Outcomes with intensity modulated proton therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and interstitial lung disease

Patients with NSCLC and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are often ineligible for surgery due to poor lung function. A retrospective study at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) evaluated intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for NSCLC in patients with ILD. The median overall survival was 1.8 years after IMPT, while cumulative incidences of local recurrence and distant recurrence were 21.8% and 36.5% at two years, respectively. Cumulative incidence of grade 2 or 3 radiation pneumonitis was 23.5% at 12 months (no grade 4 or 5 events). The authors conclude that IMPT is a safe and effective treatment option for NSCLC in patients with ILD.