PURPOSE: To disclose characteristics of lung cancer patients developing
radiation-induced lung injury treated with or without corticosteroid therapy.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiographic changes, symptoms, history of corticosteroid
prescription, and clinical course after 50-70 Gy of thoracic radiotherapy were
retrospectively evaluated in 385 lung cancer patients.
RESULTS: Radiation-induced lung injury was stable without corticosteroid in 307
patients (Group 1), stable with corticosteroid in 64 patients (Group 2), and
progressive to death despite corticosteroid in 14 patients (Group 3). Fever and
dyspnea were noted in 11%, 50% and 86% (p