Standards, Options and Recommendations (SOR) for the perioperative treatment of operable patients with resecable non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction. An update of the Sor Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the perioperative treatment of operable patients with resecable non-small cell lung cancer, operable has been initiated by the French National Federation of Cancer Centres (FNCLCC). This work was performed in collaboration with the French Intergroup for Thoracic Oncology (IFCT), the French-speaking Language Society of Pneumology (SPLF), specialists from university or general hospitals and private clinics, and with the French National Cancer Institute. It is based on the methodology developed and used in the "Standards, Options and Recommendations" programme. This article presents a short version of the updated 2007 recommendations. Methods. The guideline development process is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts. The methodological approach combines systematic review with expert judgement. Recommendations take into account the effectiveness and toxicity of the different therapeutic alternatives and the levels of evidence. Following their development and prior to publication, independent practitioners in cancer care delivery reviewed SOR-guidelines. Results: Therapeutic standards and options concerning adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as adjuvant radiotherapy have been defined per stage (IA, IB, II and IIIA). Specific chemotherapy regimens have also been recommended. Conclusions. After critical appraisal, the literature data appeared sufficient to update the recommendations validated in 2000. The literature will be searched and reexamined in 2008 within SOR's systematic monitoring.