Treating Lung Cancer - Non-Small Cell

Other Local Treatments

At times, treatments other than surgery or radiation therapy may be used to destroy lung cancer cells at a specific location.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

This technique is being studied for small lung tumors that are near the outer edge of the lungs, especially in people who can't have or don't want surgery. It uses high-energy radio waves to heat the tumor. A thin, needle-like probe is placed through the skin and moved along until the end is in the tumor. Placement of the probe is guided by ultrasound or CT scans. Once it is in place, an electric current is passed through the probe, which heats the tumor and destroys the cancer cells. RFA is usually done as an outpatient procedure, using local anesthesia (numbing medicine) where the probe is inserted. You may be given medicine to help you relax as well.

Major complications are uncommon, but they can include the partial collapse of a lung (which often resolves on its own) or bleeding into the lung.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is sometimes used to treat smaller lung cancers near airways when other treatments aren't appropriate, or to help open up airways blocked by tumors to help people breathe better.

For this technique, a light-activated drug called porfimer sodium (Photofrin) is injected into a vein. Over the next couple of days, the drug is more likely to collect in cancer cells than in normal cells. A bronchoscope is then passed down the throat and into the lung. This may be done with either local anesthesia (where the throat is numbed) or general anesthesia (where you are in a deep sleep). A special red light on the end of the bronchoscope is aimed at the tumor, causing the cells to die. The dead cells are then removed a few days later during a bronchoscopy. This process can be repeated if needed.

Some of this drug also collects in normal cells in the body, such as skin and eye cells. This can make you very sensitive to sunlight or strong indoor lights. Too much exposure can cause serious skin reactions, which is why doctors recommend staying out of any strong light for 4 to 6 weeks after the injection.

For more information, please see our separate document, Photodynamic Therapy.