What Is Combination Therapy for Lung Cancer?

Combination therapy is a treatment approach that uses two or more different drugs or therapies to treat lung cancer. It is often used to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of resistance.

There are several different types of combination therapy that can be used for lung cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's individual needs. Some common types of combination therapy include:

* Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: This is a common combination therapy for lung cancer. Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells in a specific area.

* Chemotherapy and targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. They are often used in combination with chemotherapy to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

* Chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs help the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. They are often used in combination with chemotherapy to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

* Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy drugs can be used together to block the growth and spread of cancer cells and help the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Combination therapy can be more effective than single-agent therapy in treating lung cancer. It can also help to reduce the risk of resistance to treatment. However, combination therapy can also have more side effects than single-agent therapy.

The decision to use combination therapy for lung cancer is made by a team of doctors who specialize in treating lung cancer. The doctors will consider the stage of the disease, the patient's individual needs, and the potential risks and benefits of treatment.