| Factors Predicting the Development of Radiation Pneumonitis in the Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer. |
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Jin Yong An, Sun Jung Kwon, Yun Sun Lee, Hee Sun Park, Sung Soo Jung, Jin Whan Kim, Ju Ock Kim, Moon Jun Jo, Sun Young Kim |
1Pulmonology section, Department of Internal medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejon, Korea. sykim@cnu.ac.kr
2Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chungnam National University, Daejon, Korea.
3Department of Radiation oncology, Chungnam National University, Daejon, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
BACKGROUND
Radiation pneumonitis(RP) is the major serious complication of thoracic irradiation treatment. In this study, we attempted to retrospectively evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients who experienced acute RP and to identify factor that might allow prediction of RP. METHODS: Of the 114 lung cancer patients who underwent thoracic radiotherapy between December 2000 and December 2002, We performed analysis using a database of 90 patients who were capable of being evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 44 patients(48.9%) who experienced clinical RP in this study, the RP was mild in 33(36.6%) and severe in 11(12.3%). All of severe RP were treated with corticosteroids. The median starting corticosteroids dose was 34 mg(30~40) and median treatment duration was 68 days(8~97). The median survival time of the 11 patients who experienced severe RP was significantly poorer than the mild RP group. (p=0.046) The higher total radiation dose(>or=60 Gy) was significantly associated with developing in RP.(p=0.001) The incidence of RP did not correlate with any of the ECOG performance, pulmonary function test, age, cell type, history of smoking, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, once-daily radiotherapy dose fraction. Also, serum albumin level, uric acid level at onset of RP did not influence the risk of severe RP in our study. CONCLUSION: Only the higher total radiation dose(>or=60 Gy) was a significant risk factor predictive of RP. Also severe RP was an adverse prognostic factor. |
| Key Words:
Radiation pneumonitis, Lung cancer |
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