Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of primary lung cancer in recipients of lung transplant

Background. Lung transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end stage lung disease. There may be a higher incidence of lung cancer in lung transplant recipients, and these cancers tend to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage. There is very little data on the safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lesions in the native lung in lung-transplant recipients. Patients and methods. A retrospective chart review of all patients who have undergone lung transplantation and were treated with SBRT for lung cancer in the native lung in the Davidoff Cancer Center was performed. Results. Four patients who were treated with SBRT to a total of 5 lesions were included. Two patients were treated without histological confirmation of malignancy. All cases were discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board before being referred for radiotherapy. Standard SBRT dosing was used. Responses were assessed by imaging. Three lesions exhibited a complete response and two lesions had a partial response. The patients who had partial responses developed distant metastases and died shortly. No patient developed measurable toxicity. Conclusions. SBRT is effective and safe for the management of lung cancer in lung-transplant patients. Standard dose and fractionation can be used.