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How do you approach the management of an early stage non-small cell lung cancer limited to an endobronchial location (non-obstructing) in a patient that is not considered operable due to medical comorbidities?

Do you think these patients are appropriate for SBRT? Is endobronchial laser ablation or cryoablation a better treatment approach? Is there a role for up-front brachytherapy either as monotherapy or as a boost after conventionally fractionated radiation?
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What dose/fractionation would you recommend for an endobronchial Stage I NSCLC?

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4 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · Cleveland Clinic
Answered on · Updated on

The use of SBRT is predicated on CT based imaging so that a physical and visible target can be delineated and for which a radiotherapy plan can be generated. For patients where no such imaging-definable lesion has been identified, as with for example, an endobronchial-only lesion noted at the time o...

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Radiation Oncology · Tennessee Oncology
Answered on

Generally, favor concurrent chemoradiation to 60 Gy in 30 fractions in these cases particularly if we are talking about the involvement of proximal bronchial tree due to concern for bronchial necrosis and hemorrhage as detailed by Dr. @Dr. First Last above. I do frequently utilize SBRT-like hypofrac...

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Radiation Oncology · UCLA | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Answered on · Updated on

We are all aware of the enthusiasm for SBRT in early stage lung cancer. But, if it's because we think it is more likely to help our patients live a long time, then we must always be mindful about the risks of late effects. Once the cartilaginous structures of the bronchus necrose, bad things can hap...

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Radiation Oncology · Stephen Doggett MD
Answered on

We have implanted many tracheal and paratracheal malignant lesions with ct-guided permanent seed brachytherapy and have not seen necrosis even in patients who had salvage implant following failed external beam, documented by repeated bronchoscopies.

CT-guided permanent seed brachytherapy is a simple ...

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