Adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: Review

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents about 80% of the all lung cancers. Less than one-third of these patients present with early stage cancer and substantial relapses are observed despite curative surgical treatment. Recurrences are usually in the form of extrathoracic and distant metastases. Until recently, in the vast majority of studies involving postoperative treatments including chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, no substantial survival advantage was demonstrated. Recent reports within the last 2 years with results favoring adjuvant chemotherapy, led to the consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy again. This review aims to summarize the role of adjuvant chemotherapy by evaluating novel adjuvant chemotherapy studies and metaanalyses for the use of this treatment modality in resected NSCLC. Copyright © 2006 by Türkiye Klinikleri.