Chemotherapy in the early stages of non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a term used to describe several types of lung cancer. The disease usually develops more slowly than small cell lung cancer. The biggest risk factor for this type of cancer is smoking. However, it is also the most common type of lung cancer among smokers. Types of NSCLC account for about 80%-85% of lung cancer cases. Approximately 20–25% of patients are indicated for surgical resection.
The term non-small cell lung cancer is used to describe a group of cancers that include:
Adenocarcinoma: This type of non-small cell lung cancer is common in smokers. However, this form of NSCLC is also the most common form of lung cancer in non-smokers. The disease begins in the mucus-secreting cells in the lungs, often occurring in the periphery or outside the lungs. Doctors can often diagnose the disease before cancer cells have spread. This form of cancer is more localized and spreads more slowly, often with a better prognosis.
Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer starts in a type of flat cell called a squamous cell that lines the airways in the center of the lungs. Doctors often find cancer cells near the large airways in the lungs.
Large cell carcinoma (undifferentiated): This is the fastest growing cancer that can appear anywhere inside the lung tissue. These include a type called large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, which behaves similarly to small cell lung cancer.
* Stages of non-small cell lung cancer

2.1 When is chemotherapy used? Not all people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) need chemotherapy. Treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are mainly based on the stage (extent) of the cancer, but other factors, such as your overall health and lung function a person, as well as some characteristics of the cancer itself, are also important.
Chemotherapy may be used in different situations:
Before surgery (new adjuvant chemotherapy): Adjuvant chemotherapy may be used to try to shrink the tumor and remove it with a surgery. Smaller surgery. After adjuvant chemotherapy surgery: Adjuvant chemotherapy may be used (as with radiation therapy) to try to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind or have metastasized but are not immediately visible. even when doing tests. For locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Chemotherapy along with radiation therapy is given as the mainstay of treatment for highly advanced cancers that have grown into nearby structures so surgery is not should be an option, or be applied to people who are not healthy enough for surgery. For metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (stage IV): Chemotherapy may be used for lung cancer that has spread to areas outside the lung such as the bones, liver, or adrenal glands. Chemotherapy is not generally recommended for patients who are in poor health or who are elderly.
2.2. Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Chemotherapy drugs commonly used for non-small cell lung cancer include: Cisplatin Carboplatin Paclitaxel (Taxol) Albumin-bound Paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel, Abraxane) Docetaxel (Taxotere) Gemcitabine (Gemzar) Vinorelbine (Navelbine) ) Etoposide (VP-16) Pemetrexed (Alimta) A combination of 2 chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat early stage lung cancer. When used in combination, it usually includes cisplatin or carboplatin along with another medicine.
End-stage lung cancer can be treated with a single chemotherapy drug, especially for people who do not receive combination chemotherapy, such as those in poor overall health or the elderly .
For some people with late stage lung cancer, chemotherapy drugs and drugs to increase resistance will be used to help patients prolong survival.
2.3. How is chemotherapy given into the body? Chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer are usually given by injection into a vein (IV) over a few minutes or over a longer period of time. Injections should be done in medical facilities that specialize in cancer treatment.
Usually, intravenous needles will be used at the location of large veins, to serve the infusion of drugs, to draw blood for testing, or to add liquid nutrients to the patient's blood.
Doctors will prescribe chemotherapy in cycles, with each stage of treatment. Then there is a rest period to give the patient time to recover from the effects of the drug.
The longest cycle is usually 3 or 4 weeks. Chemotherapy schedules vary depending on the drugs used. For example, with some drugs, chemotherapy is only given on the first day of the cycle.
For different patients, the cycle is different, some people receive chemotherapy for several days in a row, some once a week.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is usually given at 3 to 4 months, depending on the drug used. The length of treatment for terminal lung cancer is based on how well the drug works and what side effects the drug has on the patient.
For advanced cancers, the initial combination of chemotherapy is usually given for 4 to 6 cycles. Some doctors now recommend treatment beyond this with a single chemotherapy drug, or a targeted drug, in people who have had a good response to initial chemotherapy or have not had more advanced cancer. Continuing with this treatment regimen, called maintenance therapy, can help control cancer and help some people live longer.
If the initial chemotherapy treatment for terminal lung cancer is no longer effective, your doctor may recommend second-line treatment with a single chemotherapy drug such as docetaxel or pemetrexed, or with chemotherapy target drug or immunotherapy drug
2.4. Possible side effects of chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer Chemo drugs can cause side effects. These depend on the type and dose of medicines given and how long they are taken. Some common side effects of chemotherapy include:
Hair loss Mouth sores Loss of appetite or weight change Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea or constipation Chemo can also affect your blood-forming cells bone marrow, which can lead to:
Increased chance of infection (due to low white blood cell count) Easy bruising on impact or bleeding (due to low blood platelet count) Feeling tired all the time (due to low blood count) low red blood cell count) These side effects usually go away after treatment ends. There are quite a few different ways to reduce these side effects. For example, taking medications that help prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting.
Some medications may have specific side effects. For example, medicines such as cisplatin, vinorelbine, docetaxel, or paclitaxel can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Some typical symptoms are mainly in the hands and feet such as pain, tingling or burning sensation, sensitivity to cold or weakness. In most people, the condition goes away or goes into remission when treatment is stopped, but it can persist in others.
Remember to report any side effects you notice during chemotherapy to tell your doctor so they can be treated promptly. In some cases, the dose of chemotherapy drugs may need to be reduced or treatment may need to be delayed or stopped to prevent the effects from getting worse.

References: cancer.org, medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com