Platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: the experience of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer.

The history of chemotherapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma is one of very slow progress. Consequently, the categories of patients who will ultimately benefit from this modality are still debated. Recent European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer studies show that there is less concern about the importance of platinum as an ingredient of combination regimens or as an adjunct to radiotherapy. The presence of cisplatin is related to better response and survival in patients with locoregional and distant metastatic disease.