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treatments for lung cancer

Breathe Again: Exploring Lung Cancer Treatments

Treatments for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious illness, but there are treatments available to help manage it, like Imfinzi (durvalumab), an immunotherapy drug used to Imfinzi is a medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

1. Imfinzi (Durvalumab)

Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a type of immunotherapy, meaning it helps your immune system fight the cancer. Imfinzi works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It's usually used for people with advanced lung cancer, especially after they've had other treatments like chemotherapy.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells. It can be given through an IV (intravenously) or in pill form. Chemotherapy may be used to treat lung cancer in the early stages or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It can be used alone or with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery.

3. Surgery

Surgery is often used to remove part or all of the lung where the cancer is found. Doctors may recommend surgery if the cancer is found early and hasn’t spread. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. Sometimes, part of the lung is removed (lobectomy), or in some cases, the entire lung is removed (pneumonectomy).

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells. It's often used to treat lung cancer that can't be removed with surgery. Radiation can help relieve symptoms like pain or difficulty breathing if the cancer has spread to other areas, such as the brain or bones.

5. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. These treatments block the cancer cells’ ability to grow and spread without affecting normal cells. Targeted therapy is often used for people whose lung cancer has specific gene changes.

6. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer. In addition to Imfinzi, other immunotherapy drugs like Opdivo (nivolumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are used for lung cancer treatment. They work by helping your immune system attack cancer cells more effectively.

7. Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cancer. It may include pain management, support for breathing problems and other treatments to make you more comfortable. Palliative care can be given alongside other cancer treatments.

Fighting Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatments are constantly improving, offering more options to help patients. Imfinzi (Durvalumab) is one of the newer treatments that can help those with advanced lung cancer, especially when used with other therapies. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for your specific type of lung cancer. With the right treatments, many people are able to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.


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