Lung Cancer Treatment Options After Progression
Receiving the news that your lung cancer has progressed despite ongoing treatment is disheartening and can bring up many emotions and uncertainties. It’s essential to know that a progression on your current treatment doesn’t necessarily mean that other treatment options won’t be effective.
There are still pathways to explore and decisions that can be made to continue your care. Understanding your options is the first step.
1) Discuss other treatment options with your care team
Your care team understands your unique diagnosis and may suggest other treatments, such as different chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. Open and honest discussions with your team can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option, keeping your quality of life and goals in mind. You can also connect your medical records with Outcomes4Me and get notified of the latest treatment options that could influence your care.
2) Consider clinical trials
Clinical trials offer access to the latest innovative treatments that aren’t widely available yet. These trials provide access to new therapies that might be more effective than the otherwise standard treatment. Your care team can help you explore whether you qualify for any trials that might be a good fit for your specific cancer type.
3) Get a second opinion
A different perspective can lead to new insights or alternative approaches. Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist can provide reassurance that you’re on the best path or open the door to different treatment strategies. It’s not about questioning your current care team, but rather ensuring you have all the information necessary to make informed decisions about your care.
4) Consider palliative care
If your treatment goals shift, palliative care can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving your comfort. Palliative care is not end of life care or hospice care and can be used at any point after your diagnosis. Palliative care teams can support you with symptom management and work alongside your oncologists to ensure your needs are met.
If you have additional questions about your treatment therapy or would like to learn more you can connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
