Abstract
Background: In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), approximately 25% have locally advanced disease. For patients with irresectable (N2-3 or T4) or inoperable disease, treatment consists of chemoradiotherapy. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy improves survival compared to sequential chemoradiotherapy in these patients. Patients and Methods: Treatment plans and completion of treatment was evaluated for all patients treated at the St. Antonius Hospital from 2008-2011 for NSCLC stage IIIA/B not eligible for surgery. Results: Between 2008 and 2011, 180 patients with NSCLC stage III were treated at our hospital. A total of 152 patients were not eligible for surgery; in 78 (51%) patients, primary treatment was chemoradiotherapy; 31 (20%) were planned for concomitant treatment. The most frequent reasons for refraining from concomitant chemoradiotherapy were limitations of radiotherapy constraints and condition of the patients (87%). Conclusion: Although concomitant chemoradiotherapy is the standard-of-care in patients with stage IIIA/B NSCLC ineligible for surgery, the majority (80%) of the patients were treated otherwise.
- Received June 29, 2016.
- Revision received July 18, 2016.
- Accepted July 22, 2016.
- Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved