Radical irradiation with the split-course technique in carcinoma of the lung

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Abstract
The possible advantages of a split‐course of irradiation in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and/or inoperable carcinoma of the lung were explored in over 200 cases. The patients were separated into two groups with different prognostic factors: Group A, patients with well‐differentiated tumors confined to the lung and mediastinum; and Group B, cases with anaplastic tumors and/or supraclavicular metastases, bone erosion, or superior venal caval syndrome. The treatment consisted of 5500–6000 rads tumor dose in 20 to 24 fractions over a period of 7 to 8 weeks with a rest interval of 2 to 4 weeks in the middle. The 3‐ and 5‐year survival figures, 19% and 16%, respectively, in Group A cases, along with the excellent tolerance, suggest that the split‐course approach has definite advantages.