The enormous problem that is lung cancer still defies satisfactory the
rapeutic strategy. This article summarizes some of the more important
laboratory efforts directed at understanding the biology of this compl
ex disease. The radiation sensitivities of established lung cancer cel
l lines are outlined. The effect of radiation dose rate and chemothera
py is explored. The emerging biology of oncogenetic alterations is exp
lored as it relates to radiation sensitivity in general, and lung canc
er in particular. Finally, novel therapeutic approaches including phot
odynamic therapy are introduced. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.