Lung cancer--where are we today? Current advances in staging and nonsurgical treatment.

摘要: Lung cancer remains the commonest cause of death in both men and women developed world, although mortality rates for are dropping. Spiral computed tomography (CT) chest middle-aged, smoking subjects may identify two to four times more lung cancers than a X-ray, with 70% tumors being Stage I. The incidence benign nodules is high, making interpretation difficult. Randomized controlled trials required determine whether spiral CT detects early enough improve mortality. Preoperative staging has relied on scans, but positron emission scanning greater sensitivity, specificity, accuracy recommended as final confirmatory investigation when shows resectable disease. In locally advanced non-small cell cancer, there small advantage addition chemotherapy radiotherapy, no postoperative radiotherapy. Chemotherapy gives benefit given neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment around surgery. disease, newer cytotoxic agents confer survival over older combinations, median best supportive care few months modest improvements quality life. Survival shown little increase last 15 years despite multiple attempts manipulate timing, dose intensity chemotherapy, potential Novel therapies urgently needed all types cancer.