Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the role of endobronchial brachytherapy in the palliation of lung cancer (or metastasis) symptoms and its potential impact on overall survival.
Methods and materials: Eighty-one patients were included in this study. Endobronchial brachytherapy catheter was placed under conscious sedation. The projection of the tumor was drawn by the bronchoscopist to help the radiation oncology team to perform the dosimetry. Patients were treated with iridium-192 high-dose rate afterloading unit. Patients were planned to receive 5 Gy in four fractions weekly for a total of 20 Gy.
Results: Seventy-three percent of the patients were treated for primary lung cancer. The remaining patients were treated for lung metastasis of other primary. Most patients presented dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis. These three main symptoms were relieved in 85%, 77%, and 100%, respectively. The median survival was 14.7 months and local progression-free survival at 12 months was 77% and at 24 months 64%, respectively.
Conclusion: Endobronchial brachytherapy is a very effective palliative treatment for endobronchial lesions.
(c) 2010 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.