OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility, therapeutic effects and complications of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

METHODSThe data of 19 SCLC patients treated between June 2001 and August 2003, with 3DCRT were reviewed and analyzed. Eighteen patients were treated by radiotherapy plus chemotherapy while only 1 patient by radiotherapy alone. Radiotherapy was delivered at 2 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions per week with a median total dose of 54 Gy. Chemotherapy consisted of 4 - 6 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin or carboplatin. The median follow-up time was 24 months.

RESULTS(1) The overall response rate after 3DCRT was 79.0%, with a complete remission rate of 31.6% (6/19), partial remission rate of 47.4% (9/19). The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) was 71.7% and 35.8% respectively, with a median survival time (MST) of 19 months, and both the 1- and 2-year local progression free survival (LPFS) were 94.7%. (2) Of these 19 patients, grade 2 acute radiation pneumonitis developed in 5.3%, grade 2 late radiation pneumofibrosis in 5.3%, grade 2 acute radiation esophagitis in 10.5% and grade 2 acute hematologic toxicity in 10.5%.

CONCLUSIONThree-dimensional conformal radiotherapy is feasible in the treatment of SCLC with high response rate and acceptable complications. Further observation, more patients treated by 3DCRT and prolonged follow-up are needed to evaluate remote survival.