Chemo drugs for lung cancer

Depends on the kind: Chemo drugs may be recommended depending on the type of cancer (pathology), and extent of cancer.

Yes: Depending on the stage, how advanced the disease is and what type of lung cancer it is, chemotherapy can play a major role in treatment of lung cancer.

Cancer Treatments: Primary lung cancer is the number one cause of all cancer deaths in the United States. In fact more people die from lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. The treatments for lung cancer depend on the stage at which the patient presents. For stage i lung cancer, surgery alone is the proper treatment for most patients. For stage ii, surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Depends on stage: For stage ii lung cancer (n1 lymph node positive), adjuvant or chemotherapy after surgery is effective. For stage iiia lung cancer, chemo + radiation before surgery is effective. For stage iiib and IV chemotherapy is definitely effective. Based on the molecular profile of the tumor, the type of chemotherapy can be selectively chosen.

Non small cell cancr: Chemo given for advanced stage nsclc. 2 drugs better then one, 3 drugs not better then 2. Alimta best for adenocarcinoma, Gemzar good for squamous cancer, Cisplatin and Carboplatin good with low ercc1 expression, tarceva or Iressa great for egfr mutation, crizotinib for alk mutation, taxanes are very effective like taxol, taxotere, navelbine. Avastin (bevacizumab) is good for certain cancers (not squamous).