Purpose: In this study, we retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of induction chemoradiation using cisplatin plus irinotecan followed by surgical resection for superior sulcus tumor (SST).
Methods: We reviewed the records of four patients with solitary, previously untreated T3-4, N0-1 superior sulcus nonsmall cell lung cancers. Patients received two cycles of chemotherapy, cisplatin and irinotecan, every 4 weeks. Radiotherapy directed at the tumor was administered with a split schedule at the total dose of 40 Gy in 20 fractions. Thoracotomy was performed 4 weeks after completion of the chemoradiation.
Results: The toxicities of chemoradiation were mainly hematologic and were well-tolerated. Complete resection could be performed in all cases, and there was no postoperative mortality. At present, all the patients remain alive, and one has a local recurrence.
Conclusion: This trimodality approach is a safe and effective approach for the local control of SST. Further studies are necessary to confirm the results.