Adjuvant treatment in lung cancer

J Clin Transl Res. 2021 Apr 16;7(2):175-184. eCollection 2021 Apr 22.

Abstract

Background: Adjuvant treatment for both small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer is a controversial topic. There are no published results from prospective studies that either confirm or reject the benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy, although the presentation of recent studies at a number of conferences questions whether there should be a change in the paradigm of adjuvant RT for lung cancer.

Aim: The main goal of this study is to review the most relevant publications on the topic, updating the state of the matter regarding adjuvant radiotherapy following lung surgery, and analyzing the role of chemotherapy in the process.

Relevance for patients: This review aims to assess the potential benefit of PORT in NSCLC and SCLC patients by looking at recent research. In doing so, it will be possible to determine which patients might benefit from it as adjuvant treatment after pulmonary resection.

Keywords: adjuvant chemotherapy; non-small-cell lung cancer; pathologic N2; post-operative radiotherapy; small-cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Review