Treatments for non–small cell lung cancer
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If you have non–small cell lung cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for non–small cell lung cancer, your healthcare team will consider:
- the stage of the cancer
- whether the cancer can be removed with surgery
- any genetic changes to the lung cancer cells
- immune checkpoint markers in lung cancer cells
- your overall health, including your lung function
- your personal preferences (what you want)
Treatments for stage 0 non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for stage 0 non−small cell lung cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 1 non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for stage 1 non–small cell lung cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 2 non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for stage 2 non−small cell lung cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 3 non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for stage 3 non–small cell lung cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 4 non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for stage 4 non–small cell lung cancer. Stage 4 non–small cell lung cancer is very difficult to treat because it has spread to distant sites throughout the body. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for recurrent non–small cell lung cancer
The following are treatment options for recurrent non−small cell lung cancer. The types of treatment offered for recurrent non−small cell lung cancer depend on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for small cell lung cancer
If you have small cell lung cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer.
Surgery for non–small cell lung cancer
Surgery may be used to treat non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used to potentially cure the cancer by completely removing the tumour. Surgery is rarely offered if the tumour cannot be completely removed.
Chemotherapy for lung cancer
Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat lung cancer.
Radiation therapy for lung cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted therapy for non–small cell lung cancer
Some people with non–small cell lung cancer have targeted therapy. It uses drugs to target specific molecules (such as proteins) on cancer cells or inside them.
Immunotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer
Some people with non–small cell lung cancer may have immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses natural or artificial substances that change the way cells behave.
Endobronchial therapies for lung cancer
Endobronchial therapies are treatments given during bronchoscopy. For endobronchial therapies to be effective, the bronchoscope must reach the tumour.
Follow-up after treatment for lung cancer
Lung cancer behaves differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with lung cancer should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation.