Non-small cell lung cancer: an overview of diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current status, recent advances and ongoing research efforts related to screening, diagnosis and staging, and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, and abstracts relating to NSCLC.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgery is curative in a small number of patients. Radiation therapy can often control local disease and palliate symptoms; however, it does not impact overall survival. Current chemotherapy regimens have demonstrated ability to prolong survival when compared to "best supportive care"; however, survival benefit is limited to a period of a few weeks or months.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of treatment modalities and new therapies for NSCLC will help nurses assist patients to make educated decisions about the potential risks and benefits of their therapeutic options.
Harwood
K V
KV
Cancer Patient Education Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008403:Mass Screening; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome