Impact of Radiation Dose on the Survival of Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Palliative Intent: Results of a Multicenter Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receive palliative radiotherapy (RT). Several factors were analyzed to aid in prescribing an optimal treatment for these patients.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter study investigated several potential factors for associations with overall survival (OS) in 61 patients with NSCLC receiving palliative RT with or without chemotherapy (CT). Investigated factors included age, sex, performance status, history of smoking or alcohol, hemoglobin, co-morbidities, different clinical symptoms, and quality-of-life aspects.

RESULTS

Median OS was 10.8 months, and OS rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 58.5%, 42.5%, and 28.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, RT alone (without CT), RT doses ≤30 Gy, advanced tumor stage (stage IV), and poor emotional functioning at diagnosis were associated with significantly worse OS.

CONCLUSION

Patients with NSCLC assigned to palliative RT may benefit from RT doses >30 Gy and additional CT. Sequential CT appears preferable, since concurrent CT increases esophageal toxicity.