What is the typical first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer?

The typical first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has been established as a cornerstone of treatment for patients with advanced stages of NSCLC due to its ability to target rapidly dividing cancer cells. It works by using drugs that are cytotoxic to cancer cells, thereby reducing tumor size and helping to alleviate symptoms associated with the disease.

In advanced NSCLC, where complete surgical removal is not possible, chemotherapy can improve survival rates and enhance quality of life. It is often administered in combination regimens, which may include targeted therapies or immunotherapy depending on specific tumor characteristics, such as the presence of certain mutations (e.g., EGFR or ALK) or PD-L1 expression levels. These combinations aim to provide a more effective strategy to combat the cancer.

Other treatment options may play important roles in the overall management of the disease but are not typically first-line therapies. Radiation therapy is often utilized for local control of tumor symptoms or as palliative care rather than as a primary treatment in advanced cases. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving the quality of life but does not directly treat the cancer itself. Observation is generally reserved for cases where the cancer is not causing symptoms or is stable, but this is