"How is Lung Cancer Treated in Its Late Stages?"

Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients

For patients with advanced lung cancer, treatment methods primarily encompass the following aspects:

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a method that employs chemical agents to kill cancer cells. In advanced lung cancer, commonly used chemotherapy regimens include platinum-based combination chemotherapy, irinotecan-based chemotherapy, among others.

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment modality in recent years, with its application in advanced lung cancer gradually increasing. It harnesses the body's own immune system to attack tumor cells, exhibiting certain efficacy and good tolerance.

3. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves treating lung cancer cells with specific genetic mutations or abnormal expressions. For instance, patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations can be treated with targeted drugs such as erlotinib and gefitinib.

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a localized treatment modality that uses high-energy rays to irradiate the diseased area, inhibiting tumor growth and spread. For advanced lung cancer patients, radiation therapy can alleviate symptoms, reduce pain, and prolong survival.

5. Tissue Biopsy

Tissue biopsy involves pathological examination of the patient's lung tissue to determine cancer type and grade, providing a basis for subsequent treatments. The treatment of advanced lung cancer necessitates comprehensive consideration of multiple factors to devise individualized treatment plans. Doctors select appropriate treatment methods based on the patient's specific conditions, evaluating and adjusting treatment effects accordingly. Meanwhile, patients must actively cooperate with treatment, maintain a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle, thereby enhancing their quality of life.