Lung Cancer

Standard Treatments for Lung Cancer

Treatments for lung cancer vary by stage.Early lung cancer is primarily treated surgically. The pathology report.serves as the basis for determining whether or not chemotherapy or radiotherapy is required afterwards.If the lung cancer is locally invasive and unresectable, the genetic profile of the tumor must be considered when choosing whether to perform targeted therapy or chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is typically used concurrently with chemotherapy.If the cancer already has distant metastases, pharmacological therapy remains the primary approach. Radiotherapy chiefly plays a role in palliative symptom relief.

Indications for Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is highly suited to lung cancer radiotherapy, with concomitant chemotherapy as the top choice, because this combination can reduce the likelihood and severity of radiation pneumonitis caused by photon therapy.Poor drug response in earlier lines of therapy and recurrence after surgery are also indications for proton therapy.

Side Effects

Side effects are highly correlated with the location of the tumor and the extent of radiation exposure. Patients may develop dermatitis, esophagitis, pneumonitis, or pulmonary fibrosis.Symptoms vary between individuals. In general, most such symptoms are manageable.

Other Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Treatments

Proton therapy may be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.