RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: A phase I study to determine a recommended dose of thoracic radiotherapy using accelerated hyperfractionation for unresectable non-small cell lung cancer was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used chemotherapy of a cisplatin doublet and 2 dose levels of radiation with accelerated hyperfractionation. The radiation dose levels were: a total dose of 60 Gy in 40 fractions at level 1, and 66 Gy in 44 fractions at level 2. Eligible patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer received cisplatin and vinorelbine. Radiation therapy started on day 2 of chemotherapy and was delivered twice daily for 5 days a week. RESULTS: Total 12 patients were enrolled, with 6 patients each at dose levels 1 and 2. Dose-limiting toxicity was noted in 2 patients at level 1; one patient had grade 3 febrile neutropenia and the other patient had grade 3 esophagitis. No dose-limiting toxicity was noted in the 6 patients at level 2. Grade 3 to 4 leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia were noted in 11 (92%), 9 (75%), and 8 (67%) of the total 12 patients, respectively. Grade 3 anorexia and infection were noted in 2 patients (17%) at each level. Grade 3 nausea, fatigue, esophagitis, and febrile neutropenia were noted in 1 patient (8%) at each level. The response rate in the total 12 patients was 83.3%. The median progression-free survival time and the median overall survival time were 10.7 and 24.2 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-six gray in 44 fractions is the recommended dose for the following phase II study.