My Mum was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer lung caner and the doctor has said they are not able to cure it as its spread.
Can I please ask how we access trials for lung cancer? She is waiting for further test results to find out which treatments would be suitable, they are currently thinking chemotherapy and possibly immunotherapy. But I know there are on going trials into lung cancer and want to know if my mum is suitable to prolong her life.
Thanks
Hi 321
Thanks for getting in touch. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
People often ask about different treatment options for cancer that has spread (advanced cancer). For many people it’s important to know that all options have been explored. It’s understandable you want to find out more to help your mum make the right treatment decisions.
The aim of treatment for advanced cancer is to help manage the cancer by stopping it from growing and spreading further, and to help with any symptoms. Treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are offered as they have already been tested to check how effective they are for treating a particular type of cancer.
Treatment for stage 4 lung cancer can include the chemotherapy and immunotherapy you mention. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. Sometimes a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be given.
For some types of immunotherapy, tests are needed to check for levels of a protein on the cancer cells (PD-L1) to see how effective the treatment might be. This may be the tests you mention.
The aim of cancer clinical trials is to find out more about cancer treatment. They can look at treatment already in use, if a combination of treatments is more effective, or different ways of giving a treatment (to make it work more effectively or reduce side effects). Some people are offered clinical trials as part of their cancer treatment.
Your mum can contact her clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or consultant and ask about clinical trials. They are there to answer any questions about treatment and talk things through. The CNS and consultant can be contacted via the medical secretaries, who can pass a message on. The medical secretaries can be reached via the main hospital (switchboard) number.
It's important to look after yourself too when you are supporting someone with cancer. I can see you have not yet joined any groups here. It can really help to share experiences with others in a similar situation. You can find this type of support from our lung cancer forum and family and friends forum. You can also find support in your area.
It might also help to talk to us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.
Best wishes
Louise
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref: LR/GHi
