Lung cancer tops the list as the most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally, claiming approximately 1.8 million lives in 2020. It's a complex illness with various subtypes, each having its unique symptoms and treatment methods. The increasing prevalence of lung cancer emphasizes the importance of using multimodal strategies in its treatment.
Multimodal cancer therapy, also known as multimodal cancer care, involves combining different treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, or sometimes even more, to effectively combat this disease. Let us delve into these multifaceted approaches and explore how institutions like AOI are making a positive impact on the lives of lung cancer patients.
Treatment Approaches for Lung Cancer
- Surgery to Remove the Tumor at the Source: In the multimodal therapy of lung cancer, surgical intervention is essential. Surgical oncologists use different surgical techniques, such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection depending on the stage and location of the tumor. Surgery attempts to eliminate the tumor and any affected tissues around it, reducing the impact of the disease while potentially curing it completely. It is commonly used in conjunction with other forms of therapy to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.
- Radiation Therapy to Target Cancer Cells : In radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is given to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Depending on the patient's unique demands, it is either given internally (brachytherapy) or externally (external beam radiation). Radiation therapy is frequently used as a primary treatment for cancer patients who are not eligible for surgery or as an add-on therapy to remove any leftover cancer cells after surgery in multimodal lung cancer treatment. Radiation therapy's precise targeting minimizes the impact on surrounding tissues.
- Chemotherapy to Eliminate Cancer Cells : Chemotherapy uses medications to track down and destroy rapidly multiplying cancer cells all across the body. Patients with lung cancer often receive chemotherapy intravenously or orally. When treating advanced-stage lung cancer, it can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy.
- Personalized Targeted Therapy for Genetic Variations: Targeted therapy is a kind of precision medicine that focuses on specific cancer cell mutations. Drugs used in targeted therapy can reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Patients with specific genetic alterations, such as EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, are frequently treated with targeted therapy in the case of lung cancer. To treat lung cancer more precisely and successfully, surgical oncologists often combine targeted therapy with other forms of therapy.
- Immunotherapy to Control the Immune System : Immunotherapy is a new treatment technique in which drugs are used to increase the body's immune response to cancer cells. It functions by obstructing the immune system's regular operation or by causing the immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells. Immunotherapy has been used to treat advanced lung cancer successfully, improving overall survival rates and having long-lasting effects. Combining immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities like chemotherapy or targeted therapy can enhance treatment outcomes even further.
Role of esteemed healthcare organizations:
Seeking the advice of expert oncologists from reputed healthcare organizations is essential in the ever-changing world of lung cancer treatment. The American Oncology Institute (AOI) stands out as a light of hope, bringing together cutting-edge technologies and a diverse team of experts committed to providing tailored care.
Through a collaborative approach, AOI integrates the latest advancements in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to craft tailored treatment plans for lung cancer patients. To address tumor eradication, disease control, and general patient well-being, AOI maximizes the effectiveness of each intervention by using the power of multiple modalities. With a strong emphasis on compassionate care and patient support, we at AOI ensure that individuals receive comprehensive treatment that extends beyond medical procedures.
Multimodal approach: a boon for cancer care
A notable development in the field of oncology is the utilization of multimodal techniques for the treatment of lung cancer. Healthcare professionals can modify treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each lung cancer patient by combining surgical treatments, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. This treatment strategy improves patient quality of life, increases survival rates, and provides effective therapy. The potential of multimodal methods of treatment for lung cancer is quite promising if, research continues and new treatment options are developed.
