Therapeutic management options for stage III non-small cell lung cancer

Core Tip

Core tip: Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer consists of a heterogeneous population making management challenging. Multiple strategies are being developed to maximize survival and disease control. The role of surgery is being re-evaluated given new insight into the efficacy chemotherapy and radiation. Multi-modality therapy is playing an increasingly important role for both resectable and unresectable stage III patients. Chemoradiation plays a large role in the management of inoperable or unresectable patients. Third generation chemotherapy and other targeted therapies are being incorporated into chemoradiation. Radiation dose-escalation, alternative fractionation schedules, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and proton therapy are evaluated to improve outcomes from chemoradiation.