Optimal management of radiation pneumonitis: Findings of an international Delphi consensus study

Indu S Voruganti Maddali, Cicely Cunningham, Lorraine McLeod, Houda Bahig, Nazia Chaudhuri, Kevin L M Chua, Matthew Evison, Corinne Faivre-Finn, Kevin Franks, Susan Harden, Gregory Videtic, Percy Lee, Suresh Senan, Shankar Siva, David A Palma, Iain Phillips, Jacqueline Kruser, Timothy Kruser, Clive Peedell, X Melody QuClifford Robinson, Angela Wright, Stephen Harrow, Alexander V Louie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a dose-limiting toxicity for patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for lung cancer, however, the optimal practice for diagnosis, management, and follow-up for RP remains unclear. We thus sought to establish expert consensus recommendations through a Delphi Consensus study.

METHODS: In Round 1, open questions were distributed to 31 expert clinicians treating thoracic malignancies. In Round 2, participants rated agreement/disagreement with statements derived from Round 1 answers using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75 % agreement. Statements that did not achieve consensus were modified and re-tested in Round 3.

RESULTS: Response rate was 74 % in Round 1 (n = 23/31; 17 oncologists, 6 pulmonologists); 82 % in Round 2 (n = 19/23; 15 oncologists, 4 pulmonologists); and 100 % in Round 3 (n = 19/19). Thirty-nine of 65 Round 2 statements achieved consensus; a further 10 of 26 statements achieved consensus in Round 3. In Round 2, there was agreement that risk stratification/mitigation includes patient factors; optimal treatment planning; the basis for diagnosis of RP; and that oncologists and pulmonologists should be involved in treatment. For uncomplicated radiation pneumonitis, an equivalent to 60 mg oral prednisone per day, with consideration of gastroprotection, is a typical initial regimen. However, in this study, no consensus was achieved for dosing recommendation. Initial steroid dose should be administered for a duration of 2 weeks, followed by a gradual, weekly taper (equivalent to 10 mg prednisone decrease per week). For severe pneumonitis, IV methylprednisolone is recommended for 3 days prior to initiating oral corticosteroids. Final consensus statements included that the treatment of RP should be multidisciplinary, the uncertainty of whether pneumonitis is drug versus radiation-induced, and the importance risk stratification, especially in the scenario of interstitial lung disease.

CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi study achieved consensus recommendations and provides practical guidance on diagnosis and management of RP.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107822
Pages (from-to)107822
JournalLung Cancer
Volume192
Early online date14 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • Antineoplastic agents, Adverse Effects
  • Lung cancer
  • Pneumonitis
  • Radiation Pneumonitis
  • Radiation-induced lung injury
  • Radiotherapy

Cite this