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

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to identify computed tomography (CT) features of local recurrence (LR) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.MethodsTwo 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.ResultsA new bulging margin at the treatment site was the only feature significantly associated with LR (P< .005).ConclusionMost CT features classically associated with LR following conventional radiation therapy are unreliable for predicting LR following SBRT.