Intraoperative radiation therapy in the combined treatment of operable lung cancer. Review

The treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be a pressing issue. It is therefore necessary to advance and to put into practice the methods that will improve patients survival. The aim of the study was to estimate available information on application of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in combined treatment of patients with NSCLC. The treatment plans, safety and tolerability of the treatment method were evaluated. From data analysis it became clear that IORT is a topical treatment for operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The new technology has proved its effectiveness due to the reliable local control and significant improve the late survival of patients. During the IORT high one-off dose is selectively delivered to the tumor or tumor bed with maximum preservation of the adjacent normal tissues. The key point in planning radiation exposure during the IORT is to calculate accurately the single radiation dose. The reduction of local relapses and the improvement in overall survival are most likely due to the IORT damaging effect on possible tumor microfoci located in the bronchus cult, its surrounding tissues and lymphatic outflow pathways. To date, further study of the IORT effectiveness and feasibility will remain relevant. However, intraoperative irradiation has already proved to be an effective component of a multimodal approach to cancer treatment.