Multidisciplinary Approach to Lung Cancer Care: Radiotherapy at the Core.

The incidence of lung carcinoma in India has been increasing reflecting global trends in cancer epidemiology It is one of the most common cancers in Indian men and is emerging as a significant concern among women due to changing risk factor patterns It is estimated incidence rate of lung cancer in India is around 5.9 per 100,000 population annually with substantial regional variationsIncidence is higher in urban areas due to greater exposure to industrial pollutants smoking, and lifestyle factors In Rural areas reports lower incidence but indoor air pollution from biomass fuel (e.g., wood and cow dung) remains a significant risk factor especially for women.

Regional Variations.

Because of increased tobacco use and genetic factors the prevalence is highest in the northeastern states.

• Urban areas such as Delhi and Mumbai Due to lifestyle factors and urban pollution lung cancer rates are also high in Kolkata and Chennai

Treatment of Lung Cancer.

Depending on the type of lung cancer, its stage, the patient's general health, and other variables, managing lung cancer or lung carcinoma requires a diverse strategy Lung cancer comes in two primary varieties Combination therapy or a single treatment modality such as chemotherapy targeted therapy radiation or surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

Role of Radiotherapy

When it comes to treating lung cancer, it is crucial. The type of stage and overall treatment strategy determine its function. The main functions and uses of radiation therapy in lung cancer are listed below:

1. Therapeutic Intervention.

• Definitive radiation: Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) provides a non-invasive extremely accurate substitute for surgical excision in patients with early-stage lung cancer or those who are not surgically fit

• Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: In locally advanced lung cancer radiation is combined with chemotherapy to maximize tumor control by targeting micrometastases and localized disease

• Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation: In one of the variants of lung cancer, i.e., SCLC, radiation is used to prevent brain metastases as the brain is a common site of spread.

2. Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Rehabilitation

Neoadjuvant (pre-operative) Radiotherapy: In circumstances where a tumor is marginally resectable it may shrink and become operable

• Adjuvant (post-operative) radiation therapy: Assists in the removal of cancer cells that remain, especially in patients with high-risk characteristics.

3. palliative care.

• In cases of advanced lung cancer it relieves symptoms such spinal cord compression chest pain hemoptysis and dyspnea

• Enhances quality of life by addressing localized tumor-related issues including airway blockage or brain and bone metastases.

4. Treatment of Oligometastatic Disease: SBRT or targeted radiation therapy can help control metastases in situations of oligometastatic disease which improves survival and quality of life.

5. The role of technological advancemnts is enhanced

• SBRT: Provides high dosages precisely reducing harm to healthy tissues and enhancing results for lung cancer in its early stages

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Allows precise dose distribution to irregularly shaped tumors while sparing healthy tissue

• Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): Improves accuracy by using imaging during treatment

All the above technological advance is available at AIMS HOSPITAL Dombivli.

Conclusion

Lung carcinoma is one of the most challenging cancers in India, with rising incidence and evolving risk factors. Radiotherapy has become an essential part of its treatment, serving roles from curative therapy to palliation. With advanced technologies such as SBRT, IMRT, and IGRT, patients can now receive safer, more precise, and highly effective treatment options. At AIMS Hospital  Dombivli, these cutting-edge techniques ensure that every patient has access to world-class cancer care close to home, under the expert guidance of Dr. Mayuresh Virkar, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Department of Oncology.