Concurrent high-dose radiotherapy with low-dose chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer of the superior sulcus.

Abstract

In the treatment of patients with tumours of the sulcus superior (SST), achieving local control is essential because residual or recurrent disease is associated with severe locoregional problems. This study evaluates the efficacy of concurrent daily low-dose cisplatin (6 mg/m(2)) and high-dose radiotherapy (66 Gy) followed by surgical resection in selected patients. Clinical charts, imaging and pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Forty-nine patients with stage II/III SST were treated with concurrent high-dose radiotherapy and low-dose chemotherapy (CRT). Mean follow-up was 49 months (range 2-152). Nineteen patients underwent additional resection after CRT. In 53% a pathological complete response (pCR) was observed (10/19 pts). Acute severe toxicity occurred in 49% (9/19 pts). Late severe toxicity occurred in 3 patients. The 2- and 5-year overall survival was 74% and 33%, respectively. Local tumour control was 100%. Thirty patients received CRT only. Acute severe toxicity occurred in 23% (7/30 pts). Treatment-related mortality was 2%. The 2- and 5-year overall survival was 31% and 18%, respectively. Locoregional disease-free survival was 48% at 5 years. Concurrent high-dose (66 Gy) radiotherapy and daily low-dose cisplatin was associated with a high pCR rate. Excellent local control was achieved after additional resection in selected patients. However, the occurrence of severe toxicity in long-term survivors after concurrent chemoradiation followed by surgery must be considered.