Chemotherapy Remains Vital and Effective in Lung Cancer Treatment Despite Stigma
Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common and deadly cancers in Israel and worldwide. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in understanding and treating the disease, notably through immunotherapy, which activates the immune system against tumors, and targeted biological therapies aimed at specific genetic mutations. Despite these innovations, chemotherapy still plays a crucial role in lung cancer treatment and often enhances the effectiveness of newer therapies.
Professor Yair Bar, a senior oncologist and head of the Lung Cancer Unit at Sheba Medical Center, explains that chemotherapy is not a competitor to immunotherapy or targeted treatments but rather a complementary approach that can improve patient outcomes. Recent studies have shown that adding chemotherapy to immunotherapy or targeted therapy can yield significant benefits, sometimes surprising even experts.
A major misconception among the public is that all chemotherapy treatments are harsh and cause severe side effects like hair loss and nausea. Professor Bar clarifies that chemotherapy varies widely in its intensity and side effects, with some regimens being milder than even certain biological treatments. In lung cancer, many chemotherapy protocols do not cause hair loss or severe nausea, and modern medications can effectively manage side effects. Additionally, chemotherapy dosing can be precisely tailored to the patient's condition to minimize risks.
Looking ahead, Professor Bar highlights emerging therapies such as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), which combine antibodies with chemotherapy drugs to target cancer cells more precisely, reducing damage to healthy tissue. This development exemplifies ongoing progress in chemotherapy alongside other treatment modalities.
Treatment decisions are personalized and based on detailed molecular profiling of the tumor, patient health, and preferences. Professor Bar emphasizes that the patient ultimately decides the treatment path after being fully informed of the options and potential outcomes. He urges patients and families not to rely on outdated perceptions of chemotherapy but to engage actively with their medical team to make informed choices. Chemotherapy remains a valuable and evolving tool in the fight against lung cancer.
This article was produced in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Patients are advised to consult their treating physicians for more information.
