Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer using intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique

Abstract

Background: major progress in the management of non-small cell lung cancer emerged in the last years. Survival rate markedly improved in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer with the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy treatment. Novel radiation techniques decreased the incidence of toxicity from radiotherapy. Aim of the work: Assess toxicity, local control, progression-free and overall survival resulting from usage of concurrent chemoradiotherapy treatment in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer using intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique. Patient and methods: this study included patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer, received concurrent chemoradiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique. Results: out of 32 patients included 17 (53.13%) were presented in stage IIIA and 15 (46.87%) in stage IIIB. The commonest histopathological type was non-squamous cell carcinoma, it was detected in 21 patients (65.62%), and squamous cell carcinoma which was detected in 11 patients (34.37%).  Partial response was achieved in 18 (56.25%) patients, 10 (31.25%) patients had stable disease and 4 (12.5%) patients had progressive disease. Median overall survival was 10.2 months, while median progression-free survival was 6.5 months, no patients developed ≥ grade III esophagitis or pneumonitis. Conclusion: concurrent chemoradiotherapy treatment with Paclitaxel – Carboplatin, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique is a well-tolerated treatment regimen with acceptable toxicity profile and fair survival in patients with unresectable Stage IIIA-IIIB non-small cell lung cancer.