[Chemotherapy in bronchogenic carcinoma (author's transl)]

Therapy results in bronchogenic carcinoma remain unchanged since the establishment of thoracic surgery. Prognosis depends on the two main factors: histological type and extension of disease at the time of diagnosis. Both factors are mutually dependent. Small cell carcinoma of the bronchus represents a special entity with its early hematogenous spread and the poorest prognosis of all bronchogenic carcinomas. The tumor is highly sensitive to radioor chemotherapy. A marked prolongatoion of medium survival time can be obtained by combination chemotherapy. This is usually accompained by an obvious improvement in the patient's general condition. In certain cases results can be further improved by irradiation of the primary tumor and the mediastinum. Prophylactic cranial irradiation is often indicated because of the frequent cerebral metastases. Results of chemotherapy are much less impressive in adenoor squamous-cell carcinomas of the bronchus. Such therapy can only be recommended for the exceptional case. Pilliative radiotherapy should be used freely. Till now, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery has only proven its value in small cell bronchogenic carcinoma.