[Lung carcinoma]

Chemotherapy for patients with advanced lung carcinoma at an early period of diseases contributes to prolonged survival. However, since survivals are limited to around 1 year, it is critical for patients to stay at home and continue their social activities under chemotherapy. As active agents such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, vinorelbine and irinotecan were introduced into clinical practice, and new techniques for preventing side effects such as emesis and neutropenia were developed, chemotherapy for outpatients become feasible also in Japan. In addition, the outpatient chemotherapy, preventing oncologic emergency and early starting of palliative care are also very important for patients'quality of life (QOL) at home. This review summarizes the present status of taking care for outpatients with lung cancer.