Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells spread to other areas of the body from a primary tumor in the lung. Lung cancer has the ability to metastasize to several areas of the body and most often spreads to the adrenal glands, liver, bones, brain or other lung through the blood or lymphatic system.
There are several factors taken into consideration when determining a treatment plan for metastatic lung cancer, including any current or previous treatments, the size, location and number of metastatic tumors, as well as the age and overall health of the patient.
Treatment options for metastatic lung cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). CyberKnife SBRT offers patients an important treatment option with several benefits:
- It provides a convenient alternative to surgery or conventional radiation therapy for patients who desire or require such an option. CyberKnife treatment is delivered in no more than five outpatient sessions over a one to two week period.
- The pinpoint accuracy and mobility of CyberKnife minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue around a tumor, allowing physicians to treat multiple metastatic lesions and other difficult-to-reach targets, particularly those located in or near critical anatomy.
- Patients are typically able to maintain their normal routines as CyberKnife treatment involves minimal, if any, recovery time. The precision of radiation delivery reduces side effects commonly associated with cancer treatment.
For patients with recurrent metastatic tumors who have limited options and require a nonsurgical treatment, CyberKnife may offer hope. Learn more about metastatic cancer and CyberKnife as a treatment option if cancer spreads or comes back here.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.