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Lung Cancer Thoracic Chemotherapy Services

Some types of lung cancer respond well to treatment with medical oncology. This includes the use of anti-cancer drugs, biologic therapies, and regional perfusion.

At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we tailor your total lung cancer treatment program to your overall:

  • Disease state
  • Health
  • Goals of treatment
  • Prognosis

This means you can expect highly personalized medical oncology care.

Lung Cancer Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology Treatments

Medical oncologists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center work closely with surgical and radiation oncologists. As a team, we devise a lung cancer treatment plan that combines approaches when necessary.

In each case, our goal is to deliver the best mix of treatments for the most successful possible results.

Medical oncology options for lung cancer

Our medical oncologists have pioneered novel treatments for lung cancer and other thoracic cancers.

Medical oncology options include:

  • Chemotherapy for lung cancer — this is the treatment of cancer with drugs. For metastatic lung cancers, chemo can help to slow the spread of the disease. Based on your cancer type and stage, you might receive chemo by mouth, shot, or IV directly into lung tumor.
  • Biologic therapy (immunotherapy) — this treatment works with the immune system to alter the cancer's chemical environment of the cancer. Colony stimulating factors, interferon, interleukin, and monoclonal antibodies are examples of biologic agents for treating lung cancer.
  • Regional perfusion for advanced lung cancers — this form of biologic therapy is for cancer still confined to the lungs but too advanced for surgical removal.

Sometimes, medical oncology can cause side effects like fatigue or hair loss. Your care team will address any side effects if they occur.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the region's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This means you also have access to the latest lung cancer treatments and clinical trials.

Contact Us About Lung Cancer Care

To learn more about lung cancer care or to make an appointment, you can: