[Lung cancer: present concepts of treatment]

The role of the various treatment modalities of bronchial carcinoma in respect to clinical stage and histology is described. Criteria to select patients for surgical treatment and for radiotherapy with curative or palliative intent are discussed. The present state of cytotoxic therapy in respect to adjuvant treatment as well as its use in metastatic disease is summarized. In small cell carcinoma combination chemotherapy may result not only in palliation, but in an improved survival in a high percentage of patients. Recommended protocols, remission rates and the long-term prognosis of treated patients are summarized.