Systemic therapy of nonsmall cell lung cancer: breakthroughs during the last five decades

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the breakthroughs in the systemic treatment of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during the last five decades. RECENT FINDINGS: Chemotherapy was established in metastatic, locally advanced and early-stage NSCLC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have become standard for palliative and adjuvant therapy in patients with driver mutation-positive NSCLC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors were established in operable, locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC. Antiemetics, hematopoietic growth factors, bisphosphonates and opioids improved palliative care. SUMMARY: Breakthroughs in the systemic therapy of NSCLC during the last five decades included chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors and better supportive care.