Lung cancer is of two types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer tends to spread quickly and grow as a non-small cell lung cancer. Here we discuss the options of treatment for lung cancer for both these types.

Before we get to know the different methods of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer let us understand the diagnosis of lung cancer. The diagnosis of lung cancer includes chest X-ray, CT scan, spiral CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan and bone scan. Further sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, needle biopsy and / or thoracentesis followed by some blood tests are done and the reports are studied to confirm the occurrence of lung cancer inside the patient’s body.

Surgery for Lung Cancer Treatment

Surgery is the preferred option of treatment for small cell lung cancer, that it, when the cancer is in its early stages. It is mostly not preferred in the advanced stages, as the cancer might recur, through the cell has been removed completely. The type of surgery performed depends on the location and size of the cancerous cells. Either removal of one portion of one of the lobes of the lung (wedge resection of the lung or segmentectomy), or removal of one of the lobes of the lung (lobectomy) or both the lobes of the lung (bilobectomy) is mostly done by the doctors. In some cases, the lung is removed completely (pneumonectomy), sometimes along with the nearby lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy). Though there is a risk of complication of general anesthesia, bleeding and infection, surgery for lung cancer treatment is found to be an effective method to cure lung cancer. The patient might experience weakness, shortness of breath and pain for sometime after the surgery.

Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is used to treat both types of lung cancers. It is mostly given when the cancer has not spread to the nearby lymph nodes. It can be given in combination with chemotherapy or surgery to shrink or kill the cancerous cell growing inside the lungs by using high energy radiations (external radiotherapy) or through radioisotopes (internal radiotherapy or brachytherapy). Brachytherapy is done using a bronchoscope that is inserted into the airway. Bronchoscope is an instrument used to place the radioactive substances or radioisotopes near the cancerous region inside the lung. External method of radiation therapy is the most commonly used method of treatment for cancer, be it for small cell lung cancer or for non-small cell lung cancer. After the completion of the prescribed radiation therapy or during the process, the patient might experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or fatigue. In some cases, low count of blood platelets and white blood cells are observed.

Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy is used for the treatment of both the types of lung cancers. It involves administration of different combinations of drugs, either intravenously or in the form of pills or as a combination of both of them. It is generally given in the form of cycles given once or twice a week. The duration, dosage and type of combination of chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer prescribed to the patients depend on the extent to which the cancerous cells have spread inside the patient’s body. Etoposide and Cisplatin in combination with irinotecan, gemcitabine, paclitaxel and / or carboplatin are the commonly given drugs in small cell lung cancer chemotherapy, while carboplatin in combination with vinorelbine, docetaxel and / or paclitaxel are given in non small cell lung cancerchemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy can be given along or in combination with radiation therapy or surgery. During the course of treatment, the patient might experience mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Some patients may also complain of hair loss and weight loss.

Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Treatment

Targeted therapy is given when the patient’s body does not respond to chemotherapy. This method involves the administration of drugs that target the protein responsible for the growth of the cancerous cells. In this case, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is targeted by the drugs. These drugs stop the functioning of the protein, thus making the cancer cells devoid of their daily fuel. Once this is done, as the cancerous cells do not get the required fuel for their growth they stop to function and tend to die. Gefitinib and erlotinib are the commonly prescribed drugs to stop the functioning of EGFR. In some cases, antiangiogenic drugs are prescribed. These drugs stop the development of new blood vessels within the affected area, thus not supplying any oxygen carrying blood to the cancerous cells, which eventually leads to their death. Bevacizumab or cetuximab are the commonly prescribed antiangiogenic drugs in such cases.

Treatment for lung cancer is effective, if medicines are taken properly and the prescribed schedule of the treatment cycles is followed properly. In addition to this, regular exercise and healthy diet as prescribed by the physician also helps in early cure of lung cancer.

Note: The drugs  or medications mentioned above should only be taken under the supervision of the concerned physician.