Treatments for Lung Cancer

Before starting the treatment, the cancer is staged using universally accepted TNM classification. It evaluates local spread of Tumor, spread to lymph Nodes and distant Metastases.

Factor affecting the treatment are:

1> Type of Cancer

2> Size of Cancer

3> Place in the Lung

4> Spread in the Body

After thoroughly considering these factors, treatment protocol is planned. Different treatment options include…

Surgery

It is the mainstay of treatment for lung cancer. It acts by removing the cancer tissue and thus reducing disease load on the body. According to the stage of the cancer, extent of surgery varies. When the growth is confined to a small part of lung, wedge resection is done. If the cancer has spread to involve a lobe of lung, lobectomy is done. For a cancer spread to one lung, the whole one lung may need to be removed by pneumonectomy. An alternative to the traditional surgery is VATS i.e. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery. In this procedure, three small incisions are made instead of one large incision. Advantage is less hospital say and faster recovery of the patient. Alternative to surgery is laser photocoagulation therapy which involves use of laser rays to kill cancer cells. A laser sensitive drug is given intravenously which is retained by normal cells for a short duration while cancer cells hold it longer. After the stipulated period of time is over, the laser is focused on the cancerous growth where this chemical gets activated instantly killing them.

Chemotherapy

This therapy uses anti-cancer drugs given orally or intravenously. It is used after surgery to kill the leftover microscopic deposits of cells and to treat distant metastases. It is used as monotherapy where only one drug is used or as a polytherapy where multiple drugs are used to augment each others actions and to reduce side effects. The intravenous catheter is left in place if repeated doses are needed over short duration or removed if intravenous drug is to be given in next cycle spread over weeks.

Radiation Therapy

It is used before surgery to prevent inadvertent spread of cancer cells during surgery. It is used after surgery to kill leftover cells from surgery. It can be precisely directed at the cancer site or the site of distant spread to metastases i.e. spine, brain and bones.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

For any cancer tissue to support its fast growth constant supply of blood and nutrients is necessary. It is accomplished by producing new blood vessels which carry more blood to cancer to support its growth. Angiogenesis inhibitors are the drugs which inhibit the formation of these new blood vessels. As the cancer cells are deprived of their all important nutrient supply, their growth is inhibited to a large extent.

Prognosis of Lung Cancer

In spite of aggressive treatment on part of surgeon, five year survival rates for lung cancer are 50%. Patient needs to undergo pulmonary rehabilitation to restore the lung capacity as near normal as possible. This generally involves balloon blowing and Spiro metric exercises. Patient is advised not to do heavy muscular exercise and other strenuous activities that will place extra load on the lungs. Special care needs to be taken to improve general condition of the patient by extra protein & vitamin supplements.

In contrast to other cancers where the motto is “Early to Treat and Long to Live“, lung cancer has grave outlook. Avoidance of smoking and environmental pollutants with living as close to nature as possible is the key to healthy and fully functional lung.

Check my next article for “Lymphoma – Cancer of Lymphatic System“.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein. The author and publisher are not responsible for any consequences thereof.