[Phase III studies of combined chemotherapy and radiation in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and limited small-cell lung cancer]

Abstract

Large phase III studies for lung cancer are reviewed. In an effort to improve survival results in locally advanced inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), several studies have documented survival advantage for cisplatin + vinka alkaloid followed by radiotherapy (RT) when compared with RT alone. In SCLC, meta-analyses show that thoracic radiotherapy moderately improves survival in patients who are treated with combination chemotherapy. The optimum combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy needs to be established.