Changing treatment paradigms of radiotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is largely classified into two types according to its histology, small cell and nonsmall cell, and has diverse situations for which radiotherapy is indicated. Radiation therapy plays a major role in the treatment strategy for both types of lung cancer. Since the treatment of lung cancer is extremely complex, it is essential to develop an appropriate treatment strategy by combining surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and molecular-targeted drugs) according to each stage of the disease. Radiotherapy is indicated, from curative intent to palliative treatment, at any stage of the disease. Current radiotherapy, which incorporates diagnostic imaging and physical engineering, has made significant progress, making it possible to increase the local control rate while reducing the radiation dose to at-risk organs. Herein, we review the basics of the current perspective of radiotherapy and the current role of radiotherapy in lung cancer treatment according to each stage of the disease.