Salunkhe KA* and Saini JK
Background: Endobronchial cryotherapy is a useful tool in a bronchoscopy suite. This study was conducted to compare the effects of endobronchial Cryotherapy combined with Chemotherapy (Cr +CT) in advanced, centrally located lung cancer versus only Chemotherapy (CT) over 18 months.
Materials and methods: Patients with advanced lung cancer were enrolled in two groups: Patients receiving Cr+CT and patients receiving CT. In the Cr+CT group, 48 hours prior to every chemotherapy cycle, cryoptherapy was done on the lesion. EORTC Quality of Life (QOL) assessment using LC-13 and C-30 modules was done at every cycle. RECIST assessment was done at every third cycle of either therapy.
Results: This study included 30 patients (males-76.6%) with mean age (± Standard Deviation (± SD))=60.5 (± 9.6) years. 86.6% patients in both groups had non-small cell lung cancer. In Cr+CT group, Response Rate (RR)=60% and for CT group, RR=40% (P>0.05). Non Progresive Disease Rate (NPDR) for Cr+CT=90%, for CT=66.6% (p<0.05).
The Quality of Life (QOL) variable mean scores plotted as Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R). Significantly superior results were observed in Cr+CT group for dyspnea severity, cough and hemoptysis (P<0.05). Similarly, Cr+CT group showed higher R for global functioning, physical functioning. Role functioning and social functioning and insomnia versus CT group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Addition of cryotherapy to chemotherapy led to higher RR and NPDR. It improved overall QOL as well as respiratory symptoms. It is a safe and effective tool for palliation as well as definitive management.
Published Date: 2024-03-21; Received Date: 2024-02-15
