Zhang Y W, Chen Z J, Gao Q H
Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi. 1986 Sep;8(5):358-60.
From 1979 to 1983, 32 cases of malignant lymphoma were treated by short course radiotherapy. 60Co teletherapy or conventional X-ray (H.V.L. 0.95 mm Cu) in a daily skin dose of 450 rad was given. In order to avoid radiation injury to the pharynx and spinal cord, lymph nodes on both sides of the neck were first irradiated by 60Co through tangential anterior fields, then by perpendicular conventional irradiation. Peak radiation reaction of skin or tumor was seen in 2-3 weeks. The larger the tumor, the slower was the complete regression. The 5 year survival rate was 52.2% and local recurrence rate was 6.2%. The short course radiotherapy could be used as a salvage treatment to residual tumor or resistant lesions after chemotherapy. It is used not only in advanced disease but also in early lesion. The short course irradiation, improving the treatment result of the advanced lymphomas and prolonging the survival, is capable of achieving more than the conventional course. The short course radiotherapy, being short in duration and low in cost, is advised.
