Treatments
Surgery
Our skilled surgeons focus exclusively on lung cancer. They have extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, which can minimize pain, shorten hospital stays, and speed recovery. Our surgeons are also nationally recognized for offering more options to patients with late-stage lung cancer. We perform more than 1,600 minimally invasive surgeries a year and offer clinical trials to test new therapies and techniques.
Radiation Therapy
Our team uses imaging tools, including MRI and CT scans, to view the precise location of the tumor and focus the radiation directly on the target while preserving healthy lung tissue.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
A nonsurgical procedure that treats small tumors by delivering high doses of radiation to precisely targeted areas, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery relies on 3-D imaging to locate the tumor and precisely define its size and shape. More than 400 of these complex procedures are performed at Duke each year. We use this advanced technology to treat people with tumors that may be hard to reach through surgery and who may be turned down for treatment at other centers.
Chemotherapy
Medications that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing are used to treat many types of lung cancer. We consider your specific type of tumor and assess the risks versus benefits before recommending chemotherapy as part of your personalized treatment plan. We also offer access to clinical trials that are testing new types of chemotherapy.