A
- Ablation – A treatment that destroys cancerous tissue, often using heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryotherapy).
- Adjuvant therapy – Additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of recurrence, such as chemotherapy or radiation after surgery.
- Adenocarcinoma – The most common type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often found in the outer parts of the lungs.
- ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) – A gene that can mutate and drive lung cancer growth, targeted by specific therapies like ALK inhibitors.
B
- Biopsy – A procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for cancer.
- Biomarker testing – A lab test that looks for specific gene mutations, proteins, or other molecules in cancer cells to determine the best treatment.
- Bronchoscopy – A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the airways and collect tissue samples.
C
- Chemotherapy – The use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, often given in cycles.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) – A detailed imaging technique used to detect lung tumors or track cancer progression.
D
- Driver mutation – A genetic change in a cancer cell that helps it grow and spread, targeted by specific drugs.
- Durable response – A long-lasting effect of a cancer treatment, particularly in immunotherapy.
E
- EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) – A gene that can be mutated in lung cancer, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Targeted therapies exist for EGFR mutations.
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) – A specialized type of bronchoscopy that uses ultrasound to help guide biopsies of lymph nodes or lung masses.
F
- First-line therapy – The initial treatment given for lung cancer, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
- Fluoroscopy – A real-time X-ray imaging technique used to guide procedures such as biopsies.
G
- Genomic testing – Another term for biomarker testing, used to identify mutations that may be treated with targeted therapies.
H
- Histology – The study of tissue samples under a microscope to determine the type of lung cancer.
I
- Immunotherapy – A type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer, often using checkpoint inhibitors.
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) – A potential side effect of some lung cancer treatments, causing lung inflammation and scarring.
J
- Jacqueline’s Law – (Not a real law, but could represent patient advocacy efforts for lung cancer awareness and funding).
K
- KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus) – A common gene mutation in lung cancer that can now be treated with targeted therapies.
L
- Lobectomy – Surgical removal of a lobe of the lung, often used in early-stage lung cancer.
- Lung nodule – A small mass in the lung that may be benign or cancerous, often detected by imaging.
M
- Metastasis – The spread of cancer from the lung to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, or bones.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – A detailed imaging technique used to check for lung cancer spread, especially to the brain.
- Mutation – A change in a gene that may lead to cancer development or influence treatment options.
N
- NED (No Evidence of Disease) – A term used when scans show no visible cancer after treatment.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – The most common type of lung cancer, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
O
- Oncogene – A mutated gene that drives cancer growth, often targeted by specific treatments.
- Opdivo (nivolumab) – A type of immunotherapy used to treat lung cancer.
P
- Palliative care – Supportive care focused on improving quality of life for patients with lung cancer, regardless of stage.
- PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) – A protein that some lung cancer cells express to evade the immune system. Higher levels may indicate suitability for immunotherapy.
- PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography scan) – An imaging test that helps detect cancer spread using a radioactive sugar.
- Precision medicine – A treatment approach that tailors therapy based on individual genetic mutations and biomarkers.
Q
- QoL (Quality of Life) – A term used to describe a patient’s overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and social health.
R
- Radiation therapy – The use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, often used in combination with other treatments.
- Resection – Surgical removal of part or all of a tumor.
S
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) – A fast-growing and aggressive type of lung cancer that often responds well to chemotherapy initially.
- Stage – A classification system (Stage I to IV) that describes how far lung cancer has spread.
- Survivorship – The phase of life after lung cancer treatment, which may include monitoring and managing side effects.
T
- Targeted therapy – Drugs designed to attack specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, such as EGFR or ALK inhibitors.
- Thoracentesis – A procedure to remove fluid from around the lungs, often done to relieve symptoms in lung cancer patients.
- Tumor board – A group of doctors from different specialties who discuss the best treatment options for a lung cancer patient.
U
- USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) – An organization that provides lung cancer screening recommendations.
V
- VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) – A minimally invasive lung cancer surgery.
W
- Watchful waiting – A strategy of monitoring a lung nodule over time instead of treating it immediately.
X
- X-ray – A common imaging test used to detect lung abnormalities, but less detailed than CT or PET scans.
Y
- Yield (Diagnostic Yield) – The likelihood that a test will provide useful diagnostic information.
Z
- Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) – A drug used for treating small cell lung cancer.