THE TREATMENT OF LUNG CANCER BY SPLIT-DOSE IRRADIATION

Abstract
A total of 332 cases of moderately or far-advanced bronchogenic carcinoma treated by means of split-dose radiation therapy were analyzed. No increase in the long term survival rate was noted; however, the greater flexibility offered by this method enables significant palliative benefits to be achieved. In addition to relieving physical discomfort, important psychologic and economic advantages are felt to accrue from this method of treatment. Nitrogen mustard (HN2), although it has a place in the palliation of certain aspects of this disease, does not appear to increase life expectancy over that which can be expected with radiation therapy alone.