Chemotherapy for Advanced-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cancer J. 2015 Sep-Oct;21(5):366-70. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000141.

Abstract

Use of platinum-based chemotherapy doublets is the standard of care for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer, being associated with improved survival compared with best supportive care in fit patients with good performance status. Randomized studies showed that the addition of monoclonal antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or epidermal growth factor receptor may increase the survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Patients with either advanced age or poor performance status can also benefit from chemotherapy. Docetaxel with or without ramucirumab, pemetrexed, and erlotinib are approved for previously treated patients. New treatment approaches are needed to improve the outcomes in this patient population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Induction Chemotherapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Maintenance Chemotherapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Retreatment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents