Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Locally or Systemically Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Background: Palliative thoracic radiotherapy (RT) can improve local control and survival in patients with unresectable locally or systemically advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the optimal RT dose has not been well-defined. We investigated the survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT). Methods: We retrospectively investigated survival and adverse effects among 74 patients with locally or systemically advanced NSCLC who received HFRT (45 Gy/15 fractions) at our institution. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 18.7 months, with 1- and 2-year OS rates of 65.9% and 33.9%, respectively. The median local progression-free survival (LPFS) was 7.2 months, with 1- and 2-year LPFS rates of 27.9% and 9.4%, respectively. Sixteen patients (21.6%) developed grade ≤2 pneumonitis and 14 (19%) developed grade ≤2 esophagitis; no grades ≥3 pneumonitis or esophagitis occurred. Conclusions: HFRT is safe, tolerable, and effective for patients with unresectable locally or systemically advanced NSCLC exhibiting poor prognostic factors.