Low-Dose Fractionated Radiation Plus Docetaxel and Cisplatin as Induction Therapy

LaY-Person Research Abstract: Early stage non-small cell lung cancer (limited to the chest) has traditionally been treated with surgical removal. However, survival with surgery alone ranges from 10 to 25% at five years. We have learned lessons from patients with more advanced disease-when chemotherapy and radiation are combined, patient's tumors shrink to a greater extent and patients live longer. Because chemotherapy and radiation are more effective when combined (a term called synergy), various investigators across the country are exploring whether using chemotherapy and radiation before surgery in early stage non-small cell lung cancer will improve survival. This proposal uses standard chemotherapy and very low doses of radiation given before surgery to shrink the tumors and to improve survival. We are using low doses of radiation because it has been shown to be very effective in killing cancer cells when combined with chemotherapy and because it is less toxic to the body. We will also study the tumors of patients who receive this therapy in order to understand why the combination of low-dose radiation and chemotherapy works so well at the cellular level. If we understand the biology behind the effect of this therapy, we can use it to the greater good of patients and potentially improve survival.