Other Therapies
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)21
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) kills cancer cells by using a combination of a light sensitizing drug and a very bright light. This treatment can shrink a tumor that is blocking an airway, hence helping to ease symptoms such as breathlessness and coughing up of blood. PDT may be prescribed if the patient has a small early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and can’t undergo surgery. It can also be prescribed when the tumors have progressed to both lungs or in a case of recurrence following surgery.
Laser Therapy22
Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to destroy cancer cells. Laser therapy may be prescribed for lung cancer patients who have a very small, early lung cancer. Laser therapy may also be employed if the cancer is blocking an airway and causing breathlessness.
Microwave Ablation23
Microwave ablation uses high frequency microwave energy to kill cancer cells and is primarily used as a treatment for some large lung cancers. A small probe is inserted into the skin of the chest and directly into the tumor and an electrode in the probe is used to create high frequency microwave energy to heat and destroy the tumor.
For more information on other treatment types, please click here.
