[Chemotherapy in cancer of the lung]

In the early stages of non-small cell lung cancer, postoperative administration of a combination of vinorelbine and cisplatin is of proven benefit. Chemotherapy is applied pre-operatively in the case of locally advanced stages, and in parallel with radiotherapy in the case of inoperable tumors. For advanced and metastatic stages of non-small cell lung cancer, combination therapy or monotherapy with antibodies may be considered. These are directed against tumor-specific structures (targeted therapy). In the case of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer the classical combinations, but also new substances are employed.