Lung Cancer

Our skilled surgeons focus exclusively on lung cancer. They have extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, which can reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and speed recovery. Our surgeons are also nationally recognized for offering more options to patients with late-stage lung cancer. We perform more than 1,600 minimally invasive surgeries a year and offer clinical trials to test new therapies and techniques.​

Our team uses advanced imaging techniques to pinpoint the precise location of the tumor, focus radiation directly on the target, and preserve healthy tissue.

This nonsurgical procedure treats small tumors by delivering high doses of radiation to precisely targeted areas while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery relies on 3D imaging to locate the tumor and define its size and shape. More than 400 of these complex procedures are performed at Duke each year. We use this advanced technology to treat people with tumors that may be hard to reach through surgery and who may be turned down for treatment at other centers.

Targeted therapies -- in most cases, these are well-tolerated medicines taken by mouth -- may be included in your treatment plan during any stage of lung cancer. Whenever possible, we study the molecular profile (DNA) of your cancer to personalize your treatment.

Immunotherapy takes advantage of your own immune system to help kill cancer cells across all stages of lung cancer. The Duke Center for Cancer Immunotherapy make these and other advances in cancer treatment available to you. 

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells directly. These treatments can supplement surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy when needed. We consider your specific type of tumor and assess the risks versus benefits before recommending chemotherapy as part of your personalized treatment plan. We also offer access to clinical trials that are testing new types of chemotherapy, for example, chemotherapy that targets specific tumor cells.

A light-activated drug absorbs cancer cells. Surgeons then shine a laser on the tumor to “turn on” the drug, which kills the cancer cells. Because PDT has minimal side effects, it can be used as often as needed (unlike chemotherapy and radiation treatments). We were among the first in the U.S. to use PDT successfully to treat early-stage lung cancer; we have since trained colleagues around the country in the technique.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and cryoablation are minimally invasive image-guided techniques that use extreme heat or cold to kill lung cancer cells. Ablation therapy is typically reserved for people who are unable to have surgery or undergo radiation.