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

SummaryTo 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.