Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Treatment options vary depending on the type, stage, and specific genetic characteristics of the lung cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is typically an option for early-stage NSCLC. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor and nearby tissues.

• Types of Surgery:
  • Lobectomy: Removes one lobe of the lung. This is the most common surgery for early-stage NSCLC.
  • Pneumonectomy: Removes an entire lung if the cancer is widespread in the lung.
  • Segmentectomy or Wedge Resection: Removes a small part of the lung; often used if the tumor is small or if a lobectomy is not an option.
• Recovery: Recovery depends on the type of surgery, but patients may experience pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises can aid recovery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or combined with surgery or chemotherapy.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):
  • How It Works: Directs radiation beams from outside the body to the tumor.
  • When Used: Often combined with chemotherapy for NSCLC or as a standalone treatment for patients unable to undergo surgery.
  • Side Effects: Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and difficulty swallowing. Long-term side effects may include lung inflammation or scarring.
• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT):
  • How It Works: Delivers precise, high-dose radiation to small tumors in fewer sessions.
  • When Used: Often used for small, early-stage tumors in patients who cannot undergo surgery.
  • Side Effects: May include fatigue and skin irritation, but side effects are generally less severe due to the precision of the treatment.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be used alone, before surgery (neoadjuvant), or after surgery (adjuvant).

• Common Drugs:
  • Cisplatin and Carboplatin: Often combined with other drugs like pemetrexed, paclitaxel, or docetaxel for NSCLC.
  • Etoposide: Commonly used with cisplatin or carboplatin for SCLC.
• Administration and Frequency: Chemotherapy is typically administered intravenously in cycles to allow healthy cells time to recover.
• Side Effects: Side effects include nausea, fatigue, lowered immune function, hair loss, and neuropathy. Anti-nausea medications and supportive care can help manage these effects.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific genes or proteins involved in cancer cell growth. They are effective for patients with specific genetic mutations.

• Common Targeted Drugs:
  • EGFR Inhibitors (e.g., erlotinib, afatinib): Used for patients with EGFR mutations.
  • ALK Inhibitors (e.g., crizotinib, alectinib): For patients with ALK gene rearrangements.
  • ROS1 and BRAF Inhibitors: Target specific gene mutations in advanced or metastatic NSCLC.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, and fatigue. Targeted therapies are generally better tolerated than chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is often used for advanced NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression.

• Common Immunotherapy Drugs:
  • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Often used for NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression.
  • Nivolumab and Atezolizumab: Used for advanced lung cancer and sometimes combined with chemotherapy.
• Side Effects: Side effects can include fatigue, rash, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Rare but serious side effects include inflammation in organs like the lungs or liver.

Going through treatment and need help managing side effects? See Wellnest's guide for Managing Side Effects of Lung Cancer, Must-Have Items for Going Through Treatment, and Questions to Ask the Doctor.