Purpose: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective modality for treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer. We report our single institution experience in using protracted course of SBRT as a palliative treatment for lung tumors.
Methods: Patients with symptomatic lung lesions treated with palliative intent SBRT were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were not amenable to curative treatment due to previous irradiation, large-sized lesions, or advanced disease. Patients received 50-52 Gy in 10-12 fractions daily for 2 weeks.
Results: Ten patients, 5 males and 5 females, were treated over 3 years. Seven primary lesions, 2 metastatic lesions, and 1 recurrent primary lesion were treated. Patients ranged from aged 41-84 years with a mean age of 72 years. With a median follow-up of 11.5 months, the median overall survival was 18 months. Of 14 symptoms that were treated, 9 (64%) had complete resolution. Two patients (14%) had partial improvement, and 2 patients (14%) had no response. One patient (7%) had worsening symptoms following treatment. The median time to response was 27 days. Symptoms relapsed in 3 (21%) patients with median time of 3.7 months. A majority of patients (70%) remained symptom free until last follow-up. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or higher toxicity.
Conclusions: SBRT is a safe, effective, and durable treatment modality for palliating lung tumors that are not suitable for curative treatment.
