Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Current treatment based on evidence* (ONCOLGroup)

Abstract

Purpose: to perform a review of evidence about the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Source of data: the information was obtained from searches conducted in MEDLINE, CCTR, BIOSIS, EMBASE, LILACS and CINHAL. We also collected the most representative references presented during the last five years at ASCO, ESMO and IASLC.

Data extraction: data were extracted by associate members to the ONCOLGroup. The collection of information did not follow a uniform strategy.

Results of data synthesis: therapy for NSCLC can prolong survival and improve quality of life, but the majority of advanced stage patients dies due to disease progression within 2 years, meaning that there is room for improvement. The standard chemotherapy for NSCLC involves one of a number of platinum-based doublets that have been shown to improve survival when compared with single agents or best supportive care. These doublets are generally comparable in terms of efficacy, differing primarily in their toxicity profiles. However, encouraging new options may be approaching, including therapies targeted to specific patient subpopulations, and the use of combinations of current and new drugs to produce synergistic effects. This review present a detailed analysis of current evidence regarding the treatment of NSCLC based on a representative case series. This review didn't conduct a systematic evaluation of the evidence.

Conclusion: medical therapy for NSCLC produces positive changes in main outcomes, including quality of life