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Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small-cell lung cancer: Findings from a North Central Cancer Treatment Group Pooled Analysis
Annals of Oncology, 07/11/2012
Exclusive author commentary
Schild SE et al. – Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was associated with a significant survival benefit for both extensive small–cell lung cancer (ESCLC) and limited SCLC (LSCLC) patients who had SD or a better response to chemotherapy±thoracic radiation therapy (TRT). Dose fractionation appears important. PCI was associated with an increase in overall and specific grade 3+adverse events (AEs) rates.
S. E. Schild (07/11/2012) comments:
This analysis was written to supplement the existing information regarding the use of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The study found that a broader group of patients appear to benefit from PCI than was previously thought. The survival benefit of PCI appears to be in SCLC patients who have stable or better disease in response to initial therapy (chemotherapy+/-thoracic radiotherapy). This will make decisions regarding use of PCI simpler for both clinicians and patients. The PCI regimen of 25 Gy in 10 daily fractions also appears better in terms of patient survival than higher dose regimens.
