Lung cancer treatment options at Penn Medicine
Our specialists are equipped to treat the full spectrum of lung cancer, including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We leverage advanced imaging and surgical technology to deliver precise and effective care.
Lung cancer treatment is highly personalized and varies depending on several factors such as the type, stage of cancer, and your overall health and preferences. Because of this, we take a completely patient-centered approach to create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include one or more of the following therapies:
- Chemotherapy
- Gamma Knife® radiosurgery
- Immunotherapy
- Lobectomy
- Pneumonectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Segmental resection
- Targeted therapy
- Tumor resection
Innovative approaches with lung cancer clinical trials
At Penn Medicine, yesterday's lung cancer clinical trials have become today's lifesaving treatments. Our researchers are focused on finding the next new lung cancer breakthrough with treatment opportunities based on the latest science. We’re involved in every area of lung cancer study, finding the best treatments for our patients.
Clinical trials are conducted throughout several stages—some are open to patients who haven’t started treatment yet, while others are specifically aimed at patients who are either undergoing or have completed treatment. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is right for you.
Our Center for Precision Surgery is currently testing a technique that makes disguised or hard-to-find tumors glow during surgery. Called TumorGlow®, this technique was developed at Penn Medicine and helps with early detection and better treatment success for our lung cancer patients.
CAR T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that retrains the body's immune cells to recognize and remove cancer cells. Penn Medicine researchers developed this technique, which is FDA-approved to treat certain forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Our doctors are focused on finding ways to use CAR T cell therapy for patients with solid tumors, including lung cancer.
Medical oncologists at Penn Medicine are internationally recognized for using vaccines to stimulate the immune system in cancer treatment.
Vaccine therapy works similarly to immunizations—it teaches the immune system to recognize and remove cancer cells. Our doctors are working to create a personalized vaccine for lung cancer by:
- Analyzing a sample of the tumor to identify abnormal proteins.
- Engineering tumor-fighting cells to target those proteins.
- Infusing these cells into a vaccine that’s put back into the patient's body with the goal of removing cancer cells.
Our specialists are working to minimize the risk of lung and heart injury during treatment for advanced-stage lung cancer. One way is by investigating the use of advanced imaging tools to better plan radiation treatments. These tools include four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), dual-energy CT, positron emission tomography (PET)-CT, and functional and cardiac MRI.
Our Tobacco and Environmental Carcinogenesis Program studies the relationships between environmental exposures and cancer. It focuses on the prevention of tobacco and asbestos-related cancers including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and mesothelioma.
Exploring other lung cancer treatments
Additional treatments are available to address or supplement a patient’s unique care needs.
Monitoring: Not every abnormality found during a lung cancer screening needs immediate treatment. A lung cancer imaging expert monitors lung nodules using advanced imaging technology and helps to determine the next steps in your care. Sometimes, a watchful waiting period is recommended if the tumor remains unchanged over time.
Alternative medicines: While not a cure for cancer, certain complementary or alternative treatments might help relieve symptoms. For example, studies suggest that acupuncture could help alleviate nausea, vomiting, and certain types of pain. However, talk with your provider before starting these treatments because some may interact with your medications.
Symptom management: Some patients diagnosed with lung cancer decide against treatment if they believe that the disadvantages of treatment outweigh their potential advantages. In such instances, their provider may recommend palliative care to address their lung cancer symptoms, make them more comfortable, and improve their quality of life.
Your journey, our support: Personalized lung cancer care at every step
At Penn Medicine, oncology nurse navigation services are provided to all patients to ease their cancer journey. You’ll be paired with an experienced registered nurse certified in cancer care. They serve as a single point of contact from diagnosis through the end of treatment and are available by phone, email, and virtual appointments. Working with you on everything from nutrition, pain management, mental health, and financial issues, nurse navigators provide referrals to specialists and resources to enhance your overall quality of life.
Combining treatment expertise for optimal outcomes
Our specialists use the team method to plan your care. Experienced clinicians across multiple disciplines are involved in managing your condition, including medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and nurse practitioners who specialize in lung cancer. They work together to create a plan that fits your needs, using the most up-to-date techniques to give you the best care possible.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.