3DCRT and SRT produces better therapeutic effects than 3DCRT alone in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.
Wang
Xi-Cheng
XC
Department of Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Huang
Xiao-Bo
XB
Ding
Ying
Y
Mo
Kai-Lan
KL
Yang
Shu
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000379:methods*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D055815:Young Adult