The aim of this chapter is to describe the role of radiotherapy in the
management of lung carcinoma. The introduction covers general information about
radiotherapy followed by a more detailed description of the basic principles of nuclear
physics and radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery showing the influence of
recent rapid progress in technology on the efficacy of this treatment modality.
Following the introduction of technical aspects of radiation oncology, the role of
radiotherapy, emphasising novel techniques of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy,
is described as the definitive treatment in early non-small cell lung carcinoma. The next
part of the chapter presents the current role of radiotherapy with curative intent in
locally advanced inoperable non-small cell lung cancer in combination with
chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The use of radiotherapy in operable locally
advanced lung carcinoma is also analysed to complete all clinical indications for this
clinical entity. The role of radiotherapy in the management of small cell lung
carcinoma is subsequently presented where consolidation chest radiotherapy and
prophylactic cranial irradiation in combination with standard chemotherapy and its
input to overall outcome are analysed for both limited and extensive disease. The basic
principles of standard palliative radiotherapy are then presented with its input in the
management of incurable stage of lung carcinoma in addition to palliative systemic
treatment and the best supportive care. A brief description of new stereotactic
techniques in the palliative setting is also presented. The chapter concludes with the
management of radiotherapy related toxicity presenting most frequently observed side
effects and their treatment.
Keywords: 3D-conformal radiotherapy, 4D-computer tomography, Adjuvant
immunotherapy, Adjuvant radiotherapy, Chemo-radiotherapy, Consolidation chest
radiotherapy, Intensity modulated radiotherapy, Non-small cell lung carcinoma, Palliative
radiotherapy, Prophylactic cranial irradiation, Radiotherapy principles, Radiotherapy
toxicity, Radiation oesophagitis, Radiation pneumonitis, Small cell lung carcinoma,
Standard radiotherapy, Stereotactic radiotherapy, Volumetric modulated arc therapy.