Practice Patterns of Treatment Strategy of Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Survey of Chinese Oncologists.

Abstract

Background:

Thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) with concurrent chemotherapy is the standard treatment of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). However, there is still a controversy surrounding the treatment strategy especially optimal dosing and fractionation schedule. Current practice patterns among Chinese oncologists are unknown.

Materials and Methods:

We surveyed 212 Chinese oncologists using a questionnaire including 50 questions designed by experienced oncologists. Questions covered demographic data, treatment recommendations, and self-assessed knowledge of guidelines or key clinical trials for SCLC. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were utilized to describe the result of the study.

Results:

The response rate was 97% (207/212). Of all the respondents, 69% preferred TRT QD, 29% preferred BID, and 2% chose HFRT. For those who prefer TRT QD, 72% preferred a total dose of 60 Gy, followed by 15% opting for 66 Gy, 12% for <60 Gy, and 1% for 70 Gy. Of those who prefer BID, 79% preferred a total dose of 45 Gy, with 4% choosing 30 Gy, 8% choosing 50 Gy, 7% choosing 54 Gy, and 2% choosing >54 Gy. Regarding PCI, 82% of participants believed that PCI should be performed when treatment is completed and 13% believed that PCI should begin immediately after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. As for other therapies, 26% of participants choose concurrent anti-angiogenic therapy during SCLC treatment, and 49% recommended small-molecule TKI as the main anti-angiogenic therapy.

Conclusion:

Substantial variation exists in how Chinese oncologists approach TRT dosing and fractionation for LS-SCLC. Almost 70% of respondents reported administering TRT QD more often in daily work. The most common doses were 60 Gy QD and 45 Gy BID.

• Authors: Chang Xu, Meng Li, Xuwei Cai, Shuanghu Yuan, Jianzhong Cao, Shuchai Zhu, Ming Chen, Nan Bi, Xiao Hu, Jiancheng Li, Wei Zhou, Ping Wang, Lujun Zhao, Ningbo Liu
• Journal: Frontiers in oncology (Front Oncol) Vol. 12 Pg. 872324 ( 2022) ISSN: 2234-943X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 35651806 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Xu, Li, Cai, Yuan, Cao, Zhu, Chen, Bi, Hu, Li, Zhou, Wang, Zhao and Liu.