Abstract
Aims and background
The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer is controversial. The aim of this survey was to investigate the use of this modality in current clinical practice in Lombardy, a highly industrialized region of northern Italy.
Methods
A questionnaire was sent to all 13 radiotherapy centers in Lombardy, covering statistical, clinical, technical and strategical aspects, and the responses were analyzed.
Results
A wide range of attitudes was observed among participating radiation oncologists; the percentage of cases treated with curative intent varied largely between centers (4-100%), as did the proportion of patients given to radiation only rather than combined modality treatment (5-100% vs 0-90%).
Conclusions
An urgent need exists for better cooperation between all clinicians involved in lung cancer treatment, pursuing the goals of a more uniform clinical practice and a more aggressive clinical research attitude.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.