"Both patients and physicians will benefit from this new tool," said W. Michael Alberts, M.D., panel chair. "The guidelines confirm that, despite the less than optimal survival rate of patients with lung cancer, there are many treatment options that can extend and increase the quality of a patient's life. This includes utilizing a more balanced approach to patient care which provides multidisciplinary expertise and treatment appropriate for the individual patient."

The multidisciplinary approach reflects a growing trend in clinical medicine. The new guidelines have been much anticipated by primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other healthcare providers who treat lung cancer, as well as patients, their families, and those at risk for lung cancer. The guidelines consist of 29 chapters, including the methodology for reviewing the scientific evidence, an assessment of the scope and quality of clinical practice guidelines in lung cancer, and the epidemiology of lung cancer. Chapters also address the topics of screening, initial evaluation, and end-of-life care.

"Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined," said Udaya B. S. Prakash, M.D., President of the College. "The guidelines are a culmination of an enormous effort by a large group of experts committed to improving patient care. The clinical and educational impact on the health care providers to lung cancer patients will be significant."

Copies of the document, “Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Guidelines,” may be ordered at the College web site, http://www.chestnet.org