Common Treatments and Therapies for Lung Cancer

Page Contents

Today, people with lung cancer have more options, and significantly higher survival rates, than they did in the past – even a few years ago. 

Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of lung cancer you have, the stage, as well as your overall health. Our physicians are experts in the full range of complex treatments lung cancer may require. Based on the unique features of your cancer, your team may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, proton therapy or other radiation therapy, all available at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

Many lung cancer patients at Fred Hutch receive promising therapies by taking part in clinical trials, where new treatments are tested and new ways are being explored to use current treatments.

Lung Cancer Care Tailored to You

You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services. 

Request an Appointment

How We Treat Lung Cancer at Fred Hutch 

Surgery

The surgeries we typically use to treat lung cancer are lobectomy; wedge resection or segmentectomy; and pneumonectomy.

Another option for some patients is a minimally invasive surgery called video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Our surgeons also have the expertise to perform advanced surgical and endoscopic procedures as well as reconstructive surgery.

Read About Lung Cancer Surgery

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves taking medications that target and kill fast-dividing cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of your lung cancer, your medical oncologist may recommend chemotherapy:

  • Before surgery to help shrink your tumor so it’s easier to remove
  • After surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells
  • With other treatments, if surgery isn’t an option for you

Your Fred Hutch care team will talk with you about the specific medicines we recommend for you, how you’ll receive them, your treatment schedule and what to expect. We’ll also explain how to take the best possible care of yourself during treatment and after, and we’ll connect you to any medical and support resources you may need throughout Fred Hutch.

Read About Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are cancer medications that work more selectively than standard chemotherapy medications. They do this by targeting specific molecules or genetic changes in cancer cells in order to stop them from growing and spreading.

These medicines are important if you have lung cancer that has spread to other parts of your body (advanced or metastatic cancer).

Learn About Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is different from other treatments used for lung cancer because it harnesses your body’s own immune system to fight your cancer. Immunotherapy drugs used to treat lung cancer are sometimes used alone or with chemotherapy or, in clinical trials, with other treatments.

Read About Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Many people with lung cancer have radiation therapy alone or with other treatments. It is painless and noninvasive, and each treatment lasts only minutes. 

Different types of radiation treatments are used for different situations. A few examples of the types used for lung cancer are:

  • Intensity-modulated image-guided radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT)
  • Radiosurgery
  • Proton therapy
Read About Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer

Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy and an important alternative to conventional radiation for many types of cancer (and some noncancerous tumors), including lung cancer.

Lung cancer is frequently located close to critical organs and healthy body tissue. The advantage of using protons to treat this cancer is that physicians can target very high doses of radiation precisely at the cancer which means damage to nearby healthy tissues and organs is minimized.

Read About Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer
Christina S. Baik
Dr. Christina S. Baik, clinical research director of Thoracic, Head and Neck Oncology at UW Medicine

Why Choose Fred Hutch for Lung Cancer Treatment 

As treatment becomes more complex, it's more important than ever to see experts who can determine the best way to treat your particular disease.

Fred Hutch and UW Medicine surgeons are among the best in the country and specialize in lung operations. They also help diagnose and stage lung cancer and relieve symptoms of advanced disease.

At Fred Hutch, we have been personalizing lung cancer care for decades. Our experts offer comprehensive care — from prevention, screening and diagnosis to treatment and surveillance.

Recent advances allow us to precisely tailor your treatment based on the particular features of your cancer. Newer options mean increased complexity, which is why it’s essential to receive care from physicians, like the experts at Fred Hutch, who specialize in lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Treatment FAQ

The most effective treatment depends on the type and stage of your lung cancer. Early-stage cancer is typically treated with surgery. Advanced lung cancer may require a different type of treatment such as chemotherapy, proton therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Treatment recommendations are closely tied to the cancer’s stage. Early-stage lung cancer often involves tumors that can be removed using surgery, so that is usually the recommended approach. If a patient has more advanced lung cancer, or cancer that has spread, a systemic therapy (meaning one that treats the entire body versus targeting a specific area) like chemotherapy and immunotherapy might be the best treatment options. Radiation is sometimes also recommended in advanced stages, if the cancer being treated is in a specific area.

Fred Hutch is a recognized leader in lung cancer treatment and research. We offer all common treatments for lung cancer, as well as many that are only available in the Pacific Northwest from Fred Hutch, such as proton therapy and novel (new) immunotherapies and other treatments being studied in our clinical trials.

Yes. Fred Hutch conducts clinical trials testing novel therapies for lung cancer, including immunotherapies, targeted drugs and combination treatments. Participation in trials allows patients access to leading-edge treatments and contributes to advancements in lung cancer care.

Read about clinical trials at Fred Hutch.