High Incidence of Radiation Pneumonitis After Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Lung Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Yamashita Hideomi, Nakagawa Keiichi, Nakamura Naoki, Koyanagi Hiroki, Tago Masao, Igaki Hiroshi, Shiraishi Kenshiro, Sasano Nakashi, Ohtomo Kuni
Primary Institution: University of Tokyo Hospital
Hypothesis
Can dose volume histogram factors predict the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis after stereotactic radiation therapy for lung tumors?
Conclusion
The study found a high incidence of lung toxicity even with stereotactic radiation therapy when large volumes of lung tissue are irradiated.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven out of 25 patients suffered from symptomatic radiation pneumonitis.
- The overall incidence rate of grade 2 or more radiation pneumonitis was 29% at 18 months after treatment.
- Three patients died from radiation pneumonitis.
Takeaway
This study shows that many patients can get sick from radiation treatment for lung tumors, even if the treatment is supposed to be safe.
Methodology
The study involved 25 patients treated with stereotactic radiation therapy, with dose volume histogram factors measured before treatment.
Potential Biases
The data was collected retrospectively, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and missing lung function data for some patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 50 to 84 years, with a median age of 77; the female to male ratio was 4:21.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0394
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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