Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs, and is classified into two groups: small cell lung cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses, is very aggressive and spreads quickly, and is almost always due to smoking cigarettes, according to the American Cancer Society. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up 85 to 90 percent of lung cancers, and has three subtypes. Both kinds of lung cancer can be treated with chemotherapy.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Chemotherapy is a mainstay of treatment for SCLC, because the disease is aggressive and spreads quickly, usually to the brain, liver, bone marrow, bones and central nervous system. Eventually, chemotherapy-resistant disease typically develops, but the disease responds well to chemotherapy and radiation. Cisplatin-based or carboplatin-based regimens are used; these two drugs work similarly, but carboplatin has less toxicity than cisplatin. Various combinations of chemotherapy include: carboplatin and etoposide; cisplatin and etoposide; or cisplain and irinotecan. The treatment cycles are usually three to four weeks, and four to six cycles are generally given, according to the American Cancer Society.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Treatment for NSCLC generally includes a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Cisplatin or carboplatin-based regimens are also used for this type of lung cancer. Various regimens include: etoposide and cisplatin, with the possibility of adding docetaxel; carboplatin and paclitaxel; cisplatin and vinorelbine; carboplatin and paclitaxel plus bevacizumab; and cisplatin or carboplatin plus gemcitabine. As with SCLC, cycles are typically three to four weeks, with four to six cycles usually being administered.
Side Effects
The side effects of the chemotherapeutic drugs can vary, depending on which drugs are administered, the dosage, and how long they are taken. Typical side effects include mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, low white and red blood cell counts (leading to higher risk of infections and anemia), fatigue and easy bruising. Cisplatin, paclitaxel and vinorelbine have the potential to damage nerves, causing peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy causes the feeling of "pins and needles" in your hands and feet, sensitivity to temperature, pain or burning in your hands and feet, and weakness. This usually stops when treatment ends, but in some people, it may continue. If you have this side effect or any other reactions to the drugs, tell your health care team as soon as possible.
References
- "Handbook of Cancer Chemotherapy;" Roland T Skeel; 2007
- Lung Cancer Chemotherapy (SCLC) - American Cancer Society
- NSCLC Chemotherapy - American Cancer Society
