Current status of stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer

Int J Clin Oncol. 2007 Feb;12(1):3-7. doi: 10.1007/s10147-006-0646-6. Epub 2007 Feb 25.

Abstract

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for extracranial tumors has been recently performed to treat lung and liver cancers, and has subsequently been named stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). The advantages of hypofractionated radiotherapy for treating lung tumors are a shortened treatment course that requires fewer trips to the clinic than a conventional program, and the adoption of a smaller irradiated volume allowed by greater setup precision. This treatment is possible because the lung and liver are considered parallel organs at risk. The preliminary clinical results, mostly reported on lung cancer, have been very promising, including a local control rate of more than 90%, and a relatively low complication rate. The final results of a few clinical trials are awaited. SBRT may be useful for the treatment of stage I lung tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiosurgery / adverse effects
  • Radiosurgery / instrumentation
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Radiosurgery / trends*
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
  • Respiration
  • Surgical Fixation Devices
  • Tidal Volume