Radiation is a powerful alternative to surgery. A lung cancer study explains

Radiation is a powerful alternative to surgery. A lung cancer study explains

Lung cancer is known to be an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells in the lungs, often caused by cell mutations. There is a growing demand for non-surgical options that provide lasting local control over treatment. While precisely targeted radiation therapy has proven effective in treating this type of cancer, especially in its early stages, it has been shown to offer patients similar long-term survival rates with less surgical intervention. It could revolutionize the treatment of this common cancer.

New Atlas reported that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 87% of all lung cancers. It added that this type is typically slow-growing and spreads more slowly than small-cell lung cancer if detected early, explaining that it is often successfully treated with surgery.

However, the research highlights the possibility that many patients, particularly the elderly or those with other health problems, may not be suitable candidates for surgery. The report, from a clinical trial led by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, adds that a minimally invasive approach to radiation therapy can be as effective as surgery for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung Cancer and Survival

The study's corresponding author, Dr. Ju-Yi Chang, professor of thoracic radiation oncology and director of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explained that the study, based on a decade of data, confirms that stereotactic radiotherapy is a strong alternative to surgery for most patients with surgically resectable stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

He added that this highly targeted, non-surgical treatment achieved the same long-term survival rate as lobectomy, while providing many patients with easier recovery and potentially better quality of life. He also explained that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), also known as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), involves delivering high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy over five treatment sessions or fewer. It is a standard treatment for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who cannot undergo surgery.

Cancer cells and significant benefits

Historically, surgery has been the only option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, but more than 50% of patients experience moderate or severe side effects afterward. As patients age, many cannot tolerate surgery, so there is a growing demand for non-surgical options that provide lasting local control.

Furthermore, the study results provide the clearest picture yet of radiation being an attractive option for suitable surgical candidates, especially since it included a larger number of patients than previously published randomized studies and followed these patients for a much longer period.

However, Zhang cautioned that radiotherapy may not be appropriate for all patients. He said that for those with larger or more complex tumors or lymph node involvement, surgical resection is likely to remain the best option. He emphasized that the radiotherapy approach requires collaboration between thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists, and that patients receiving brachytherapy should be closely monitored over time to monitor for cancer recurrence