Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the number-one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. At the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care, we are at the forefront of new and innovative methods for preventing and treating lung cancer. Our team-oriented approach combines breakthrough therapies in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drug intervention and surgery with exceptional, comprehensive patient care.

Multidisciplinary care for early detection and treatment

Montefiore’s multidisciplinary team includes some of the nation’s finest and most capable surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, who meet to discuss each case individually and determine the most appropriate and effective course of treatment.

We offer our patients unique approaches for the early detection, treatment and intervention of lung cancer. While truly effective lung cancer screening methods are still being developed, we can identify those most at risk for developing this disease, including cigarette, pipe and cigar smokers; those who are regularly exposed to secondhand and environmental smoke; those who have been exposed to radon and asbestos; and those who have had certain lung diseases (like tuberculosis) or have previously had lung cancer.

Montefiore’s physicians are specially trained in all areas of lung cancer treatment, including surgical intervention to remove part or all of the affected lung; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; phytodynamic therapy; and drug therapy. Whenever appropriate and available, we offer our patients access to participation in the latest clinical trials.

Smoking Cessation Program

Unlike many cancers, research has been able to identify the main cause of lung cancer: tobacco smoking. We also know that this is a highly preventable illness. Individuals who quit smoking decrease their chances of developing lung cancer. Montefiore is concerned about the health of our community and works diligently to help motivated smokers kick the cigarette habit.

Our six-week Smoking Cessation Program is aimed at providing our community with the tools and resources they need to successfully quit smoking. Our offerings include self-hypnosis and other cognitive-therapy approaches, group support, inspiration and motivation from speakers, and community education.

Creative and innovative approach to research

Montefiore is renowned for our creative and innovative approach to research in the field of lung cancer. At present, our research efforts focus largely on cytogenetics (the study of chromosomes), experimental therapies and development of novel drug treatments. In particular, we focus on new molecularly targeted therapies, which use drugs to arrest the cancer’s growth by targeting certain molecules involved in developing cancer and tumors.

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow us to follow the evolution of new drug treatments from creation in our own laboratories through trial use. We are developing therapies that are effective, easy and convenient, such as those administered orally or, eventually, inhaled and absorbed through the lungs.

Montefiore sets the standard for lung cancer prevention, treatment and research. Our patients have access to the very best new therapies in the hands of expert physicians equipped to make the right recommendations at the right time.