Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common and serious cancers in the U.S., affecting thousands of individuals and families each year—but advances in care are bringing new hope. Thanks to groundbreaking advances in treatment, patients are living longer—and with better quality of life.
At Missouri Cancer Associates, we’re proud to be part of this transformation. Our team is committed to delivering the most advanced care available, tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
A New Era of Lung Cancer Care
In just the past five years, the FDA has approved 26 new therapies for lung cancer. These include powerful new drugs and technologies that are changing how we treat the disease at every stage. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting innovations:
Lung Cancer Screening
Early detection saves lives. Expanded screening criteria now allow more people to qualify for low-dose CT (LDCT) scans, which can catch lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. New tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging techniques are also improving the accuracy of screening and diagnosis.
Diagnostic and Treatment Planning
We use genomic profiling as a standard part of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This helps us identify specific mutations—like EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and others—and match patients with therapies designed to target those mutations directly. These treatments are often more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Advances in Surgical Techniques
For patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), minimally invasive surgeries—such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery—offer faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications.
Immunotherapy Breakthroughs
Immunotherapy helps your body’s own immune system fight cancer. New immunotherapy treatments are being used in both early and advanced stages of lung cancer. And combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy before surgery is showing real promise in improving survival.
Immunotherapy drugs leverage your existing immune system to fight your lung cancer. These treatments can either boost your immune system or change the way it works to target lung cancer cells. Cancer cells can hide from your immune system, causing your natural defense system to remain inactive. Well-known immunotherapy drugs include KEYTRUDA® and OPDIVO®, both of which work by activating your immune system so it can recognize and identify cancer cells that are hiding.
Bispecific Therapies
Bispecific therapies are considered highly promising for lung cancer treatment because they offer a unique ability to target two different cancer-driving mechanisms at once, improving treatment effectiveness and helping overcome resistance to traditional therapies. These therapies work by linking immune cells to cancer cells, helping your body’s natural defenses find and attack the tumor more accurately, making treatment more effective and lowering the chance of the cancer coming back.
Advanced Radiation Technology
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) delivers high-dose radiation with pinpoint accuracy. It’s now being combined with immunotherapy to boost effectiveness—especially in patients who aren’t candidates for surgery.
Clinical Trials & Cutting-Edge Research
Through our partnership with SCRI’s clinical trials program, patients at Missouri Cancer Associates have the latest investigational therapies. This means you may be eligible for treatments not yet available elsewhere—giving you a powerful advantage in your care.
“These are clinical studies that are typically available in major hospital systems in large cities, but Missouri Cancer Associates is able to offer it right here in Columbia, MO,” said Dr. Alexander Tungesvik. “These are leading-edge treatments we’re able to offer close to home, where the patient can have the support of their family and friends.
At Missouri Cancer Associates, we believe that every patient deserves a treatment plan that’s as unique as they are. Our team works closely with you and your loved ones to ensure seamless, compassionate care—from diagnosis through survivorship.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or are considering new treatment paths, our team is here to support and guide you through every stage of your journey.