Chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer.

Abstract

Chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for both unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and limited-stage small cell lung cancer. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy yields a 5-year survival rate of approximately 15% for patients with unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The state-of-the-art treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer is four cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin plus etoposide combined with early concurrent twice-daily thoracic irradiation and prophylactic cranial irradiation after complete remission. A 5-year survival rate of approximately 25% is expected among patients treated for limited-stage small cell lung cancer. The incorporation of new agents, including target-based drugs, is one of the most promising strategies for improving the survival of patients.

• Authors: Yuichiro Ohe
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 6 Issue 16 Pg. 2793-804 (Dec 2005) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 16318430 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy, mortality, radiotherapy)
• Carcinoma, Small Cell (drug therapy, mortality, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality, radiotherapy)