Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Last Updated on 02/25/2026 by Farid Helal

Treatment options for lung cancer depend on various factors. These include the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and specific genetic characteristics of the tumor. The primary goal can be curative. It aims to eliminate the cancer. Alternatively, it can be palliative, focusing on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

What are Lung Cancer Treatment Options?

They include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Often, we use a combination of treatments to improve outcomes. Treatment varies depending on the stage and type.

1- Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer

It is the preferred option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This applies when the tumor confined to the lung. It is also an option if the cancer has not spread extensively. Common procedures include:

• Lobectomy: removal of an entire lobe of the lung.
• Segmentectomy or wedge resection: removal of a small part of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy: removal of an entire lung in advanced cases.

2. Chemotherapy

Using drugs to destroy cancer cells, especially for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and advanced NSCLC. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to kill residual cells. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, and nausea.

3. Radiation Therapy

This employs high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.

• As a primary treatment when surgery isn’t feasible.
• After surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• To relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs designed to attack specific genetic mutations or proteins involved in cancer growth. Examples include:

• EGFR inhibitors (e.g., erlotinib, gefitinib)
• ALK inhibitors (e.g., crizotinib)
• VEGF inhibitors (e.g., bevacizumab)These are typically used in advanced NSCLC with identified genetic alterations and tend to have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

5. Immunotherapy

To boost the body’s immune response to recognize and attack cancer cells. Drugs like pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab are options for advanced lung cancers, especially those expressing PD-L1. We use them alone or combined with chemotherapy.

Summary

Lung cancer treatment varies depending on the stage and type. It includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Often, a combination of treatments is used based on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s overall health.