Systemic chemotherapy
Used alone or with other modalities, especially when disease is advanced or biomarkers do not favour a targeted drug first.
8 min read
Lung cancer care: from staging to systemic therapy
Lung cancer care depends on whether the tumour is non-small cell or small cell, its stage, and molecular markers. Dr. Dhar helps interpret CT and biopsy findings and plan chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer develops in the tissues of the lungs and is often linked to smoking, air pollution, or occupational exposures — though non-smokers can develop it too.
Broadly, cancers are grouped as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Molecular testing in NSCLC can reveal targets for precision drugs.
Early staging and biomarker testing change options. The right plan may combine local therapy with systemic treatment, or focus on immunotherapy and targeted agents.
Symptoms to notice
- Persistent cough or change in a chronic cough
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain that does not settle
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Recurrent chest infections
Some lung cancers are found on CT scans done for other reasons, before symptoms appear.
When to seek review
- A lung mass or nodule on CT that needs oncology input
- Biopsy-confirmed lung cancer of any stage
- Interest in molecular testing or immunotherapy options
- Second opinion on chemo, targeted therapy, or combined plans
- Progressive symptoms during or after treatment
Diagnosis and staging
- 01Contrast CT chest and staging imaging
- 02PET-CT when staging decisions require it
- 03Biopsy via bronchoscopy, CT guidance, or surgery
- 04Histopathology to confirm NSCLC vs SCLC
- 05Molecular and PD-L1 testing in appropriate NSCLC cases
- 06Brain imaging when clinically indicated
QUICK CHECK
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Helpful prompts before your appointment.
Select anything that applies — then book a visit to review reports together.
Book appointmentTreatment options
Stage, histology, and biomarkers guide whether care is curative-intent, combined modality, or systemic-focused.
Targeted therapy
Oral or IV agents for tumours with EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and other actionable alterations when testing confirms them.
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors alone or with chemotherapy for selected NSCLC and SCLC settings based on guidelines and PD-L1 status.
Multidisciplinary coordination
Surgery and radiation decisions are coordinated with pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and radiation oncology when needed.
A typical care path
01
Imaging & biopsy
Confirm the diagnosis and gather tissue for molecular tests whenever feasible.
What to prepare and expect
- Bring CT, PET, biopsy, and any molecular reports
- Share smoking history and occupational exposures
- List breathing symptoms and prior lung disease
- Ask whether more tissue is needed for biomarker testing
Frequently asked questions
No. Smoking is the leading risk factor, but never-smokers can develop lung cancer due to pollution, genetics, radon, or other exposures.
In NSCLC, finding an actionable mutation can open oral targeted therapies that may work better and feel different from standard chemotherapy.
No. Benefit depends on histology, PD-L1, stage, and prior treatment. Your oncologist will explain whether it fits your case.
Yes. Many patients are treated with systemic therapy, radiation, or combinations — especially when surgery is not suitable or disease is advanced.
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Share a few details and the clinic team will help arrange a consultation with Dr. Dhar. Prefer to talk now? Reach the appointment desk directly.
ClinicMarengo Asia HospitalsGurugram, HaryanaGet directions