Lung tumours Back

Three oncologists from the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland with in-depth knowledge in this discipline are present in the outpatient clinics of the four EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale) hospitals. They guarantee specialist examinations for every patient with a new diagnosis of thoracic cancer. Treatment for advanced adenocarcinoma is defined on the basis of the molecular profile. In the presence of specific genetic alterations, it is possible to opt for molecularly targeted therapies; in other cases, the best choice is innovative immunological therapies, sometimes with combined with chemotherapy.

 

The group of specialists at the Oncological Institute in Lugano, meets weekly in a tumour board with physicians from various services of the EOC (pneumology, thoracic surgery, radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology, pulmonary rehabilitation), for a multidisciplinary discussion the treatments of patients diagnosed with thoracic cancer (lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymoma, lung sarcoma). The most appropriate diagnostic tests are planned, both non-invasive (CT, PET/CT) and invasive (bronchoscopy, EBUS, mediastinoscopy), in order to precisely define the stage of the tumour. Lung cancer surgery is carried out at the Cantonal Thoracic Surgery Service at the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Bellinzona (San Giovanni). 

 

The treatment strategy, which often comprises several specialities (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation) is adapted to the individual patient, taking into account their age, the various concomitant diagnoses and their personal preferences.

 

The Service, located in Bellinzona and Lugano (Ospedale Italiano) offers cutting edge treatments taking advantage of innovative technologies. Stereotactic radiotherapy, a radiotherapy modality carried out at the Ospedale Italiano, enables appropriate patients to be treated with early-stage lung tumours without putting adjacent organs at risk, with results comparable to those of surgery.

 

For information, patients can contact the secretariat of the IOSI outpatient clinics at the Regional Hospitals of Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno and Mendrisio.