Choosing a highly rated lung cancer treatment center can be an arduous process. A final decision should be based not only on a center's rating, but also personal considerations. Some facilities are teaching hospitals. Some are located in large urban areas while others are small facilities. In the United States, the National Cancer Institute gives special recognition to a group of 66 facilities that provide "scientific excellence" in the treatment of cancer. According to the NCI, the chosen centers are peer-reviewed every three to five years and receive research funding through NCI grants. Of the 66 designated treatment facilities, 59 provide patient care while the rest focus on research.
Mayo Clinic
Each year, the Mayo Clinic treats 1,500 new lung cancer patients. There are two types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. About 85 percent of lung cancer patients have the non-small cell type, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. Located in Rochester, Minn., the Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive array of cancer treatment options. The facility takes a team approach to treatment, combining oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and other health care professionals. Although surgeons at Mayo Clinic perform more than 1,000 surgeries each year on lung cancer patients, surgery is not the only treatment option. Mayo Clinic patients also have access to clinical trials and experimental therapies.
Fox Chase
Fox Chase is based in Philadelphia. The facility specializes in complex lung cancer cases, patients with recurrent cases and inoperable lung cancer. Fox Chase offers a personalized approach to treatment. A patient's tumors are closely monitored to determine any response to chemotherapy drugs. Pathologists are an integral part of the treatment team, closely monitoring malignant lesions. Like the Mayo Clinic, Fox Chase offers patients access to clinical trials.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Based in New York City, Memorial Sloan-Kettering has a large team of radiation oncologists, surgeons and pathologists dedicated to treating lung cancer patients. Memorial-Sloan features the Integrative Cancer Treatment Center, responsible for treating not only the physical, but also the emotional trauma associated with cancer. The center offers homeopathic treatment, acupuncture, touch and creative therapies. Memorial Sloan also provides more traditional treatment, including video-assisted thoracic surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
