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Radiation therapy
Source: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 15, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Context: Treatment of Stages IIA and IIB NSCLC / Treatment Options for Stages IIA and IIB NSCLC
Patients with potentially operable tumors with medical contraindications to surgery or those with inoperable stage II disease and with sufficient pulmonary reserve are candidates for radiation therapy with curative intent.[25] Primary radiation therapy often consists of approximately 60 Gy delivered with megavoltage equipment to the midplane of the volume of the known tumor using conventional fractionation. A boost to the cone down field of the primary tumor is frequently used to enhance local control. Careful treatment planning with precise definition of target volume and avoidance of critical normal structures, to the extent possible, is needed for optimal results; this requires the use of a simulator.
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Among patients with excellent performance status, a 3-year survival rate of 20% may be expected if a course of radiation therapy with curative intent can be completed.
Evidence (radiation therapy):
In the largest retrospective series reported to date, 152 patients with medically inoperable NSCLC were treated with definitive radiation therapy. The study reported the following:[26]
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In the largest retrospective series reported to date, 152 patients with medically inoperable NSCLC were treated with definitive radiation therapy. The study reported the following:[26]
A 5-year OS rate of 10%.
In the largest retrospective series reported to date, 152 patients with medically inoperable NSCLC were treated with definitive radiation therapy. The study reported the following:[26]
Forty-four patients with T1 tumors achieved an actuarial DFS rate of 60%.
In the largest retrospective series reported to date, 152 patients with medically inoperable NSCLC were treated with definitive radiation therapy. The study reported the following:[26]
This retrospective study also suggested that improved DFS was obtained with radiation therapy doses greater than 60 Gy.[26]
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice