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Thoracic radiation therapy for patients who respond to chemotherapy
Source: Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 14, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Patients with ED SCLC treated with chemotherapy who have achieved a response may receive thoracic radiation therapy.
Evidence (thoracic radiation therapy):
A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
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A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
OS was the primary study end point and not statistically different between the two groups at 1 year (33% for the thoracic radiation therapy group vs. 28% for the control group, P = .066).
A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
However, in a secondary analysis, the 2-year OS rate was 13% in the thoracic radiation group (95% CI, 9%–19%) versus 3% in the control group (95% CI, 2%–8%; P = .004). The OS during the entire course of follow-up was not reported.
A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
Thoracic radiation therapy resulted in a 6-month PFS rate of 24% in the thoracic radiation group (95% CI, 19%–30%) versus 7% in the control group (95% CI, 4%–11%; P = .001).
A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
Intrathoracic recurrences, both isolated (19.8% vs. 46.0%) and in combination with recurrences at other sites (43.7% vs. 79.8%), were reduced by approximately 50%.
A randomized trial of 498 patients who responded after receiving four to six cycles of chemotherapy compared thoracic radiation therapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions versus no radiation therapy. All patients received PCI.[45][Level of evidence A1]
Thoracic radiation therapy was well tolerated.
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice