The Duke Thoracic Oncology Program pursues a wide range of research to improve care and outcomes for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. A few highlights are below.

• Duke was the leading center in a multi-center clinical trial that evaluated a minimally invasive surgery called thoracoscopic lobectomy. This promising approach allows an entire lobe of a lung to be removed through a two-inch incision. In initial studies of this surgery, patients had less pain, needed less narcotic painkillers, and returned to work sooner.
• Duke is one of the national leaders in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat lung cancer such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In PDT, patients are given a light-activated drug that is absorbed by cancer cells. Surgeons then shine a laser on the tumor to “turn off” the drug, killing the cells.
• Duke clinician-researchers are engaged in a variety of studies designed to improve lung cancer patients’ quality of life. Examples include a study examining ways to combat the negative effects of loss of smell and taste. Supportive care is given to patients from diagnosis through all phases of treatment with special concern given to pain issues, taste alterations, and overall nutrition.
• Duke is a world leader in positron emission tomography (PET) scanning for lung cancer. This progressive imaging technique allows physicians to pinpoint "hot spots" of lung cancer that may have spread through the body. It also helps distinguish benign from malignant tumors.
• The Duke team is working to identify the mutations responsible for a genetic predisposition to lung cancer so patients at risk can be targeted for prevention, early detection, and intervention. This research is also focused on tracking down the molecular markers that indicate which cancers are likely to recur after surgery.
• The Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research studies the biological mechanisms underlying tobacco addiction and promotes the development of more effective smoking cessation treatments. Its director helped to discover the nicotine patch.
• Researchers at Duke are investigating why many women who are non-smokers develop lung cancer, and how these women are best treated.