Stage 3 also has three sub-stages that give more details about how and where the cancer has advanced.
This article discusses the causes of stage 3 NSCLC and how it is diagnosed.
Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options involved with stage 3 NSCLC below.
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Oncologistsuse a classification system called theTNM systemto characterize the stages of lung cancer.
For example:
Symptoms of any cancer, such asfatigueandunintentional weight loss, may be present as well.
Treatment
The treatment of stage 3 lung cancer is the most controversial of all lung cancer stages.
Here too, this is partly because this group of malignancies is so varied.
Stage 3 lung cancers have a poor survival rate.
For people who are relatively healthy, a combination ofchemotherapyor chemotherapy andradiation therapyis often recommended.
This can reveal mutations that may be treatable.
Tagrisso has been approved for use in people with stage 3A NSCLC.
Lazcluze is indicated for use in combination with Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw) for people with all stages of NSCLC.
For those withsquamous cell carcinoma of the lungs, anti-EGFR antibodies may be used.
Clinical trials are also studying medications that address other genetic changes in lung cancer.
Immunotherapy
Fiveimmunotherapy drugshave been approved for the treatment of lung cancer.
These medications work by enhancing the ability of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
When used in this setting, it was found to significantly improve progression-free survival.
Still, the risk of cancerrecurrenceafter surgery is fairly high for people with stage 3A lung cancer.
Stage 3B cancers cannot usually be treated with surgery and are considered inoperable.
This is known as neoadjuvant therapy.
For people with stage 3 lung cancer, treatments can also be used forpalliativepurposes.
In some cases, palliative therapy might actually improve survival for people with stage 3 lung cancer.
The five-year survival rate for stage 3C lung cancer is less promising at 13%.
Involve your loved ones and encourage them to ask questions as well.
Consider joining asupport group.
Learn about clinical trials that might be appropriate for your particular situation.
Learning about your cancer and going through treatment can take a tremendous amount of time.
Ask for and allow your loved ones and friends to help and encourage you in your journey.
According to the American Lung Institute, 8 million Americans are considered at high risk of lung cancer.
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