Comfort Level of Two Abdominal Compression Methods Used to Hold Patients Still While Undergoing Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Lung Tumors

RATIONALE: Stereotactic body radiation therapy may be able to send x-rays directly to the tumor and cause less damage to normal tissue. Abdominal compression methods that hold the body and the tumor from moving during treatment may permit radiation therapy to kill more tumor cells. This study is looking at the comfort level of two abdominal compression methods in patients with lung tumors undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy. PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the comfort level of two abdominal compression methods used to hold patients still while undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung tumors.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

120 Years

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* All lung patients from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and Richardson Regional Cancer Center scheduled to receive stereotactic body radiotherapy simulation
* Must have initial pre-compression lung tumor motions with respiration \> 1 cm

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

* Negative pregnancy test

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

* Concurrent participation in other protocols allowed