Lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Approximately 85 % of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers while 15 % are small cell lung cancers. Histologically, following subtypes of non-small cell cancer are distinguished: adenocarcinoma (38.5 % of all lung cancers), squamous cell carcinoma (20 %) and large cell carcinoma (3 %). Over recent years, the incidence of adenocarcinoma has been increasing. Squamous cell carcinoma is more commonly associated with smoking while adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type in non-smokers. The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer is decided according to clinical stage, morphological diagnosis, and the performance status of the patient. Early-stage patients are typically indicated for surgery. In some cases, adjuvant therapy is indicated. In locally advanced and metastatic stages, chemotherapy, biological treatment, and, recently, immunotherapy is indicated. Radiotherapy should also be considered for locally advanced disease. In small-cell lung cancer, the combination of etoposide and cisplatin or etoposide and carboplatin is still considered standard chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is an integral part of treatment of either type of lung cancer. Keywords: lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy.