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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 29(3): 285-290
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1076748
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Advances in Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer

Roy H. Decker1 , Lynn D. Wilson1
  • 1Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 June 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The past decade has seen steady advances in the field of radiation therapy, impacting definitive treatment options for early and advanced tumors, as well as identifying further roles for adjuvant and palliative therapy. The widespread availability of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomographic (FDG PET) imaging has improved staging, and better defines a population that will benefit from aggressive local therapy. Technological advances in radiation treatment planning allow for less normal lung irradiation, allowing increasing dose and decreasing normal tissue toxicity. Ongoing clinical investigations in the role of radiosurgery for early lung tumors, postoperative radiation of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and prophylactic cranial irradiation in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) help to identify patients who may benefit from treatment.

KEYWORDS

Lung cancer - stereotactic radiotherapy - postoperative radiation therapy - cranial irradiation

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Roy H DeckerM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine

132 HRT, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520-8040

Email: Roy.Decker@Yale.edu

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