Re-irradiation of locoregional recurrence of lung cancer using conventional radiotherapy techniques

Advancements in diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques, systemic therapies, and radiotherapy have significantly improved the survival rates among patients with lung cancer.Consequently, the need for re-irradiation has increased in cases of locoregional recurrence or development of a new primary tumor.Re-irradiation can achieve locoregional disease control and may potentially extend survival while maintaining an acceptable toxicity profile.Critical factors influencing the decision to perform re-irradiation include previous radiation dose, the interval between treatment cycles, and the cumulative doses to organs at risk.Normal tissue tolerance limits total dose, requiring minimized exposure to lungs, heart, esophagus, major vessels, bronchi, and brachial plexus.The objective of this paper is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and toxicity associated with conventional re-irradiation techniques in patients with locally recurrent lung cancer through systemic literature review.In the absence of standardized treatment guidelines, systematic collection and analysis of clinical data are essential to develop safe and effective re-irradiation protocols, particularly in patients with limited tumor burden and good performance status.