The Institute for Advanced Radiation Oncology

Disease Site Specific Treatment

Lung Cancer

Based on the characteristics of cells seen under magnification, there are two types of cancers that can develop in the lungs:

• Non-small cell lung cancer – the most common form that generally grows and spread more slowly.
• Small cell lung cancer – the more aggressive form that also is more likely to spread to other organs of the body.

Because each type of cancer grows and spreads in different ways, they are treated differently based on a treatment plan that also takes include consideration other important factors, including the tumor’s size, stage (extent to spread) and location, and the patient’s overall health.
For the most effective treatment, radiation therapy is frequently used on conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy in many different combinations.

Bringing Breakthrough Radiotherapies to Forefront of Lung Cancer Treatment
The Institute for Advanced Radiation Oncology continues to pioneer the advanced radiotherapeutic techniques for the treatment of lung cancer. Accuracy and precision has been elevated to new levels through the utilization of 3-D conformal radiotherapy, brachytherapy and body radiosurgery.

Growing sophistication in 3-D conformal radiotherapy is making it the treatment of choice for both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, particularly when surgery is not an option. Utilizing CT based treatment planning to determine the radiation field, higher doses of radiation usually is directed to the lung lesion and the surrounding lymph node regions within the chest. Treatment can be delivered more precisely and in less time, resulting in fewer side effects than with standard external beam therapy.

High-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy allows lung cancer patients to receive treatment on an outpatient basis over a specified period of time.

Detailed information on disease-specific treatment is available under the Patient Information and Education section.

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