[Recent development in the treatment of lung cancer: from the point of view of the medical oncologist].
After a short introduction to recent developments in the field of tobacco control, the non-surgical treatment of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer is summarised with special reference to practical aspects. The promising results obtained with newer cytostatic agents are reviewed. In small cell lung cancer, modern chemotherapy prolongs survival five-fold to an average of one year and 5-10% of all patients achieve long-term disease-free survival. In non-small cell lung cancer combination chemotherapy prolongs median survival and improves the quality of life. Newer cytostatic agents such as the taxanes, vinorelbine and gemcitabine are highly active. These agents are currently incorporated into new, highly active combination chemotherapies. Whether these newer polychemotherapies will bring a significant improvement awaits the results of future randomised trials.
Joss
R
R
Medizinische Klinik, Kantonsspital Luzern.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008495:Medical Oncology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents