When Is Chemotherapy Used for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
“The decision whether to give a patient chemotherapy primarily depends upon the stage of cancer,” says Simon. Other factors, such as your health and ability to tolerate treatment also come into play. Here are the current guidelines for chemotherapy in lung cancer patients: Stage I. Most people with Stage I cancer do not receive chemotherapy. However, in some cases, chemotherapy may be used after surgery to help kill any remaining cancer cells. Stage II. Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery as an adjuvant therapy to help kill any remaining cancer cells. Stage III. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery all may be used. Chemotherapy may be given at the same time as radiation therapy, or one after the other. Chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy is generally referred to as concurrent therapy. This combination is more effective than radiation alone, but potentially harder on the patient. “Whether chemotherapy is used at the same time as radiation therapy dep