Circulating Cytokines as Predictors of Radiation Induced Pulmonary Toxicity

Inclusion Criteria

• •Patients receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer combined with surgery either pre or post RT to the chest for lung cancer not associated with atelectasis, pleural effusion.
• •Patients receiving HDR Brachytherapy for lung cancer.
• •Patients receiving concomitant radiation and interferon therapy for lung cancer.
• •Patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy and radiation for lung cancer. Prior drug therapy does not make patients ineligible.
• •Karnofsky ≥ 70 %.
• •There are no age restrictions.
• •Acceptable bone marrow function - WBC 2 3000/mm3, platelet count \> 100,000, hematocrit ≥ 33%, hemoglobin ≥ 11 gms/dl.
• •Life expectancy \> 6 months.
• •Patients must sign informed consent meeting all federal and institutional guidelines.