Chemotherapy in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: indication, intensity, and duration

Platinum-based combination and single-agent chemotherapy have become accepted as treatments for locally advanced and metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer as a consequence of improved survival, quality of life, and symptom control compared with best supportive care. However, it is clear that a therapeutic plateau has been reached with current combinations requiring a re-evaluation of strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Dose intensification may offer one way in which to achieve better results, as may extension of the duration of treatment. The evidence suggests that dose intensification is a useful tool, and that its use in combination with markers of treatment duration and cumulative dose may help to maximize results from current active drug combinations. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc.