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
