Stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients treated with domiciliary oxygen therapy is not well-known.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We collected the clinical records of 15 patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy at 1-3 l/min who were treated with SBRT for stage I non-small cell lung cancer. All patients were fixed with a thermoplastic body cast system. SBRT was given in 7-8 fields with an isocenter dose of 40-60 Gy in 4-10 fractions (median, 48 Gy in 4 fractions).

RESULTS

The overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates for all patients were 67.4% and 34.7%, while the disease-specific 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 90.0% and 72.0%, respectively. Pulmonary adverse effects were mild in the majority of the patients, although two patients had grade 2 radiation pneumonitis. The oxygen flow required increased slightly at follow-up periods greater than one year, but was still at an acceptable level.

CONCLUSION

SBRT was feasible for patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy.