Fractures of thoracic vertebrae in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy.

Abstract

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty-six patients were eligible for analyses. Twenty-eight patients (8%) were observed with VF at a median follow up of 12 months. Age was significantly higher in the group with VF (p<0.01). After balancing age, the mean vertebrae dose was most significantly associated with fractures of the vertebrae (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

VF was observed in 8% of the patients with locally advanced NSCLC. RT dose was associated with the occurrence of thoracic vertebral fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2012, 524 patients treated with ⩾51 Gy were retrospectively analysed for the incidence of vertebral fractures (VF). Clinical parameters were assessed. In addition, a case control study in 50 patients was performed to study the association between the radiotherapy dose and fractured vertebrae.

PURPOSE

To report on the incidence of vertebral fractures in patients treated with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and to analyse the association with clinical and dosimetric parameters.