Limited small cell lung cancer--the role of radiotherapy.

At this time there is no standard therapy for limited small cell lung cancer. Chemotherapy regimens are usually cyclophosphamide-based, but vary in dose, intensity, and in other agents used. Radiotherapy varies in dose, duration, and course (split or continuous). Combinations of the two modalities include sequential therapy, concurrent therapy, and alternating therapy. What emerges from recent trials is the fact that radiotherapy is clearly active in small cell lung cancer and improves local control. What must still be determined are the optimal type of combined chemotherapy/radiotherapy and the best method of integration and timing.