Predictors of Acute Radiation Esophagitis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Accelerated Hyperfractionated Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM: To identify the clinical and dosimetric predictors of severe acute radiation esophagitis (RE) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with accelerated hyperfractionated concurrent chemoradiotherapy (AH-CCRT) with concomitant boost technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 159 patients who underwent AH-CCRT (64 Gy in 40 fractions twice daily) were retrospectively identified. Severe RE was designated as grade 3 or higher according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. RESULTS: The incidence rate of grade 3 RE was 15.1% (24/159). The multivariate analysis that incorporated the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS, ≥1 vs. 0) and the relative esophagus volume irradiated with at least 60 Gy (V60) was optimal. Patients with a V60 of ≥15% had a 37.8% risk of grade 3 RE compared to a 6.1% risk among those with a V60 of <15%. CONCLUSION: ECOG PS (≥1 vs. 0) and the V60 were found to be significant risk factors for severe RE in NSCLC patients who underwent AH-CCRT.