Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Controversy persists as to whether systemic chemotherapy is beneficial treatment for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Combination chemotherapy used to treat patients with metastatic NSCLC is not associated with long-term survival. Nevertheless, a survival benefit has been demonstrated in patients receiving chemotherapy compared with those receiving supportive care, although in the majority of studies, the benefit has not been significant. NSCLC patients with a good performance status, no significant weight loss, and adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function have the best chance of responding to chemotherapy and increasing their survival times. Further studies are needed to identify new active agents and useful combination chemotherapy regimens to treat NSCLC. Both the physician and the patient must weigh the risks and benefits of chemotherapy available to NSCLC.