Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (or NSCLC) is a form of epithelial lung cancer not covered by small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). According to the American Lung Association 85% of all lung cancers are NSCLC.
When possible, NSCLC is treated using surgical resection and chemotherapy, both pre and and post-operatively. However, combination treatments featuring radiation, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy may also be used, depending on the stage and cancer rate of progression. Here are the common treatment options for non small cell lung cancer:
- Surgery
In the event that the individual is in either stage 1 or stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer, the most effective mode of treatment is surgery in order to remove the tumor in full. In this kind of surgery, the surgeon removes a lobe or section of the lung that contains the tumor. The procedure adopted can be using VATS – video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wherein a small tube is inserted in through a small incision. With the help of a camera and scope, the surgeon can access the tumors and remove it all together without having to perform a major incision on the body.
- Chemotherapy and radiation
Those who have undergone surgery for removal of the non-small cell lung cancer tumor can be prescribed therapy to ensure that there is no recurrence of the cancer. This form of treatment is known as adjuvant chemotherapy and is highly beneficial for those who revive out of stage 2 and stage 3 cancer. In the case of patients who have stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy is recommended when the cancer is not removable through surgery. The drugs that are commonly used in combination for chemotherapy treatment to be effective are cisplatin (Platinol) or carboplatin (Paraplatin) plus docetaxel (Taxotere), gemcitabine (Gemzar), paclitaxel (Taxol and others), vinorelbine (Navelbine and others), or pemetrexed (Alimta). There are chances that chemotherapy may not work or even cause recurrence after a period of time, in which case, the doctors suggest another course of treatment to aid with removing the non-small cell lung cancer. There is another form of chemotherapy known as a neoadjuvant treatment that is given for those diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, wherein the treatment is an option before surgery or radiation therapy. This is a process that helps to shrink the tumor making it surgery real and also aids with the killing of the hidden cancer cells as soon as treatment begins. If a tumor doesn’t shrink with chemotherapy, the medication can be stopped right away, allowing the doctor to try a different treatment. In addition, there is research that shows how people with non-small cell lung cancer are much more able to cope with the chemotherapy side effects when it is given before surgery.
- Targeted therapy
Another form of treatment is targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer, wherein the designed drugs are specifically mastered to attack only the cancerous cells in contrast to chemotherapy where all the cells are attacked with drugs without any difference in impact.
It is important that you get medical advice and thoroughly understand the treatment option you are given to know how it will have an impact on your health and emotional state.
