Evidence-based outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

A majority of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) wi ll have advanced disease at diagnosis. In the past, systemic therapy (chemo therapy) has demonstrated only slight improvement in survival, hence, pract itioners were reluctant to refer patients for cytotoxic therapy. In the pas t few years, newer chemotherapeutic agents, with increased activity against NSCLC, have been shown to significantly improve median and I-year survival rates and improve quality of life. Although advanced NSCLC is considered i ncurable disease, it is, however, potentially treatable disease. This chapt er will address the evidence regarding currently available therapies for pa tients with advanced stage NSCLC.