Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer - review of clinical trials with randomization

Abstract

Given the unsatisfactory prognosis for patients with even completely resected early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the concept of adjuvant chemotherapy appears justified. However, the results of early clinical trials evaluating adjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC are mixed. A meta-analysis published in 1995 showed a moderate reduction in the risk of deaths with cisplatin-based chemotherapy given postoperatively, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Four recent randomised trials demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy with platinum-based regimens. Other studies failed to show positive results. The planned meta-analysis of recent trials is awaited mainly to identify more precisely best candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy in resected NSCLC.