非小细胞肺癌术后适形放疗肺损伤相关因素研究

目的 分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)术后接受三维适形放疗(3DCRT)肺损伤的相关因素.方法 对2002年11月至2006年3月符合入组条件的90例患者进行回顾性分析,其中Ⅰ～Ⅱ期12例(切缘阳性),ⅢA期53例,ⅢB期25例.术后均接受了中位剂量60 Gy的3DCRT,38例接受了中位3周期术后化疗.观察指标为CTC 3.0 2级以上放射性肺炎(RP).应用ROC曲线分析健侧、患侧和双肺接受x Gy剂量的相对体积(Vx)和绝对体积与RP的关系.结果 全组共9例患者出现有症状的RP,RP发生率为10%.接受全肺切除的20例患者中无RP发生.RP中位发生时间在放疗开始后101 d,其中2级7例,3级2例.双肺V30、V35在RP组明显高于未发生RP组(19%∶14%,U=-2.16,P=0.030;15%:11%,U=-2.65,P=0.007).以患侧肺接受30 Gy照射的绝对体积作为分界点进行ROC曲线分析结果 显示曲线下面积为0.757,对RP预测的敏感性为88%、特异性为70%.患肺接受30 Gy照射的绝对体积>340 cm3的RP发生率明显高于体积<340 cm3的(29%∶3%,x2=9.75,P=0.003).结论 对于肺叶切除的NSCLC患者接受术后放疗,患肺接受30 Gy照射的绝对体积与RP相关.对全肺切除患者,单肺V20限制在10%以下,接受术后放疗是安全可行的.     

三维适形放疗局部晚期非小细胞肺癌的放射性肺炎风险因素研究

目的分析三维适形放疗(3DCRT)的ⅢA和ⅢB期非小细胞肺癌病例,分别评估≥2、3级放射性肺炎的发生与临床及剂量学参数的关系。方法107例病理组织学证实的ⅢA、ⅢB期非小细胞肺癌接受了平均60(26-74)Gy的3DCRT,其中42例单纯放疗,65例序贯放化疗。记录各临床因素及剂量体积直方图(DVH)参数,观察放疗结束3个月内发生的≥2级放射性肺炎(RP)和≥3级的放射性肺炎(SRP)。分级采用NCICTC3.0标准,统计用SPSS10.0软件包。结果107例共发生放射性肺炎39例,其中2级26例,3级10例,5级3例,SRP标准的13例。对RP单因素分析显示MLD、IMLD、CMLD、IV20-IV35、CV10、CV15、CV40、CV50及V10-V35有统计学意义(P=0.004、0.009、0.047、0.010、0.008、0.014、0.031、0.022、0.016、0.023、0.026、0.048、0.006、0.002、0.027、0.032、0.043),多因素分析显示V20是惟一RP发生的预测因子(P=0.005)。对SRP单因素分析显示MLD、IV20、IV25、IV30、CV5、CV10、V10、V15、V20、V30有统计学意义(P=0.005),多因素分析显示CV10是惟一SRP发生的预测因子(P=0.028)。结论对Ⅲ期非小细胞肺癌3DCRT,DVH参数与放射性肺炎的发生明显相关,其中V20、CV10分别是预测RP、SRP的剂量学指标。     

Ⅲ+Ⅳ期非小细胞肺癌三维适形或调强放疗中复合指标预测放射性肺炎前瞻性临床研究

目的 探讨非小细胞肺癌三维适形或调强放疗正常肺V5和V10联合V20评价放射性肺炎(RP)的意义.方法 采用三维适形或调强后程加速超分割放疗经病理或细胞学证实初治非小细胞肺癌患者90例,其中Ⅲa期6例、Ⅲb期29例、Ⅳ期55例.放疗剂量61～80 Gy,中位数70 Gy.由剂量体积直方图计算全肺V5、V10、V20、V30、平均肺剂量(MLD),对侧肺V5、V10及同侧肺V30.用CTC3.0标准评估肺损伤.结果 90例患者中发生RP为1级29例、2级23例、3级5例、4级1例、5级1例.全肺V5、V10、V20、对侧肺V10、大体肿瘤体积(GTV)、计划靶体积、射野数目与≥1级RP相关(χ2=2.04、2.05、2.01、4.62、6.50、5.61、5.61,P=0.044、0.043、0.047、0.030、0.010、0.020、0.020),全肺V5、V10、V20和V30、MLD与≥2级RP相关(χ2=2.05、2.20、2.96、4.96、5.20,P=0.040、0.030、0.000、0.030、0.020).多因素分析显示GTV与≥1级RP发生相关(χ2=4.06,P=0.044),V20与≥2级RP发生相关(χ2=9.61,P=0.002).全肺V5、V10、V20的中位数分别为66%、48%、31%.V20>31%时≥2级RP概率增加,V20>31%+V10>48%+V5>66%时≥2级RP概率增加,V20>31%+V5>66%时≥2级RP概率增加;V20>31%时V10>48%与<48%比较RP概率相似,V20≤31%时V5>66%与<66%、V10>48%与<48%比较RP概率也相似.性别、年龄、临床分期、病理类型、治疗方式、KPS与≥1、2级RP无关.结论 肺V5、V10联合V20评价放射性肺炎的发生可能提高预测放射性肺炎的能力.     

Nivolumab-induced radiation recall pneumonitis in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with thoracic radiation therapy

The role of previous thoracic radiation therapy as a risk factor of immune-related pneumonitis is unclear. Furthermore, some patients develop radiation recall pneumonitis, which is characterized by a radiation pneumonitis-like imaging pattern with consolidation progressing within a previous radiation field. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed the relationship of previous thoracic radiation therapy with immune-related pneumonitis and the characteristics of radiation recall pneumonitis. The medical records of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who had received nivolumab between December 2015 and March 2017 at five institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence, imaging patterns, clinical course, and risk factors of immune-related pneumonitis and radiation recall pneumonitis were evaluated. A total of 669 patients were evaluated, and the incidences of all-grade and grade 3 or higher immune-related pneumonitis were 8.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The incidences of immune-related pneumonitis were 13.2% (34/257) and 6.1% (25/412) in patients with and those without previous thoracic radiation therapy, respectively. A history of previous thoracic radiation therapy was associated with immune-related pneumonitis (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–3.69 in multivariate analysis). Among the patients with previous thoracic radiation therapy, 6.2% (16/257) showed radiation recall pattern. This study found an increased risk of nivolumab-induced immune-related pneumonitis associated with a history of thoracic radiation therapy. Radiation recall pattern was one of the major patterns of immune-related pneumonitis among the patients with previous thoracic radiation therapy. Incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of radiation recall pneumonitis were elucidated.     

Dose-volume histogram analysis as predictor of radiation pneumonitis in primary lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between various parameters derived from lung dose-volume histogram analysis and the risk of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for primary lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The records of 156 patients with lung cancer who had been treated with radical radiotherapy (>/=45 Gy) and for whom dose-volume histogram data were available were reviewed. The incidence of symptomatic RP was correlated with a variety of parameters derived from the dose-volume histogram data, including the volume of lung receiving 10 Gy (V(10)) through 50 Gy (V(50)) and the mean lung dose (MLD). RESULTS: The rate of RP at 6 months was 15% (95% confidence interval 9-22%). On univariate analysis, only V(30) (p = 0.036) and MLD (p = 0.043) were statistically significantly related to RP. V(30) correlated highly positively with MLD (r = 0.96, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: V(30) and MLD can be used to predict the risk of RP in lung cancer patients undergoing radical radiotherapy.     

Elective nodal irradiation in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy

PURPOSE: Dose escalation using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) has been investigated as a means to improve local control. However, with higher doses, the risk of toxicity increases. Early in our experience, we ceased treating elective nodal areas (lymph node stations without evidence of tumor involvement) in an effort to decrease toxicity while treating the gross tumor to higher doses. This report measures the rate of regional failure without elective radiation therapy to uninvolved lymph nodes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 171 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with 3D-CRT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1991 and 1998 were reviewed. Only lymph node regions initially involved with tumor either by biopsy (55%) or radiographic criteria (node > or =15 mm in the short axis on CT) were included in the clinical target volume. Elective nodal failure was defined as a recurrence in an initially uninvolved lymph node in the absence of local failure. RESULTS: Only 11 patients (6.4%) with elective nodal failure were identified. With a median follow-up of 21 months in survivors, the 2-year actuarial rates of elective nodal control and primary tumor control were 91% and 38%, respectively. In patients who were locally controlled, the 2-year rate of elective nodal control was 85%. The median time to elective nodal failure was 4 months (range, 1-19 months). Most patients failed in multiple lymph node regions simultaneously. CONCLUSION: Local control remains one of the biggest challenges in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. Most patients in our series developed local failure within 2 years of radiation therapy. The omission of elective nodal treatment did not cause a significant amount of failure in lymph node regions not included in the clinical target volume. Therefore, we will continue our policy of treating mediastinal lymph node regions only if they are clinically involved with tumor.     

Interplanner variability in carrying out three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer

This study evaluated the variability among six radiation therapy planners in planning radiation treatment for four patients with lung cancer using two treatment protocols. The interplanner variability for target conformity and homogeneity was smaller than the variability among the patients and planning approaches. The same was found for the dose volume indices achieved for most critical structures, indicating that interplanner variability is not likely to be an important source of variation in radiotherapy studies if concise treatment protocols are followed.     

Escalated dose for non-small-cell lung cancer with accelerated hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the feasibility and efficacy of a hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy regimen (72 Gy in 24 daily fractions, 3 Gy per fraction) in patients (pts) with non-resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 25 pts with a histologically or cytologically proven NSCLC, with KPS > or = 70 and < or =10% weight loss over prior three months, and with tumour stage I/II medically inoperable (9 pts) or non-resectable stage III a/b without pleural effusion (16 pts). Eleven pts received induction chemotherapy. No more than 30% of the combined lung volume could receive more than 25 Gy and the maximal biological effective dose to the spinal cord was maintained below 44 Gy. RESULTS: No grade-4 acute toxicity event was reported. Two pts had a treatment break because of grade-3 acute oesophagitis. Twenty-two pts were evaluable for long-term toxicity (median follow-up=9.7 months, range 4 to 30.2 months). There were 4 Grade-1 pulmonary and 2 Grade-1 oesophageal long-term toxicity events. Twenty-two pts were evaluable for tumour response with 7 complete and 8 partial responses, 5 stable diseases and 2 progressive diseases. The actuarial 1-year overall and thoracic-progression-free survival rates were 68% and 72% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of the experimental radiotherapy schedule, however more data are needed to confirm its efficacy.     

A prospective study on radiation pneumonitis following conformal radiation therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer: clinical and dosimetric factors analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical and dosimetric prognostic factors for radiation pneumonitis (RP) have been reported after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients who received 3D-CRT for stage IA to IIIB NSCLC were evaluated prospectively. Surgery was performed before radiation in 51% of the patients (n = 49). RP was diagnosed six-eight weeks after 3D-CRT using the Lent-Soma classification. Factors evaluated included treatment factors such as total mean lung dose (MLD), and dose-volume histogram (DVH) thresholds for several radiation dose steps. These thresholds were originally determined from the median of the irradiated lung volume at each step. RESULTS: Six patients could not be evaluated for RP six weeks after 3D-CRT. Of the 90 remaining patients, 40 (44%) had RP (i.e. grade > or =1) at 6 weeks, including 7 patients (7.8%) with severe RP (grade > or =2). Regarding the whole toxicity (grade > or =1), age (> or =60 years), MLD, V20 and V30 were significantly related to RP. DVH thresholds determined for radiation doses from 20 to 40 Gy were also predictive of RP. Considering only severe RP (grade > or =2), only MLD, V20 and V30 remained associated with increased acute pulmonary toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, dosimetric factors (MLD, V20, V30) and age (> or =60 years) were predictive of RP regarding the whole pulmonary toxicity (grade > or =1). In addition, thresholds from 20 to 40 Gy, based on a stratification according to the median of the percentage of irradiated lung volume, were also predictive factors. They may, therefore, help discriminate patients at high and low risk for RP. However, only MLD, V20 and V30 remained associated with severe RP (grade > or =2), probably due to the small number of severe events in our series.     

Gross tumor volume, critical prognostic factor in patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) has recently become widely available with applications for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These techniques represent a significant advance in the delivery of radiotherapy, including improved ability to delineate target contours, choose beam angles, and determine dose distributions more accurately than were previously available. The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors in a population of NSCLC patients treated with definitive 3D-CRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between March 1991 and December 1998, 207 patients with inoperable NSCLC were treated with definitive 3D-CRT. Tumor targets were contoured in multiple sections from a treatment planning computed tomography (CT) scan. Three-dimensional treatment volumes and normal structures were reconstructed. Doses to the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) reference point ranged from 60 to 83.85 Gy with a median dose of 70 Gy. The median dose inhomogeneity was +/- 5% across planning target volume. Outcome was analyzed by prognostic factors for NSCLC including pretreatment patient and tumor-related factors (age, gender, race, histology, clinical stage, tumor [T] stage, and node [N] stage), parameters from our 3D-CRT system (gross tumor volume [GTV] in cm3), irradiation dose prescribed to isocenter, volume of normal lung exceeding 20 Gy (V20), and treatment with or without chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 24 months (range, 7.5 months to 7.5 years). RESULTS: One and two-year overall survival rates for the entire group were 59% and 41%, respectively. Overall survival, cause-specific survival, and local tumor control were most highly correlated with the GTV in cm3. On multivariate analysis the independent variable most predictive of survival was the GTV. Traditional staging such as T, N, and overall clinical staging were not independent prognostic factors. Patients receiving ICRU reference doses > or =70 Gy had better local control and cause-specific survivals than those treated with lower doses (p = 0.05). Increased irradiation dose did not improve overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: GTV as determined by CT and 3D-CRT planning is highly prognostic for overall and cause-specific survival and local tumor control and may be important in stratification of patients in prospective therapy trials. T, N, and overall stage were not independent prognostic factors in this population of patients treated nonsurgically. The value of dose escalation beyond 70 Gy should be tested prospectively by clinical trial.     

三维适形放疗治疗食管癌致放射性肺炎的相关因素分析

目的探讨三维适形放疗治疗食管癌导致放射性肺炎的相关因素。方法根据放射性肺炎发性情况,将217例接受三维适形放疗治疗的食管癌患者分为放射性肺炎组和非放射性肺炎组,对比两组患者相关临床指标及放疗剂量学指标,探讨其相关因素。结果 217例患者中,发生放射性肺炎61例(28.1%),非放射性肺炎156例(71.9%),其中≥60岁者放射性肺炎发生率为36.7%,显著高于<60岁者,(21.0%,P<0.05)。放射性肺炎与非放射性肺炎患者在性别、年龄、病理类型、临床分期、肿瘤位置、是否吸烟、是否化疗、肺部合并症、V35、V40、V45的Vdose以及大体肿瘤体积(GTV)等方面差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),而在V5、V10、V13、V15、V20、V25、V30的Vdose以及全肺平均剂量(LMD)、双肺容积等方面差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论食管癌三维适形放疗计划的制定中需综合考虑剂量体积、全肺平均剂量以及双肺功能,以降低对肺组织的损伤以及放射性肺炎的发生率。     

Outcome and prognostic factors for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and severe radiation pneumonitis

PURPOSE: Radiation pneumonitis is a serious complication that develops after thoracic irradiation. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors for severe radiation pneumonitis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The medical records of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and severe radiation pneumonitis were reviewed. Variables were analyzed by univariate and stepwise multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model. RESULTS: Among the 31 patients, the mortality rate approached 50% in the first 2 months after the onset of radiation pneumonitis. The variables significantly associated with survival in the univariate analysis were tumor histologic feature, grade and extent (out-of-field or in-field) of radiation pneumonitis, oxygenation index, and serum albumin (<35 g/L or >or=35 g/L), and uric acid levels at the onset of radiation pneumonitis. Only the extent of radiation pneumonitis and serum albumin level were independently associated with survival in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of non-small-cell lung cancer patients with severe radiation pneumonitis is extremely high, and survival is much shorter in patients with out-of-field radiation pneumonitis or a low serum albumin level at the onset. Additional studies to investigate the factors precipitating out-of-field radiation pneumonitis should improve the management of irradiation complications.     

非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗同期化疗后急性放射性肺炎发生因素分析

目的 分析三维适形放疗同期化疗非小细胞肺癌急性放射性肺炎(RP)的发生率及相关因素.方法 搜集2006年1月到2008年10月间首程行三维适形放疗并同期化疗的非小细胞肺癌病例90例,对相关放射剂量体积资料和治疗毒性的临床资料进行统计分析.结果 1级急性RP的发生率为32.2%,2级30.0%,3级5.6%,4级0%,5级1.1%.临床因素单因素分析有统计学差异的是原发肿瘤部位.剂量学方面当平均肺剂量以17 Gy,V_5、V_(10)、V_(20)、V_(30)、V_(40)分别以47%、36%、24%、23%、22%为界分组时组间差异有统计学意义.多因素分析显示平均肺剂量是独立预测因子.结论 RP的发生发展受到多因素综合作用,制定肺癌尤其是中下叶肺癌的三维放疗计划时应将平均肺剂量控制在17 Gy以下.     

Ⅲ+Ⅳ期非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗正常肺V_5、V_(10)预测放射性肺损伤前瞻性临床研究

目的 探讨非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗正常肺低剂量体积对放射性肺损伤的预测作用.方法 采用三维适形后程加速超分割放疗经病理或细胞学证实的非小细胞肺癌患者100例.Ⅲ期14例,Ⅲb期36例,Ⅳ期50例.鳞癌49例,腺癌48例,腺鳞癌3例.初治79例、术后复发8例,术后残留12例,术后辅助1例.单纯放疗9例,放化疗91例.放疗剂量60～80 Gy,60～69 Gy 24例,≥70 Gy76例.化疗方案采用紫杉类+铂类一线方案.用剂量体积直方图计算正常肺V_5、V_(10)、V_(20)、V_(30)和平均肺剂量(MLD).肺损伤评估根据CTC 3.0标准.结果 全组V_5为37%～98%,中位值65%;V_(10)为27%～78%,中位值47.5%;V_(20)为17%～54%,中位值31%;V_(30)为9%～31%,中位值24%.100例患者中发生放射性肺炎(RP)1级34例,2级27例,3级8例,4级1例,5级1例.75例患者中发生放射性肺纤维化1级46例,2级14例,3级2例.V_5、V_(10)、V_(20)、MLD与≥1级RP相关,V_(5)、V_(20)、V_(30)、MLD与≥2级RP相关,V_5与≥3级RP相关.V_(5)、V_(20)、V_(30)、分别>65%、31%、24%时发生≥2级RP概率增加,V_(5)、V_(20)分别>65%、31%时发生≥3级RP概率增加,V_(20)>31%时发生≥1级RP概率增加.大体肿瘤体积、计划靶体积与≥1级RP、≥2级放射性肺纤维化相关.性别、年龄、临床分期、处方剂量、照射野数目与各级放射性肺损伤无关.结论 剂量体积参数V_(5)、V_(10)与RP发生相关,可能成为放射肺损伤有效的预测因子.     

FDG PET对非小细胞肺癌合并肺不张三维适形放疗时靶区确定的临床意义

目的 探讨^18F-脱氧葡萄糖（FDG）PET对合并肺不张的非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）行三维适形放疗时病变靶区确定的临床意义。方法 对14例经病理组织学证实为NSCLC且其影像学检查伴有不同程度肺不张者，先后行胸部增强明扫描及胸部或全身FDGP盯肿瘤显像。根据扫描及显像结果勾画原发病灶范围，分别称为CT-GTV和PET-GTV，并由CMS治疗计划系统给出GTV体积的具体数值加以比较。结果 全部患者的CT-GTV与PET-GTV均有不同程度差别，其中1例患者PET-GTV较CT-GTV增加16．9％（22cm^3），CT-GTV为130cm3，PET-G11V为152cm^3；13例患者PET-GTV较CT-GTV平均减少20．4％（27．2cm^3），CT-GTV平均为133cm^3（90-180cm^3），PET-GTV平均为106cm^3（60—153cm^3）（P=0．000）。GTV的减少主要原因是PET显像除外了因肿瘤原因造成的肺不张，从而引起靶区范围的缩小，进而避免对周围正常组织（主要是正常或不张的肺组织、脊髓及心血管）的不必要照射，最大限度地保护了正常组织。结论 FDG PET在确定肺不张与局部病变相互关系方面具有一定临床价值，并由此提高了靶区定位的精确性。     

Prognostic factors for local control in non-small-cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy

Radiotherapy plays an important role as a treatment for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but local failure still occurs in 70% to 80% of the patients. A retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate the local control predictors for non-SCLC. From January 1990 to December 1996, 256 patients with stages I-IIIb NSCLC entered this analysis. All patients received definitive radiotherapy. The significance of prognostic variables on local control was evaluated using univariate analysis and Cox stepwise regression model. The prognostic index was calculated according to the value of each prognostic factor on local control. Median local progression-free survival time of the whole group was 9.7 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial local progression-free survival were 54%, 24%, and 19%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed patients with smaller tumor volume, earlier clinical staging, and treated with higher total dose in shortened overall treatment time had better local control. Tumor volume, clinical staging, and radiotherapy methods were independent prognostic factors on local control. The prognostic index model could predict the local control condition of NSCLC treated with radiation therapy more effectively than a single variable such as TNM staging.     

Induction chemotherapy plus three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in the definitive treatment of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate our institution's experience using chemotherapy in conjunction with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 1991 to 1998, 152 patients with Stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with 3D-CRT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A total of 137 patients (90%) were surgically staged with either thoracotomy or mediastinoscopy. The remainder were staged radiographically. Seventy patients were treated with radiation therapy alone, and 82 patients received induction chemotherapy before radiation. The majority of chemotherapy-treated patients received a platinum-containing regimen. Radiation was delivered with a 3D conformal technique using CT-based treatment planning. The median dose in the radiation alone group was 70.2 Gy, while in the combined modality group, it was 64.8 Gy. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 30.5 months among survivors. Stage IIIB disease was present in 36 patients (51%) in the radiation-alone group and 57 patients (70%) in the combined-modality group. Thirty-nine patients had poor prognostic factors (KPS < 70 or weight loss > 5%), and they were equally distributed between the two groups. The median survival times for the radiation-alone and the combined-modality groups were 11.7 months and 18.1 months, respectively (p = 0.001). The 2-year rates of local control in the radiation-alone and combined-modality groups were 35.4% and 43.1%, respectively (p = 0.1). Grade 3 or worse nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 20% of the patients receiving radiation alone and in 16% of those receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Overall, there were only 4 cases of Grade 3 or worse esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Despite more Stage IIIB patients in the combined-modality group, the addition of chemotherapy to 3D-CRT produced a survival advantage over 3D-CRT alone in Stage III NSCLC without a concomitant increase in toxicity. Chemotherapy thus appears to be beneficial, even in patients who are receiving higher doses of radiation therapy than are typically given with conventional techniques. Because locoregional failure remains a major challenge in patients with advanced disease, 3D-CRT in conjunction with chemotherapy may allow safe treatment to the dose levels required to further enhance local control.