Objective
The aim of our study was to investigate the value of CT/CT image fusion radiation treatment planning in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the impact on V20 and radiation pneumonitis (RP).
Methods
Patients who were pathologically or cytologically diagnosed of stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (4000 cGy). Forty patients got at least 25% tumor reduction were randomly divided into two groups: group A of regular shrink field radiotherapy (20 cases) and group B of CT/CT image fused shrink field radiotherapy (20 cases). Dosage reached 6600 cGy. Clinical data, V20 and RP were observed within 3 months after radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was conducted for the NSCLC patients.
Results
22.5% (9/40) patients got RP during follow-up. Group A accounted for 6 cases (30%), and group B had 3 cases (15%). There was no marked difference between the two groups (P = 0.256), univariate analysis revealed that the IV20 of A and B groups, and IV20 and CV20 of all patients were statistically related to the incidence of RP (P < 0.05). With Wilcoxon method assay, the ipsilateral lung V20 and contralateral lung V20 had statistical significance between the two groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The CT/CT image infusion treatment planning could increase the radical dosage with better tumor control probability but won’t increase adverse reaction.