Is concurrent chemoradiation the standard of care for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer? A review of guidelines and evidence

In the past 15 years, the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has shifted from radiotherapy alone. There are now schedules using induction chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiation using either radiosensitising doses of chemotherapy or full-dose chemotherapy, consolidation chemotherapy after radiation or combinations of these options. There is no consensus on the optimal chemotherapy regimen and its scheduling and the issue of radiation dose and optimal fractionation equally remains unresolved. This overview is in two sections. First, we have evaluated a selection of international guidelines on the management of locally advanced NSCLC. We assessed the methodology by which individual guidelines were produced and the levels of evidence quoted in support of the recommendations. Second, we have updated the literature search of the 2004 Cochrane review on concurrent chemoradiation. Trials were identified that compared sequential with concurrent chemoradiation using median survival as the primary outcome measure. Two-year survival and toxicity were evaluated as secondary outcome measures. Eleven trials were identified, of which six fulfilled criteria for inclusion. The median survival for concurrent treatment was 16-17 months compared with 13-15 months with sequential treatment. Treatment-related mortality was 3% for concurrent treatment and 1.7% for sequential treatment. The rate of grade 3 or worse oesophagitis was 19% in concurrent treatment compared with 3% for sequential treatment. In conclusion, chemotherapy adds benefit to radiotherapy treatment of locally advanced NSCLC. Concurrent chemoradiation is associated with significant toxicity. The evidence to support concurrent chemoradiation as the standard of care is not robust, in spite of its recommendation within a number of guidelines. Further trials should be supported.