title: Definitive radiotherapy plus regional hyperthermia with or without chemotherapy for superior sulcus tumors: a 20-year, single center experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy and toxicity of definitive radiotherapy (RT) plus regional hyperthermia (HT) in treating superior sulcus tumors (SSTs), and to identify predictors of positive outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four patients with SSTs treated with definitive RT plus regional HT were retrospectively analyzed. The median total dose of RT was 70 Gy. All patients were treated with an 8-MHz RF-capacitive heating device. Twelve of 24 (50%) patients also underwent chemotherapy. Those with either subcutaneous fat measuring 2.5 cm or greater, or any other serious complications did not undergo this therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall survival, local control, and distant metastasis-free survival rates at 3 years were 47%, 55%, and 71%, respectively. Chemotherapy and younger age (<65 years) were significant predictors of the overall survival rate. Clinical stage (IIB) was a statistically significant prognostic indicator for local control survival rate. Toxicities were mild, with Grade 3 dermatitis seen in one patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Definitive RT plus regional HT with chemotherapy may be a promising treatment for SSTs. The results justify further evaluation with detailed treatment protocols in a large number of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: Seung Dae
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Takayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohguri
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Imada
authors.forename: Katsuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yahara
authors.forename: Shinsaku
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hanagiri
authors.forename: Kosei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yasumoto
authors.forename: Kazuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yatera
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mukae
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Terashima
authors.forename: Yukunori
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Korogi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010178:Pancoast Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents