Lung Cancer Services

Early diagnosis of lung disease is the key to survival and improved health.  The Lung Cancer Program at UC Irvine Medical Center focuses on providing complete diagnostic and treatment services for patients with malignant (cancerous) diseases affecting the lungs and airways. This includes cancers that originate in other parts of the body, including lymphoma, esophageal and breast cancer.  The program is located at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County.

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As a university-based medical center, we bring together experts in different fields to give patients the best possible multidisciplinary care. Our team of specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, thoracic surgery, critical care and pulmonary medicine begins with a thorough review of each patient’s medical history and test results.  Cases are also presented to a multispecialty tumor board for a comprehensive evaluation and recommendations for individualized treatment. These treatments may include highly specialized procedures not available elsewhere in the community.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diseases treated by physicians in the Lung Cancer Program include:

• Small cell lung cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Cancer of the tracheobronchial tree
• Cancer of the esophagus

Biopsies that are performed to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer can be as invasive as surgery to remove the cancer itself. Physicians at UC Irvine Medical Center specialize in minimally invasive diagnostic procedures which reduce discomfort, shorten recovery time, and allow patients to retain the maximum amount of lung function. 

Many procedures are carried out via endoscopy.  This technique uses a lighted, flexible tube that obtains images and accommodates the use of small surgical tools.  Endoscopy gives surgeons valuable information about the presence of tumors or other masses, and allows them to perform minimally invasive procedures such as:

• EUS-guided fine needle aspiration for biopsies
• Laser resection (laser surgery)
• Photodynamic therapy to destroy cancer cells and relieve blockages
• Placement of flexible stents to treat airway obstruction

More about photodynamic therapy »

More about EUS-guided fine needle aspiration »

Surgery is typically the main treatment for lung cancer, and is sometimes combined with chemotherapy.  Other treatments include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), in which heat is used to destroy abnormal tissue.  Targeted radiation therapies may also be indicated, depending on the location and stage of the disease.  These include brachytherapy, in which small amounts of radioactive materials are placed directly into or near a tumor, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which delivers precise doses of radiation that match the size and shape of malignant growths.

Palliative Care

Lung cancer often causes airway obstruction, which requires palliation (relief of symptoms). We focus on providing patients with the highest level of comfort and palliative care to keep airways open and improve quality of life.

Research

Our physicians are active in many research programs designed to improve the diagnosis, treatment and palliation of lung cancer.  Patients who enroll in clinical trials may have access to new therapies years before they are available to the general public.

More about clinical trials »