Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Radiation therapy is the treatment for inoperable patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) is a highly confirmal, image-guided, hypofractionated form of external-beam radiotherapy in which an extracranial body target is irradiated in a single or few fraction(s) with very high precision. Research has focused mainly on evaluating the efficacy and safety of SABR for the treatment of NSCLC in inoperable patients. The high local control rates obtained in these patients led the field to consider the possibility that SABR could be an alternative to surgery for operable patients and that it could reduce radiation-related toxicity in the context of thoracic reirradiation.  

This clinical guideline was prepared by the Comité de l'évolution des pratiques en oncologie (CEPO). The objective of this document is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SABR for the treatment of NSCLC in these three clinical situations. Considering the currently available evidence, the CEPO formulates some recommandations.