In this issue of CHEST Clinical Perspectives, CHEST is undertaking primary research with pulmonologists to assess perceptions regarding curative intent when it comes to treating patients diagnosed with stage III NSCLC. The objectives of this research are to:
- Understand the role of the pulmonologist in diagnostic process, including diagnosis, cell type, staging.
- Understand the process of referral for treatment of patients with stage III NSCLC diagnosed in pulmonary practices, including frequency of referral to oncology and barriers to referral.
- Understand knowledge levels about stage III NSCLC, including differences between patients with stage III and stage IV and how that impacts referral for treatment.
- Understand the extent to which pulmonologists consider stage III patients to be in a curative state.