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Treatment & Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is typified by uncontrolled proliferation of cells lining the lungs. Even though there is no complete cure for the condition, treatment options and numerous clinical trials are available to effectively restrain the spread of the cancer.

  1. Traditional Treatment Methods

    • Resection or surgical removal of the affected portion of the lungs is the most commonly administered treatment form used against lung cancer. In case there is a threat of cancer recurrence, your doctor might also recommend chemoembolization (chemotherapy) and radiotherapy to destroy the malignant cells.

    Treatment Length

    • Chemoembolization is usually given periodically for about four months, while you are exposed to radiation therapy on a regular basis for approximately a month or two.

    Survival Rates

    • The National Cancer Institute reports that the mean five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 15.6 percent.

    Clinical Trials

    • Clinical trials are medical research studies that offer patients a chance to receive treatment methods not available to the masses and are monitored on their progress. The federal government has a website that offers a search engine for the most up-to-date clinical trials across the country at clinicaltrials.gov.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Preventive measures that you can take include quitting alcohol consumption and smoking, reducing and avoiding exposure to environmental pollutants, among others.

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