Lung cancer and pregnancy

Abstract

According to world statistics, lung cancer (LC) ranks 2nd in the cancer incidence among women. Management of pregnancy-associated LC presents a clinical dilemma, as it is necessary to consider possible risks not only for the mother, but also for the fetus. The aim of the work was to study the existing literature data on diagnosis, management tactics and treatment approaches for pregnancy-associated cancer. The literature sources and presented clinical observations show disappointing findings: there was practically no response to chemotherapy (CT) in patients who received chemotherapy with platinum in combination with vinorelbine, paclitaxel, and etoposide during pregnancy and after childbirth, and a preliminary conclusion was made that change in the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapy drug may jeopardize the treatment of cancer during pregnancy. The use of surgical and radiation treatment methods depends on the individual clinical situation, stage and histotype of the tumor, as well as the gestational age. Conclusion. Thus, both diagnostic and therapeutic measures for pregnant women with LC should be personalized and performed by a special multidisciplinary team that includes a chemotherapist, radiotherapist, surgical oncologist, and obstetrician-gynecologist.