Carbon ion radiotherapy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer

SummaryCarbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is a promising modality because of its excellent dose localization and high biological effect on the tumor. Our clinical trials led us to conclude that irradiation with heavy particle beams, notably carbon ion beams, offers a significant potential for improving tumor control without increasing toxicity risks.Between 1994 and 1999, a phase I/II study of the treatment of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by CIRT was first conducted using a dose escalation method to determine the optimal dose. Furthermore, definite tumor control was also confirmed by the autopsies of CIRT-treated patients and in cases treated by surgery.In the present study, a phase II clinical trial and a phase I/II dose escalation clinical trial are reported. In the phase II clinical trial, the total dose was fixed at 72.0GyE in 9 fractions over 3 weeks , and at 52.8GyE for stage IA NSCLC and 60.0GyE for stage IB NSCLC in 4 fractions in one week . And we have reported, elderly patients 80 years and older can be treated safely by CIRT. The phase I/II dose escalation clinical trial in one day CIRT was initiated in April 2003. This clinical trial is still in progress