Recent developments in the treatment of lung cancer: the medical oncologist's view

After a short introduction to recent developments in the field of tobacco c ontrol, the nonsurgical treatment of small cell and non-small cell lung can cer is summarised with special reference to practical aspects. The promisin g results obtained with newer cytostatic agents are reviewed. In small cell lung cancer, modern chemotherapy prolongs survival five-fold to an average of one year and 5-10% of all patients achieve long-term disease-free survi val. In non-small cell lung cancer combination chemotherapy prolongs median survival and improves the quality of life. Newer cytostatic agents such as the taxanes, vinorelbine and gemcitabine are highly active. These agents a re currently incorporated into new, highly active combination chemotherapie s. Whether these newer poly-chemotherapies will bring a significant improve ment awaits the results of future randomised trials.