Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri
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CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri27 January, 2023
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and the situation is no different in India. According to recent estimates, lung cancer accounts for nearly 20% of all cancer deaths in India. The good news is that the fight against lung cancer in India is gaining momentum, with new treatment options becoming available to patients. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the latest treatment options for lung cancer in India.
Surgery is the most common treatment option for early-stage lung cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor and the overall health of the patient. Lobectomy, which involves removing a lobe of the lung, is the most common type of surgery for lung cancer. Here are the types of surgery for lung cancer:
Lobectomy: The most common type of surgery for lung cancer, it involves removing a lobe of the lung where the cancerous tumor is located.
Pneumonectomy: A more extensive surgery that involves removing an entire lung. This type of surgery is typically only used in cases where the cancerous tumor is located in the middle
part of the lung and cannot be removed with a lobectomy.
Wedge resection: A less invasive surgery that involves removing only a small section of the lung where the cancerous tumor is located.
Advantages and disadvantages of surgery:
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the overall health of the patient. Generally, patients can expect to spend several days in the hospital and several weeks recovering at home. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help the patient regain their strength and lung function. It is important to follow the post-surgery care instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include taking medication to manage pain and prevent infection, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks.
Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly available in India for lung cancer treatment. VATS and Robotic surgery offers a number of advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain and blood loss, and a shorter recovery time. However, it is important to note that not all hospitals or surgeons in India offer VATS and robotic surgery, and it may not be the best option for all patients. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your surgeon to determine the best approach for your individual case.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery. External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for lung cancer. It is delivered to the tumor from a machine outside the body. Here are the types of radiotherapy for lung cancer:
External beam radiotherapy: This is the most common type of radiotherapy for lung cancer. It involves delivering high-energy radiation to the tumor from a machine outside the body. This type of radiotherapy is typically delivered in daily doses over a period of several weeks.
Brachytherapy: This type of radiotherapy involves placing a small radioactive source directly inside the tumor or next to it. This type of treatment is typically used for small tumors that are difficult to reach with external beam radiotherapy.
Advantages and disadvantages of radiotherapy:
Common side effects of radiotherapy for lung cancer include fatigue, skin irritation, and difficulty swallowing. These side effects usually go away after treatment is completed. However, some patients may experience long-term side effects such as lung damage and heart problems. It is important to discuss the potential side effects and risks of radiotherapy with your doctor. Pain medication and other measures may be used to alleviate symptoms during the treatment.
Advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), are becoming increasingly available in India. These techniques use advanced technology to deliver more precise doses of radiation to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. This can help to reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes. However, it is important to note that availability of these advanced techniques may vary depending on the location and availability of the facility. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the best approach for your individual case.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat lung cancer in India. Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide, ultimately leading to their death.
Types of chemotherapy drugs
There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs that can be used to treat lung cancer, including cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, pemetrexed, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and irinotecan.
Chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for lung cancer as it can shrink tumors and slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also be used in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy or surgery to improve outcomes.
Chemotherapy can have significant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and anemia. It can also affect normal cells, leading to complications such as infection and bleeding.
Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia, and decreased white blood cell count. These side effects can be managed with medication and other treatments, such as antiemetics for nausea and vomiting, and blood transfusions for anemia.
Targeted therapy, which is a newer type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules on or inside cancer cells, is becoming more widely available in India. Some targeted therapies that are used to treat lung cancer include drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. However, the availability of these drugs may vary depending on the region and the specific hospital.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. It is a relatively new treatment option for lung cancer in India, but has been showing promising results.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by targeting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them evade the immune system. By blocking these proteins, immunotherapy can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Immunotherapy has several advantages over traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. It targets only cancer cells and spares normal cells, resulting in fewer side effects. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective in treating lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, which is a common issue for lung cancer patients.
One of the main disadvantages of immunotherapy is that it is not suitable for all patients. Additionally, the cost of treatment can be high, and access to this treatment may be limited in certain areas of the country.
Common side effects of immunotherapy include fatigue, skin rashes, and diarrhea. In rare cases, immunotherapy can also cause inflammation in certain organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. These side effects can be managed with medication and other treatments.
Immunotherapy is becoming more widely available in India, but access to this treatment may vary depending on the region and the specific hospital. Some major cancer centers and hospitals in India have oncologists who specialize in administering immunotherapy. However, the cost of treatment may be a barrier for some patients.
In conclusion, the fight against lung cancer in India is ongoing, but there are several promising treatment options available. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery are all effective in treating lung cancer. It’s important to consult with a lung cancer specialist like Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri who is considered as one of the best Chest Surgeon in India for lung cancer treatment, to determine the best treatment option and increase access to care for lung cancer patients in India.
Category : Lung Cancer Treatment