All You Need To Know About Lung Cancer Treatments

Check out this blog to learn about lung cancer treatments!

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Normally, cells divide and produce new cells as part of their regular function, but mutations can cause them to keep dividing even when they’re not needed.

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These mutated cells form masses that interfere with lung function, making it difficult for the organ to work properly.

Lung cancer typically begins in the airways (bronchi or bronchioles) or the tiny air sacs (alveoli). There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with NSCLC being more common. When cancer spreads from other parts of the body to the lungs, it's referred to as metastatic cancer and is named based on where it started. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, so regular screening and awareness are key for those at higher risk, like smokers.

What are the types of lung cancer?

Lung cancer is generally categorized into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form, making up more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. Common subtypes include adenocarcinoma, which begins in glandular cells, and squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin cells lining the airways. Less common forms include adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), on the other hand, grows much faster and is typically more difficult to treat. It is often diagnosed when the cancer has already spread beyond the lungs. SCLC is mainly categorized into small cell carcinoma (or oat cell carcinoma) and combined small cell carcinoma, where it might appear alongside other types of cancer cells. SCLC tends to be more aggressive and requires urgent and intensive treatment.

What are the stages of lung cancer?

Cancer staging is typically determined by the size of the primary tumor, how much it has invaded nearby tissues, and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The criteria for staging can vary depending on the specific type of cancer.

Lung cancer staging

Cancer staging takes into account both the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. For lung cancer, the stages are defined as follows:

Stage 0 (in-situ): The cancer is confined to the surface layer of the lung or bronchus and hasn’t spread to other areas within the lung or outside of it.

Stage I: The cancer is still localized within the lung and hasn't spread.

Stage II: The cancer is larger than in Stage I and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes within the lung or involve more than one tumor in the same lung lobe.

Stage III: The cancer has grown beyond Stage II, possibly spreading to nearby lymph nodes, and structures, or involving multiple tumors in different lobes of the same lung.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the other lung, the fluid surrounding the lung or heart, or to distant organs in the body.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the stage and type, but common signs include:

Persistent coughing or coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Wheezing
Recurrent respiratory infections

Lung Cancer Treatments

Lung cancer treatments aim to eliminate cancerous cells, slow their growth, or prevent their spread. These treatments may involve surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, or chemotherapy to target rapidly dividing cells. Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules in cancer growth, while immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. In addition, palliative treatments can alleviate symptoms and manage pain, improving quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as cancer type, location, stage, and the patient’s overall health. Each treatment plan is tailored to individual needs.

Medications and Treatments Used in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatments may involve surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized care plans for effective management.

Surgery

For early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and limited small cell lung cancer (SCLC), surgery may be an option. The surgeon removes the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to reduce the risk of leaving cancer cells behind. In some cases, part or all of the lung may be removed.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is sometimes used for NSCLC tumors located near the lung's outer edges. It involves using high-energy radio waves to heat and destroy cancerous cells effectively.

Radiation therapy

Radiation uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. It can be a standalone treatment or assist surgery. It also serves palliative care by shrinking tumors to alleviating pain, effective for both non-small and small cell lung cancers.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using a mix of drugs to halt cancer cell growth. It may be administered before or after surgery or alongside treatments like immunotherapy. For lung cancer, chemotherapy is typically delivered through an IV, aiming to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Targeted drug therapy

In certain NSCLC cases, mutations in cancer cells promote growth. Targeted therapies focus on these mutations to slow or destroy the cells. Additionally, angiogenesis inhibitors prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels, which are crucial for cancer cells to thrive and expand.

Immunotherapy

Normally, our immune system detects and eliminates damaged or harmful cells. However, cancer can evade detection and continue growing. Immunotherapy works by exposing cancer cells to the immune system, allowing the body to recognize and attack the cancer. This treatment boosts the body's natural defenses to fight against the disease more effectively.

Treatments to ease symptoms (palliative care)

Certain lung cancer treatments focus on easing symptoms such as pain and breathing difficulties. These therapies may shrink or remove tumors obstructing airways, improving airflow. Additionally, procedures can be performed to drain fluid accumulating around the lungs, helping alleviate discomfort and preventing the fluid from reappearing, ultimately enhancing the patient's quality of life.

Conclusion