Computed tomographic features predictive of local recurrence in patients with early stage lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy

Introduction: The objective of this study is to identify computed tomography (CT) features of local recurrence (LR) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. Methods: Two hundred eighteen patients underwent SBRT for lung cancer from January 1st, 2006 to March 1st, 2011. Signs of LR recorded: opacity with new bulging margin, opacification of air bronchograms, enlarging pleural effusion, new or enlarging mass, and increased lung density at the treatment site. Results: A new bulging margin at the treatment site was the only feature significantly associated with LR (P<.005). Conclusion: Most CT features classically associated with LR following conventional radiation therapy are unreliable for predicting LR following SBRT. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.