Photodynamic therapy (PDT)¹

Photodynamic therapy kills cancer cells by using a combination of a light sensitising drug and a very bright light. This treatment can shrink a tumour that is blocking an airway, hence helping to ease symptoms such as breathlessness and coughing up of blood. PDT may be prescribed if the patient has a small early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and can’t undergo surgery. It can also be prescribed when the tumours have progressed to both lungs or after a post-surgery relapse.

Laser therapy²

Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to destroy cancer cells. Laser therapy may be prescribed for lung cancer patients who have a very small, early lung cancer. Laser therapy may also be employed if the cancer is blocking an airway and causing breathlessness.

Microwave ablation³

Microwave ablation uses high frequency microwave energy to kill cancer cells and is primarily used as a treatment for large lung cancers. A small probe is inserted into the skin of the chest directly into the tumour and an electrode in the probe is used to create high frequency microwave energy to destroy the tumour.