Abstract
The results of a total of 118 cases of inoperable or unresectable lung cancer, which received radical radiotherapy were analyzed.
1) Of the 118 cases 53/118 survived one year (44.9%), 20/115 survived two years (17.4%) and 6/100 survived three years (6.0%) and the median survival was 10.8 months. Eleven cases (9.3%) are still alive with no evidence of recurrence for periods offrom one year and 10 months to 10 years.
2) As the stage advanced, the survival rate generally decreased. There was no significant difference in the survival rates of small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, but the survival rate of large cell carcinoma was the worst.
3) Extension of survival was obtained by combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy, especially in small cell carcinoma.
4) The response to therapy was better in small cell carcinoma than in non-small cell carcinoma. A close correlation between the response rate and prognosis was observed. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain complete response by combined treatment with chemotherapy in small cell carcinoma to improve the survival rate, and to obtain partial response or better in non-small cell carcinoma.
5) Radiation therapy may be considered as one of the methods of radical treatment for carcinoma of the lung.
