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← Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING

EBRT (primarily for palliation of local symptomatic tumor growth)

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 Newly Diagnosed Stage IV, Relapsed, and Recurrent NSCLC / Treatment Options for Newly Diagnosed Stage IV, Relapsed, and Recurrent NSCLC (First-Line Therapy) / Local therapies and special considerations

Although EBRT is frequently prescribed for symptom palliation, there is no consensus on which fractionation scheme should be used. Although different multifraction regimens appear to provide similar symptom relief,[104-109] single-fraction radiation may be insufficient for symptom relief compared with hypofractionated or standard regimens, as evidenced in the NCT00003685 trial.[21][Level of evidence A3] Evidence of a modest increase in survival in patients with a better performance status given high-dose radiation therapy is available.[23,110][Level of evidence A1] In closely observed asymptomatic patients, treatment may often be appropriately deferred until symptoms or signs of a progressive tumor develop.

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Evidence (radiation therapy):

A systematic review identified six randomized trials of high-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDREB) alone or with EBRT or laser therapy.[111]

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A systematic review identified six randomized trials of high-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDREB) alone or with EBRT or laser therapy.[111]

Better overall symptom palliation and fewer re-treatments were required in previously untreated patients using EBRT alone.[111][Level of evidence A3]

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A systematic review identified six randomized trials of high-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDREB) alone or with EBRT or laser therapy.[111]

HDREB provided palliation of symptomatic patients with recurrent endobronchial obstruction previously treated by EBRT, when it was technically feasible.

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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice