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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Adjuvant therapy for resected non-small-cell lung cancer: recent advances, emerging agents, and lingering questions
1The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Bunting-Blaustein Cancer Research Building, 1650 Orleans Street, Room G-94, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, USA.
Abstract:
Survival rates for all stages of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are dismal. Despite complete resection of early-stage NSCLC, many patients have recurrence at distant metastatic sites, reinforcing the need for effective systemic adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy, and more recently, targeted therapies, have been evaluated in the adjuvant setting. Although initial trials did not suggest improved survival, a 1995 meta-analysis favored adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The recently published International Adjuvant Lung Trial confirms this finding and suggests a new standard of care. In this paper we review data on adjuvant chemotherapy and limitations of recent clinical trials, including those with targeted therapies. We also address the most effective and least toxic regimens for adjuvant chemotherapy and the subsets of patients likely to derive the most benefit.
Insights
Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgery. This review examines effective regimens and patient subgroups benefiting most from this essential treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has poor survival rates, with frequent recurrence after surgery.
- Adjuvant systemic therapy is crucial for improving outcomes in resected NSCLC.
- Previous adjuvant chemotherapy trials yielded mixed results, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer.
- To analyze limitations of recent clinical trials, including targeted therapies.
- To identify optimal and least toxic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and patient subsets.
Main Methods:
- Review of published data on adjuvant chemotherapy for NSCLC.
- Analysis of findings from the International Adjuvant Lung Trial.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data, including targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- A 1995 meta-analysis supported adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
- The International Adjuvant Lung Trial confirms survival benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Ongoing research explores targeted therapies in the adjuvant setting.
Conclusions:
- Adjuvant chemotherapy, particularly cisplatin-based, is a new standard of care for resected NSCLC.
- Identifying optimal regimens and patient subgroups is key to maximizing benefits.
- Further research is needed to refine adjuvant treatment strategies for NSCLC.
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