Metastatic lung cancer treatment

Metastatic disease has spread beyond the lung, so treatment often needs to reach cancer cells throughout the body. The team first confirms the cancer type and reviews imaging, biopsy results, molecular findings, symptoms, breathing capacity, other health conditions and personal goals. Genomic tumour profiling can identify changes that make a targeted medicine suitable for some people. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy or another systemic treatment may be considered according to the diagnosis.

Radiotherapy can target a painful or threatening area, including selected brain metastases, and may help protect function. Surgery is used selectively; a lung lobectomy is not appropriate for every person with metastatic disease. Palliative care can be added at any point to ease symptoms and support daily life.

Ask for the purpose, expected timing and main trade-offs of each option. Keep a record of medicines, allergies, breathing changes, pain, appetite and activity. Tell the team about supplements before starting treatment because some can affect medicines. Plan who can help with transport, meals and appointments, and ask how side effects should be reported. A second oncology opinion may clarify choices when the plan is complex.

Contact the treatment team promptly for fever, worsening breathlessness, chest pain, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, severe diarrhoea, unusual bleeding, marked weakness or a new rash with swelling. New confusion, seizure, sudden weakness, severe headache or difficulty speaking needs urgent assessment. Emergency help is appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask whether testing is complete, what treatment goal applies now, how response will be checked, and what happens if the cancer grows. Discuss effects on work, travel, fertility, relationships and day-to-day activities. Ask who manages symptoms after hours and whether palliative care should join the team now.