9 November 2017 - In the era of platinum-based chemotherapy, attempts to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer using a less toxic treatment than the existing standard therapy were often disappointing. 

In a randomised trial comparing cisplatin-based treatment to a so-called platinum-free combination chemotherapy, the goal of improving quality of life (QoL) was not met. 

The lesson learned was that in patients with a disease often associated with serious symptoms, reduction of treatment-related toxicity is not enough to improve global QoL, and more effective control of disease is needed to achieve a positive QoL balance.

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