Treatment Options for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer that includes different subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. NSCLC involves normal cells in the lungs growing out of control, potentially damaging the lungs and spreading to nearby organs. Smoking is a major risk factor for NSCLC.
The objective of treating NSCLC is to eliminate cancer cells, slow down the progression of the disease, or control symptoms. Treatment goals may vary depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis. In early stages, treatment aims to cure the body of cancer cells. However, in advanced stages where remission is less likely, treatments focus on reducing symptoms and providing comfort to the individual. Early detection of NSCLC can significantly improve survival rates.
Therapeutic Procedures:
- Surgery is a common initial treatment for NSCLC, especially in early stages. It involves removing part or all of the affected lung to eliminate cancerous tissues from the body. Sometimes, radiation therapy or chemotherapy is used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. This is called adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy is used to help lower the risk that cancer will come back.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and shrink tumors, helping to reduce cancer size and manage symptoms. Radiation therapy may be given a couple of different ways:
- External radiation therapy: A machine is used to aim radiation toward the part of the body with cancer.
- Internal radiation therapy: Radioactive material in a small seed, wire, or other device is implanted into or near the tumor. The material releases radiation into the tumor.
Medications:
- Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop their division, helping to control the disease's progression. Some chemotherapy is a pill to be swallowed. Other chemotherapy is given into a blood vein (intravenously, or though an IV).
- Targeted therapy drugs may be used for individuals with cancer cells that have specific genetic mutations that drive cancer growth. Targeted therapies identify and attack those cancer cells to disrupt their normal functions. This may prevent the cells from multiplying, growing, or spreading. Types of targeted therapy include:
- Monoclonal antibodies: Antibodies attach to a specific target on cancer cells. The antibodies can kill the cell, block their growth, or keep them from spreading.
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): These drugs can go into a cancer cell and block signals the cancer cell uses to grow and divide.
- Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors: These drugs block a specific protein (mTOR) that cancer cells need to grow and gain a blood supply.
- Immunotherapy: These are treatments to boosts a person’s immune system to fight cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy.
Lifestyle Behavior Modification:
- Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, improving nutrition, and increasing physical activity can positively impact the overall health and well-being of individuals with NSCLC.
- Quitting smoking is particularly crucial as it can help reduce the risk of cancer progression and improve treatment outcomes.
Other treatments may be used based on individual factors. In addition, supportive therapies may be given to help manage symptoms of NSCL or its treatment. This may include antibiotics to treat or prevent infection, antinausea medications, and pain medications. It is important to work closely with the healthcare team to understand the treatment plan, including benefits, risks, and precautions to know for each treatment.