EFFECT OF THREE DIMENSIONAL CONFORMAL RADIOTHERAPY FOR NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Objective To evaluate the short-term effect of three dimensional conformal radiation therapy(3DCRT) for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) and its side reactions. Methods Thirty-two NSCLC patients were treated with 3DCRT, or 3DCRT + conventional external irradiation or chemotherapy + conventional external irradiation + 3DCRT, respectively. Another 32 NSCLC patients were treated with chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy. The results of the two groups were compared. Results In the treated group, the results were: CR, eight cases(25.0%); PR, 21 (65.5%); ND, three (9.3%); and CR+PR, 29 (90.6%). The acute radiation esophagitis and pneumonitis rates were 14.2% ( n =7) and 12.5% ( n =4), respectively, both of grade 1-2. After therapy, the KPS of 31 patients improved, with one-year survival rate being 86.0%, and the median survival period 16.5 months .In the control group, the results were: CR, three cases(9.3%); PR, 18 (56.5%); ND, 11 (34.3%); and CR+PR, 21 (56.5%). The acute radiation esophagitis and pneumonitis occurred in 17 (53.1%) and 11 patients(34.3%), respectively. After the therapy, the KPS of 25 patients improved, with one-year survival rate being 60.0%, and the median survival period 12 months. Significant difference existed in the effective rate and main side reactions between the two groups( H_c=81.25,χ 2=9.52, P 0.01 ). Conclusion 3DCRT in combination with other therapies for NSCLC can obtain a satisfactory short-term effect and decrease side reactions.