The American Cancer Society reports that lung cancer is the second most common cancer for both men and women. Approximately 219,000 new cases were projected in 2009. There are many types of lung cancer, but there are three main groups: non-small cell, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Treatments for lung cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Choices of chemotherapy are made based on what type of cancer is being treated.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is treated with several types of chemotherapy. Cisplatin and etoposide or carboplatin and paclitaxel are typically used as the first choice for treatment according to "Core Curriculum of Oncology Nursing." If these medications fail to kill the cancer, other medications including Gemzar; adriamycin and cytoxan or the AC regimen; vinorelbine; docetaxel; topotecan; and irinotecan may be used as second line treatment. Medications for advanced disease treatment also include Alimta and Tarceva. Treatments are typically every three to four weeks for four to six cycles.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Many of the medications used to treat non-small cell may also be used to treat small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancers tend to be more aggressive and only have a 20 percent cure rate. The American Cancer Society lists several regimens to treat small cell lung cancer. These chemotherapy drugs include etoposide with cisplatin/carboplatin, cytoxan with vincristine and adriamycin, and cisplatin/carboplatin with irinotecan. Additional regimens include ifosfamide with carboplatin and etoposide. Treatments lengths for this type of cancer are similar to those for non-small cell lung cancer.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a less common type of lung cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos and other dangerous toxins. "Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing" reports only a 15 percent survival rate of five years. According to the American Cancer Society, two or more chemotherapies are used in combination for mesothelioma. Some of the medications listed include Gemzar, carboplatin, cisplatin, vincristine, vinblastine, adriamycin, epirubicin, cytoxan, ifosfamide, and mitomycin. Combinations are based on physician choice and the overall health of the patient.
References
- "Core Cirriculum for Oncology Nursing"; Joanne Itano; Karen Taoka; 2005.
- American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy for NSCLC
- American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy for SCLC
- American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
- American Cancer Society: Key Statistics about Lung Cancer
