Radiation-induced esophagitis in lung cancer

• Main Authors: Baker S, Fairchild A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2016-10-01
• Series: Lung Cancer : Targets and Therapy
• Subjects: radiation; esophagitis; non-small cell lung cancer; acute; late
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/radiation-induced-esophagitis-in-lung-cancer-peer-reviewed-article-LCTT

Sarah Baker, Alysa Fairchild Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada Abstract: Radiation-induced esophagitis is the most common local acute toxicity of radiotherapy (RT) delivered for the curative or palliative intent treatment of lung cancer. Although concurrent chemotherapy and higher RT dose are associated with increased esophagitis risk, advancements in RT techniques as well as adherence to esophageal dosimetric constraints may reduce the incidence and severity. Mild acute esophagitis symptoms are generally self-limited, and supportive management options include analgesics, acid suppression, diet modification, treatment for candidiasis, and maintenance of adequate nutrition. Esophageal stricture is the most common late sequela from esophageal irradiation and can be addressed with endoscopic dilatation. Approaches to prevent or mitigate these toxicities are also discussed. Keywords: non–small cell lung cancer, acute, late, toxicity, stricture