Stereotactic body radiation therapy versus fractionated radiation therapy for early-stage bronchopulmonary carcinoid

AIM: To compare trends and outcomes in early stage bronchopulmonary carcinoid (BPC) tumors treated nonoperatively with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). METHODS/MATERIALS: We queried the National Cancer Database for primary (typical) BPC staged cT1-2N0M0 and treated nonsurgically with lung-directed radiation and ≥1 month of follow-up. Odds ratios were used to predict likelihood of SBRT treatment and multivariable Cox regression determined predictors of survival. RESULTS: Out of 154 patients, 84 (55%) were treated with SBRT and the remainder were treated with CFRT. Although SBRT use was 0% from 2004 to 2007, it varied from 50 to 70% per year thereafter. Propensity-matched Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed improved survival with lung SBRT (median: 66 vs 58 months; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: SBRT for early stage, primary BPC has increased over time and was associated with higher survival than CFRT.