The founder and lead surgeon of the Las Colinas Cancer Center talks about a recent finding.

Irving, TX – Taking an extra step after surgery to remove non-small cell lung cancer tumors may make a big difference in controlling the cancer and extending lives. Recent research, in fact, demonstrates this additional step after surgery can have a significant impact on survival rates.

“Non-small cell lung cancer patients and their healthcare providers often opt for surgery alone,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Las Colinas Cancer Center. “While surgery is beneficial for helping removal visible cancer growth, it is hard to guarantee that every cancer-causing cell is gone. Radiation offers a protective measure against these cells and may improve outcomes for some patients.”

The recent study looked at 80 patients who underwent radiation treatments after lung cancer surgery. A few patients also had chemotherapy, as well. At the three-year point, those treated with radiotherapy had a survival rate of 34.1 percent. The progression-free survival rate was 29.1 percent and localized and distant progression figures were also improved.

“The numbers may not seem especially significant, but they are,” says Dr. Echt. “Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Even slight improvements in survival rates are dramatic steps forward.”

People who are diagnosed with lung cancer are urged to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. Radiotherapy may offer benefits in a particular case, but the risks and potential rewards should be carefully weighed based on the facts of the specific case.

Lung cancer strikes an estimated 224,000 Americans each year. An estimated 158,000 people die from it annually.

About Las Colinas Cancer Center
Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.