Preoperative irradiation of bronchial carcinoma

Preoperative irradiation with telecobalt was used in 122 cases of bronchial carcinoma from 1957 until 1962. Surgery was possible in only 85 cases (13 exploratory thoracotomies and 72 resections). Although this group represents a selected series, survival rates are not better than in the group treated by surgery alone during the same period. In the whole series treated by preoperative irradiation the results are less favorable. A correlation between tumor regression and survival could not be found. Damage to pulmonary tissue and the bronchial stump after irradiation seems to increase the risk at surgery. At the present time, early detection by periodic roentgenologic screening of the chest and operative treatment will offer the best chance for cure.