Your Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Chemo@2x

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells which work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. 

Radiotherapy

Radiation@2x

Radiotherapy uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy@2x

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy is used to: 

  • Stop or slow the growth of cancer.
  • Help the immune system work better to destroy cancer calls.
  • Stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Treatment options differ based on the type of lung cancer you have:
  • Treatment options for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are seemingly more extensive. Treatment can range from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, a combination of these treatments, with some patients at advanced stages opting for biological therapy or immunotherapy. For NSCLC patients, the staging diagnosis is the most important prognostic factor. 
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is the most often treated with chemotherapy, and may also be treated with radiotherapy. As SCLC metastasizes rapidly, and is often already metastatic at the time of diagnosis, surgical removal and localized radiation therapy are often less effective.
  • As lung cancer research progresses, innovative therapies to treat both SCLC and NSCLC are expanding and are showing promising results.
  • It is best to speak with your doctor about your treatment options.

Get more information about treatment options for small cell lung cancer here.

Get more information about treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer here.

Treatment by Stage

Stage One

Surgery conducted to remove part of the lung or the entire lung.

If health issues arise, your doctor may suggest targeted radiotherapy instead.

Stage Two

Surgery may be offered but dependant on the position of the tumour- this could result in the removal of part, or all, of the lung.

Doctor may recommend chemotherapy to lower the risk of recurrence and/or radiotherapy.

Stage Three

Doctor may suggest a variety of treatment options, from chemotherapy to radiation, or immunotherapy. Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

Bio-marker testing is encouraged.

 

Stage Four

Doctor may suggest different treatment options depending on where your cancer has spread to shrink tumours, reduce symptoms and control the cancer spread.

Bio-marker testing is encouraged.

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