Question:

Is gamma knife treatment available for lung cancer patients and if so where can treatment be found

Answer:

Non-operative, ablative techniques for lung cancer are sometimes used. Thermal ablation using a catheter, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation, are such options. Gamma-knife-type of radiation is also possible, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). You might want to check with a nearby cancer center or university hospital. However, the appropriate treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage, as well as patient risk factors. For early-stage disease, surgery is the best option, except for patients with significant medical risk factors. Non-operative techniques such as RFA and SBRT should be reserved for high risk patients, except under protocol (research) settings. Surgery can be performed minimally-invasively, such as by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), by thoracic surgeons experienced in the technique. This offers the highest cure rate for lung cancer, while providing faster recovery and less pain. Regardless of the technique, I recommend seeing a lung cancer expert, such as a thoracic surgeon, oncologist, or pulmonologist.

For more information:

Go to the Lung Cancer health topic.