Lung Cancer Center

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the U.S. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, turn to the lung cancer experts at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. Our team of experts offers the people of South Jersey innovative, compassionate lung cancer care.

Why Choose MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper for Lung Cancer Care?

At MD Anderson at Cooper, people with lung cancer have access to advanced treatment options for lung cancer. You benefit from our:

• Advanced diagnostic capabilities: Accurate diagnosis is a crucial part of deciding on a treatment plan. MD Anderson at Cooper uses advanced imaging and biopsy technologies, including PET-CT, MRI, and interventional pulmonary procedures, and genomic testing of any identified tumors to diagnose and stage lung cancer.
• Leading cancer care expertise: MD Anderson at Cooper physicians are experts and specially trained in caring for patients with lung cancer. We offer innovative treatment options not available elsewhere.
• Team approach to treatment: At MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, doctors from a variety of specialties work together on your care. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, and other professionals meet weekly to discuss each patient's case and determine a personalized treatment plan.
• Timely access to care: We understand that when it comes to cancer, timely care matters. Patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer can see a cancer specialist within 48 hours. Our team also works together to coordinate appointments and care across specialists to facilitate streamlined, coordinated care.
• Dedicated nurse navigator: Our skilled nurse navigator will guide you through the cancer care process. In addition to answering your questions, educating you about your treatment, they can help you schedule appointments and connect you to our supportive care services.
• Full range of support services: A lung cancer diagnosis can impact many parts of your life. We offer a wealth of support services to help you through lung cancer treatment and recovery, such as behavioral medicine, complementary medicine, and nutrition counseling.  You also have access to social work services, support groups, education programs, financial counseling, and palliative care. Explore our cancer care support services.

How Your Care Is Coordinated

Patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of experts who work together to guide every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. From your first appointment through follow-up care, our specialists coordinate your care based on your unique needs.

• Diagnosis and staging: Advanced imaging, biopsy procedures, pathology, and genomic testing help determine the type and stage of your lung cancer.
• Collaborative expertise: Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, palliative medicine specialists, and supportive care teams work together to plan and implement your care.
• Care planning: Specialists from multiple disciplines review your case together to develop a coordinated, personalized treatment plan.
• Personalized treatment: Treatment recommendations are tailored to you based on your type and stage  of your lung cancer, your overall health, and your individual goals.
• Coordinated care: Appointments, testing, and consultations are coordinated across your care team to help streamline your care and reduce delays in treatment.
• Supportive services: Patients and families have access to nutrition counseling, tobacco cessation support, complementary medicine, financial counseling, palliative care, and other supportive services throughout the treatment journey and recovery.

Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Treatment

Many lung cancer treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper are designed to effectively treat cancer while reducing the impact on the body. Using advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques and highly targeted therapies, our team focuses on helping patients recover more quickly.

• Less pain: Smaller incisions and minimally invasive approaches may help reduce pain after procedures.
• Shorter hospital stays: Many patients experience shorter hospital stays and return home sooner.
• Faster recovery: Minimally invasive treatment can support faster recovery and a quicker return to daily activities.
• Precise treatment: Advanced technologies help target cancer more precisely while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

Our team offers a full range of advanced treatment options tailored to each patient’s type and stage of lung cancer.

Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the type (small cell or non-small cell) and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options vary depending on whether the cancer is localized, regional, or metastatic.

Treatments for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) include:

•  Removal of the cancerous lung tissue (wedge resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy). Our thoracic surgery team uses advanced robotic surgery and video-assisted surgical techniques which results in less pain and a faster recovery after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Medications administered through IV or orally to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Lung cancer tumors are destroyed using beams of high energy. Two of the most common approaches to radiation treatment for lung cancer are:
  • Intensity-modulate radiotherapy (IMRT): Treatment is tailored to the specific shape of the tumor. This type of radiation is commonly used to treat cancers that have invaded nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): High doses of radiation delivered with several beams at various intensities and angles to precisely target the tumor.
  • MRI guided radiation treatment - ultra-precise targeting that treats only the tumor without damaging normal, healthy tissue.
• Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific genetic mutations in cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells
• Angiogenesis inhibitors: These drugs cut off the blood supply to certain disrupt the growth process of the tumor. They are used in combination with chemotherapy or other treatments.

Treatments for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) include:

• Chemotherapy: Usually combined with radiation therapy
• Radiation therapy: To shrink the tumor and relieve symptoms
• Targeted therapy: In some cases, for specific genetic mutations
• Angiogenesis inhibitors: These drugs cut off the blood supply to certain disrupt the growth process of the tumor. They are used in combination with chemotherapy or other treatments.

Advanced Technology for Lung Cancer Care

Advanced technology plays an important role in diagnosing and treatment lung cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. Our specialists use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to help detect cancer earlier, guide treatment decisions, and deliver more precise, personalized care.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging technologists, including computed tomography (CT), PET-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help physicians detect lung cancer, determine its stage, and guide treatment planning. These tools provide detailed images that support earlier detection and more accurate diagnosis.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches

Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, including robot-assisted surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), to treat lung cancer. These approaches use smaller incisions and may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less impact on the body.

Genetic and Molecular Testing

Genetic and molecular testing helps identify specific changes within lung cancer cells that may affect how the cancer behaves or responds to treatment. This information helps physicians recommend more targeted and personalized treatment options for each patient.

Lung Cancer Screening

For those with a significant smoking history, lung cancer screening can save your life.

Screening Eligibility Criteria

• Men and women 50-80 years of age
• Who are current smokers, or former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years
• And have a 20 pack-year smoking history (For example, one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years).

Lung cancer screening (using a low-dose CT scan) can catch lung cancer early when they are most treatable.  The test is quick (15 - 20 minutes), easy (no dyes, or pre-test preparation), and convenient (we have several locations throughout South Jersey). Most insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings for people who meet the screening criteria. To schedule a lung cancer screening appointment call: 855.632.2667.

If you don't have coverage for lung cancer screening, we can help. Our Cancer Outreach, Education and Screening Program offers no-cost cancer screening services for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Call 856.968.7322 and speak with a member of our cancer outreach team. 

Meet the Team