Lung Cancer Treatments

treatment for lung cancer : photodynamic therapy

Lung cancer treatments is based on the type and stage of tumor and the patient’s general medical condition. Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. For some people, participation in a clinical trial is another option.

Non-small-cell lung cancer

There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer :

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
• Large cell carcinoma: Cancer that may begin in several types of large cells.
• Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as mucus.

Non-small cell lung cancer treatments :

• Stage I : Surgery
• Stage II : Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
• Stage IIIA : Combined chemotherapy and radiation, sometimes surgery based on results of treatment
• Stage IIIB : Chemotherapy, sometimes radiation
• Stage IV : Chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, clinical trials, supportive care

Small-cell lung cancer

In SCLC, the cancer cells are small cells that are mostly filled with the nucleus (the control centre of cells). Sometimes it is called “oat cell” carcinoma because of the cells appearance under a microscope. The cancer usually starts in the cell lining of the trachea or bronchi. As this type of lung cancer can spread quickly, it is often found to have spread at the time it is diagnosed. This means it is not usually treatable with surgery.

Small cell lung cancer treatments :

• Limited : Combined chemotherapy and radiation, sometimes surgery
• Extensive : Chemotherapy, clinical trials, supportive care

Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumor is generally performed for limited-stage (stage I or sometimes stage II) NSCLC and is the treatment of choice for cancer that has not spread beyond the lung. About 10%-35% of lung cancers can be removed surgically, but removal does not always result in a cure, since the tumors may already have spread and can recur at a later time. This lung cancer treatments may not be possible if the cancer is too close to the trachea or if the person has other serious conditions (such as severe heart or lung disease) that would limit their ability to tolerate an operation.

There are many kinds of surgery for lung cancer:

• Pneumonectomy: one entire lung is removed
• Lobectomy: a section (lobe) of the lung is removed
• Segmentectomy/wedge resection: part of a lobe is removed
• Laser surgery: a high-energy beam of light destroys the cancer cells in a tumour

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. One or more chemotherapy drugs may be administered through a vein in your arm (intravenously) or taken orally. A combination of drugs usually is given in a series of treatments over a period of weeks or months, with breaks in between so that your body can recover.

Radiation Therapy

Because cancer cells usually multiply faster than most normal body tissues, they are especially affected by radiation, which prevents cell division and the formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; human genetic material). Other bodily tissues that divide rapidly, such as hair and skin, are also particularly vulnerable to radiotherapy.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is effective in treating lung cancer that involves the bronchial tubes. In cases of very early cancers, the lung cancer treatments can eliminate the cancer. In more advanced cases, photodynamic therapy is used to palliate symptoms that result from blockage of the bronchial tubes.

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