External radiation in the management of superior sulcus tumor

Abstract

Thirty‐one patients with superior sulcus tumor (Pancoasťs syndrome) treated with radiation between 1967 and 1980 were reviewed. Doses ranged from 2000 to 7000 cGy delivered with a continuous schedule (23 patients) and a split course regimen (8 patients). The overall survival at 5 years was 18% (median, 17 months). Patients without bone erosion or scalene lymph node involvement (13 patients) had the best 5‐year survival rate of 40%. Local control tended to correlate with the total dose and tumor extent; doses below 5000 cGy or bone invasion were associated with a higher rate of local failure. Primary external radiation is not only useful for palliation but can also cure some patients with superior sulcus tumor. Copyright © 1984 American Cancer Society