Palliative treatment of inoperable malignant tracheobronchial obstruction: temporary stenting combined with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical results of temporary stenting followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy in patients with inoperable malignant tracheobronchial strictures.
CONCLUSION: Temporary stenting combined with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be clinically effective in the palliative treatment of patients with malignant tracheobronchial strictures. Stent placement may serve as an effective bridge to radiation and/or chemotherapy, allowing the latter to consolidate durable relief of obstructing symptoms by reducing tumor burden. Furthermore, our treatment strategy may increase patients' quality of life by reducing stent-related complications.