Lung Cancer

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.​

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.

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 3D 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.

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.

A relatively new treatment option, immunotherapy takes advantage of a person's own immune system to help kill cancer cells. There are several FDA-approved options that can be delivered via oral medications or IV infusion. Depending on each person's cancer type and stage, treatment history, and overall health, immunotherapy may be prescribed alone or in combination with another type of therapy, such as chemotherapy.

Another newer form of treatment, targeted therapy can help stop or slow the growth or spread of cancer by targeting specific aspects of your tumor's biology. Targeted therapies may be delivered in pill form or through onsite IV infusion.

A light-activated drug absorbs cancer cells. Surgeons then shine a laser on the tumor to “turn on” the drug, which kills the cancer cells. Because PDT has minimal side effects, it can be used as often as needed (unlike chemotherapy and radiation treatments). We were among the first in the U.S. to use PDT successfully to treat early-stage lung cancer; we have since trained colleagues around the country in the technique.

Liquid nitrogen freezes and kills abnormal or cancerous cells. Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive procedure and may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and cryoablation are minimally invasive image-guided techniques that use extreme heat or cold to kill lung cancer cells. Ablation therapy is typically reserved for patients who are unable to have surgery or undergo radiation.