The purpose of pre-op radiation is to modify the extent of disease so the lesion is better localized and more completely resectable. The major effects of pre-op radiation are:
Hilaris' study of 84 patients showed the value of pre-op radiation on resectability.
| Pre-Operative Radiation vs Resectability | ||
|---|---|---|
| Treatment | Pre-Op RT + Surg | Surg Only |
| Complete Resection | 7 (26%) | 5 (9%) |
| Incomplete Resection+Implant | 9 (33%) | 13 (23%) |
| No Resection + Implant | 11 (41%) | 39 (68%) |
Ref: Surg Clin of No America 54(4), August, 1974.
Pre-operative irradiation is commonly given over two weeks for a total dose of 3,000 rads. The interval between radiation and surgical therapy does not exceed 3-4 weeks. The three anatomical sites of the chest to which the external radiation is directed include: