Under physician review
Patient handout: Lung Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy Step by Step โ Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic
A precise treatment that accounts for breathing motion, planned to protect the heart and healthy lung.
Why radiotherapy is used
- Radiotherapy is used for lung cancer with curative intent or to control the disease and its symptoms.
- It may be given alone, with chemotherapy, or after surgery depending on the case.
- For small early tumors, precise stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) in a few sessions may be used as an alternative to surgery for those unsuited to anesthesia.
The area being treated
- The tumor in the lung with a safety margin that accounts for its movement with breathing.
- The lymph nodes in the middle of the chest may be treated if involved.
- Planning focuses on protecting the healthy lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord.
How to prepare
- If you smoke, ask for support to quit before treatment โ it is one of the most important things you can do.
- Eat small meals that are easy to swallow if the esophagus is affected, and stay hydrated.
- Monitor yourself and report any increase in breathlessness or cough.
- Continue any inhalers or breathing medications your doctor prescribed.
Early (acute) side effects
- Tiredness and building fatigue.
- Difficulty or pain swallowing if the esophagus is in the treatment area.
- Cough or mild breathlessness, sometimes more phlegm.
- Mild redness of the chest skin.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Would short stereotactic treatment (SBRT) or an extended course suit me?
- Will I need chemotherapy with the radiation?
- What is the expected long-term effect on my breathing?
- Will we use a breathing-control technique?
- How can your team help me quit smoking?
When to contact us immediately
- Increasing or sudden breathlessness
- Coughing up blood or bleeding
- Fever with cough and breathlessness (may indicate pneumonitis or infection)
- Severe chest pain
- Being unable to swallow or drink fluids
If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.