How does radiation therapy treat non-small cell lung cancer?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Radiation therapy kills non-small cell lung cancer cells with beams of concentrated energy. X-rays are often used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered from outside your body, as external beam therapy. It can also be administered internally, through implants placed near your tumor. This is known as brachytherapy. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments to make them more effective.

Kenneth E. Rosenzweig, MD on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health System

Radiation Oncology

There are many uses of radiation therapy to treat non-small cell lung cancer. The most common way is for people who need treatment to receive daily doses of radiation for a period of time. For early stage lung cancer, someone might need as few as three treatments. For a person with more advanced disease, he or she might need as much as seven weeks of treatment. Radiation therapy is usually given as an outpatient.

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) affects tens of thousands of people each year. With three primary types of NSCLC, this disease accounts for about 80% of all lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer in the U.S. among both men and women. Adenocarcinoma, the most common form of NSCLC, typically develops in the outer portion of our lungs. Our lungs remove carbon dioxide from our body and supplies oxygen to it. Although smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, other risk factors include exposure to radon gas and asbestos. Previous radiation therapy and a family or personal history of lung cancer also increases your risk. Lung cancer may not show symptoms in the beginning; however, visit your doctor if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, see blood after you cough or have chest pain.

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