Dr. Heinzerling on Remaining Challenges for Treating NSCLC

Josh H. Heinzerling, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, discusses remaining challenges for treating stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Improving efficacy and outcomes for patients with stage III NSCLC is a priority, followed by reducing toxicity.

When chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy, overall survival, efficacy, and radiation increase. Adding immunotherapy rather than cytotoxic chemotherapy and a change in treatment strategies may help to increase efficacy while decreasing toxicity, explains Heinzerling.