Lung cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Each type is treated differently. Here's an overview of the best treatments for each:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treatment
NSCLC is the most common form of lung cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
a. Surgery
Lobectomy: Removal of part of the lung (most common surgery for NSCLC).
Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.
Segmentectomy or wedge resection: Removal of smaller parts of the lung if the tumor is small or localized.
Surgery is often the best option when the cancer is confined to one area and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
b. Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation: High-energy radiation aimed at the tumor.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): A high-precision, targeted radiation technique, often used when surgery is not an option.
Radiation therapy is used when the tumor cannot be surgically removed or if surgery is not an option due to the patient's health.
c. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is commonly used when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs (metastatic) or if surgery isn't possible. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Common chemotherapy drugs for NSCLC include:
Cisplatin
Carboplatin
Paclitaxel
Docetaxel
Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments, especially in advanced stages.
d. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies block specific molecules that help cancer cells grow. These are more precise treatments compared to chemotherapy. Some of the key drugs for NSCLC are:
EGFR inhibitors
ALK inhibitors
ROS1 inhibitors
These treatments are often used for patients with specific mutations or genetic changes in their cancer cells.
e. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Some of the most commonly used immunotherapy drugs for NSCLC include:
Checkpoint inhibitors: Drugs like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab block the checkpoint proteins that cancer cells use to avoid being attacked by the immune system.
Cytokine therapy: Drugs like Ipilimumab can boost the immune system.
Immunotherapy is often used for advanced or metastatic NSCLC, especially when the cancer expresses specific proteins like PD-L1.
