High dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy for early-stage lung cancer of the hilar type

Sixteen patients with early-stage lung cancer (LC) of the hilar type were treated with HDR brachytherapy alone. Treatment was performed weekly for five to six weeks; with dose calculated, 6 to 8 Gy at a radius of 5-7 mm from the center of the source. The complete response rate (CR) was 81%; follow-up ranged from 10 to 44 months. A CR was maintained for longer than 12 months in 5 patients (ranging form 17 to 44 months). Thirteen patients (61%) had local recurrence. This therapy can be tried with curative intent on patients who have early-stage LC but are not candidates for other forms of therapy. (author)