Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer: Current and Future Role

Lung cancer is divided into two subgroups concerning its natural course and treatment strategies as follows: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this review, for NSCLC, the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in early-stage, chemoradiation in the locally advanced stage, post-operative radiotherapy for patients with high risk after surgery and radiotherapy for metastatic disease will be discussed. Also, for SCLC, the role and timing of thoracic irradiation and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for the limited and extensive stages will be discussed.