Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for elderly non-small cell lung cancer patients

Objective To study the role of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy(3DCRT) in the treatment of elderly non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients.Methods From 2000 to 2004,39 elderly NSCLC patients(range 70-87 years) were treated by 3DCRT.Their Karnovsky performance score was 50-60 in 20 patients and those of the other 19 patients were not less than 70.Prescription dose were 40-60?Gy,with a median of 50?Gy.Results Thirty-six(92%) patients'symptoms were relieved at the end of treatment,with the other three patients' symptoms steady.Complete response and partial response was achieved in 19 and 17 patients respectively.The 1-year survival rate was 60%,with a median survival time of 10 months.Conclusions Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy is effective for elderly NSCLC patients in terms of symptom relief.For treatment choice of these senior NSCLC patients,the balance between tumor control and quality of life should be carefully considered.