Non-Small Cell Lung
Cancer Treatment
If you have non-small cell lung cancer, call us. We can help you review the stage, subtype, biomarkers and options that are available.
NSCLC is not one disease. Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, early-stage, Stage 3 and metastatic disease require different treatment discussions.
Call 1.800.923.7878The introductory call with our Patient Care Team is free. Medical recommendations require a physician consultation.
Talk With Our NSCLC Patient Care Team
Tell us what you are facing. Our Patient Care Team will follow up personally, explain the consultation process and help you understand the next step. The introductory call is free.
A useful NSCLC plan begins with more than the stage
Non-small cell lung cancer includes several pathologic and molecular subtypes. Treatment selection requires the pathology, exact extent of disease, whether surgery or another local treatment is possible, molecular and PD-L1 results, symptoms, prior treatment and overall health.
Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are not interchangeable
Adenocarcinoma
This common NSCLC subtype often begins in the outer lung. Broad molecular testing is especially important because an actionable alteration can change systemic treatment.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous tumors often arise in larger airways and can create different bleeding, airway and treatment considerations. Biomarker testing may still be relevant, particularly in advanced disease.
Less common NSCLC subtypes and mixed tumors deserve careful pathology review. A small biopsy may not capture every component.
Early, locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC lead to different pathways
Early-stage
Surgery is central for many operable tumors. Focused radiation can be considered when surgery is not appropriate. Pathology and risk features help guide postoperative questions.
Stage 3
Resectable and unresectable Stage 3 disease are treated differently. Nodal pattern, lung function and ability to tolerate combined treatment matter.
Stage 4
Systemic therapy is usually central, but limited metastatic sites, symptoms and brain involvement may create local-treatment questions.
Recurrence
Prior treatment, time to recurrence, new biopsy findings and updated biomarker testing can change the next decision.
Surgery, radiation and systemic treatment must be connected to the individual case
Depending on the exact situation, NSCLC treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, a clinical trial and supportive or palliative care. Some patients receive more than one category in a planned sequence.
Make sure the report answers the current treatment question
- Complete histology and pathology
- Broad molecular or genomic report
- PD-L1 result
- Testing method and sample date
- Whether tissue was adequate
- Whether a blood-based assay was used
- Current stage and sites of disease
- Therapies already received
A finding can identify a targeted option, but it does not guarantee response. A negative result can also be incomplete if the sample or panel was limited.
Continue with the part of the diagnosis that matters now
Talk with our Patient Care Team for free
If you are facing non-small cell lung cancer, call us. We can help you organize the diagnosis, reports and questions that deserve a closer review. The introductory call is free and does not obligate you to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is NSCLC the same as lung adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is one major subtype of NSCLC. Squamous cell carcinoma and other subtypes are also NSCLC.
Can NSCLC be treated without chemotherapy?
Some patients receive surgery, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy without conventional chemotherapy, depending on stage, biomarkers and other factors. The decision must be individualized.
Why does biomarker testing matter?
It can identify molecular changes that make a targeted treatment relevant and can help guide immunotherapy and clinical-trial questions.
Sources and important context
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
- Finding Cancer Care and Seeking a Second Opinion
- Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements
Medical information disclaimer: This page is for education and does not diagnose lung cancer or recommend a treatment plan. Decisions require review of the exact pathology, stage, biomarkers, prior treatment, medicines, symptoms and overall health. Do not start, stop or replace cancer treatment based on website content.