Lung cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and specific characteristics of the cancer. The main treatment options are:
- Surgery: This involves the physical removal of the tumor and is typically an option for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has not spread beyond the lungs. Different types of surgeries may be performed depending on the tumor's location and size, such as a lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe), segmentectomy (removal of a part of a lobe), or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung). Our surgeons specialize in minimally-invasive techniques.
- Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as the primary treatment, as palliative treatment to relieve symptoms, or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Techniques vary from conventional external beam radiation to more precise methods like stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and is typically used for cancers that have spread. It can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any residual cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: This approach uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually while doing little damage to normal cells. Targeted therapies are often used for NSCLC and depend on the presence of specific genetic mutations in the cancer cells, such as EGFR, ALK, or ROS1.
- Immunotherapy: This type of therapy boosts the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function.
- Clinical Trials: These are research studies that test new treatments or new combinations of treatments. Participating in a clinical trial can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
The specific treatment plan often depends on factors like the stage of the disease, the patient’s age, general health, and preferences. You and your GW Cancer Center doctors, who specialize in different cancer treatment aspects, decide on the best treatment protocol. It's important to discuss all treatment options, including potential side effects and long-term effects, with your healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for each individual case.
Thoracic Oncology Clinical Program
The GW Cancer Center's Thoracic Oncology Program specializes in diagnosing and treating thoracic cavity (chest) cancers, including lung and esophageal cancers, thymoma, and other thoracic malignancies. The team is known for its patient-centered care. It ensures rapid scheduling for suspected cases and offers clear communication about tests and treatments to help patients understand their medical journey.
The Thoracic Oncology team includes thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and pulmonologists, all with specialized training to provide comprehensive care. The GW Cancer Center utilizes advanced technologies and procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries employing state-of-the-art technologies like the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, for precise surgical interventions. These innovative procedures can lead to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery for patients.
The GW Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology Program emphasizes early detection through programs specifically designed to identify thoracic cancers at more treatable stages. We offer a Computed Tomography (CT) Screening program for eligible patients with risk factors (such as smoking) to spot cancers even when there are no symptoms. Our Incidental Lung Nodule Program specializes in the evaluation, risk assessment, and management of incidentally detected lung nodules on imaging studies. Our goal is to provide prompt and evidence-based care for patients with pulmonary nodules and ensure that they are followed appropriately for better patient outcomes.
The Thoracic Oncology Program is also vital to the GW Cancer Center’s educational and research efforts, training the next generation of thoracic specialists and developing new treatments through clinical trials and research.
