Impacts of post ‐radiotherapy lymphocyte count on progression‐free and overall survival in patients with stage III lung cancer

ConclusionsOur results suggest that lymphocyte depletion after radiotherapy reduces tumor control and survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Radiation doses equal or higher than 60  Gy (BED1072 Gy) improve PFS and OS, but they negatively affect lymphocyte counts for months, which reduces survival and the potential of immunotherapy.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyThoracic irradiation for locally advanced lung cancer depletes T lymphocytes for months. Patients whose lymphocyte loss is lower have better overall survival and progression ‐free survival.What this study addsIt is necessary to protect the lymphocyte population, as well as other organs at risk. New forms of irradiation for large fields are needed. Furthermore, could immunotherapy before chemo ‐radiotherapy, with a greater number of lymphocytes, bring an even better result?
Source: Thoracic Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research