Is there a role for chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer?

This paper reviews the results of individual studies and meta-analyses of chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer. The published results from studies of chemotherapy as part of a combined modality therapy which have been carried out in the last decade are conflicting. Some show a statistically superior survival for the group receiving chemotherapy compared with a best supportive care group, while the others show no advantage. The differences, however, are small. Meta-analysis of data from published randomized trials has been used by some authors to assess combination chemotherapy compared to supportive or palliative treatment of patients of non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer. In some of the randomized trials and meta-analyses results, a statistically significant effect on survival parameters following chemotherapy against non-small cell lung cancer is shown. The clinical significance of these observations is questionable and the results from larger ongoing trials must be awaited before chemotherapy is used routinely in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.