The Oncology specialists and researchers at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute recognize that lung cancer has the highest mortality rate compared to any other form of cancer. Our specialty center offers patients access to globally recognized oncology physicians and the latest in cutting edge therapy. Patients here are afforded a tailored approach to their therapy reflective of their individual circumstance with the full complement of the latest in technological and clinically therapeutic advancements.
For those who are eligible we also offer the opportunity to participate in our current clinical trial opportunities, eligibility will be determined by your provider and based on your clinical picture. Dr. Navid Hafez and Dr. Ani Balamanoukian oversee our team of physicians and serves as Directors of the Lung Cancer Clinical Program..
It's important to note that treatment decisions for lung cancer, including the use of neoadjuvant care, adjuvant therapy, choice of chemotherapy and immunotherapy should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare team who can tailor the treatment plan to the individual patient's needs and circumstances. Access to specialized cancer consultation through our nationally and internationally recognized program, including expert oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and radiologists, can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Neoadjuvant care
Neoadjuvant care, also known as neoadjuvant therapy, refers to the use of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy before the main treatment for cancer, which is typically surgery, in patients with lung cancer. The benefits of neoadjuvant care in lung cancer include potentially downstaging the tumor, making it operable in cases where surgery was initially not feasible, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, and improving overall survival rates. However, neoadjuvant therapy can also have side effects, and the decision to use neoadjuvant care in lung cancer is based on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
Metastatic Non-Small Cell and Small Cell Cancers
Metastatic therapy for lung cancer typically involves a combination of treatments aimed at managing and controlling the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The choice of therapy depends on various factors, such as the type and stage of lung cancer, the location and size of metastatic lesions, the overall health of the patient, and the goals of treatment. Here are some common metastatic therapy options for lung cancer:
- Systemic chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that can kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be administered intravenously or orally, and is typically used to target cancer cells that have spread beyond the lungs. Different chemotherapy regimens may be used, and the specific drugs and dosages will depend on the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.
- Targeted therapies: These are medications that specifically target cancer cells with certain genetic mutations or other molecular abnormalities. For example, some lung cancers may have mutations in genes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or BRAF, and targeted therapies that inhibit these specific abnormalities may be used to block cancer growth and spread.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab, are commonly used for lung cancer and can be effective in some cases of metastatic disease.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used to target specific metastatic lesions in different parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, or other organs, to help control their growth and alleviate symptoms.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be used to remove metastatic lesions from certain parts of the body, particularly if they are causing symptoms or if they are located in a location that is amenable to surgical removal.
- Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with metastatic lung cancer by managing symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, or other discomforts, and providing supportive care to address physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.
The choice of metastatic therapy for lung cancer depends on various factors and should be tailored to each individual patient's condition. It is important to consult with a qualified oncologist or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the specific circumstances of the patient's cancer and overall health. Our focus is on the following:
Early Detection and Diagnosis: Early detection of lung cancer is crucial for better treatment outcomes. However, lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options may be limited. Raising awareness about risk factors, implementing effective screening programs for high-risk populations, and improving diagnostic methods are critical issues in lung cancer care.
Treatment Selection and Personalized Medicine: Lung cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient based on their cancer type, stage, molecular profile, and overall health is a complex decision. Personalized medicine, which involves tailoring treatment plans based on a patient's specific characteristics, is an important issue in lung cancer care to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.
Management of Treatment Side Effects: Lung cancer treatments can cause significant side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, pain, and respiratory issues. Managing treatment-related side effects and providing supportive care to improve patients' quality of life is an important aspect of lung cancer care.
Palliative Care: A which focuses on symptom management, quality of life, and psychosocial support, is a critical component of lung cancer care, particularly for patients with advanced disease
Survivorship and Rehabilitation: As more patients are living longer with lung cancer, survivorship care and rehabilitation are becoming critical issues. Addressing long-term physical, emotional, and social effects of lung cancer and its treatment, and providing appropriate rehabilitation and supportive services to help patients regain their quality of life, are important aspects of comprehensive lung cancer care.
Psychosocial Support and Mental Health: Providing psychosocial support, addressing emotional and psychological needs, and promoting mental health awareness are important issues in lung cancer care to support patients throughout their cancer journey
