Lung Radiotherapy
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.
Preparing for CT simulation
- At planning we may image the tumor's motion with breathing (4D scan) to map its range precisely.
- We may use breathing-control techniques such as breath-hold or respiratory gating to reduce tumor movement during treatment.
- If you smoke, stopping before and during treatment improves outcomes and reduces side effects — your team will support you.
Positioning & immobilization
- You lie on your back with arms raised above the head on a dedicated support.
- The machine takes daily images to confirm the tumor position before each session, especially as it moves with breathing.
- Following the agreed breathing pattern (if used) is part of treatment accuracy.
How your treatment is planned
- Your doctor outlines the tumor accounting for its breathing motion, and marks the healthy lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord to protect them.
- The plan is designed to cover the tumor while reducing dose to the healthy lung (to limit later inflammation) and the heart.
- In SBRT a high, focused dose is aimed very precisely in very few sessions.
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.
Possible late side effects
- Radiation pneumonitis (lung inflammation) that may appear weeks to months later (cough, breathlessness, low fever) and is treated when needed.
- Mild scarring in part of the treated lung.
- Narrowing or changes in the esophagus, less common.
- Late effects on the heart if it was close to the treatment area.
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.
How to prepare
- If you smoke, ask for support to quit before treatment — 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.
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?
Important notice
This platform is for explanation and education only and does not replace medical advice. Your treating physician is the final source of truth for your condition and treatment plan. Do not make any treatment decision based on this content alone.