Ask Your Doctor About These Lung Cancer Treatment Options
When someone is diagnosed with lung cancer, one of the first questions they ask is: What are my treatment options? Today, there are many effective lung cancer treatment options that can help improve survival and quality of life. The best treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Below, we cover the most common and effective lung cancer treatment options, starting with the immunotherapy drug Opdivo.
1. Opdivo (Nivolumab): A Leading Immunotherapy Option
Opdivo is an FDA-approved immunotherapy and one of the most promising lung cancer treatment options available today. It is often used to treat advanced or recurring non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially when other treatments haven’t worked.
This treatment works by boosting the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It blocks the PD-1 protein, which helps cancer hide from immune cells. This allows the immune system to attack the cancer more effectively.
Common side effects of Opdivo include fatigue, rash, shortness of breath and nausea. In rare cases, the immune system may attack healthy organs, but doctors closely monitor for this and adjust treatment as needed.
2. Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy is one of the oldest and most widely used lung cancer treatment options. It involves powerful drugs that target and kill fast-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used for both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and NSCLC, especially in later stages.
Chemo is usually given through an IV and delivered in cycles with rest periods in between. Though it’s effective, it can also harm healthy cells, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue and lowered immunity.
3. Radiation Therapy: A Targeted Treatment
Radiation therapy is another proven method among modern lung cancer treatment options. It uses high-energy beams to kill or shrink cancer cells. Radiation may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like chemo or surgery.
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy. The most common form, delivered from a machine outside the body.
- Internal radiation (brachytherapy). A less common method involving radioactive material placed near the tumor.
Patients may experience fatigue, skin irritation, and difficulty swallowing during treatment, but these symptoms often go away afterward.
4. Surgery: Best for Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Surgery is often the best option when lung cancer is diagnosed early. It aims to completely remove the tumor and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. This approach can be curative if the cancer hasn’t spread.
Types of lung cancer surgeries include:
- Lobectomy. Removal of one lobe of the lung.
- Pneumonectomy. Removal of an entire lung (used for larger tumors).
- Segmentectomy or wedge resection. Removal of a smaller section of the lung.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health, but physical therapy and breathing exercises are often part of aftercare.
5. Targeted Therapy for Genetic Mutations
Another innovative category of lung cancer treatment options is targeted therapy. These drugs are designed to attack specific genetic changes in cancer cells, such as EGFR, ALK or ROS1 mutations.
Patients usually take these medications orally, and side effects tend to be milder than with chemotherapy. They may include rash, diarrhea and liver issues, but they are usually manageable.
6. Other Immunotherapy Drugs
Besides Opdivo, other lung cancer immunotherapy treatments include:
These drugs work similarly by helping the immune system fight the cancer more effectively. They are especially helpful for advanced NSCLC and are often used alone or in combination with other therapies.
Choosing the Right Lung Cancer Treatment Option
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating lung cancer. Thanks to advances in medicine, there are many effective lung cancer treatment options available today. From immunotherapy with drugs like Opdivo to traditional methods like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, each option offers hope depending on the patient's unique case.
Work closely with your oncologist to understand which treatments are best for you. Staying informed about your choices and asking questions will help you feel more confident and involved in your care journey.