Lung cancer is usually suspected in individuals who have abnormal chest radiograph findings or have symptoms caused by either local or systemic effects of the tumor. The method of diagnosis of suspected lung cancer depends on the type of lung cancer (ie, small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer), the size and location of the primary tumor, the presence of metastasis, and the overall clinical status of the patient. Achieving a diagnosis and staging are usually done in concert because the most efficient way to make a diagnosis often is dictated by the stage of the cancer. The best sequence of studies and interventions in a particular patient involves careful judgment of the probable reliability of a number of presumptive diagnostic issues, so as to maximize the sensitivity and to avoid performing multiple or unnecessary invasive procedures. In this article, we consider all manner of clinical presentations of lung cancer in light of currently available diagnostic procedures. Published data supporting a particular diagnostic approach is weighed based on the quality of the benefit as well as the estimated net benefit. Recommendations are graded in terms of strength to provide clinicians with guidance as to the most efficient and approach to the diagnosis of lung cancer in individual patients.

Lung carcinogenesis is a chronic and multi-step process resulting in malignant lung tumors. This progression from normal to neoplastic pulmonary cells or tissues could be arrested or reversed through pharmacologic treatments, which are known as cancer chemoprevention. These therapeutic interventions should reduce or avoid the clinical consequences of lung cancer by treating early neoplastic lesions before the development of clinically evident signs or symptoms of malignancy. Preclinical, clinical, and epidemiologic findings relating to different classes of candidate chemopreventive agents provide strong support for lung cancer prevention as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Smoking prevention and smoking cessation represent an essential approach to reduce the societal impact of tobacco carcinogenesis. However, even if all the goals of the national antismoking efforts were met, there still would be a large population of former smokers who would be at increased risk for lung cancers. Lung cancer also can occur in those persons who never have smoked. This article focuses on what is now known about pharmacologic strategies for lung cancer prevention. Randomized clinical trials using beta-carotene, retinol, isotretinoin or N-acetyl-cysteine did not show benefit for primary and tertiary lung cancer prevention. There is also evidence that the use of beta-carotene and isotretinoin for lung cancer chemoprevention in high-risk individuals may increase the risk for lung cancer, especially in individuals who continue to smoke. There is a need for relevant in vitro models to identify pathways that activate chemopreventive effects in the lung. An improved understanding of cancer prevention mechanisms should aid in the design of clinical trials and in the validation of candidate chemopreventive targets as well as the discovery of new targets. Until such studies are completed, no agent or combination of agents should be used for lung cancer prevention outside of a clinical trial.

Gastric cancer is rampant in several countries around the world. Its incidence in the West has been on the decline for more than 40 years; however, the location of gastric cancer has shifted proximally in the past 15 years. The reason for this shift is not clear. Diffuse histology is also more common now than intestinal type of histology. Advances have been made in staging procedures such as laparoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography and in possible functional imaging techniques. The current TNM classification requires an examination of at least 15 lymph nodes; therefore, at least a D1 dissection is recommended. Patients with locoregional gastric carcinoma should also be referred to high-volume treatment centers. Combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting for select group of patients is considered the new standard in the United States. The NCCN Gastric Cancer Guidelines portray uniformity in the systemic approach to cancer in the United States. We look forward to the results of investigations of a number of new chemotherapeutic agents, including antireceptor agents, vaccines, gene therapy, and antiangiogenic agents. The panel anticipates many advances in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma in the future.

Esophageal cancer is a major health hazard in many parts of the world. The incidence of adenocarcinoma is rising in white men, particularly in the nonendemic areas, such as the West. Barrett's metaplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, and obesity are thought to play a role in these cases. In addition, the most common location of esophageal carcinoma has shifted to the lower third of the esophagus. Unfortunately, esophageal carcinoma is often diagnosed late; therefore, most therapeutic approaches are palliative. Advances have been made in staging procedures and in therapeutic approaches. The NCCN Esophageal Cancer Guidelines emphasize that palpable advances have been made in the treatment of locoregional esophageal carcinoma. Similarly, endoscopic palliation of esophageal carcinoma has improved substantially due to improving technology. A number of new chemotherapeutic agents are on the horizon including antireceptor agents, vaccines, gene therapy, and antiangiogenic agents. The panel expects numerous advances in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma in the future.

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Cancer Centers, and specialists from French Public Universities, General Hospitals and Private Clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery.

To examine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with deep muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder who have undergone cystectomy.

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Cancer Centers, and specialists from French Public Universities, General Hospitals and Private Clinics, and some specialists learned societies. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The SORs are developed using a methodology based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery.

To provide standards for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hydatidiform mole and gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTT).

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) collaborative project was initiated in 1993 by the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), with the 20 French Regional Cancer Centres, several French public university and general hospitals, as well as private clinics and medical specialty societies. Its main objective is the development of serviceable clinical practice guidelines in order to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review, followed by critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts. Draft guidelines are produced, then validated by specialists in cancer care delivery.

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) collaborative project was initiated in 1993 by the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), with the 20 French Regional Cancer Centres, several French public university and general hospitals, as well as private clinics and medical specialty societies. Its main objective is the development of serviceable clinical practice guidelines in order to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review, followed by critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts. Draft guidelines are produced, then validated by specialists in cancer care delivery.