Lung cancer

Lung cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide and is one of the most frequently treated diseases in our centre. The main risk factor for developing lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which is responsible for the vast majority of cases. Quitting smoking, or not starting at all, is the most important preventive measure. Although in a minority of cases the disease can also occur in people who have never smoked, the risk is significantly higher in smokers, making smoking a crucial determinant in the development of this disease. 

Lung cancers are mainly divided into two categories: non-small cell cancers (NSCLC) and small cell cancers (SCLC), which are typically more aggressive and rapidly spreading.

Our diagnostic-therapeutic approach is multidisciplinary and highly customised. Each case is evaluated by a team composed of oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, nuclear physicians, pulmonologists and anatomic pathologists, who meet weekly to discuss the most appropriate strategies.

During the diagnostic phase, patients can access the Thoracic Reception Centre (CAT), an outpatient clinic dedicated to the clinical investigation of suspected thoracic neoplasia. CAT allows for a rapid and integrated pathway of clinical evaluation, instrumental examinations and biopsies, in order to shorten the diagnostic time and initiate timely treatment.

Treatment options include systemic treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapies), locoregional treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, interventional radiology procedures) or combinations thereof, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the patient.

Our centre also participates in national and international clinical trials, offering patients access to innovative therapies and experimental protocols, under strict monitoring and according to strict selection criteria.

Our group actively collaborates with leading patient associations, including IPOP (Insieme per i Pazienti Oncologici Polmonari), to promote initiatives to inform, support and share care pathways.