Paclitaxel and carboplatin with thoracic radiation locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Combined-modality approaches integrating carboplatin (Paraplatin) and low doses of weekly paclitaxel (Taxol) with thoracic radiation therapy for prolonging survival in patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer have begun to replace the traditional approach of thoracic radiation alone. The addition of chemotherapy to thoracic radiation therapy has shown an impact on survival of these patients, especially those with good performance status and < 5% weight loss. Although dosage and schedule of administration continues to be a subject of controversy, both sequential and concurrent regimens are feasible and the toxicity profiles are acceptable.