Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Identification of prognostic factors is critical in optimizing treatment for patients with cancer. The purpose of this work is to review the modern literature with regard to prognostic factors for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking into account ongoing advances in clinical evaluation, staging, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular biology in this widely heterogeneous patient population. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.