[Chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer].

Recent results of combination chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer suggest modest survival benefits. Because combination chemotherapy can have severe side effects, it is reasonable to give chemotherapy when the patient is able to understand and accept the potential benefits and toxicities from such therapy. Recent randomized trials have shown survival benefit for chemotherapies before and after surgical resection. However, these have to be confirmed before they are recommended for general use. Because distant failure is common after radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, attempts have been made to improve survival by adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy. The randomized trials comparing radiation with or without combination chemotherapy suggest a strong rational for exploring the combined use of the most effective chemotherapy regimens with more effective thoracic radiation approaches.