title: Validation and optimization of a predictive model for radiation pneumonitis in patients with lung cancer.
abstract: The aim of the current retrospective study was to validate a predictive model for radiation pneumonitis (STRIPE) in an independent dataset and to investigate whether the addition of other potential risk factors could strengthen the accuracy of the model. Consecutive patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC; n=71) treated with definitive concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy were retrospectively assessed for radiation pneumonitis (RP). The results identified that 16 (23%) patients developed grade ≥2 RP. Furthermore, STRIPE score (intermediate vs. low risk) was independently associated with the development of RP [odds ratio (OR), 3.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00-13.89], whereas current smoking status was found to be protective against RP (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.78). Similar discriminatory power of the STRIPE score was observed as in the original study. The addition of smoking status strengthened the model's discriminatory ability to predict RP. Thus, the addition of smoking status as a risk factor may strengthen the accuracy of the model for predicting RP in patients with NSCLC.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden; Department of Oncology, Mälarsjukhuset, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden.
authors.forename: Charlott
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mörth
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Mälarsjukhuset, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kafantaris
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden; Department of Anesthesia, Surgical Services and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castegren
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden; Department of Oncology, Mälarsjukhuset, SE-631 88 Eskilstuna, Sweden.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valachis
keywords: concurrent chemoradiation therapy; non-small cell lung cancer; radiation pneumonitis; radiotherapy