2
Key Points
➤ Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents one of the
most heterogenous subgroups of lung cancer. Consequently, it is
also the subgroup in which choice and sequence of multimodality
treatment varies significantly among clinicians, with variations being
observed across and within institutes.
➤ This guideline reviews the published evidence addressing diagnosis
and management of stage III NSCLC and provides evidence-based
guidance on the common clinical dilemmas that clinicians may have
while evaluating a patient with suspected or known stage III NSCLC.
Recommendation Grading
Type Benefit/harm
Evidence
Quality
Strength of
Recommendation
EB Evidence-based B Benefits
may
outweigh
harms
H High Strong
CB/
FC
Consensus-
based/Formal
Consensus
H Harms
may
outweigh
benefits
M Moderate Moderate
IC
Informal
consensus
B/H Relative
balance of
benefits
and harms
L Low Weak
N No
recommendation
U Benefits/
harms
ratio
uncertain
Ins Insufficient
