Advancements in Lung Cancer Treatment Provide Hope for Maryland Oncology Hematology Patients

Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and you may have questions about your options and what comes next. Fortunately, there is hope through the many recent advances made in lung cancer treatment.

Immunotherapy Treatments Help Immune System Target Lung Cancer Cells

Immunotherapy drugs leverage your existing immune system to fight your lung cancer. These treatments can either boost your immune system or change the way your immune system works to target lung cancer cells.

Cancer cells can hide from your immune system, causing your natural defense system to remain inactive. Well-known immunotherapy drugs include KEYTRUDA® and OPDIVO®, both of which work by activating your immune system so it can recognize and identify cancer cells that are hiding. In recent years, these drugs have been approved to treat several types of lung cancer; your physician can help you determine whether immunotherapy treatments are right for you.

Targeted Therapies Reach Cancer Cells While Avoiding Healthy Cells

Targeted therapies, sometimes called precision medicine, use drugs to precisely target certain types of cancer cells while avoiding healthy, normal cells. Targeted therapy can be used by itself, or in combination with other treatments like traditional chemotherapy. These therapies work by differentiating between cancer cells and normal cells to block unhealthy cells from dividing and creating new cells. Targeted therapy treatments may also produce fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials Study New and Effective Ways to Treat Lung Cancer

Lung cancer research is constantly evolving. Clinical trials can provide patients with the opportunity for a better outcome and quality of life while playing a vital role in the development of treatments for lung cancer. Maryland Oncology Hematology participates in clinical trials through the Sarah Canon Research Institute, which has conducted more than 750 first-in-human clinical trials that lead to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today.

Call Maryland Oncology Hematology for Information on Lung Cancer Treatments

The lung cancer specialists at Maryland Oncology Hematology will work with you to create the optimal treatment plan for your lung cancer. For more information about these new advancements in lung cancer treatments, please visit marylandoncology.com.