Those most likely to benefit from the use of such screening are former smokers, and perhaps active smokers. This test is not currently accepted as a screening tool and insurance reimbursement is generally not provided for that purpose. However, a history of COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath, asbestos exposure or cough will increase the likelihood of reimbursement. Surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment of localized lung cancer. Thoracic surgeons are assisted in the care of lung cancer patients by the Thoracic Case Manager, Sian David, a nurse with specialized clinical expertise and commitment to the care of this population.
Radiation therapy is an integral part of treatment for regionally advanced lung cancer.
In some cases, radiation therapy is delivered before surgery to shrink a tumor to a more manageable size so that surgery will be more effective. In other situations, radiation therapy will be used after surgery to provide added protection against the cancer returning. In addition, under the direction of Cristopher Duma, the Hoag Gamma Knife program offers the most effective and safest radiation therapy for lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain. Hoag physicians have adopted an aggressive approach to lung cancer treatment in an effort to enhance cure rates. Medical Director Robert O. Dillman was the lead author on landmark publications in the New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of the National Cancer Institute that established a role for chemotherapy in lung cancer.