We Treat
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
At SCRI Oncology Partners, we are committed to providing precision, personalized treatments for patients facing lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our oncologists combine decades of experience with access to innovative therapies, including clinical trials through our partnership with Sarah Cannon Research Institute. We are dedicated to helping patients in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee region access the latest advancements in lung cancer care close to home and guide them with patient-centered care every step of the way.
Meet our Lung Cancer Doctors
Risk factors for developing non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancer cases. While smoking remains the leading risk factor, NSCLC can also develop in people who have never smoked.
Smoking and tobacco exposure
Cigarette smoking is the single greatest risk factor for lung cancer. The longer a person smokes and the more packs of cigarettes they smoke, the greater the risk becomes. Even those who don’t smoke can develop lung cancer simply by being around cigarette smoke.
For people with a long history of smoking, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans may help detect cancer earlier, before symptoms appear. Screening is generally recommended for certain adults considered high risk due to their age and smoking history. If you are an older adult with a 20 pack-year smoking history, it’s important to talk with your doctor about whether screening is right for you.
Environmental exposures
NSCLC may also develop due to environmental or workplace exposures such as air pollution, asbestos exposure, exposure to radon gas, or chemical exposure in the workplace.
Genetic changes and family history
Researchers now understand that genetic changes can influence whether someone will develop NSCLC. Some lung cancers are driven by inherited (germline) mutations or acquired (somatic) mutations that affect how cancer cells grow and spread. These genetic changes are more likely to be present in people who have never smoked.
Family history may also contribute to increased lung cancer risk. Having a close relative with lung cancer doesn’t necessarily mean someone will develop the disease, but it can increase the overall risk.
Subtypes
Staging
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Symptoms of NSCLC
Many people do not experience symptoms during the earliest stages of non-small cell lung cancer. In many cases, symptoms begin after the cancer has become more advanced.
Common symptoms of NSCLC may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness/loss of voice without an explanation
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing, laughing, or deep breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
Because symptoms can often be subtle, they’re often mistaken for other conditions. This is why it’s important to have ongoing respiratory changes or unexplained health concerns assessed by a physician.
Screening for People with Smoking History
If you have a long history of smoking or other lung cancer risk factors, talk to your doctor about whether you should begin screening using low-dose CT scans. Early detection improves the chances of effective treatment and outcomes.
Subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer includes several subtypes that differ based on the type of lung cells where the cancer begins.
- Adenocarcinoma – Usually develops in the epithelial cells that line the surface of the lungs. While it is more commonly diagnosed in people who currently smoke or have a history of smoking, it is also the subtype seen most frequently in non-smokers.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – typically develops in the flat cells lining the central airways of the lungs. This subtype is strongly associated with a history of smoking.
- Large cell carcinoma – Large cell carcinoma can start in any part of the lung. It is less common but can grow and spread quickly, making it more challenging to treat.
The specific subtype of non-small cell lung cancer significantly influences the recommended treatment options. These can include certain targeted therapies that focus on specific genetic mutations that were found during biomarker testing.
Stages of NSCLC
Cancer staging describes how large the cancer is and whether it has spread beyond the lungs. Determining the stage of NSCLC helps your oncologist develop a precision treatment plan.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
Stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the earliest stage of the disease. Abnormal cells are found only in the top lining of the airways and have not spread deeper into lung tissue, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
Stage I
Stage I NSCLC means the cancer is still confined to the lung and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Tumors are generally small, though they may vary in size between Stage IA and IB.
Stage II
Stage II NSCLC indicates that the cancer is still relatively localized but has become more advanced than Stage I. This stage is divided into Stage IIA and Stage IIB, depending on tumor size, whether it has invaded nearby structures, and whether nearby lymph nodes are involved. In some cases, the tumor may be larger but still confined to the lung, while in others, cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes within the lung or around the airways.
Stage III
Stage III NSCLC is considered locally advanced lung cancer. At this stage, the cancer has often spread to lymph nodes in the center of the chest (mediastinum) or nearby structures. Stage III is divided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC based on the extent of this spread.
Stage IV
Stage IV NSCLC means the cancer has spread beyond the lung to other areas of the body, such as the other lung, brain, liver, bones, adrenal glands, or fluid surrounding the lungs or heart. This stage is divided into IVA and IVB depending on the extent of metastasis.
Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer
At SCRI Oncology Partners, treatment plans are tailored to each individual based on several factors, including the subtype and stage of NSCLC, biomarker testing results, and their overall health. Our team is committed to offering advanced therapies and clinical trials designed to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include surgery, radiation therapy, or ablation combined with medical oncology therapies such as:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body to destroy cancer cells. Some healthy cells are also affected, resulting in side effects. Patients who receive chemotherapy may also receive other treatments, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. For individuals with advanced NSCLC, chemotherapy can be used to help manage symptoms.
Targeted therapy for NSCLC
By targeting specific changes in the cells, or the cancer cells themselves, targeted therapy can stop or slow their growth. Biomarker testing is done to identify any genetic changes that lead to lung cancer cells growing and spreading. If a targeted therapy drug is available, it can be added to the treatment plan. They are most often used for advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer, either along with chemotherapy or by themselves. Even individuals without gene mutations may benefit from targeted therapies.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Some immunotherapy drugs may be used alone, while others are combined with chemotherapy or other treatments. Many patients with NSCLC have experienced better long-term outcomes with immunotherapies.
Lung cancer clinical trials in Nashville
Lung cancer clinical research studies play a crucial role in advancing the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Many new targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being studied in various combinations with other drugs to achieve the best outcomes. Through our collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute, a global leader in oncology research, patients in the Nashville community have access to emerging treatment options for all stages of non-small cell lung cancer. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, the first step is to talk to our healthcare team.
We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.
We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.
We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.