Irradiated volume and the risk of fatal hemoptysis in patients submitted to high dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy

To determine risk factors associated with fatal hemoptysis (FH) in endobronchial high dose-rate brachytherapy (EHDRB) 84 patients treated with EHDRB from January 1991 to June 2002 were studied. Clinical and technical parameters (including treatment volumes) were analyzed. Eight (9.5%) patients died of FH, all but one with recurrent or persistent local disease. Median interval until death due to FH was 4 months versus 6 months for the whole group. The only factor with significant correlation with FH was the 100% isodose volume (V100) (p = 0.04). Larger irradiated volumes were related to FH. Analysis of volume parameters is suggested, together with the dose and number of fractions prescribed for each patient. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.