Because of the stage-specific treatment of lung cancer, significant strides have been made in the treatment strategies for patients with non-small-cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, despite aggressive therapy, most patients will die within 5 years of diagnosis. Although the predominant cause of death will be secondary to the systemic nature of the cancer, most patients also will suffer significant decrements in their quality of life and functional status secondary to local complications. Addressing and treating the local complications of lung cancer aggressively may directly and immediately improve the quality of life and functional status of patients with extensive lung cancer. Improvements in the treatment of local complications of lung cancer that lead to improved performance status also may have an impact on the long-term survival of these patients.