A Prognostic Tool to Estimate the Risk of Pneumonitis in Patients Irradiated for Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radiotherapy of lung cancer can lead to pneumonitis. This study aimed to identify risk factors and create a prognostic tool.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Sixteen factors were evaluated in 169 patients irradiated for lung cancer including age, sex, lung function, primary tumor/nodal stage, histology, tumor location, surgery, systemic treatment, radiation volume, total dose, mean dose to ipsilateral lung, history of another malignancy, pack years, chronic inflammatory disease, and cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients experienced pneumonitis. Significant associations were found for total doses >56 Gy (p=0.023), mean lung doses >20 Gy (p=0.002) or >13 Gy (p<0.001), and chronic inflammatory disease (p=0.034). Considering mean lung dose and chronic inflammatory disease, scores were 2, 3, 4, or 5 points. Pneumonitis rates were 0% (0/35), 24% (14/58), 32% (21/66), and 60% (6/10) (p=0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on significant risk factors, a prognostic tool was developed that can help estimate the risk of pneumonitis and contribute to personalized follow up of patients.