Lung Cancer Treatment: Lobectomy, Platinum-Based Chemotherapy, and Targeted Immunotherapy for EGFR Mutations

The treatment of lung cancer has evolved significantly over the past decades, offering patients a variety of therapeutic options tailored to their specific needs. Lobectomy, platinum-based chemotherapy, and targeted therapies such as immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors for mutations like EGFR are fundamental pillars in the management of this disease. In this article, we will explore how these strategies integrate into lung cancer treatment, with a focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Diving Deeper into Lung Cancer Treatment

Surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with early-stage lung cancer, especially in NSCLC. Lobectomy is the most common surgical procedure and has been shown to significantly improve survival compared to sublobar resection. However, many patients present with advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, which limits surgical options.

In these cases, platinum-based chemotherapy is a standard option. Regimens that include cisplatin or carboplatin have shown improved survival in patients with resected NSCLC in stages II and III. Additionally, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are being investigated to enhance outcomes in patients with resectable disease.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized lung cancer treatment, particularly in NSCLC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as those blocking PD-1/PD-L1, have demonstrated sustained responses in patients without detectable oncogenic alterations. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of combined immunotherapy with therapeutic vaccines, which could further improve therapeutic outcomes.

For patients with specific mutations, such as the EGFR mutation, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have changed the treatment paradigm. The use of TKIs like osimertinib has shown significant survival benefits with a favorable toxicity profile.

Conclusions

The treatment of lung cancer is a constantly evolving field, with significant advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Personalizing treatment according to the molecular characteristics of the tumor and the patient's status is crucial for optimizing outcomes. The integration of new targeted therapies and the enhancement of existing strategies promise a more hopeful future for patients with lung cancer.

Referencias

• [1] Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A review of risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
• [2] Preoperative and Postoperative Systemic Therapy for Operable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
• [3] Lung cancer immunotherapy: progress, pitfalls, and promises
• [4] Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR-mutations

Created 4/1/2025