FAQ

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• What treatment options are available for lung cancer in Liverpool?

• Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the type, stage, molecular profile, and overall health of the patient. Treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), conventional radiotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Each treatment plan is personalised following multidisciplinary team review.

• What is SABR treatment for lung cancer?

• Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), also known as SBRT, is a highly precise form of radiotherapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It is commonly used for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not suitable for surgery.

• Who is suitable for SABR radiotherapy?

• SABR is often recommended for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who cannot undergo surgery because of other medical conditions or personal preference. It may also be considered for selected patients with oligometastatic lung cancer where long-term disease control is the goal.

• How is SABR planned and delivered?

• SABR treatment requires detailed imaging using technologies such as 4D-CT, PET-CT, or MRI to accurately identify the tumour and account for breathing movement. Advanced planning techniques help ensure precise treatment delivery while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

• What are the side effects of SABR?

• Most patients tolerate SABR well. Possible side effects may include fatigue, cough, radiation pneumonitis, chest wall discomfort, or, rarely, rib fractures. Patients are monitored closely during and after treatment.

• When is chemotherapy used for lung cancer?

• Chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It may also be recommended before surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) or after surgery (adjuvant treatment) in selected patients with potentially curable disease.

• What chemotherapy treatments are available for lung cancer?

• Common chemotherapy regimens include platinum-based treatments such as cisplatin or carboplatin combined with other medicines including paclitaxel, gemcitabine, or pemetrexed. Treatment recommendations are tailored to the specific type of lung cancer and the patient's overall health.

• What are the side effects of lung cancer chemotherapy?

• Potential side effects may include fatigue, nausea, infection risk due to low blood counts, neuropathy, and loss of appetite. Supportive treatments are available to minimise side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.

• What is targeted therapy for lung cancer?

• Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to block specific genetic changes that drive cancer growth. These treatments are used for patients whose tumours carry actionable mutations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, MET, RET, or KRAS alterations.

• What genetic testing is needed before targeted therapy?

• Molecular profiling and biomarker testing are performed on tumour tissue or blood samples to identify genetic mutations that may make a patient eligible for targeted treatments. This is a key component of precision oncology.

• What targeted therapy drugs are used for lung cancer?

• Targeted therapies may include medicines such as osimertinib, alectinib, crizotinib, and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The choice of treatment depends on the specific mutation identified through molecular testing.

• What are the side effects of targeted therapy?

• Targeted therapies are generally well tolerated but may cause side effects such as skin rash, diarrhoea, liver function abnormalities, fatigue, or nail changes. Regular monitoring helps identify and manage side effects promptly.

• What is immunotherapy for lung cancer?

• Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is commonly used in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

• Which immunotherapy drugs are used for lung cancer?

• Common immune checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab, and atezolizumab. These treatments may be used in different settings depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

• How effective is immunotherapy for lung cancer?

• Immunotherapy has improved outcomes for many patients with advanced lung cancer and can produce long-lasting responses in selected individuals. Eligibility often depends on biomarker testing and tumour characteristics.

• What are the side effects of immunotherapy?

• Immunotherapy can occasionally cause inflammation in normal organs, known as immune-related adverse events. These may affect the lungs, bowel, liver, skin, thyroid, or other endocrine glands. Close monitoring allows early detection and effective management.

• When is radiotherapy used for lung cancer?

• Radiotherapy may be used with curative intent for locally advanced lung cancer, following chemotherapy, or to relieve symptoms caused by advanced disease. It remains an important treatment option for both NSCLC and SCLC.

• What radiotherapy techniques are available?

• Modern radiotherapy techniques include Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), and SABR. These technologies improve accuracy while reducing treatment-related side effects.

• Can radiotherapy help relieve symptoms?

• Yes. Palliative radiotherapy is frequently used to reduce symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, breathlessness, or bone pain caused by metastatic disease.

• What is a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care?

• Lung cancer treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team that may include medical oncologists, clinical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, respiratory physicians, radiologists, pathologists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and palliative care specialists. This approach ensures comprehensive and personalised care.

• Are clinical trials available for lung cancer patients?

• Some patients may be eligible for clinical trials evaluating new chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or combination treatment approaches. Clinical trials provide access to innovative treatments and contribute to improving future cancer care.

• Can I get a second opinion for lung cancer treatment?

• Yes. Patients may seek an expert second opinion regarding diagnosis, treatment options, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, clinical trials, or complex treatment decisions.