External beam radiation therapy is safe and effective in treating primary pulmonary amyloidosis

The aim of the prospective study was to explore the safety and effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in three patients with biopsy proven primary pulmonary amyloidosis, including two tracheobronchial amyloidosis patients and one primary parenchymal amyloidosis patient. All three patients were treated to 24 Gy in 12 fractions utilizing CT simulation and 3-D planning. All three patients had significant improvement in clinical symptoms, radiological imaging as well as pulmonary function tests. The improvement in the clinical symptoms was evident in 2 days. Toxicities related to EBRT were not observed during the follow-up range from 42 to 54 months. EBRT to 24 Gy was safe and effective in the three patients with primary pulmonary amyloidosis, and resulted in rapid relief of pulmonary symptoms. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.