institute for cancer research

Lung Cancer Treatment

Introduction

In medical practice, healthcare providers usually plan to first stage the cancer accurately before planning out the comprehensive lung cancer treatment procedure.

Today, lung cancer has become one of the leading forms of cancers and accounts for highest number of cancer deaths. Though mortality rate from lung cancer has been declining for men, the rate for women has been increasing.

Both conventional as well as alternative lung cancer treatment options are available for cure of this disorder.

Treatment Options

The lung cancer treatment plan depends on the type of lung cancer, how far it has advanced and the patient's overall state of health.

There are three main forms of treatment that are generally prescribed for lung cancer treatment. These include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. In some cases, a combination of both of these treatments is used.

Chemotherapy is basically the process of treating cancer with drugs in order to destroy the cancer cells. These drugs are also often referred to as 'anticancer drugs.' Such drugs are usually used for multiple purposes, such as:

·         To cure cancer

·         To control cancer growth

·         To shrink a tumor before surgery

·         To enhance radiation therapy

·         To stop cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body

Meanwhile, surgical resection or cutting away of the tumor is considered as an option for the disease which has not spread beyond the lung. This process can be conducted using a variety of techniques. Some of the most common methods used for lung cancer surgery include thoractomy, in its various forms including anterior limited and those performed on the frontal chest using a small incision or near the underarm.

Apart from these conventional forms of treatments, options for alternative lung cancer treatment are also widely available now. Some of the most common alternative lung cancer treatment options include acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, counseling, massage, meditation and the like.

New Lung Cancer Treatment

Recent research has been quite successful in developing new lung cancer treatment. The main forms of medication available in this category include:

i) Erlotinib

This is basically an oral medication that targets the epidermal growth factor receptors on the surface of cells that are involved in cell growth and proliferation.

Erlotinib is considered as one of the most effective forms of new lung cancer treatment.

ii) Bevacizumab

This medication is administered in the form of an injection in combination with standard chemotherapy. It is basically administered with the aim of stopping the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.

Drugs and surgery are often used in combination in the advanced lung cancer treatment. Overall, modalities of lung cancer treatment are best planned in accordance with the patient's state of health and ability to respond to medicine.

© 2005 - Cancer Treatment - Prevention - Research - A.P.John Cancer Institute
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