Minimal Elective Nodal Failure in Lung Cancer Without Prophylactic Irradiation
Author Information
Author(s): Sulman Erik P, Komaki Ritsuko, Klopp Ann H, Cox James D, Chang Joe Y
Primary Institution: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Does excluding elective nodal irradiation affect the rate of elective nodal failure in non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy?
Conclusion
Excluding elective nodal irradiation resulted in only a 4.3% recurrence of any elective nodal failure in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The median overall survival was 19 months.
- The overall rate of distant metastasis was 36%.
- Only 5 patients (4.3%) developed elective nodal failure.
Takeaway
When treating lung cancer, not giving extra radiation to healthy lymph nodes didn't lead to many problems, showing that we can focus on the areas that really need it.
Methodology
The study reviewed records of 115 patients treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy, analyzing outcomes like survival and recurrence.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to retrospective design and specific patient inclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted at a single institution, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 65 years, with 58 men and 57 women; 77% had locally advanced disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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