Induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

The position for induction chemotherapy has shifted somewhat in the past few years. This approach has the ability to reduce distant failure and is relatively easy to administer. There are patients who would benefit from and could be offered induction chemotherapy--specifically, those who would not tolerate concurrent chemoradiotherapy or those who might benefit from more intensive therapy combing induction and concurrent strategies. The latter platform, however, should be undertaken with caution, ideally in a clinical trial setting.