The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a survey of clinical practices in Lombardy, Italy, by the Airo*-Lombardia Cooperative Group.

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.