Radiotherapy of bronchial carcinomas

With circumscribed small-cell carcinomas radiotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy can improve intrathoracic remission rates, can delay local recurrences and reduce the incidence of cerebral metastases. With non-small cell carcinomas in circumscribed but inoperables stages radiotherapy is the only - albeit small - possibility of offering a chance of cure. With operated nodal-positive patients, subsequent irridation improves long-term prognosis. In a palliative situation, carefully applied irridation techniques that avoid stressful exposure to radiation, can usually achieve relevant improvements in the quality of life. (orig./GDG)