Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Lung cancer results from uncontrolled cell division in the lungs due to mutations that prompt cells to multiply excessively. The treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Read on to know about different lung cancer treatment options available.

Types of Treatment

Lung cancer is treated in several ways. The treatment method depends on the type of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.

People with non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. People with small cell lung cancer are usually treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

• Surgery

If the cancer is localized and has not spread significantly, surgery to remove the tumour or the affected portion of the lung may be an option. This is often considered for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

• Chemotherapy

This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumours, after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced-stage lung cancer.

• Radiation therapy

This method uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as the main treatment for lung cancer, especially for patients who are not candidates for surgery or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific abnormalities present within cancer cells. They are used for certain types of lung cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer. You will get tests to see if targeted therapy is right for your cancer type before this treatment is used.

• Immunotherapy

This treatment method boosts the body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells. It has demonstrated effective results in the treatment of lung cancer, particularly for some advanced-stage cases.

• Palliative Care

This focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer. It can be used alongside curative treatment or even as the main approach for patients who are not the ideal candidates for aggressive therapies