Chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Part 2: Advanced disease

Oncology (Williston Park). 2003 Apr;17(4):457-64, 469-71; discussion 471, 478-80, 483-4.

Abstract

The prognosis of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poor. Systemic chemotherapy prolongs survival in this group of patients and palliates symptoms compared to best supportive care alone but more effective therapeutic strategies are needed. Novel agents that selectively target biological pathways of tumor growth offer hope of improving response and survival rates beyond what has been achieved with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy. Part 2 of this two-part article addresses the role of chemotherapy in locally advanced and advanced NSCLC, including the use of novel agents, considerations in elderly patients, and studies of second-line treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / radiotherapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents