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Table 3 Overview of radiographic changes after completion of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy compared to stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) of the thorax

From: Radiation-induced lung toxicity – cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, management, and literature review

 

Conventionally fractionated radiotherapy

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR)

Radiographic changes within 6 months after completion of radiotherapy

•consolidation conform to irradiation field

•diffuse ground glass opacities and/or airspace consolidation

•nodule-like pattern

•atelectasis

•(ipsilateral) pleural effusion

•diffuse and/or patchy consolidation

•diffuse and/or patchy ground glass opacities

Radiographic changes after 6 months following completion of radiotherapy

•scar-like fibrosis > conventional pattern > mass-like fibrosis

•volume loss

•linear scarring/restriction to radiation fields

•chronic consolidation ± air-bronchograms

•bronchiectasis

•pleural thickening

•hilar vascular displacement

•mediastinal shift

•(ipsilateral) pleural effusion

•modified conventional pattern > scar-like fibrosis > mass-like fibrosis

•chronic consolidation

•volume loss

•bronchiectasis