Treatment of bronchogenic cancer with conventional x-rays according to a specific time-dose pattern.

Abstract

This is A report of 43 patients with advanced nonresectable cancer of the lung who received conventional x-ray therapy according to an abbreviated time-dose pattern and showed subjective and objective improvement. Inoperable carcinoma of the lung is essentially an incurable disease either because of its local extension to vital structures (1) or because of distant metastasis. Experience has shown that when a dose of radiation sufficient to eradicate the local disease is delivered, irreparable changes in the surrounding normal lung tissue may be produced. While the morbidity secondary to these changes is incapacitating, it would be a small price to pay were the disease cured. However, with the frequent incidence of local extension and/or distant spread, both of which mitigate against cure, one should be circumspect in delivering high dosage to the lung. There is little doubt that irradiation can induce a significant degree of palliation in a great many patients. This should be accomplished with a dose that...