Current status and future directions in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer constitute a heterogeneous group in which the available treatments may range from radical therapies with radio-chemotherapy to supportive treatments depending on the extent of the disease and comorbidities present. For years the standard treatment based on the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) has remained unchanged and survival outcomes have been poor. AIM: Recent advances in molecular biology and RT technology have resulted in improved survival. This article reviews the treatments that constitute current standard treatment in unresectable advanced lung cancer and the situations and indications for the management of patients who are not candidates for radical therapy. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Although unresectable lung cancer does not have a good prognosis, new drugs and new technologies in radiation oncology can offer treatment options adapted to the patient’s clinical situation, ranging from therapies administered with radical intent to others aimed mainly at improving the patient’s quality of life, which, judiciously chosen, will provide optimal management of the patient.