BACKGROUNDThree dimensional conformal radiotherapy is one of the important treatment methods for patients aged 65 and older with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy in elderly patients with inoperable NSCLC.

METHODSThirty-one patients aged 65 and older with stage II and III NSCLC were treated by three dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Clinical effects, survival rates and pulmonary toxicity were analyzed.

RESULTSThe overall response rate (CR+PR) was 87.1% (27/31). The 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 83.9% (26/31), 51.6% (16/31), and 25.8% (8/31) respectively. The relation of treatment efficacy and tumor size was observed. Acute radiation pneumonitis occurred in 3.2% (1/31) of the patients. Radiation pulmonary fibrosis occurred in 19.4% (6/31) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONSThree dimensional conformal radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with inoperable NSCLC and has a high survival rate.