New therapeutic approaches for early stage non-small cell lung cancer

Surg Oncol. 2005 Jul;14(1):27-32. doi: 10.1016/j.suronc.2004.11.002. Epub 2005 Jan 17.

Abstract

Surgical resection remains the mainstay of therapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Unfortunately, many patients present with advanced stage disease, and many with resectable early stage disease are unable to tolerate pulmonary resection because of compromised cardiopulmonary function. This article reviews the standard and some alternative therapies that are being introduced into clinical practice for early stage NSCLC. New therapies such as sublobar resection with brachytherapy, radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic radiosurgery offer some hope for those patients who are deemed poor candidates for curative resection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / therapy*
  • Catheter Ablation
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Radiosurgery