Postoperative radiotherapy for lung cancer: limits and perspectives

The role of postoperative irradiation for lung cancer remains a controversial issue. The available data suggest a reduction in local relapse in cases of positive mediastinal lymph node, but how this benefit translates into survival is not known. The current indications include tumors with positive mediastinal lymph node and incomplete resection with micro- or macroscopical residue. Nevertheless, postoperative irradiation requires a meticulous technique to avoid inducing life-threatening complications to vital organs such as the heart or the lung. (authors)