The role of radiotherapy in the management of small cell bronchogenic carcinoma.

Abstract

Following its discovery in 1895, radiation was used therapeutically in an attempt to control lung cancer. Unfortunately, success was tempered by the fact that the energy of the radiation was inadequate, which also resulted in cosiderable complications, especially if operative intervention followed. With the advent of megavoltage machines, more and more successes were reported in lung cancer generally, and the controversy arose as to whether radiation should be used alone or in conjunction with surgery. However, it became quickly apparent that such a controversy had far more ramifications when applied to small cell lung cancer, mainly because of the unrecognised degree of spread of the disease at presentation. Despite dramatic improvements in investigative techniques over the last two decades, the successful treatment of small cell lung cancer is considerably limited by its early occult spread.