Modern radiotherapy as part of combined modality treatment in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: present status and future prospects.
Locally advanced stages account for approximately one third of the incident presentations of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Optimal treatment in selected patients consists of an integration of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Both modalities have seen numerous advances in the last decade. This article reviews the current status and outcome of treatment in stage III NSCLC, with special emphasis on the role of novel techniques in radiation treatment, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The obstacles for improving local control are identified and the technical progress that aims at removing these obstacles is addressed.
van Meerbeeck
Jan P
JP
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Oncological Network Ghent, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium .vanmeerbeeck@ugent.be
Meersschout
Sabine
S
De Pauw
Rebecca
R
Madani
Indira
I
De Neve
Wilfried
W
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents