Is surgery the only option when diagnosed with slow growing Bronchoalveolar lung cancer?
Surgery is often the preferred treatment for early-stage, localized bronchoalveolar lung cancer (BAC), but it may not be the only option. The specific treatment approach depends on various factors, including the stage and characteristics of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences. Here are some treatment options for slow-growing BAC:
1. Surgery: Surgery remains a primary treatment option for patients with early-stage, localized BAC. The type of surgical procedure performed depends on the location and extent of the tumor. Common surgical approaches include:
- Lobectomy: Removal of the affected lobe of the lung.
- Segmentectomy: Removal of a smaller section of the lung, such as a segment or subsegment.
- Wedge resection: Removal of a wedge-shaped portion of the lung containing the tumor.
2. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation in a single or a few sessions. It is often used as an alternative to surgery for patients with early-stage, localized BAC who are not suitable candidates for surgery or prefer non-surgical treatment.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to destroy cancerous cells. It is typically performed through a small incision in the skin and is often used for small, localized BAC tumors that are not easily accessible for surgical removal.
4. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, is a procedure that involves freezing and destroying cancerous cells using extremely cold temperatures. It is primarily used for small, early-stage BAC tumors and is performed percutaneously (through the skin) or during surgery.
5. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target and inhibit certain molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. These therapies may be an option for patients with advanced or metastatic BAC. Common targeted therapies used in the treatment of BAC include:
- Gefitinib (Iressa)
- Erlotinib (Tarceva)
- Osimertinib (Tagrisso)
- Crizotinib (Xalkori)
- Alectinib (Alecensa)
6. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that enhances the body's immune response to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be used in patients with advanced BAC who have certain genetic markers or characteristics that indicate a response to immunotherapy. Common immunotherapy drugs for BAC include:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- Nivolumab (Opdivo)
- Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
7. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. While it is not commonly used as a primary treatment for slow-growing BAC, it may be considered in certain situations, such as advanced disease or when other treatments are not effective.
The choice of treatment for slow-growing BAC is based on a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. They consider various factors to determine the most appropriate and individualized treatment plan for each patient.