Radical Hypofractionated Radiotherapy For The Treatment Of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Using 52.5-55 Gy In 20 Fractions: The North Wales Cancer Centre Experience

Background: Radical hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy is the most commonly used radiotherapy schedule for inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the United Kingdom, despite a lack of level I evidence to support its use. Purpose: To supplement existing published retrospective data with a mature data series and provide further evidence to support the use of this schedule in routine clinical practice.Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of all inoperable NSCLC cases treated with radical hypofractionated radiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy in the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre between 2001 and 2011.Results: Of the 222 patients, 209 (94%) received 55 Gy in 20 fractions (#) and 13 (6%) received 52.5 Gy in 20#. Induction chemotherapy was administered in 121 (55%) cases. The median survival of 28 . 6 months (95% confidence interval 24.2-32.5) is comparable with previously published survival outcomes for this patient group.Conclusion: The growing body of evidence for this schedule, confirming survival outcomes comparable with internationally accepted results, is sufficient to support its future use in inoperable NSCLC.