The Effects of Irradiation on Lung Function in Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to assist in the prediction of the clinical tolerance of patients with lung cancer to irradiation. Materials and Methods: The changes in lung function of 26 patients with lung carcinomas, who had received radiation with curative intent, or postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, were prospectively studied. Their pulmonary function tests were conducted at presentation, and then at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months, following radiotherapy. Results: When the parameters of postirradiation pulmonary functions (2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months) were compared with the preirradiation baseline data, there was a statistically significant decrease in FEF25~75% at 2 months, but the rest of the parameters showed no significant change following irradiation. However, when the baseline lung function was compared with the lung function at the lowest FVC, in patients with curative radiotherapy, there was a statistically significant decrease of about 10% in the FEV1 and DLCO. Conclusion: Preirradiation assessment of pulmonary functions, particularly the FEV1 and DLCO will be useful for the prediction of the clinical tolerance to irradiation. (Cancer Res Treat. 2002;34:264-267)