Overview

Lung Cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but with modern diagnostics, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision radiotherapy, outcomes have improved significantly.

There are two major types:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – most common

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – aggressive but highly responsive to treatment

At I D Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive lung cancer care using the latest guidelines, integrated imaging, molecular testing, and personalized treatment plans.

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Causes & Risk Factors

Major Causes

• Cigarette smoking (primary cause)

• Passive/second-hand smoke

• Pollution exposure

• Occupational carcinogens (asbestos, silica, diesel fumes)

• Radon exposure

• Family history

• Previous radiation to chest

Genetic Factors / Non-smokers

Many lung cancers in non-smokers occur due to:

• EGFR mutation

• ALK rearrangement

• ROS1, KRAS, BRAF, MET, RET mutations

These are treatable with precision medicines.

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Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Common Symptoms

• Persistent cough

• Coughing up blood

• Breathlessness

• Chest pain

• Hoarseness of voice

• Repeated chest infections

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

Advanced Symptoms

• Bone pain

• Neurological symptoms

• Swelling of face/neck

• Severe shortness of breath

Early detection improves cure rate—consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

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Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We follow a structured, internationally approved workup:

Imaging

• Chest X-ray

• Contrast CT scan (Chest/Abdomen)

• PET-CT for staging

• MRI Brain (if needed)

Tissue Diagnosis

• Bronchoscopy

• CT-guided lung biopsy

• EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)

• Pleural fluid analysis

Molecular & Genetic Testing

To plan personalized therapy:

• EGFR, ALK, ROS1

• PD-L1 (for immunotherapy)

• NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) when required

Functional Tests

• Pulmonary function test (PFT)

• Blood investigations

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Treatment Options

Lung cancer treatment is individualized based on stage, genetic markers, lung function, and overall health.

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1. Surgery (for early-stage cancer)

Performed by thoracic surgeons:

• Lobectomy

• Pneumonectomy

• Wedge resection

• VATS/Robotic surgery

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2. Radiation Therapy

At I D Cancer Center, we use IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy):

Used For:

• Early-stage inoperable tumors

• Locally advanced disease

• Post-surgical cases

• Palliation of symptoms

• SCLC combined with chemotherapy

SBRT provides excellent cure rates for small early tumors.

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3. Chemotherapy

Standard treatment for many lung cancers:

• Cisplatin/Carboplatin combinations

• Pemetrexed

• Paclitaxel

• Etoposide (for SCLC)

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4. Targeted Therapy

Revolutionary treatments for cancers with mutations:

• EGFR inhibitors: Osimertinib, Erlotinib, Gefitinib

• ALK inhibitors: Alectinib, Crizotinib

• ROS1 inhibitors: Entrectinib

• MET, RET, NTRK inhibitors

• KRAS targeted drugs (specific cases)

These therapies have high success rates with fewer side effects.

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5. Immunotherapy

Boosts the immune system against cancer.

• Pembrolizumab

• Nivolumab

• Atezolizumab

• Durvalumab

Used alone or combined with chemotherapy depending on PD-L1 levels.

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6. Palliative & Supportive Care

Focuses on improving comfort and quality of life:

• Pain management

• Breathlessness relief

• Nutritional support

• Psychological counseling

• Management of fluid around lungs (pleural drainage)

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Living with Lung Cancer at I D Cancer Center

We provide:

• Regular follow-ups

• Management of treatment side effects

• Smoking cessation support

• Exercise & breathing therapy

• Nutrition guidance

• Psychosocial & emotional support

• Long-term survivorship programs

Our goal is to help you live longer, healthier, and stronger during and after treatment.