Common Approaches to Lung Cancer Treatment
This article explores the primary methods used in lung cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It highlights how treatment plans are tailored based on the cancer type and stage, emphasizing early intervention for better outcomes.
Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States. Once diagnosed, prompt initiation of treatment is essential. The choice of therapy depends on the specific type and stage of the cancer, guiding doctors to select the most appropriate intervention.
Surgical Intervention: Removal of the tumor through surgery is one of the most effective options for certain non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Surgeons excise the cancerous tissues along with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence.
Lymph nodes are also examined and removed if necessary to check for cancer spread. Post-surgery, the remaining lung tissue often expands, enabling normal breathing.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally over a specified period. Often, chemotherapy follows surgery to eliminate residual cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy: When surgery isn’t feasible, combining radiation with chemotherapy may be recommended. Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells and may also be used to reduce symptoms like pain.
Targeted Therapy: A newer form of treatment, targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic abnormalities within cancer cells. Medications such as Bevacizumab, Ceritinib, Nivolumab, Erlotinib, and Crizotinib (Xalkori) are used to target these mutations, especially in genetically driven cancers.
Immunotherapy: This treatment enhances the body’s immune response to fight lung cancer, helping strengthen defenses against tumor growth.
