Chemotherapy for lung cancer

Chemotherapy for lung cancer is a common and effective treatment to kill cancer cells and manage the disease. This therapy uses cancer chemotherapy drugs to target and destroy lung cancer cells. Depending on the type of lung cancer, chemotherapy can help treat early stage lung cancers as well as advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It remains a vital part of treatment for many patients.

How Chemotherapy Works for Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy for lung cancer works by attacking cancer cells that grow and divide quickly. The chemotherapy drugs interfere with the cancer cells’ ability to multiply, causing them to die. This treatment can help destroy cancer cells in the lung and in other parts of the body if the cancer has spread.

The care team carefully determines doses of chemotherapy drugs to maximize the treatment’s effect while minimizing side effects. Chemotherapy for lung is often combined with radiation therapy for better results.

Why Using Chemo for Lung Cancer?

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in treating lung cancer for three main reasons:

It kills cancer cells that have spread

chemotherapy can treat metastatic non small cell lung cancer NSCLC and small cell lung cancer by reaching cancer cells beyond the lung.

It shrinks tumors

chemotherapy can reduce tumor size and help other treatments like radiation therapy work better.

It improves quality of life

by controlling symptoms such as shortness of breath, chemotherapy helps patients maintain better overall health during treatment.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs Used in Lung Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer uses various types of drugs that aim to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. These drugs target cells that divide quickly, which is a key trait of cancer cells. The care team chooses chemotherapy drugs based on the type of lung cancer, the stage of disease, and the patient’s overall health.

Single-Agent Chemotherapy Drugs

Single-agent chemotherapy involves using one drug at a time. Doctors sometimes start with a single drug to assess how the cancer responds before adding others. This approach may reduce side effects while still targeting cancer cells effectively.

Combination Chemotherapy

Most chemotherapy treatments for lung cancer involve combination chemotherapy, where two or more drugs are given together. Each drug attacks cancer cells differently. Combining drugs increases the chance of destroying cancer cells and lowers the risk that cancer will become resistant to treatment. This method often leads to better treatment results.

Targeted Chemotherapy Drugs

In some cases, chemotherapy is paired with targeted therapy drugs. These targeted drugs focus on specific parts of cancer cells, helping to kill them more precisely. When combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy can improve treatment effectiveness while causing fewer side effects to normal cells.

Dosages of Chemotherapy Drugs

The doses of chemotherapy are carefully planned. Doctors aim to deliver the highest possible dose that a patient can safely tolerate. Higher doses can kill more cancer cells but may increase the risk of side effects. Balancing the dose helps to maximize the effect on cancer while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer tends to grow rapidly and spread early. Therefore, chemotherapy drugs used for this type are powerful and given in cycles. This helps control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

Chemotherapy for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

For non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), chemotherapy can be given alone or alongside other treatments like radiation therapy. The choice depends on the cancer stage and whether it has spread.

Supportive Care During Chemotherapy

Along with chemotherapy drugs, patients often receive supportive medications. These help manage side effects such as nausea or protect blood cells from damage. This supportive care improves overall health and quality of life during treatment.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment for Lung Cancer

While chemotherapy aims to kill cancer cells, it can also affect healthy blood cells, which leads to side effects. Common side effects include hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and increased risk of infection. The effects of radiation therapy, when combined with chemotherapy, can add to the side effects patients experience.

These side effects vary depending on doses of chemotherapy drugs and the patient’s overall health. The care team monitors patients closely and adjusts treatment to reduce these side effects as much as possible.

Managing Side Effects During Treatment

Managing side effects is an essential part of chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer. Patients may receive medications to help control nausea and fatigue. Regular blood tests track the impact on blood cells, allowing the care team to make timely changes to treatment if needed.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest support the body’s ability to cope with treatment. Open communication with the care team helps address any new symptoms quickly, improving overall comfort and quality of life during chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy in Combination with Other Lung Cancer Treatments

Chemotherapy in lung cancer care is often combined with other treatment options to increase its effectiveness. Radiation therapy, including external beam radiation and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), can work well alongside chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows precise delivery of radiation doses to the tumor while protecting healthy tissue. Additionally, targeted therapy may be used with chemotherapy for certain lung cancers. Clinical trials continue to test new combinations of treatments to find the best ways to treat lung cancer.

The Role of the Care Team in Chemotherapy Treatment

The care team plays a crucial role in managing Lung cancer chemotherapy. They evaluate the type of lung cancer and help determine the best chemotherapy drugs and doses. The care team also monitors side effects and overall health to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

Communication between the patient and care team is essential to manage symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue. Depending on the type of lung cancer, treatment for lung cancer varies, and the care team customizes therapy to meet each patient’s needs.

Your Journey

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Advocacy Programs

Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.