A Comprehensive Guide on Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health conditions of the patient. It is needed when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. To treat them, oncologists use surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and so on.

Although each of these treatments has particular side effects, lung cancer can be cured. Let us know more about lung cancer treatment and its success rates.

What is Lung Cancer and Its Types?

Lung cancer is the unchecked proliferation of aberrant cells in one or both lungs. The body gets its oxygen from the lungs and these aberrant cells impede the healthy lung tissue's ability to function. Usually, the lining of the airway is where this starts.

The burden of the disease continues to rise. According to The Economic Times, the incidence of lung cancer is increasing by up to 6.7% annually among women and 4.3% among men.

Given this growing prevalence, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and managing the disease effectively.

What are the Types of Lung Cancer?

There are two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small-cell lung cancer is aggressive; it frequently starts in the middle of the lungs and spreads quickly.

On the other hand, NSCLC includes several types, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid and carcinoid tumours. Both smokers and non-smokers may get these malignancies.

The right lung cancer treatment depends on the lung cancer types. Treatment options for NSCLC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or a mix of these. Conversely, oncologists use chemotherapy and radiation treatment to treat patients with SCLC.

Different Types of Lung Cancer Treatment

Let us analyse what are the different types of lung cancer treatment in more detail:

Surgery

Surgery is a type of lung cancer treatment that offers the highest chance of recovery if your cancer has not moved beyond the damaged lung and the same side of the mediastinum, your general health is rather good, and your breathing capacity is adequate. Here are the different types of lung cancer surgery:

1. Lobectomy: Lobectomy is the most frequent procedure for lung cancer, which entails removing the lung's damaged portion.

2. Sleeve Resection: Sleeve resection preserves as much of the lung's natural function as possible. It removes only lung tissue and a portion of the cancer-affected airway. After that, it joins the remaining lung to the remaining portion of the airway.

3. Pneumonectomy: A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure in which the afflicted side's whole lung is removed.

4. Diagnostic Thoracoscopy: A diagnostic thoracoscopy enables the physician to view into the chest and, if required, remove tissue samples for a biopsy.

5. Segmental Lung Resection: The surgeon may choose to remove a portion of the lung or lobe, depending on the severity of the malignancy. Usually, it removes malignant tumours from individuals who are too weak to have a lobectomy or to acquire tissue for diagnosis.

6. Chest Wall Resection: In some situations, the lung cancer may need to be removed if it spreads to the ribs or chest muscles in addition to the primary tumour. It uses flesh and muscles in conjunction with prosthetic materials to fill the chest deformity.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses radiation pulses to kill cancer cells. This can treat lung cancer in a variety of ways. If you are not well enough for surgery, NSCLC may be treated with an intense course of radiation therapy called radical radiotherapy.

On the other hand, stereotactic radiotherapy is a specific kind of radiation for lung cancer that can be used in place of surgery for very tiny cancers.

Radiation treatment for lung cancer can be given in 3 basic ways:

1. In traditional external beam radiotherapy, radiation beams are aimed at the affected areas.

2. Stereotactic radiotherapy is a more precise kind of external beam radiotherapy that uses several high-energy beams to provide a greater radiation dosage to the tumour. It also spares the surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.

3. Internal radiation involves inserting a tiny tube, or catheter, into your lungs. A little bit of radioactive material is inserted through the catheter, pressed up against the tumour for a short while, and then taken out.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a lung cancer treatment which reduces tumour size and inhibits the growth of cancer cells through powerful medications.

There are several chemotherapy medications available. The majority are given via a vein. Some are available as pills. Typically, a doctor gives a mix of medications over several weeks or months as a series of treatments. The purpose of the breaks is to aid in your recuperation.

For instance, chemotherapy is frequently given after surgery to eradicate any cancer cells that could still be present. It can be used in conjunction with radiation treatment or on its own. Even chemotherapy may also be given before surgery to reduce the size of malignancies and facilitate their removal.

Moreover, oncologists use chemotherapy to reduce pain and other symptoms in patients with metastatic lung cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a group of medications that target and destroy cancer cells by boosting your immune system. It is usable alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab and atezolizumab are two immunotherapy medications which treat lung cancer.

Oncologists can use immunotherapy via a plastic tube that enters:

1. a big vein in your chest (central line)

2. a vein or cannula in your arm

You may require a dosage every two to four weeks. Oncologists can give immunotherapy for up to 2 years if the side effects are manageable and the treatment is effective.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is the medication that targets certain molecules in cancer cells. This type of lung cancer therapy can kill cancer cells by preventing the formation of these substances. If a patient's lung cancer spreads or returns after treatment, oncologists may employ targeted therapy.

It uses medications to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. The chemicals may be given in your veins or as tablets. Before using targeted therapy, you will undergo testing to see whether it is appropriate for your form of cancer.

Certain targeted treatments are only effective in patients with certain DNA alterations in their cancer cells. To determine if these medications may be beneficial for you, a lab may screen your cancer cells.

Palliative Care

When you have a serious disease, palliative care is a unique kind of medical care that helps you feel better. This lung cancer treatment can help reduce pain and other symptoms if you have cancer.

A medical team of physicians, nurses, and other specialists with specialised training provides palliative care. The care team's objective is to enhance your and your family's quality of life.

Palliative care professionals collaborate with you, your family, and your carers. They offer an additional degree of support during your cancer treatment. Palliative care can be received concurrently with aggressive cancer therapies. It can help cancer patients feel better and survive longer when combined with other appropriate therapies.

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What are the Possible Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatment?

Each of the lung cancer treatments has possible side effects. Before going for any of these treatments, have a look at their side effects:

Side Effects of Lung Surgery

Like any major surgery, lung cancer surgery carries the risk of certain complications. These may include lung infections, excessive bleeding, or blood clots that can travel to the lungs. While most complications can be managed with medication or additional treatment, some may require a longer hospital stay.

Side Effects of Radiotherapy

The following are possible side effects of chest radiation therapy:

1. Exhaustion

2. Swallowing issues or dysphagia

3. Excessive cough that might produce phlegm tinged with blood

4. Skin redness and pain that resembles a sunburn and causes hair loss on your chest

Many patients who get radiation therapy have either very few side effects or none at all. However, during and after therapy, you can have certain negative effects. For further information on side effects and how to manage them, consult your physician or nurse.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy side effects might include exhaustion, feeling ill, mouth ulcers, and loss of hair. After treatment is complete, these side effects should gradually go away, or you might be able to take different medications to help you feel better while undergoing chemotherapy.

Additionally, chemotherapy might impair your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to infection.

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

This type of lung cancer treatment often causes the following negative effects:

1. Feeling and being ill

2. Feeling weak or exhausted

3. Reduction in appetite

4. Diarrhoea

5. Breathing difficulties

6. Ache in your muscles or joints

7. Changes in your skin, such as dryness or itching

For further information on side effects and how to manage them, consult your physician or nurse.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy can have the following side effects:

1. Exhaustion and diarrhoea

2. Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and sore muscles

3. Sores in the mouth

4. Reduction in appetite

5. Feeling ill

What are the Different Stages of Lung Cancer?

There are a total of 5 stages in NSCLC, which are highlighted in the table below:

On the other hand, there are only 2 stages in SCLC, which are highlighted in the table below:

Can Lung Cancer Be Completely Cured?

If detected before they spread, several forms of lung cancer may be treated. However, Oncologists rarely refer to cancer as ‘cured.’ ‘Remission’ or ‘no evidence of disease’ (NED) are more often used phrases. You may be deemed cured if you have been in remission or NED for 5 years or more. There is always a low possibility that cancer cells will reappear.

The 5-year survival rate is lowest when lung cancer is identified in its later stages. For this reason, if you are at higher risk, it is crucial to be evaluated before symptoms appear and to see a physician at the first sign of symptoms.

What is the Success Rate of Lung Cancer Treatment?

Success depends on the cancer stage at diagnosis, the availability of a multidisciplinary team that includes a medical oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist, and the patient's general fitness. Stage 1 NSCLC has a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%. However, survival rates decline to 30% to 50% for Stage 3 tumours.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Lung Cancer

Experts are unsure why some people get lung cancer and others do not. So there is no way to be certain you will not get it. However, some measures to lower your risk include:

1. If you have a high chance of developing lung cancer, get tested.

2. Do not smoke, or quit if you already do. Within 5 years of stopping, your chance of developing lung cancer decreases.

3. Avoid secondhand smoke and other toxins that might damage your lungs.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before the Treatment for Lung Cancer

Before going for lung cancer treatment, ask your doctor these common questions:

1. How will we know if the treatment is effective?

2. Is there anything I can do to help manage the side effects?

3. Do I need to change my diet during treatment?

4. What symptoms or side effects should I report to you right away?

5. Can you recommend a mental health professional to see if I start feeling overwhelmed or depressed?

6. Are there any limitations to what I can do?

Final Thought

Although lung cancer is a fatal disease, early identification and access to the best available therapies increase the chances of a cure. Many people need a mix of therapies to get the best results.

While breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment continue to improve patient outcomes, having enough financial coverage can make a huge difference. Purchase cancer insurance to stay protected against the hefty costs of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What function does surgery play in the treatment of lung cancer?

Surgery is crucial for removing the tumour and surrounding lymph nodes. Oncologists undertake several surgical treatments based on the tumour's location and size.

Can radiation therapy treat lung cancer?

Yes, radiation therapy is a viable lung cancer treatment option. It includes the use of high-energy lasers to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.

What is the function of palliative care in lung cancer therapy?

Palliative care seeks to alleviate the pain, symptoms, and stress associated with lung cancer, regardless of the stage of the disease. It aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

How is the treatment strategy for lung cancer developed?

The lung cancer treatment strategy includes a variety of criteria, such as the disease's stage, type, the patient's general health, and preferences.

Are there any clinical trials for lung cancer treatment?

Yes, there are clinical trials for lung cancer treatment. These examine new treatments, therapies, and interventions to establish their safety and efficacy.

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