New Agents in the Management of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background Non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung has long been considered a chemotherapeutically resistant neoplasm. Newer agents and combinations are being tested. Methods The authors have reviewed data on recent and active phase I and phase II trials of several new agents and combinations. Results New drugs that affect both response rates and survival include vinorelbine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, topotecan, and irinotecan. Conclusions The advent of several relatively well-tolerated agents that alone have beneficial effects in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer provides reasonable hope that more effective drug combinations will soon be available for this disease.