The leading cause of cancer death in the United States remains lung cancer. The disease is classified into two groups--non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer, according to the Chemotherapy Source Book. Chemotherapy treatment varies according to the type of lung cancer found. Treatment also differs for a third cancer called mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Chemotherapy works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and causing cell death.
Non-small-cell Lung Cancer
Non-small-cell lung cancer accounts for 87 percent of lung cancers diagnosed. Surgery in early stages of this disease is the first line of treatment, but added chemotherapy results in increased survival time. The American Cancer Society lists cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, vinoerlbine, etoposide, irinotecan, vinblastine, and premetrexed as commonly used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation to further tumor death.
Small-cell Lung Cancer
The much-less-prevalent small-cell lung cancer's cause is primarily related to smoking. These cancers spread faster and tend to be more aggressive than non-small-cell lung cancers. Surgery and radiation also combine with chemotherapy for added effect. Because of the aggressive nature of small-cell lung cancer, combinations of chemotherapy are often used. Common combinations include cisplatin/carboplatin and etoposide, carboplatin/cisplatin and irinotecan, and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine. The American Cancer Society states that if these drugs do not slow disease, the following may be used: topotecan, ifosfamide, paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan, and gemcitabine.
Mesothelioma
Although not considered in the same class as the other lung cancers, mesothelioma is still an aggressively growing cancer of the lining of the lungs or other organs. Eighty percent of cases occur in the lung lining and the typical survival rate is eight to 16 months. Mesothelioma lists many treatment options, including chemotherapy. These chemotherapy medications include cisplatin, premextred, carboplatin, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, mitomycin, raltitrexed, onconase, and navelbine.
References
- "The Chemotherapy Source Book"; Michael C. Perry, PhD.; 2007.
- American Cancer Society: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Chemotherapy
- American Cancer Society: Small Cell Lung Cancer Chemotherapy
- Mesothelioma.com: Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
