Lung Radiation

[Marilli]

Hi Ladies - I was hoping if someone knows if the same area can be radiated again on the lung?  Won't see the doctor for a couple of weeks to ask him.  Thank you all so very much.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Yes most definitely the area that has been irradiated once can be given radiation again. the dose and the interval between the first and repeat radiation would depend on several factors which include the type of cancer, the extent of spread, the plan of treatment etc. This needs to be discussed in detail with your oncologist and you also need to keep yourself aware of the treatment plan and the dosage and time scheduling. Goodluck!

[Marilli]

Hello - This sounds promising.  My husband has breast cancer.  He had a liver transplant and has a suppressed immune system, therefore, he has never had chemo, just hormonal drugs and radiation.  His cancer has progressed to his bones (kept under control with radiation) but has spread to one of his lungs.  He had radiation 7 months ago and has had problems breathing and getting lightheaded ever since. We are working on this with a doctor and seems to be getting a little better.  His oxygen level is excellent.  Thank you so much for answering.  I am glad to find this board, it is so helpful.  Idi

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Glad to be of help. Goodluck.

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
I am sorry to hear of your husbands cancer spreading to the lungs and him getting breathless as a result.
Dr Bhumika is right that newer nodules in the lungs may be irradiated, but usually your radiation oncologist would be reluctant to re-irradiate the previously irradiated region within the lung. The toxicity will be high if the exact same spot in the lung is given radiotherapy again.
He may benefit from supportive care, palliative measures, bisphosphonates like zoledronic acid for bone involvement, hormonal therapy, stimulants of appetite like magesterol acetate, and pain relief measures.

[Marilli]

Hi - Thank you for all the info. He has had all the hormal therapy to include magestrol acetate, he had Zometa but no longer needs it for his alkaline phosphate is very low so this would not benefit him. The spot on the lung, it seems when they radiated they missed part of it, for it is around the outer rim of where the tumor was or is.  Truly, I don't know what we'll do for we have run out of options.  With his breathing problem more radiation does concern me.  Other than that he really has had no pain from his cancer.  So, I guess the treatment for him is worse than the disease.  I do thank you for very much for all the ideas.  Hope you are well.  Idi