Treatment

Advanced medical treatments for lung cancer

Advanced lung cancer treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted drug therapies

At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we use the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), to ensure that every patient receives the most relevant care.

 

With access to clinical trials, advanced diagnostics and collaborative tumour boards, we are committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments available.

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What is it for?

To treat advanced lung cancer or directly target cancer cells after surgery

Related conditions

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Non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.

Non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.

Early stage lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Early stage lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but it requires treatment.

Late stage lung cancer

Late stage lung cancer is the most advanced lung cancer and occurs when the disease has spread beyond the lungs to other areas of the body.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that is typically caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Early detection is key for effective treatment.

Thymic cancer

Thymic cancer is rare, but it can occur and requires early diagnosis and treatment.

Thymoma

Thymomas are a type of thymic cancer that causes tumours to develop in your thymus gland (a gland between your lungs and behind your breastbone).

What are advanced medical treatments?

At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we are dedicated to providing advanced medical treatments that help control lung cancer, reduce side effects and improve survival rates. Our advanced therapies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, and we offer a variety of options to support your treatment journey, including:

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses targeted antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system) to identify and attack specific markers on cancer cells. These markers are unique molecules or proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, which act like ‘flags’ that can help the immune system recognise and target the cancer.

The aim is to train your immune system to find and attack cancer cells. You will either have immunotherapy for lung cancer on its own or it may be combined with chemotherapy.

Targeted therapies

Targeted therapies are drugs designed to specifically identify and attack cancer cells. By focusing on the proteins that help cancer cells grow, divide and spread, these therapies can interfere with the cancer’s ability to grow. Because they target the cancer cells directly, rather than affecting nearby healthy cells, they sometimes cause fewer side effects.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

Traditionally, chemotherapy works by entering your bloodstream and circulating throughout your body. While effective, this process can also damage healthy cells, which is why the drugs used in chemotherapy tend to be less powerful than alternatives.

ADCs, however, deliver powerful chemotherapy drugs directly to specific cancerous cells to damage or destroy them. Due to the targeted nature of this therapy, antibody-drug conjugates for lung cancer spare surrounding healthy tissue, allowing us to use more powerful drugs.

 

Diagnostics we offer

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Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)

An EBUS is an advanced diagnostic method which provides a precise, real-time assessment of the lungs, lymph nodes and surrounding structures.

Low-dose CT for lung cancer screening

Low-dose computed tomography is used for the early detection of lung cancer, when treatment is most effective.

Lung Health Check

A comprehensive service designed to assess your lung function, identify early signs of lung disease including lung cancer, and provide personalised advice.

PET-CT scans

PET and CT scans are advanced imaging techniques used to look for disease, inflammation or infection in your body.

Rapid molecular diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics can help us to personalise your treatment plan by detecting: driver mutations, RNA fusions, immunotherapy markers, drug resistance.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy and mediastinoscopy

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and mediastinoscopy are surgical techniques used to diagnose and treat various chest conditions, including lung cancer.

What to expect during advanced medical treatments for lung cancer

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A consultant and patient discussing a lung scan
Step 1

Preparing for advanced medical treatments

Before recommending the most suitable treatment, your consultant will review your case and discuss the available options with you. They will explain how long treatment may last, any possible side effects, and what to expect during the process.

If you're having targeted therapy, a biopsy may be carried out to test for changes in your lung cancer. Based on the results, your consultant will advise if a specific targeted drug is appropriate and outline your personalised treatment plan.

A photo of a patient receiving a treatment, with a nurse providing comfort, at The London Clinic Lung Centre
Step 2

During advanced medical treatments

The drugs used in advanced medical treatments are sometimes given intravenously (through an IV) into a vein, and will be administered by a nurse in our dedicated chemotherapy day unit.

Depending on the treatment, it can take anywhere from ten minutes to several hours. Rest assured, your nurse will make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need before your treatment begins.

In some cases, certain drugs may be given as an injection in the clinic, or as tablets which you can take at home.

A patient smiling, leave the london clinic lung centre, holding a clipboard of documents
Step 3

Recovery and aftercare

As advanced medical treatments are typically delivered in an outpatient setting, you will be able to go straight home after each treatment session. Depending on the type of therapy and drug you are receiving, you may be given medication to take home with you to help you manage any side effects.

Your care team will closely monitor your side effects and how well the treatment is working between each treatment session, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your treatment journey.

Why choose The London Clinic Lung Centre?

World-class lung treatment

At The London Clinic Lung Centre, our specialists work at the forefront of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment advancements. Not only do they have a comprehensive understanding of the latest techniques, but they are also the researchers driving them forward. As a result, you can rely on The London Clinic Lung Centre for exceptional care for chest conditions.

Personal care, every time

Exceptional patient care is at the heart of everything we do. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, providing timely results and a tailored care plan. To ensure the highest standards of care, we maintain a low staff-to-patient ratio, allowing our team to offer a truly personalised experience that considers the needs of both the patient and their family. Our goal is to foster the trust and confidence of our patients.

Effortlessly simple

Our multidisciplinary teams and specialists work as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personalised treatment plan to managing every detail, we ensure a stress-free process, so that you can focus on healing. Whether it is your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide the streamlined, comprehensive care you deserve.

Our specialists

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Headshot of consultant Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos

Dr Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos

Consultant Medical Oncologist

MD MRCP(UK) PhD

1 treatment available

Advanced medical treatment for lung cancer FAQs

Common side effects of immunotherapy can include skin reactions at the needle site, such as:

  • A rash
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Itching

Because immunotherapy makes the immune system more active, you may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

  • A high fever
  • Shivering
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Congestion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • A headache
  • Low or high blood pressure

Alternatively, side effects may include:

  • Fluid retention, which causes swelling
  • An irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Infection
  • Inflammation of your organs

The most common side effects of targeted therapy include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Liver damage
  • Changes in blood clotting and wound healing
  • High blood pressure
  • Tiredness
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Inflammation around your nails
  • Hair colour changes
  • A rash or dry skin

Possible side effects of ADCs include:

  • Anaemia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • A cough
  • A rash
  • Tiredness
  • A high fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • A headache
  • Pneumonia
  • Haemorrhaging (bleeding)
  • Low levels of potassium
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Low platelet count
  • Nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness or weakness
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Get in touch

If you’d like to explore how your lung cancer care plan could incorporate advanced medical treatments, contact The London Clinic Lung Centre to book an appointment with one of the specialists above.

Request an appointment Call us on 0208 108 9624