Journal article
Urgent radiotherapy for superior vena cava syndrome in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a case report
Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology, v 37, 100365
01 Mar 2026
PMID: 41510316
Abstract
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a life-threatening complication of thoracic malignancies, requiring rapid management in the setting of airway compromise or hemodynamic instability. We present a 59-year-old male with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) due to compression from a large mediastinal mass identified as metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. His declining respiratory status progressed rapidly, necessitating intensive care. After extensive multidisciplinary collaboration, the patient was determined fit for inpatient radiation therapy and 10 fractions of 300 cGy external beam radiotherapy to the obstructing lesion was planned. However, the patient was unable to lay supine for radiation treatment due to dyspnea, so he was transferred to an academic center, where custom immobilization setup was available to accommodate the patient's inability to tolerate a standardized supine position utilized by most outpatient radiation centers. The patient's symptoms and oxygen requirement then improved markedly, enabling transition to outpatient care for the remaining two radiotherapy (RT) fractions and chemotherapy. This case highlights the value of hypofractionated radiotherapy and institutional adaptability in managing acute oncologic emergencies such as SVC syndrome.
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Details
- Title
- Urgent radiotherapy for superior vena cava syndrome in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a case report
- Creators
- Arpeet Patel - Drexel UniversityNilanjan Haldar - Thomas Jefferson UniversityIda Micaily - Sidney Kimmel Cancer CenterMichael Greenberg - Thomas Jefferson UniversityEvan Nardone - Sidney Kimmel Cancer CenterJohn A. Lippert - Thomas Jefferson UniversityChristopher Fundakowski - Thomas Jefferson UniversityAdam C. Mueller (Corresponding Author) - Thomas Jefferson University
- Publication Details
- Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology, v 37, 100365
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 5
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine; Emergency Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001644160500001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105025007156
- Other Identifier
- 991022196574004721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Oncology
- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging