Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs which prevent cancer cells from spreading. It can shrink lung cancer tumors, ease symptoms, and extend life. How well chemotherapy works varies among patients. We use chemotherapy for all stages of lung cancer, both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Although newer treatments like targeted therapies, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immunotherapy have emerged, chemotherapy remains vital in cancer treatment. It can be given alone or with other chemotherapy drugs. Sometimes, it is combined with newer treatments, radiotherapy, or surgery for better results. The treatment plan depends on factors like medical history, overall health, lung cancer stage, and individual preferences.