Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer

Doctor talking to patient about lung health

Radiation for lung cancer is a treatment that directs targeted beams of energy, such as X-rays or protons, at cancer cells in the body. These beams damage the cells' DNA, stopping them from growing and spreading. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy works locally, focusing only on the targeted area and surrounding tissues, sparing more healthy cells.

Your CHRISTUS Health oncology team works alongside you to find the best treatment plan for you, depending on your specific diagnosis and overall health.

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When is Radiation Therapy Used for Lung Cancer?

Radiation can be used for both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. For small cell lung cancer, it is often combined with chemotherapy, while for non-small cell lung cancer, it may be used alone, after surgery, or with other treatments such as immunotherapy.

Your health care team my recommend radiation therapy to:

  • Neoadjuvant Therapy: Shrink tumors before surgery
  • Adjuvant Therapy: To destroy any leftover cancer cells after surgery
  • As Main Treatment: When patient is unable to undergo surgery due to health conditions or tumor location
  • Relieve Symptoms Such as pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing in advanced stages
  • Combined with Other Treatments: Often paired with chemotherapy or immunotherapy for better results in advanced stages

What are the Types?

There are various types of radiation therapy. Your oncology team will work with you to choose the best type for your specific diagnosis

Different types include:

  • External Beam Radiation Therapy: The most common type, where a machine directs radiation beams directly at the tumor.
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A highly precise form of radiation used for small, early-stage tumors.
  • Proton Therapy: Uses protons instead of X-rays, reducing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Whole Brain Radiation Therapy: Used when lung cancer has spread to the brain.

Side Effects of Radiation

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells, but it can also affect nearby healthy tissue. Side effects vary by what part of the body is being treated, dose, and your overall health. Talk to your provider about what you can expect when undergoing radiation. Most side effects improve after treatment, and your care team will help manage symptoms to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Common side effects include:

  • Fatigue: Feeling tired is a common side effect and may last for weeks after treatment ends.
  • Skin Changes: Redness, dryness, or irritation in the treated area is likely to occur, similar to a sunburn.
  • Cough or Shortness of Breath: Radiation can cause temporary inflammation in the lungs, which may cause respiratory effects.
  • Loss of Appetite or Weight Changes: Eating may feel difficult if swallowing is uncomfortable, which can effect your appetite.
  • Hair Loss in Treated Area: The radiation likely will cause hair loss in the area being treated.

Eligibility for Radiation

Not every patient is a candidate for radiation. Eligibility depends on:

  • The type and stage of lung cancer
  • Tumor size and location
  • Whether cancer has spread
  • Patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate treatment

Our multidisciplinary teams at CHRISTUS Health carefully evaluate each patient to determine the most effective and safe treatment plan.

How Radiation Differs from Other Treatments

Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, or surgery, which removes tumors, lung cancer radiation is a non-invasive therapy focused directly on cancer cells in a specific area. This makes it especially valuable for patients who cannot undergo surgery or who need targeted therapy in combination with other treatments.

Compassionate Care at CHRISTUS Health

When you choose CHRISTUS Health for radiation therapy you receive care that sees you as a whole person, not a diagnosis. Our radiation oncologists, nurses, and support staff work as one team to design a treatment plan that fits your medical needs and respects your life.

Radiation can feel intimidating, so your team will stay present through every step, explaining what to expect, answering questions, and helping manage side effects. Beyond your treatment, you'll receive resources for nutrition, emotional support, and survivorship. Healing is about more than targeting cancer, it’s about restoring strength and peace of mind for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the success rate of radiation therapy for lung cancer? 
Success rates of all cancer treatments depend heavily on the stage of diagnosis, the type of cancer, and your overall health. For stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer treated with radiation therapy, rates are approximately 85-90 percent. For later-stage lung cancer, the success rates of radiation therapy vary from 6 percent to around 70 percent. Radiation is highly effective for early-stage disease and symptom relief or used in combination with other treatments in advanced cases.
How long is radiation treatment for lung cancer? 
Radiation therapy is usually given in daily sessions over several weeks. Most courses last 5 to 7 weeks, though some advanced techniques like Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy can be completed in just 3 to 5 treatments for small tumors.
How does radiation therapy destroy lung cancer cells? 
Radiation uses high-energy beams to damage the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Over time, the treated cells die, and the tumor shrinks or disappears.
How many radiation treatments are typically used for stage 1 lung cancer? 
Traditional radiation may involve daily sessions for 6-7 weeks, while more advanced radiation therapy can be delivered in 3 to 5 high-dose treatments. Talk to your oncology team about your treatment plan for what to expect.
Is surgery better than radiation? 
For stage 1 lung cancer, surgery is often recommended first if you're healthy and the cancer is able to be operated on. If surgery is not recommended due to health conditions or cancer location, radiation therapy offers excellent results. Talk to your doctor about what option is best for you and your diagnosis.
What happens after radiation treatment for lung cancer? 
After treatment ends, your care team will schedule follow-up visits and imaging to monitor your recovery and check how well the cancer responded. Side effects often improve within weeks, but some symptoms, like fatigue or mild lung irritation, may take longer to improve.