Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation New protocols to explore curative strategies in lung cancer include using chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both before surgery to try to convert some patients from an inoperable stage to one where the tumor can be removed. Examples are the use of cancer chemotherapy initially in Stage IIIA lung cancer patients. Several studies have indicated that this approach may be beneficial, although it is too early to make any definite claims about this technique.
In view of the poor survival rate in Stage IIIA lung cancer, studies have been carried out using chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery in patients who are potentially operable. Again, preliminary results are providing optimism about the future management of locally advanced lung cancer. In patients with Stage IIIB disease, studies combining cisplatin-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy have demonstrated improved survival compared with radiotherapy alone.
Laser Therapy Laser bronchoscopy can be used to open the airways when they are blocked by a
