Is prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) needed in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer showing complete response to first-line chemotherapy?

Throughout the entire world, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is the standard care for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in whom a favorable therapeutic effect is achieved after front-line treatment, regardless of whether the disease is in the limited stage or extensive stage. In the EORTC study, PCI was shown to confer a survival benefit for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who experienced any positive response after initial chemotherapy. However, the Japan study failed to confirm a survival benefit.
Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research