Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China , sunjiafengntyy@163.com
Abstract: (8 Views)
Background:To assess the clinical benefits of intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion administered before radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer, focusing on hemodynamic stability, stress response modulation, and pulmonary protection. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 lung cancer patients scheduled for thoracic radiotherapy (6 MV linear accelerator, Varian Clinac iX, USA; 2 Gy/fraction, 30 fractions, total dose 60 Gy) between April 2022 and January 2024 were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 60) or dexmedetomidine group (n = 60). Prior to each radiotherapy session, the control group received intravenous 0.6 μg/kg normal saline, while the study group received 0.6 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. Hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress markers, and stress hormone levels were recorded at baseline (T0), midway (T1), end of session (T2), and 24 hours post-radiotherapy (T3). Pulmonary complications, cognitive impairment, and adverse reactions were documented. Results: The dexmedetomidine group maintained significantly more stable mean arterial pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO₂), and oxidative stress profiles (P < 0.05). Compared to controls, they showed lower arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO₂), malondialdehyde, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. Pulmonary injury occurred in 5.0% vs. 16.7% (P = 0.041), and cognitive impairment in 6.7% vs. 20.0% (P = 0.031). Adverse reaction rates were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pre-radiotherapy dexmedetomidine stabilizes hemodynamics, attenuates oxidative and neuroendocrine stress responses, and reduces pulmonary and cognitive complications without increasing adverse events, suggesting a valuable role in peri-radiotherapy management of lung cancer patients.