CION Ameerpet
Hyderabad's Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Team
Lung Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad — Expert Oncology Care Across 7 Locations
Lung cancer treatment has changed more in the last decade than in the previous fifty years. What was once a diagnosis with very limited options — for most patients, chemotherapy and radiation — is now a disease where the first question is: 'What does the molecular test show?' That answer can mean the difference between starting IV chemotherapy in a hospital, or taking a single daily tablet at home. The biopsy report is just the beginning.
- Molecular testing first — EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, PD-L1 panel reviewed before any treatment for advanced NSCLC
- EGFR-targeted oral tablet — Once-daily therapy for the 40–50% of Indian NSCLC patients carrying an EGFR mutation
- SBRT for inoperable lung cancer — Curative-intent radiation in 3–5 sessions for patients unfit for surgery
- 7 NABH-accredited locations — Same-week appointments across Kukatpally, Kompally, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, MasabTank, L.B. Nagar, Banjara Hills
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
40–50%
Indian NSCLC patients
with EGFR mutation*
with EGFR mutation*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(1,000+ reviews)
(1,000+ reviews)
The Two Main Types
NSCLC vs SCLC — and Why It Matters
Lung cancer begins in the cells lining the airways or lung tissue. How it behaves, how fast it grows, and which treatments work best depend entirely on the type. All lung cancers fall into one of two broad categories — and the subtype, combined with molecular testing, determines the entire treatment approach.
Most common NSCLC in India
Adenocarcinoma
The most common NSCLC type in Indian patients. Arises in the outer areas of the lung and is the subtype most likely to carry an EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 mutation — making it highly responsive to oral targeted therapy.
- Disproportionately common in non-smokers and women
- Molecular-testing-guided treatment
Smoking-linked NSCLC
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Arises in the cells lining the large airways. More strongly linked to smoking than adenocarcinoma and less likely to carry targetable driver mutations. Immunotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy play a larger role in treatment.
Less common NSCLC
Large Cell Carcinoma
A less common category of NSCLC without the specific features of adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment is still guided by molecular testing and PD-L1 status of the tumour tissue.
15% of cases · aggressive
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
A fast-growing, aggressive cancer that almost always occurs in smokers. SCLC spreads rapidly to lymph nodes and other organs — most commonly brain, liver, and bones — often before causing significant lung symptoms.
- Surgery is rarely possible at diagnosis
- Treated with chemotherapy + radiation (limited stage) or chemo + immunotherapy (extensive stage)
Did You Know? 40–50% of Indian NSCLC patients have an EGFR mutation.
Approximately 40 to 50% of Indian patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have an EGFR mutation — a specific gene change that makes the cancer highly sensitive to a daily oral tablet rather than traditional IV chemotherapy. EGFR mutations are particularly common in Indian women and non-smokers with adenocarcinoma. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with NSCLC and molecular testing has not been performed, the treatment plan cannot yet be finalised.
A Distinct Pattern in India
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
One of the most important facts about lung cancer in India — one that no local hospital treatment page adequately addresses: a significant and growing proportion of Indian lung cancer patients are non-smokers, particularly women.
This pattern reflects a specific biology. Adenocarcinoma of the lung — the subtype most common in Indian non-smokers — frequently carries a mutation in the EGFR gene. EGFR mutations occur in approximately 40 to 50% of Indian NSCLC patients, compared to around 15% in Western populations. These mutations arise independently of smoking; they are a result of how the cancer cell's growth signalling has gone wrong, not a consequence of tobacco exposure.
For patients and families: if you are a non-smoker diagnosed with lung cancer — or if you know someone who is — this is not medically unusual in India. It does not mean the diagnosis is wrong. And crucially, non-smoker lung adenocarcinoma with an EGFR mutation responds dramatically better to targeted tablet treatment than to traditional chemotherapy. This is why molecular testing is essential before any treatment decision — and a cornerstone of how CION delivers EGFR mutation lung cancer treatment in Hyderabad.
When to Seek Evaluation
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Early-stage lung cancer usually causes no symptoms — most early cancers are found incidentally on a chest X-ray or CT scan done for another reason. When symptoms do appear, they commonly include:
Persistent new cough — lasting more than 3 weeks, or a change in the character of a long-standing cough
Coughing up blood — or blood-streaked sputum; even a small amount warrants immediate evaluation
Unexplained breathlessness — or progressive worsening of shortness of breath
Persistent chest pain — often worsened by breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing
Unexplained weight loss — and reduced appetite
Persistent hoarseness — or change in voice
Recurring chest infections — pneumonia or bronchitis that keeps coming back in the same part of the lung
Persistent fatigue — and loss of energy not explained by other causes
For SCLC and advanced NSCLC, symptoms from spread to other organs may appear first: headache, bone pain, jaundice, or swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone. Any of these symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks warrants a chest CT and specialist evaluation.
What Increases the Risk
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
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Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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How We Diagnose Lung Cancer
How Lung Cancer is Diagnosed at CION
A complete diagnostic work-up has four parts. Each step informs the next — and together they give us the molecular and anatomical detail needed to plan treatment correctly the first time.
1
Chest CT Scan
A CT scan of the chest is the primary imaging investigation for suspected lung cancer. It shows the size, location, and characteristics of the lung mass, involvement of lymph nodes in the chest, and whether the tumour is pressing on any airway or blood vessels. CT findings guide the choice of biopsy method.
2
Biopsy — the Essential Test
A tissue sample is essential to confirm the diagnosis and provide enough tissue for molecular testing. Three biopsy methods depending on tumour location: CT-guided needle biopsy for peripheral (outer lung) tumours; bronchoscopy with biopsy for tumours near the central airways; and EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) to biopsy lymph nodes in the chest without open surgery.
3
PET-CT for Staging
Once lung cancer is confirmed, a PET-CT scan identifies all active tumour sites — in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and elsewhere — providing the most accurate staging for treatment planning. Arranged through CION's specialist imaging referral network, starting from ₹9,999 to ₹16,000.
4
Brain MRI
For NSCLC and SCLC patients at risk of brain spread, an MRI of the brain is performed as part of staging — to check for brain metastases that would change the treatment plan. Standard for all SCLC and all Stage III–IV NSCLC patients at CION.
The Most Important Step Before Treatment
Molecular Testing — Before Any Lung Cancer Treatment
This is the most important message on this page, and one that is inadequately explained by every local competitor: a pathology report confirming 'non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma' is not sufficient information to begin treatment. It is the starting point.
Why does this matter so urgently? Because starting chemotherapy in a patient with an EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 mutation — before testing for these — delays the patient from receiving a treatment that is far more effective and far better tolerated. CION's oncology team arranges the complete molecular testing panel from the biopsy tissue as a standard, mandatory step before any treatment plan is finalised for advanced NSCLC.
Staging & Survival
NSCLC Staging and 5-Year Survival
NSCLC is staged using the AJCC TNM system. Stage at diagnosis is the most important prognostic factor. Most patients in India are diagnosed at Stage III or IV — emphasising the value of screening CT for high-risk individuals.
| Stage | Tumour Extent | Lymph Nodes / Spread | 5-Year Survival | Primary Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Tumour confined to lung, ≤5cm | No lymph node involvement | 60–90% | Surgery (lobectomy / VATS); SBRT if inoperable |
| Stage II | Larger tumour or local spread | Hilar nodes or local chest wall | 40–60% | Surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy; SBRT if inoperable |
| Stage IIIA | Mediastinal nodes, same side | Ipsilateral mediastinal nodes | 20–35% | Concurrent chemoradiation; surgery for selected cases |
| Stage IIIB/C | Extensive mediastinal / supraclavicular nodes | Both sides or supraclavicular nodes | 10–20% | Concurrent chemoradiation + durvalumab |
| Stage IV | Distant metastases (lungs, liver, bones, brain) | Distant spread | 5–20% | Targeted therapy (if EGFR/ALK/ROS1) OR immunotherapy ± chemotherapy |
* 5-year survival estimates reflect modern molecular-testing-guided treatment for NSCLC. Stage IV survival is dramatically better in patients with targetable mutations on appropriate targeted therapy than in those without.
Did You Know? Not every patient with advanced lung cancer benefits from immunotherapy.
EGFR-mutated NSCLC — one of the most common types in Indian patients — responds poorly to immunotherapy medicines. These patients need their EGFR TKI tablet, not immunotherapy. Before any systemic treatment begins for advanced NSCLC, molecular testing must be completed to identify whether an EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or other mutation is present. If you have been offered immunotherapy for NSCLC without prior molecular testing, request the molecular panel results before starting treatment.
Lung Cancer Surgery in Hyderabad
Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Cancer
For patients with Stage I and Stage II NSCLC who are fit for surgery, surgical removal offers the best chance of cure. The standard operation is a lobectomy — removal of the affected lobe of the lung (each lung has 2 to 3 lobes). Smaller operations (segmentectomy or wedge resection) remove less lung tissue and are used for very small tumours or patients with reduced lung function.
VATS — Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is the modern standard for lobectomy in eligible patients. Instead of a large incision, the surgeon uses 2 to 3 small cuts and a camera to remove the lobe. Compared to traditional open chest surgery, VATS results in significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay (2 to 4 days vs 5 to 7), faster return to normal activities, and fewer complications. CION's surgical oncology team evaluates every early-stage lung cancer patient for VATS eligibility.
Before surgery, mediastinal lymph nodes are assessed to confirm Stage I or II status — most commonly using EBUS (a camera with ultrasound that samples the lymph nodes between the lungs without open surgery). If lymph nodes contain cancer, surgery alone is not the appropriate treatment.
A Curative Option Without Surgery
SBRT — Lung Cancer Treatment Without Surgery
Not every patient with early-stage lung cancer can safely undergo surgery. Reasons include significant heart or lung disease, other serious medical conditions, advanced age, or patient preference. For these patients, stereotactic body radiation therapy — known as SBRT — offers cure rates that are comparable to surgery for appropriately selected tumours.
SBRT delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation beams from multiple angles, all converging precisely on the lung tumour. The surrounding normal lung tissue receives minimal radiation because the beams disperse outside the target. Unlike conventional radiation — which is given over 5 to 6 weeks — SBRT for lung cancer is completed in 3 to 5 sessions over 1 to 2 weeks. Patients are treated as outpatients; no anaesthesia or hospital admission is required.
SBRT is one of CION's most important radiation oncology services for lung cancer — offering a curative option to patients who would previously have had no curative treatment available. For early-stage lung tumours under approximately 5cm and not involving the main bronchus, SBRT achieves local control rates of 85 to 95% at 3 years.
Stage III Lung Cancer
Locally Advanced Lung Cancer — Concurrent Chemoradiation
For Stage III NSCLC — where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest but not to distant organs — the standard treatment combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy given simultaneously. This combination is significantly more effective than either treatment alone. Radiation is delivered over 6 weeks (5 days per week), while chemotherapy infusions are given at intervals during the radiation course.
After completion of concurrent chemoradiation, eligible patients whose cancer has not progressed receive a year of treatment with a targeted immunotherapy medicine (durvalumab) that helps the immune system maintain long-term control — dramatically improving the proportion of Stage III patients who remain disease-free. CION's multidisciplinary team plans the radiation and chemotherapy sequence together before treatment begins.
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad — EGFR Mutation
Stage IV NSCLC with EGFR Mutation — the Tablet Treatment
For the approximately 40 to 50% of Indian NSCLC patients whose tumour carries an EGFR mutation, the treatment is fundamentally different from chemotherapy. A class of medicines called EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) — given as once-daily oral tablets — specifically block the abnormal EGFR protein that is driving cancer growth.
The current first-line standard is a third-generation EGFR TKI called osimertinib. In clinical trials, osimertinib achieved a median progression-free survival of 18 months and significantly improved overall survival compared to older EGFR TKIs. For the most common EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletion and L858R point mutation), response rates exceed 75 to 80%.
What this means for a patient's life: treatment is a tablet taken once daily at home; clinic visits are needed for blood tests and scans every 6 to 8 weeks but not for infusions; most patients continue working and living normally during treatment; nausea and hair loss are not typical side effects. When osimertinib eventually stops working (typically after 1 to 2 years), further molecular testing identifies the resistance mechanism and guides the next treatment option.
Stage IV NSCLC without Driver Mutations
Immunotherapy & PD-L1 Testing
For NSCLC patients whose tumour does not carry an EGFR, ALK, or other targetable mutation, the treatment decision is guided by PD-L1 testing. PD-L1 is a protein on the surface of cancer cells that acts like a disguise — tricking the immune system into not attacking. Immunotherapy medicines block this disguise. The PD-L1 test measures what percentage of cancer cells carry this protein — and that percentage determines what treatment works best.
PD-L1 ≥ 50%
PD-L1 High
Immunotherapy alone is highly effective and is given as a standalone treatment without chemotherapy. Around 25 to 30% of NSCLC patients fall into this category. Response rates of 45 to 50%, with durable responses in many patients.
PD-L1 1–49%
PD-L1 Intermediate or Low
Immunotherapy combined with platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard. The combination outperforms chemotherapy alone and is the recommended first-line approach in this group.
PD-L1 < 1%
PD-L1 Negative
Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy remains effective. Immunotherapy alone is less likely to work as a single agent — combination is preferred.
Critical point: EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients should NOT receive immunotherapy as their primary treatment. EGFR-mutated tumours respond poorly to immunotherapy and excellent responses are achieved with EGFR TKIs. Testing first — and treating based on the molecular result — is the only way to ensure each patient receives the treatment most likely to help them.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
SCLC — Chemotherapy-Based Treatment
Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15% of lung cancers, occurs almost exclusively in smokers, and grows quickly. Despite its aggressiveness, SCLC initially responds well to chemotherapy — and combined with radiation or immunotherapy, can be controlled effectively.
Confined to one side of chest
Limited-Stage SCLC
Confined to one side of the chest and can be encompassed within a radiation treatment field. Despite the localised extent, surgery is rarely used because SCLC almost always has microscopic spread. Standard treatment is concurrent chemotherapy and radiation over 3 to 4 weeks.
- Complete response in ~80% of limited-stage patients
- Prophylactic brain radiation given to complete-responders to reduce risk of brain spread
Spread beyond one hemithorax
Extensive-Stage SCLC
Has spread beyond one side of the chest — to both sides of the chest, distant lymph nodes, or other organs. Treatment is systemic: platinum-based chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy for 4 cycles, followed by maintenance immunotherapy.
- Combination significantly improves response and survival vs chemo alone
- Radiation to chest or brain used for symptom control in selected patients
Tumour Board for Every Patient
Every Lung Cancer Case Reviewed by a Specialist Team
Lung cancer management requires medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, and molecular diagnostics working together from diagnosis. At CION, every lung cancer case is reviewed before treatment begins.
CT chest reviewed — tumour location, lymph node assessment, surgical feasibility
PET-CT staging arranged — through CION's specialist imaging referral network (₹9,999–₹16,000)
Brain MRI completed for all NSCLC Stage III–IV and all SCLC patients
Biopsy method selected — CT-guided needle, bronchoscopy, or EBUS based on tumour location
Molecular testing panel arranged — EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, MET, KRAS, NTRK, PD-L1 from biopsy tissue; treatment not started until results available
EGFR / ALK / ROS1 mutation positive → appropriate oral targeted tablet initiated
No driver mutation → PD-L1 guides immunotherapy vs chemo-immunotherapy decision
Stage I–II → VATS surgery assessment; SBRT for inoperable patients
Stage III → concurrent chemoradiation with consolidation immunotherapy for eligible patients
SCLC → chemo-immunotherapy for extensive stage; concurrent chemoradiation for limited stage
Brain metastases → SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) coordinated for eligible patients
NCCN and ESMO protocol adherence — digital coordination across all 7 Hyderabad locations
Why Choose CION
Why Patients Choose CION for Lung Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad
15,000+ patients treated across the CION network — India's fastest-growing cancer care network
7 locations across Hyderabad — Kukatpally, Kompally, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, MasabTank, L.B. Nagar, Banjara Hills
5-Star NABH-accredited cancer care institutes — independently audited quality
NCCN and ESMO protocol adherence across NSCLC and SCLC
PET-CT staging through CION's specialist imaging referral network (₹9,999–₹16,000)
Dedicated Second Opinion service — particularly for patients whose treatment plan has not been guided by molecular testing
EMI facility — flexible payment options for all patients; cashless empanelment with all major TPAs
4.8 / 5 rating across 1,000+ patient reviews on Google
35+ centres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — coordinated network for travel-distant patients
Transparent Costs
Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Treatment costs vary significantly by stage, type, and whether targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy is the appropriate approach. A personalised cost estimate is provided following your initial CION consultation.
| Treatment / Investigation | Approx. Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CT Chest (with contrast) | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Diagnostic imaging; essential first step |
| CT-Guided Needle Biopsy | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 | Tissue for diagnosis and molecular testing |
| Molecular Testing Panel (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, PD-L1, full panel) | ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 | Mandatory before treatment for advanced NSCLC |
| PET-CT Scan (staging) | ₹9,999 – ₹16,000 | Through CION's specialist imaging referral network |
| VATS Lobectomy (early-stage surgery) | ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | Minimally invasive; 3–5 day hospital stay |
| SBRT for Inoperable Lung Cancer (3–5 sessions) | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Outpatient; curative intent for early-stage |
| EGFR TKI Tablet Therapy (osimertinib, per month) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Ongoing; generics available at lower cost; patient assistance programmes exist |
| Immunotherapy (per 3-week cycle) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | For advanced NSCLC without driver mutations |
| Chemo-Immunotherapy (per 3-week cycle) | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Combination for intermediate/low PD-L1 |
| Concurrent Chemoradiation (Stage III, full course) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | 6-week radiation + chemotherapy infusions |
| SCLC Chemotherapy (per 3-week cycle) | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Platinum-based doublet for limited/extensive stage |
Costs are indicative. Targeted therapy costs may be reduced through generic medicines and patient assistance programmes from manufacturers. Financial support: EMI facility available for all patients; CION works with all major TPAs for cashless hospitalisation.
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FAQs
Lung Cancer Treatment — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks or a change in a long-standing cough; coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum; unexplained breathlessness; persistent chest pain worsened by breathing or coughing; unexplained weight loss; persistent hoarseness; and recurring chest infections in the same part of the lung. Early-stage lung cancer typically causes no symptoms — which is why chest CT screening is recommended for high-risk individuals (heavy smokers aged 50 to 80). Any of these symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks should prompt a chest CT and specialist evaluation.
Can lung cancer occur in non-smokers?
Yes — and in India, it is more common than in Western countries. Approximately 40 to 50% of Indian NSCLC patients carry an EGFR gene mutation, which occurs independently of smoking and is particularly common in non-smoking women with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Non-smoking lung cancer can also be caused by radon gas exposure, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and — in some cases — no identifiable cause. The diagnosis is not a mistake. More importantly, EGFR-mutated lung cancer responds dramatically better to daily targeted tablet treatment than to chemotherapy, making it one of the more treatable advanced lung cancer presentations.
What is the difference between NSCLC and SCLC?
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of lung cancers. It grows more slowly than SCLC, is often diagnosed before it has spread widely, and includes several subtypes (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma). NSCLC treatment is guided by molecular testing — targetable mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1) and PD-L1 expression determine whether targeted tablets, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy is most effective. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% of cases, occurs almost exclusively in smokers, grows very quickly, and has usually spread by the time of diagnosis. SCLC is treated with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (extensive stage) or concurrent chemoradiation (limited stage).
What is EGFR mutation in lung cancer?
EGFR is a protein on the surface of cells that acts as a growth signal receptor. In some lung cancers — particularly adenocarcinoma in Indian non-smokers — the EGFR gene develops a mutation that permanently switches on this growth signal, driving cancer proliferation. This is found in approximately 40 to 50% of Indian NSCLC patients. The critical importance: a daily oral tablet (EGFR TKI, most commonly osimertinib) specifically blocks this abnormal switch. Response rates exceed 75% and these medicines are significantly better tolerated than IV chemotherapy. Molecular testing on the biopsy identifies whether the EGFR mutation is present.
What is immunotherapy for lung cancer?
Immunotherapy medicines help the immune system recognise and attack lung cancer cells. They work by blocking a protein called PD-L1 on the cancer cell surface — which cancer uses as a disguise to hide from immune detection. When this disguise is blocked, immune cells can find and destroy the cancer. Immunotherapy is used in advanced NSCLC patients without EGFR, ALK, or other targetable mutations. PD-L1 testing on the biopsy determines eligibility: high PD-L1 expression means immunotherapy alone is highly effective; lower expression means combination with chemotherapy is preferred. EGFR-mutated NSCLC generally does not respond well to immunotherapy.
What is SBRT for lung cancer?
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a precise radiation treatment for early-stage lung cancer in patients who cannot undergo surgery. It delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation beams from multiple angles simultaneously, all converging on the lung tumour. Treatment is completed in 3 to 5 sessions over 1 to 2 weeks as an outpatient, with no anaesthesia or hospital admission. Cure rates for appropriately selected early-stage lung cancer treated with SBRT are comparable to surgery. SBRT is particularly valuable for patients with heart or lung disease, advanced age, or other conditions that increase surgical risk.
Is lung cancer curable?
Early-stage lung cancer (Stage I and II) is curable in 60 to 90% of patients with surgery or SBRT. Stage III locally advanced lung cancer can be cured in 15 to 35% of patients with concurrent chemoradiation and consolidation immunotherapy. Stage IV lung cancer is generally not curable but is increasingly controllable for prolonged periods — particularly EGFR-mutated NSCLC, where patients on osimertinib live a median of over 3 years from diagnosis; and ALK-rearranged NSCLC, where median survival with targeted tablets now exceeds 5 to 6 years. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes across all types.
What is the survival rate for lung cancer?
Stage I NSCLC treated with surgery: 60 to 90% 5-year survival. Stage II: 40 to 60%. Stage IIIA: 20 to 35%. Stage IIIB/C: 10 to 20%. Stage IV without targetable mutation: 10 to 20% 5-year survival; median survival 12 to 18 months with chemo-immunotherapy. Stage IV with EGFR mutation on osimertinib: median overall survival approximately 38 months; some patients live significantly longer. Stage IV with ALK rearrangement: median overall survival now exceeding 5 years with modern ALK inhibitors. SCLC limited stage: median survival 15 to 20 months; 15 to 25% alive at 5 years. SCLC extensive stage: median survival 10 to 13 months with chemo-immunotherapy.
What is the cost of lung cancer treatment in Hyderabad?
CT chest: ₹3,000–₹8,000. Molecular testing panel: ₹15,000–₹50,000. PET-CT: ₹9,999–₹16,000 (through CION's imaging referral network). VATS lobectomy: ₹2,50,000–₹6,00,000. SBRT: ₹1,20,000–₹2,50,000. EGFR TKI tablet (osimertinib, monthly): ₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 (generics and patient assistance programmes can reduce this significantly). Immunotherapy per cycle: ₹1,50,000–₹3,00,000. Concurrent chemoradiation (Stage III): ₹2,00,000–₹5,00,000. A personalised estimate is provided after your initial CION consultation. EMI options are available.
Can I get a second opinion for lung cancer?
Absolutely — and for lung cancer, a second opinion is particularly valuable in three situations: if advanced NSCLC treatment has been recommended without prior molecular testing (testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, PD-L1 is mandatory before treatment; without it, the most effective treatment cannot be identified); if immunotherapy has been recommended for NSCLC without confirming that the patient does not have an EGFR mutation (EGFR-positive patients should receive targeted tablets, not immunotherapy); and if an early-stage patient who has been told they cannot have surgery has not been offered SBRT as an alternative curative treatment. CION offers a dedicated Second Opinion service.