Salvage photon or proton radiotherapy for oligo-recurrence in regional lymph nodes after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: To evaluate the outcome of definitive salvage radiotherapy (RT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with oligo-recurrence in regional lymph nodes after surgery. Patients and Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2016, 33 patients with NSCLC were reviewed from radiotherapy database at our hospital. All patients received photon or proton salvage RT for metastases in the regional lymph nodes. Results: The median follow-up from salvage RT was 35.2 (range=5.9-89.6) months. Recurrences occurred in 18 (55%) patients, and the 3-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 63.8% and 45.1%, respectively. Regional and local control improved patients' survival and these control rates were increased by use of concurrent chemotherapy (p=0.039) and proton RT (p=0.084). No grade 4 acute or late nonhematologic toxicities were observed. Conclusion: Salvage RT is an effective treatment for NSCLC patients with oligorecurrence at regional lymph nodes.