Prospective study on stereotactic radiotherapy of limited-stage non-small-cell lung cancer

Purpose: To test the effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the treatment of medically inoperable patients with limited-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a Phase 11 trial. Methods and Materials: Forty patients with Stage 1 NSCLC were treated with SBRT with a central dose of 15 Gy x 3 within 5-8 days. Results: Eight patients (20%) obtained a complete response, 15 (38%) had a partial response, and 12 (30%) had no change or could not be evaluated. Only 3 patients had a local recurrence, and the local control rate 2 years after SBRT was 85%. At 2 years, 54% were without local or distant progression, and overall survival was 47%. Within 6 months after treatment, one or more Grade >= 2 reactions were observed in 48% of the patients. Conclusions: Stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with limited-stage NSCLC resulted in a high probability of local control and a promising survival rate. The toxicity after SBRT of lung tumors was moderate. However, deterioration in performance status, respiratory insufficiency, and other side effects were observed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc.