Article Details - Overview
Treatment of a 54-Year-Old Patient With Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Oncology Consultations
1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Release Date: November 30, 2009
Expiration Date: November 30, 2010
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Describe the efficacy and safety of incorporating an EGFR antibody into combined modality regimens in locally advanced NSCLC
- Evaluate clinical data on full-dose antifolates in combined modality regimens with or without an EGFR antibody in locally advanced NSCLC
- Discuss the role of PCI in patients with nonprogressive locally advanced NSCLC following systemic therapy
Authors
Corey Langer, MD, FACP; Mark A. Socinski, MD
Overview and Purpose
For patients with unresectable locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the standard of care. Compared with sequential administration, concurrent chemoradiation therapy has demonstrated improved survival but increased toxicity. In order to identify more effective systemic regimens for chemoradiation therapy, novel cytotoxic agents, including antifolates and targeted agents such as epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies, have been incorporated into combined modality regimens. Phase II trials of these new regimens in locally advanced NSCLC demonstrated feasibility and encouraging efficacy, leading to ongoing phase III trials. Finally, a randomized phase III trial demonstrated that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) decreased the incidence of brain metastases following locoregional therapy in patients with nonprogressive locally advanced NSCLC. However, PCI did not improve disease-free survival or overall survival compared with observation.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on new combined modality regimens and the role of PCI in locally advanced NSCLC.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with lung cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.
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- Take the Posttest
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This activity is part of PER's Integrated Oncology Learning Series:
A Focus on Thoracic Malignancies