| Objective The aim of this study is to explore the best method for the elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by retrospectively analyzing the efficacy, toxicity, median survival time (MST) of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiochemotherapy.Materials and Methods183patients who are70years or older with stage III NSCLC from2006to2010were identified at Oncology Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University.Results The total objective response rate (ORR) of the elderly patients was55.2%. The efficiency of radiochemotherapy was significantly higher than that of chemotherapy (P=0.012), while the incidence of neutropenia was also higher than that of chemotherapy (P=0.010). There were no treatment-related deaths in three groups. Median survival time (MST) of all the elderly patients was10.6months,(95%confidence interval:9.4—11.8months), one year survival rate was42.6%and two year survival rate was20.8%. Median survival time and one year survival rate were both significantly higher in the elderly patients receiving radiochemotherapy than that with chemotherapy, P=0.011,0.007, respectively.Conclusion Radiochemotherapy can prolong the survival time in elderly NSCLC patients. Elderly patients should be selected to be treated with radiochemotherapy. |
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