Radiat Oncol J.  2017 Mar;35(1):16-24. 10.3857/roj.2017.00108.

Multidisciplinary team approach for the management of patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: searching the evidence to guide the decision

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea.
  • 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea. ahnsja@chonnam.ac.kr

Abstract

Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is composed of heterogeneous subgroups that require a multidisciplinary team approach in order to ensure optimal therapy for each patient. Since 2010, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has recommended chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for bulky mediastinal disease and surgical combination for those patients with single-station N2 involvement who respond to neoadjuvant therapy. According to lung cancer tumor boards, thoracic surgeons make a decision on the resectability of the tumor, if it is determined to be unresectable, concurrent CRT (CCRT) is considered the next choice. However, the survival benefit of CCRT over sequential CRT or radiotherapy alone carries the risk of additional toxicity. Considering severe adverse events that may lead to death, fit patients who are able to tolerate CCRT must be identified by multidisciplinary tumor board. Decelerated approaches, such as sequential CRT or high-dose radiation alone may be a valuable alternative for patients who are not eligible for CCRT. As a new treatment strategy, investigators are interested in the application of the innovative radiation techniques, trimodality therapy combining surgery after high-dose definitive CCRT, and the combination of radiation with targeted or immunotherapy agents. The updated results and on-going studies are thoroughly reviewed in this article.

Keyword

Patient care team; Combined modality therapy; Chemoradiotherapy; Radiation; Non-small-cell lung carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung*
Chemoradiotherapy
Combined Modality Therapy
Humans
Immunotherapy
Lung Neoplasms
Mediastinal Diseases
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Patient Care Team
Radiotherapy
Research Personnel
Surgeons
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