Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
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This page discusses the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer. For a thorough review of chemotherapy for cancer treatment, please see the chemotherapy treatment monograph .
Cancer chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Unlike radiation and surgery, which are localized treatments, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning the drugs travel throughout the whole body. This means chemotherapy can reach cancer cells that may have spread, or metastasized, to other areas.
Chemotherapy for lung cancer is usually done in the hospital. The drugs are usually given in combination, intravenously (by IV), and in cycles. Chemotherapy may be used with other types of treatments, including radiation and surgery. It may be used to control symptoms, such as cough, pain, and shortness of breath.
Chemotherapy is a primary treatment (along with radiation therapy ) for small cell lung cancer. For non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy is usually used to control symptoms, or in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery to improve local control and survival.
Doctors are still working to determine the best chemotherapy regimens for lung cancer.
Chemotherapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Single Chemotherapy Agents
The following drugs have response rates greater than 15% for non-small cell lung cancer:
- Cisplatin
- Docetaxel (Taxotere)
- Etoposide
- Gemcitabine
- Ifosfamide
- Mitomycin C
- Paclitaxel (Taxol)
- Vincristine
- Vinorelbine
Combination Therapies, Given by IV in Cycles
Name of Combination | Drugs in Combination |
---|---|
MVP |
Mitomycin and vindesine
Or vinblastine and cisplatin |
CAP |
Cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin Cisplatin |
BEP |
Bleomycin
Etoposide Cisplatin |
EP |
Etoposide
Cisplatin |
FPV |
5-Fluorouracil
Cisplatin |
FOMi/CAP |
5-Fluorouracil
Vincristine Mitomycin C Cyclophosphamide Doxorubicin Cisplatin |
CE |
Carboplatin
Etoposide |
TP |
Teniposide
Cisplatin |
IM |
Ifosfamide
Mitomycin C |
IE |
Ifosfamide
Etoposide |
IP |
Ifosfamide
Cisplatin |
MIP |
Mitomycin
Ifosfamide Cisplatin |
ICE |
Ifosfamide
Carboplatin or cisplatin Etoposide |
GemP |
Gemcitabine
Cisplatin |
PacP |
Paclitaxel
Cisplatin |
PacC |
Paclitaxel
Carboplatin |
VrlbP |
Vinorelbine
Cisplatin |
DocP |
Docetaxel
Cisplatin |
Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Single Chemotherapy Agents
The following drugs have response rates of at least 20% for small cell lung cancer:
- Epirubicin (high-dose)
- Carboplatin
- Hexamethylmelamine
- Ifosfamide
- Teniposide
Combination Therapies, Given by IV in Cycles
Name of Combination | Drugs in Combination |
---|---|
EP |
Etoposide (VP-16)
Cisplatin |
CAVE |
Cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin Vincristine Etoposide (VP-16) |
CAV |
Cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin Vincristine |
VPCP |
Etoposide (VP-16)
Carboplatin |
ICE (VIP) |
Etoposide (VP-16)
Ifosfamide Cisplatin |
CODE |
Cisplatin
Vincristine Doxorubicin Etoposide |
Effectiveness
Chemotherapy offers limited curative benefit for lung cancer, but it may help in controlling symptoms. If the tumor does not respond to therapy within two or three cycles of treatment, chemotherapy is usually stopped.
Response rates for combination therapy for non-small cell lung cancer range from 10% to 60%. Adding chemotherapy to radiation for patients with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer can modestly improve outcome. It is not recommended for Stage I or II.
Response rates for combination therapy (chemotherapy plus radiation therapy) for small cell lung cancer range from 55% to 75% in patients with extensive disease and 70% to 90% in patients with limited disease.
Sources:
American Cancer Society
American Lung Association
Bast R. Cancer Medicine e5 . Hamilton, Ontario: B.C. Decker Inc.; 2000.
National Cancer Institute
Last reviewed February 2003 by Jondavid Pollock, MD, PhD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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