Chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Part 2: Advanced disease.
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.
Novello
Silvia
S
Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy.
Le Chevalier
Thierry
T
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents