External irradiation and intraluminal irradiation using middle-dose-rate iridium in patients with roentgenographically occult lung cancer

Background and Aim. Out-patient high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDREB) is a possible option in the palliation of symptoms in patients with advanced lung cancer, but literature data is limited and the technique is still under development in Italy. Our aim was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of out-patient HDREB for palliation of malignant endobronchial tumours in the context of a multidisciplinary approach. Methods. Out-patient HDREB sessions were scheduled at weekly intervals (500-1000 cGy per session) with prior Diodi-laser resection in some cases. Response was assessed bronchoscopically, clinically and functionally at the end of treatment and one month after the last HDREB session. Inclusion criteria was: histological evidence of malignant tumour not susceptible to surgical treatment for extension or co-morbidity. Results. 150 outpatient HDREB sessions were carried out on consecutive 35 patients (mean age 69 yrs, M/F 29/6) with symptoms due to central airway obstruction. A shortterm endoscopic response was observed in 15/28 patients. After delivering 2000 cGy dyspnoea decreased significantly. After one month cough decreased and haemoptysis disappeared. Palliation was obtained in all patients except one during. Lung function tests did not significantly improve after HDREB. No fatal complication occurred. A temporary radiation bronchitis was observed in six patients. Conclusions. This non-comparative, prospective observational study showed a palliative response of HDREB in most of patients with advanced endoluminal lung cancer. The safety of the procedure was good and the rate of non-fatal serious complications was very low.

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Radiation therapy for roentogenographically occult lung cancer by external beam irradiation and endobronchial high dose rate brachytherapy

Lung Cancer ◽

10.1016/s0169-5002(99)00059-8 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 183-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Masaya Furuta ◽

Iwao Tsukiyama ◽

Tatsuya Ohno ◽

Susumu Katano ◽

Kohei Yokoi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Dose Rate ◽

High Dose Rate ◽

High Dose ◽

External Beam ◽

Beam Irradiation ◽

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy ◽

External Beam Irradiation

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Lung Cancer Incidence After Exposure of Rats to Low Doses of Radon: Influence of Dose Rate

Radiation Protection Dosimetry ◽

10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a082429 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 56 (1-4) ◽

pp. 93-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

J.P. Morlier ◽

M. Morin ◽

G. Monchaux ◽

P. Fritsch ◽

J.F. Pineau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Dose Rate ◽

Cancer Incidence ◽

Lung Cancer Incidence ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Survival Times ◽

Radon Exposure ◽

Sprague Dawley Rats ◽

Low Levels ◽

And Control

Abstract To study the effect on lung cancer incidence of a long exposure to low levels of radon, 500 male 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats, were exposed to a cumulative dose of 25 WLM of radon and its daughters, 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, during 18 months. Exposure conditions were controlled in order to maintain a defined PAEC: 42 x 10-6 J.m-3 (2 WL), in the range of domestic and environmental exposures. Animals were kept until they died or given euthanasia when moribund. Mean survival times were similar in both irradiated and control groups: 828 days (SD = 169) and 830 days (SD = 137), as well as lung cancer incidence, 0.60% at 25 WLM and 0.63% for controls. The incidence of lung lesions was compared statistically with controls and those previously obtained at cumulative exposures of 25 and 50 WLM delivered over a 4-6 month period, inducing a significant increase of lung cancer, 2.2% and 3.8% respectively. Such a comparison showed a decreased lung cancer incidence related to a decrease in the dose rate for low levels of radon exposure.

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