A nihilistic view of non-small cell lung cancer is no longer warranted due to new treatments and combination therapies. Lung cancer remains the largest cancer killer in this country, due to cigarette smoking. Adolescent smoking rates remain high, implicating future lung cancers.
Performance status is the single most powerful predictor outcome.
Performance status measures depend on functional descriptors. Multidisciplinary treatments are increasingly important for Stage IIIA patients as not all IIIAs are alike. These strategies are also being investigated with Stage IIIB patients. Sequential vs. concurrent use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is being investigated, looking for acceptable tolerability with maximum efficacy. Treatment decisions are not clear, but are directed by the patient's performance status.