Radiation therapy is the most common type of lung cancer treatment. Using high-energy x-rays or protons, the radiation reaches the cancer cells and shrinks them. Patients usually have several sessions over 6 to 7 weeks. This therapy is also called intensity-modulated radiation therapy and uses a 3-D image of the tumor to optimize the radiation beam and minimize exposure to nearby healthy lung tissue. Both of these methods have their own set of risks and side effects.
While surgery isn’t typically used in lung cancer, it can be a good option if the cancer is early or confined to a small part of the lung. Surgical treatment often includes radiotherapy and chemotherapy to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Another treatment option is pneumonectomy, which involves removing an entire lung. This type of treatment is used when the cancer has spread throughout the lung or is in the middle.
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The treatment is given through an IV, which is connected to a large vein. In most cases, it slows tumor growth and relieves symptoms. Several types of drugs are used in chemotherapy treatments, and doctors can choose which one works best for the patient’s condition. In most cases, chemotherapy is given as a single treatment or in combination with other treatments, depending on the type of cancer.
Before deciding on a course of treatment, doctors will use imaging tests to determine the stage of the disease. X-rays and CT scans can reveal abnormal masses and small lesions in the lungs. PET scans and MRIs can also show if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the type of cancer, doctors may use different chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments to manage the cancer. These treatments may require more treatment options and could last for several years.
When your cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment can be repeated. Some cancers recur after treatment, while others do not. If you do, you may need additional testing, including a bone scan, lung biopsy, and blood tests. It is important to communicate with your doctor to learn more about your disease and the available treatment options. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of the treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, a lung cancer treatment organizer is helpful for keeping track of your treatment plan. This is a form of support that has been reviewed by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Targeted therapies are medications that attack specific genes in cancer cells. For example, osimertinib is used to target the EGFR gene. Other targeted therapies include alcedinid, brigantine, or gefitinib. These medications can penetrate deep into the brain and are recommended for patients with EGFR mutations. Another newer lung cancer treatment option involves immunotherapy with pembrolizumab.
