Treatment outcomes of patients with superior vena cava syndrome who received high dose radiotherapy at UP - PGH from 2009 - 2011.
- Author:
Benedicto Maria Teresa U.
;
Benedicto Jubert P.
;
Depayso Marbe Joy A.
;
Limkin Elaine Johana C.
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- MeSH: Human; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Adenocarcinoma Of Lung; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome; Hospitals, General; Lung Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma; Patient Care; Thorax; Dyspnea
- From: Acta Medica Philippina 2013;47(3):74-79
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: 85% of cases of Superior Vena Cava Obstruction (SVCO) are caused by malignancy. Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective therapeutic modality for SVCO localized in the thorax, especially for obstructive causes.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical profile and outcomes of patients who received radiation treatment at UP-PGH from January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2001.
METHODS: Records of patients with SVCO were reviewed. The patient's demographic profiles were collected. Outcomes were labaled as recovered, improved, not improved and died based on standard definitions.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive study.
STUDY SETTING: Philippine General Hospital
STUDY POPULATION: UP-PGH patients with SVCO from 2009-2011.
RESULTS: The majority of the referrals were from general medicine (50%) and the most common symptom was dyspnea (73%); however, it took the patients 2-4 weeks from the onset of symptoms to seek consult. 36% of patients had lung adenocarcinoma with disseminated disease at diagnosis. The majority (73%) showed symptomatic response after receiving the SVC dose.
CONCLUSION: The importance of multidisciplinary approach to patient care cannot be overemphasized. Improvement in signs and symptoms, particularly with that of dyspnea, was noted in 72.5% of patients after receiving radiation therapy. Of the 8 patients who followed up for completion therapy, 5/8 of them reported significant improvement.