Department of Radiation Oncology
Lung & Thoracic Cancer
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Specialized Physicians: Lung Cancer – Maria Werner-Wasik, M.D. – Mitchell Machtay, M.D. |
Lung cancer develops from abnormal growth of the cells lining the air passages. Although there are many types of lung cancer, they are broadly classified into small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancers. These tumors may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, hoarse voice, cough, bloody sputum, paraneoplastic syndromes and others. These cancers may also spread outside the lungs to sites such as the brain or the bones and cause pain and other symptoms.
The treatment of lung tumors is highly individualized – depending on tumor type, location and size. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination. At Jefferson we pride ourselves on a strong interdisciplinary clinic staffed by radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons and medical oncologists. Physicians have at their disposal the latest technologies to deliver conformal and stereotactic radiotherapy. Our unique resources include Active Breathing Coordinator and 4-D CT simulation to better target the cancer and spare normal tissues. Jefferson physicians have pioneered the development of gating breathing controlled radiation therapy. We also offer hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to patients with early stage lung cancer who are medically inoperable. Our physicians are nationally renowned leaders of the field who have the experience to deliver optimal care to our patients.
Furthermore Jefferson has an active clinical trials program. When appropriate, patients are given the opportunity to participate in national and institutional research studies that integrate new drugs and treatment approaches to continue to improve our success in treating brain tumors. Some trials are available only at Jefferson – please inquire to what trials are currently available!
For more information: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung
