Differential Relapse Patterns for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Subtypes Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Radiation Oncology

Abstract

Aims: Curative-intent (radical) radiotherapy aims to control local disease and cure non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The predominant subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The radiotherapy paradigm offered to patients does not differ according to these two subtypes. Relapse patterns and disease control rates for adenocarcinoma and SCC treated with radical radiotherapy were determined. Materials and methods: A radical radiotherapy database covering the period from 2004 to June 2016 was examined to determine the first sites of relapse and the actuarial local and distant control rates. Results: In total, 537 patients with known pathological subtype were treat..