Improving Pulmonary Function Following Radiation Therapy

Improving Pulmonary Function Following Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to develop radiation plans that will help preserve lung function in healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. We believe that 4DCT scans can be useful in designing radiation treatment plans that help us avoid healthy normal functioning lung tissue close to lung tumors. Currently 4DCT scans are used to help us determine exactly where the tumor is and how it moves when you breathe. In this study we will also use the 4DCT scans to try to identify high functioning normal lung tissue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologic diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer or lung metastasis from a solid tumor. One biopsy site is adequate for multiple sites of thoracic disease.
• Treatment includes localized radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy
• Karnofsky ≥ 60%
• Not pregnant per radiation oncology standard procedures
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior (within last 6 months) or future planned therapeutic surgery for the treatment of the existing lung cancer
• Prior thoracic radiotherapy
• Severe COPD defined as disease requiring an inpatient stay for respiratory deterioration within the past 3 months
• Oxygen dependence of > 2 L/min continuously throughout the day at baseline
• Known underlying collagen vascular disease or intrinsic lung disease that could complicate expected sequelae of radiation (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Wegener's granulomatosis)
• Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.