Abstract
We tested an accelerated radiotherapy regimen in order to increase local control and thus improve survival. Between 1998-2003, 31 patients with inoperable squamous lung cancer were irradiated with an accelerated schedule administering 75 Gy in 28 daily fractions.
Target volume encompassed only macroscopic tumor and enlarged lymph nodes, elective irradiation of the mediastinum was not performed. The treatment was well tolerated; all but one patient finished the treatment course as prescribed.
After a minimum two years of follow up, the local control is 61 per cent, 2-year disease-free-survival 35 per cent, and 2-year overall survival 42 per cent. Median overall survival is 19 months (range 0 - 50).
These excellent results confirm the existence of a time factor for squamous lung cancer and show promising results regarding local control and survival.