If lung cancer is detected through screening, scanning, or biopsy methods, staging the cancer is an important next step in determining the most effective treatment plan for a patient.
For Stage I and II lung cancer patients in good health, surgery is usually the preferred treatment. However, for those in poor medical condition or with advanced-stage lung cancer that has metastasized to other parts of the body, precise radiation therapy methods, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments may be considered.
For patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with the CyberKnife® is a vital treatment option. For instance, a patient’s primary lung tumor may be partially removed with surgery, but due to its proximity to critical anatomy, complete removal may not be possible without risking complications. Additionally, cancer cells that have spread from the primary lung tumor to other areas of the body need to be destroyed to prevent further growth and spreading. In this scenario, the CyberKnife treatment may be recommended to eliminate the remaining cancer cells at the primary tumor site and the distant metastatic tumors.
The CyberKnife is particularly advantageous for treating metastatic cancer due to its ability to precisely target tumors and deliver high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and potentially reducing overall side effects.
It’s important to remember that every diagnosis and case is different. The CyberKnife treatment may not be suitable for all metastatic lung cancer patients. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.