Analysis of stereotactic radiation vs. wedge resection vs. wedge resection plus Cesium-131 brachytherapy in early stage lung cancer.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcomes for wedge resection (WR), WR plus brachytherapy (WRB), or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early stage non-small lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospectively collected data of patients treated with WR, WRB, or SBRT (1993-2012). Cesium-131 (Cs131) used in WRB group in patients with close or positive margins based on surgical assessment. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test used to compare disease-free survival/overall survival between different groups. Multivariable analysis, using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, was performed to evaluate the independent effect of age, gender, and treatment procedure on disease-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 272 patients were included in the study (123 WR, 52 WR+Cs-131, 97 SBRT). Cs-131 was used with WRs that the surgeons deemed high risk. Local control (LC) was similar in the three groups and was achieved in 92.2% for WR group vs. 96.2% for WR+Cs-131 and 95.5% for SBRT (p = 0.60). On multivariate analysis, although females showed a higher LC, neither LC nor distant metastasis were associated with age or gender (p = 0.65 and p = 0.41, respectively). Five-year overall survival was 100% in the WR+B group, 97.7% in the WR group, and 89.6% in the SBRT group (p = 0.02). Toxicity was similar in the three groups. CONCLUSION: WR, WR+ Cs-131, or SBRT are all excellent treatment options for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer that are not candidates for lobectomy. For high risk WRs, we favor use of Cesim-131 brachytherapy. Until a prospective randomized comparative study is done to evaluate the best treatment approach for early stage NSCLC, treatment selection should be based on a multidisciplinary team approach.
