Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The number of potentially curative treatments for advanced, metastatic lung cancer has increased dramatically following the Cancer Moonshot investments that started in 2016. Many of these treatments target the effects of cancer-causing genetic variants, known as driver mutations. Immunotherapy treatments that release the full power of the patient's own immune system produce amazing results. Advances in radiation therapy yield markedly better results with fewer treatments, reducing the need for surgical intervention. Emphasis on cancer prevention, earlier identification through cancer screenings, and highly effective treatments that can precisely target the characteristics of a patient's specific tumor have had a significant impact on outcomes. The field of oncology is changing dramatically, and agencies that recognize this phenomenon and respond will have the competitive edge. We are no longer just getting patients ready to accept hospice; we need to also focus on getting patients ready for long-term survival with the highest possible quality of life. Understanding the basics about cancer treatment options today is a core competency for home health clinicians and managers. There is an emerging need for home health nurses, therapists, and social workers with advanced education and certification in oncology who can anticipate, identify, and clearly communicate potential disease and treatment-related concerns to other members of the healthcare team. Teaching patients how to maintain functional status, manage symptoms, and to prevent avoidable complications promotes a high quality of life as well as long-term survival.