Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will depend on the stage of the condition. If the cancer is at an early stage, treatment such as radiation will aim to destroy the cancerous cells and cure the disease. If the cancer has progressed, radiation therapy may help prolong a person’s life.
A person should always discuss with a doctor the effect of potentially aggressive treatment on their quality of life.
According to a
Doctors and scientists have developed many treatment options for NSCLC, and research into new types of treatment is ongoing.
In this article, we discuss radiation therapy as a common form of NSCLC treatment, including its types and effectiveness. We also provide tips for coping with radiation therapy side effects.

Cancer develops when some of the cells in a person’s body grow and divide in an unusual and uncontrolled way. This can lead to formation of tumors, which are large lumps of organic tissue. When tumors develop within an organ, this may cause organ damage and infection, which can be fatal.
Lung cancer occurs when these cells divide and grow in the lungs. In the later stages of lung cancer, however, the cancerous cells begin to spread around the body. People with untreated lung cancer will eventually develop tumors in other organs, such as the brain, liver, or kidneys.
Radiation therapy works by
Internal vs. external
There are
By contrast, internal radiation therapy is when doctors place a source of radiation directly into a person’s body.
The
Stereotactic body radiation therapy
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), also known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, is a form of external radiation therapy. Doctors use SBRT when a person’s health prevents them from undergoing a surgical procedure.
Radiation therapy
This radiation is harmful to healthy cells too, which is why it is very important for doctors to aim the radiation very precisely. An individual who receives SBRT must enter a special body frame for each session. This limits their movements, which makes it less likely that the radiation accidentally damages healthy cells.
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3D conformal radiation therapy
3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a sophisticated form of external radiation therapy.
With 3D-CRT, doctors can use computers to create a precise map of a tumor’s location. They then use this map to point several different radiation beams at the cancer while controlling the shapes of the beams.
The beams are coming from different locations, and it is therefore
Intensity modulated radiation therapy
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a different form of external 3D radiation therapy.
As with 3D-CRT, doctors can use IMRT to control the shape and direction of the radiation beams. However, with IMRT, doctors
There is also a version of IMRT called volumetricmodulated arc therapy (VMAT). VMAT allows doctors to deliver radiation doses very quickly, which makes for a faster treatment.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not a form of surgery but another type of external radiation therapy. Doctors typically use SRS to treat single brain tumors.
One common version of SRS uses a machine to aim around
SRS can take from several minutes to several hours. Unlike with other forms of external radiation therapy, doctors only recommend one session of SRS per SRS therapy.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy. Doctors use it to shrink the tumors in a person’s airways. This can help relieve the symptoms of NSCLC.
With brachytherapy, a doctor will place a small quantity of solid radioactive material near a person’s tumor. Doctors can do so with surgery, although they
With this flexible tube, doctors can look into a person’s airways using a tiny camera and deposit the radioactive material where needed.
After leaving the radioactive material in the body for some time, doctors will often remove it. In some cases, however, doctors use a weaker radioactive source, which can stay in the body indefinitely.
Many doctors recommend some form of radiation therapy to treat NSCLC. However, the effectiveness of these therapies can depend on the stage of a person’s cancer.
For example, according to a
Nonetheless, there is evidence that radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for NSCLC. A
A person should consider the different treatment options and their pros and cons with a doctor.
Like many cancer treatments, radiation therapy can produce side effects. To manage these, a person may wish to consider the following techniques:
Fatigue
People who experience fatigue after radiation therapy
- creating a plan with a good rest-to-activity ratio
- eating a balanced diet
- meeting with a mental health professional to address the emotional consequences of cancer treatment
Learn about foods that can help with fatigue here.
Nausea and vomiting
Radiation therapy may cause a person to experience nausea or vomiting. According to the
- using antiemetic medication
- drinking plenty of fluids
- avoiding foods that increase feelings of nausea
The NCI especially recommends following these steps on treatment days.
Learn 17 home remedies for nausea and vomiting here.
Skin problems
Radiation therapy can cause mild skin problems. For example, a person may notice dry or peeling skin. The skin may also change color, swell, or develop sores.
The
- using only mild skin products
- moisturizing the skin
- protecting the skin from the sun
Learn about home remedies for dry skin here.
Hair loss
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss on the part of the body toward which doctors direct the rays.
To address hair loss, the
- treating the hair gently
- using a mild shampoo
- protecting the scalp from the sun
Doctors have developed many sophisticated types of radiation therapy that can improve the length and quality of life for those with NSCLC and may even cure some people’s NSCLC.
Side effects of radiation therapy include nausea and vomiting, skin problems, and tiredness. However, there are several ways a person can reduce the severity of these side effects.