Airway Obstruction
If the tumor cannot be surgically removed, obstruction of the airway by tumor should be first treated by radiation therapy in most cases. Improvement can usually be anticipated. If airway obstruction recurs after radiation therapy, then tumor can sometimes be removed partially by bronchoscopy with laser or photodynamic therapy. After relief of the obstruction, results can sometimes be improved by giving further radiation therapy directly in the airway (endo-brachy radiation therapy) or by placing a metalic stent to physically hold the bronchus open.
An excellent source of information on endobronchial stenting is available at U of Pittsburg
Frederic W. Grannis Jr. M.D If you have trouble contacting me with the address above, I may also be reached at 76516,2333@compuserve.com and at fgrannis@cris.com |
For more information
on 
A remarkable new device
is now available for endobrachyradiation therapy. Endobrachy radiation
therapy for lung cancer is usually administered using radioisotopes on
the end of long wires which are passed through plastic catheters placed
in the area of the obstructing tumor using a bronchoscope. Endobrachy radiation
therapy has been shown to extend the palliation achieved by laser ablation
by approximately three months and has a low complication rate. The treatment
previously required hospitalization, took 24-48 hours to deliver and was
uncomfortable for the patient and difficult for hospital personnel. High
dose sources were available only in a few centers around the country. A
new portable high dose capable endobrachy radiation therapy device is now
available for the first time in Los Angeles. We have used it twice in recent
months and have been impressed by the convenience to the patient. A treatment
takes minutes rather than hours and can be given on an out-patient basis.