A National Survey on the Current Status of Radiotherapy in Extensive Stage Small-cell Lung Cancer: Turkish Society of Radiation Oncology Thoracic Oncology Group Study

OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the current status and use of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients who responded to chemotherapy (ChT) through a nationwide survey. METHODS An electronic survey was created. We invited all the Turkish Society of Radiation Oncology-registered radiation oncologists (ROs). RESULTS A total of 101 ROs participated. TRT was routinely recommended to patients who responded to ChT by 76% of ROs. The highest agreement for TRT indication (%94) was in the case of symptomatic residual disease. The most commonly used fractionation scheme was 30 Gy in 10 fractions. There was an increase in the use of 30 Gy in 10 fractions after the publication of the CREST trial. The implementation criteria for TRT were site and number of metastases for 65% and 42% of respondents, respectively. PCI was recommended by 89% routinely. The most commonly (93%) used fractionation scheme was 25 Gy in 10 fractions. CONCLUSION This survey highlights the absence of consensus on the eligibility criteria and dosage of TRT in ES-SCLC within the Turkish RO community. The highest agreement for the TRT indication was in patients with symptomatic intrathoracic residual disease. The CREST trial impacted TRT indications and fractionation. There was high consistency in practice in terms of PCI indication, dose, and fractionation.