Non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, according to MedlinePlus, is the most common form of lung cancer. Squamous cell is one of the three types of NSCLC and often occurs in the middle of the lung near a large airway, or bronchus. The College of American Pathologists reports that this lung cancer is slower growing and that most cases arise from smoking. The cancer is classified as stage IV when tumors have spread beyond the lungs to other tissues such as the liver, brain and bone.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs toxic to the cancer cells. The chemotherapy drugs will spread through the body, slowing the growth of the cancer and reducing pain. The National Cancer Institute states that no single chemotherapy medication has been recommended for squamous cell lung cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that for squamous cell lung cancer, the targeted drugs bevacizumab and cetuximab are FDA approved for use with chemotherapy.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses focused beams of radiation to destroy the cancer cells. This therapy shrinks the tumors and helps to relieve the symptoms, such as breathlessness, of advanced cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, tumors that have spread from the lung to the brain can be treated with radiation therapy.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers, drugs activated by light from a laser. Fiber optics are used to direct the light inside the lungs. The National Cancer Institute notes that when the photosensitizer drug is activated, it releases a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells. Different photosensitizer drugs are activated by different wavelengths of light, allowing for tailored therapy depending on where the cancer is located. Doctors often use photodynamic therapy along with chemotherapy and radiation.
Clinical Trials
The American Cancer Society cautions that treatments are unlikely to cure stage four NSCLC lung cancer, and notes that clinical trials using experimental treatments might be an option.
