Personalized Treatment for Your Type of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men and women in the United States and the leading cause of cancer death in the country. At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, our experienced thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, lung specialists, and medical oncologists create a plan of treatment customized to each patient, considering the tumor's characteristics and the newest approaches to care. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer, including prevention, screening for high-risk patients, genetic counseling and testing, and the latest and most promising treatments for advanced disease. We are deeply committed to providing you with comprehensive, personal care — from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
A Team of Specialists
We assemble a team of lung cancer experts with experience treating your type and stage of lung cancer. Our team includes highly regarded thoracic surgeons, lung specialists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and oncology-trained nurses who work together at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for all of our patients. We collaborate closely with nationally known clinicians and researchers at our academic partner, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center if more complex services are required to provide you the best care.
Lung Cancer Screening
We offer access to low-dose CT scanning to people with an increased risk of lung cancer due to a history of smoking. With this technology, we can detect some lung cancers in their earlier stages, when they have a better chance of being treated successfully. If we find that you have a tumor, we'll refer you for additional testing and treatment as needed.
Navigational Bronchoscopy for Advanced Diagnosis
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell is among the first centers to use an advanced imaging technique called SuperDimension Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB). ENB provides us with a computer-generated image of the lungs to view suspicious nodules. This technology allows us to biopsy nodules that would otherwise be inaccessible, with a lower risk of complications.
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Our NewYork-Presbyterian Queens surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted surgery. These techniques make use of smaller incisions, providing less discomfort and a quicker recovery than conventional surgery. Patients who require more complex or intensive perioperative care may also have the option of undergoing their procedures at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Precision Lung Cancer Medicine
At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, the advent of personalized medicine is changing how we care for patients by enabling us to use targeted treatment strategies based on a tumor's specific molecular characteristics. For the right patients, this approach is more effective and causes fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy. We offer conventional chemotherapy for lung cancer as well as targeted therapies customized to the genetics of your tumor. Our modern Infusion Center accommodates patients requiring intravenous therapies and features a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Lung Cancer Immunotherapy
Advances in our understanding of the immune system have led to new immunotherapies for lung cancer. We use drugs such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab — which remove the brakes on the immune response and enable the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells — to treat tumors of certain stages and biological features. If you are eligible for immunotherapy, you can receive it in our Infusion Center.
Radiation Therapy
Our Radiation Oncology Center is home to the most advanced technologies that permit the precise delivery of radiation to where it's most needed while sparing nearby healthy tissues as much as possible. For some, lung radiosurgery can offer curative treatment in 3 outpatient sessions. We'll match you with the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
Access to Clinical Trials
Because of clinical trials that have resulted in the approval of new immunotherapies and targeted therapies, the outlook for patients with lung cancer has dramatically improved. In collaboration with our academic partner, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, our clinical trial program provides our patients with access to the most promising targeted and immunologic agents in development for lung cancer. NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell has one of the nation's strongest, most cutting-edge lung cancer immunotherapy programs, offering many clinical trials. You may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, either at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens or NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell.
Smoking cessation services: If you smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco, we can help you quit. Doing so can reduce your chance of experiencing another cancer in the future and can also improve your body's ability to heal.
Supportive Care
We understand how a diagnosis of lung cancer can affect your life and the lives of your loved ones. We offer patient navigation, psychosocial support, and other services to coordinate your care and ease your experience with this disease. After therapy, our Survivorship Program helps coordinate your follow-up care and communication with your other healthcare providers as you return to life after treatment.