Clinical analysis of 48 cases of malignant superior vena cava syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to observe and compare the curative effect of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as comprehensive treatment on superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) caused by malignant etiology. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with malignant SVCS admitted to our hospital from 2015 to 2020 were selected in this study. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into radiotherapy group (group 1, 10 cases), chemotherapy group (group 2, 8 cases), combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy group (group 3, 22 cases), and comprehensive treatment group (group 4, 8 cases). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in efficacy and side effects among the four groups (all P > 0.05). Group 4 (median survival time of 36 months) could provide longer survival time than groups 1, 2, and 3 (median survival time of 10 months, 13.5 months, and 12 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with severe symptoms or good prognosis, comprehensive treatment could be selected to improve the quality of life and prolong the survival period; for patients with mild symptoms, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy could also reduce the symptoms of SVCS and treat tumor lesions.