Lung function changes
Many patients with lung cancer may have decreased lung function because of smoking history.
- In severe cases, poor lung function may cause a patient to not be able to undergo surgery.
- A test called pulmonary function test (PFT) is often performed to assess a patient’s lung function.
- This is done in a respiratory laboratory and the result is interpreted by a pulmonologist.
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause lung toxicities.
- The well-known drug that can cause pulmonary fibrosis is Bleomycin.
- This drug is commonly used for treating testicular cancer and a type of lymphoma called Hodgkin’s disease.
- Though this side effect is not common but the consequence can be severe.
- Patients with history of smoking and abnormal lung function are at higher risk of this side effect associated with Bleomycin.
Other chemotherapy drugs can cause lung toxicities:
- Drugs such as Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide, Doxil, Taxol, Gemzar, and others can occasionally cause lung problems.
In patients with abnormal lung function, it is important to stop smoking.
- Smoking can increase the chance of causing another cancer
- and may also decrease the efficacy of chemotherapy
- and cause higher risk of infection such as pneumonia during chemotherapy.
Radiation to the lungs can cause pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) in some patients.
- It is usually mild and does not require treatment.
- Radiation to the chest for breast cancer, lymphoma or other types of cancer may also cause mild pneumonitis that can leave a trace of scars in the lungs but without any serious health impact.
In patients who have very poor lung function, radiation to the lungs for treating lung cancer may be difficult because radiation can decrease lung function.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Many patients with early lung cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs, cannot undergo surgery due to other medical issues.
- They may be considered for a particular type of radiation called stereotactic radiation therapy (stereotactic radiosurgery).
- This type of treatment may have limited impact on lung function.
For more information about late effects of radiation therapy, follow this link to the National Cancer Institute web page.
Effects of organ function after cancer treatment
- Bowel function
- Eye changes
- Hearing loss
- Heart health
- Kidney and liver function
- Lung function
- Skin changes
