Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

Maria Chiara Garassino, MD, with patient in clinic

Medical oncologist Marina Chiara Garassino, MD, left, is an internationally known expert in lung cancer care and research.

Chemotherapy, a medicine that is used to fight cancer, travels throughout the body to treat all sites of the disease. The University of Chicago Medicine’s medical oncology team are experts at using the latest chemotherapy treatments combined with other lung cancer treatments, such as surgery, immunotherapy and radiation.
With new advances in targeted therapies, our experienced medical oncologists are also able to offer some chemotherapy-free treatments for certain types of lung cancer.

Clinical Trials of New Chemotherapies and Other Treatments

We offer the most effective and promising chemotherapies and other treatments through our extensive list of clinical trials. For many patients, these emerging therapies offer options that are not able at most other hospitals.

Getting a Second Opinion on Chemotherapy Treatment

If you are currently receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer and would like to know more about other treatment options, we’re here to help. We routinely provide second opinions and can work with your local cancer care team to explore other therapies that might help you.
To make an appointment with our medical oncologists in our multidisciplinary lung cancer team, please call 1-855-702-8222.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy and Lung Cancer

How does chemotherapy work for treating lung cancer?

Chemotherapy can dramatically shrink fast-growing lung cancer tumors, sometimes in a matter of weeks. Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer receive chemotherapy along with immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is also a mainstay treatment for small cell lung cancer and is usually combined with immunotherapy or other treatments.

If cancer has spread to other parts of your body, such as in stage IV disease — also called metastatic lung cancer — chemotherapy is often added to immunotherapy to help you live longer, reduce your pain and other symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

How often and how long will I need chemotherapy for lung cancer?

The frequency and length of your chemotherapy treatment depends on your type and stage of lung cancer, as well as the type of chemotherapy you receive. For example, you may receive chemotherapy every three weeks, sometimes for a few months and sometimes for longer. Our team will work with you to design a chemotherapy regimen that will give you the best chance for a successful outcome while managing your side effects.

What side effects will I have from chemotherapy for lung cancer?

The most common side effects of chemotherapy for lung cancer include:

Tiredness
Upset stomach and vomiting
Hair loss
Diarrhea or constipation
Mouth sores
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Numbness or tingling

Your lung cancer team at UChicago Medicine will work with you to design a treatment plan to help reduce and manage any side effects you may have from chemotherapy. Our supportive oncology program includes dietitians and other experts dedicated to supporting you and your family through treatment.

Can I still work if I'm getting chemotherapy for lung cancer?

Many patients with lung cancer continue to work while receiving cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. But whether you choose to work while receiving treatment depends on your overall health, your type of work and other factors.

At UChicago Medicine, our lung cancer team recognizes how disruptive getting chemotherapy can be to your work and home life. Whenever possible, we optimize treatments for maximum efficacy while minimizing the negative impact of chemotherapy on your life.

What chemotherapy-free treatment options are available for lung cancer?

Why should I choose UChicago Medicine for lung cancer chemotherapy?

We understand that chemotherapy can affect your quality of life, and our medical oncologists will work with you to design a plan to help reduce your side effects while optimizing treatment. We can also design a personalized treatment plan that includes other treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy to improve the success of your chemotherapy. We also have a large number of clinical trials using chemotherapy combined with other treatments for lung cancer patients.

UChicago Medicine is one of only two hospitals in Illinois to be designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, as well as one of the country’s top-ranked cancer programs. We also offer second opinions if you want to know more about other options to treat your lung cancer.

Treating Metastatic Cancer with Optimism and Hope

If you have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, more therapies may be available to you than you think. Our cancer specialists are eager to help you understand all of your options.

Limited Metastatic Cancer Program

Convenient Locations for Cancer Care

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for lung cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282.

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Everett Vokes, MD, in lung cancer tumor board meeting

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