Management of Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality, accounting for one-quarter of all cancer deaths per year. Smoking continues to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer, and screening in high-risk populations with low-dose computed tomography has been shown to decrease relative mortality. Management of locally advanced lung cancer necessitates multimodality treatment, requiring cooperation and coordination among thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. Over the years, substantial improvements in treatment techniques have led to significant improvements in overall survival for patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Targeted agents and immunotherapies are an exciting frontier in systemic treatment options and will likely play an important role in future management.