Esophagitis and pneumonitis in patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiation for stage IIIA/B non-small cell lung cancer. G. Hare, N. Reddy, J. Gomez, N. Ramnath; Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY Abstract: Background: Concurrent rather than sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy (XRT) is the standard of care for patients (pts) with Stage IIIA/B non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Esophagitis and pneumonitis complicate this modality and may be under-reported. Our objective was to evaluate these toxicities in patients who received concurrent chemo-radiation in our institution. Methods: Retrospective study of 100 stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC pts. from 1998-2003 who received concurrent chemo-radiation. The chemotherapy used was carboplatin and paclitaxel (on a weekly schedule X 6 weeks) in 85/100 pts. The primary site was treated at 200cGy per fraction to 60-66Gy and the regional lymph nodes from 36-44 Gy. XRT was intended daily as a single fraction for 6 weeks. Results: There were 52 female and 48 males with a median age of 67 years. The pathology was squamous (n=46), adeno (n=31), large cell (n=12) and other (n=11). The performance status was 0-1 in 97/100 pts. Smokers constituted 97/100 pts. Seven patients had a history of asbestos exposure. Twenty- five pts had a clinical diagnosis of COPD. Esophagitis was seen in 53 pts; gr 1 (n=9), gr II (n=35) gr III (n=7) and gr IV (n=2). Treatment was discontinued abruptly in the 2 patients with grade IV esophagitis. Pneumonitis gr 1(n=19), gr II (n=18), gr III (n=2) and gr IV (n=1) was noted in 40 patients. The median time to onset of pneumonitis was 7 months (range 2-12). Hematological toxicity was less common, gr I (n=11), gr II (n=5) and gr III (n=1). Conclusions: Esophagitis and pneumonitis in pts treated with concurrent chemoradiation for stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC is underreported. A significant number of pts experience lung and esophageal toxicity. Novel XRT techniques, such as the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and incorporation of chemo and radio-protectants are needed to decrease morbidity to normal lung and the esophagus. Abstract No: 7354 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.