Understanding Lung Cancer Metastasis to Adrenal Gland

Prof. Dr. Sridhar Papaiah Susheela stands out as a preeminent radiation oncologist in India, boasting over 19 years of experience in the field. Renowned for his expertise in cutting-edge radiation technologies such as CyberKnife Treatment – Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), TomoTherapy, and chemoradiotherapy.

Dr. Sridhar is a specialist in treating a wide range of cancers, including lung, prostate, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic cancers, in their metastasis stages as well. In this blog, Prof. Dr. Sridhar PS shares valuable information on lung cancer metastasizing to the adrenal glands and the treatment options for lung cancer patients and their caregivers.

Dr. Sridhar offer CyberKnife treatment in India to patients who are suffering from lung cancer metastasis to adrenal gland.

As Dr Sridhar wishes to respond to some of the most frequently asked questions related to lung cancer metastasizing to the adrenal glands –

What does lung cancer metastasizing to the adrenal glands mean?

Lung cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland happens when cancer cells break away from a tumor in the lung. These cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the adrenal gland, which is located above the kidney.

Once there, these cancer cells start to grow, forming new tumors in the adrenal gland. This process can affect how the adrenal gland works and may cause health problems. It’s important to detect and treat this early for the best outcome.

What is the likelihood of lung cancer metastasizing to the adrenal glands?

Lung cancer metastasizes to the adrenal glands in a significant number of cases, although the exact likelihood can vary. It’s one of the more common sites for lung cancer metastasis and leads to cancer-related death.

Studies suggest that about 40% to 50% of lung cancer patients develop metastasis at some stage of their illness. The adrenal gland is one of the common sites for metastasis, along with the brain, bones, and liver.

Is there a cure for lung cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland?

Complete cure can be challenging, especially in advanced stages. However, treatments can control the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. In some cases, especially when detected early, long-term remission is possible.

As a radiation oncologist, which treatment would you recommend to treat lung cancer metastasizing to the adrenal glands?

As a radiation oncologist, lung cancer metastasis to adrenal gland treatment includes CyberKnife procedure as a highly effective option. This advanced form of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) allows for the delivery of highly precise, high-dose radiation to the cancerous area while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The other treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each person’s treatment is different, based on their specific needs and health conditions.

Can you explain the procedure of Cyberknife treatment in such cases?

CyberKnife treatment for adrenal gland metastasis from lung cancer involves a non-invasive, high-precision form of radiation therapy. I am sharing the outline of the procedure in detail –

1. Initial Consultation and Planning:
   • The treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and current health status.
   • Imaging studies, such as CT, MRI, or PET scans, are conducted to locate the adrenal metastasis and plan the treatment precisely.
2. Treatment Planning:
   • A specialized team, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists, use the imaging data to design a customized treatment plan.
   • This plan determines the exact dosage of radiation and the angles from which the CyberKnife will target the tumor.
3. Fiducial Placement (If Required):
   • In some cases, tiny markers called fiducials may be placed near the tumor to help guide the CyberKnife system. However, fiducial placement is not always necessary as the CyberKnife system can often track tumors directly.
4. Customized Immobilization:
   • To ensure patient comfort and maintain the correct position during treatment, custom immobilization devices may be used.
5. CyberKnife Treatment Sessions:

• During treatment, the patient lies on a treatment table while the CyberKnife machine’s robotic arm moves around them, delivering high-dose radiation to the adrenal metastasis.
• The CyberKnife system continuously adjusts for any movement, including breathing, to maintain precise targeting.
• Treatment is usually painless and doesn’t require anaesthesia. Each session lasts 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the case’s complexity.

6. Number of Sessions:
   • The entire treatment is typically completed in 1 to 5 sessions over consecutive days or a week, significantly shorter than conventional radiation therapy schedules.
7. Post-Treatment Care:
   • After completing the CyberKnife treatment, follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s response to the therapy.
   • Additional imaging tests may be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
8. Recovery:

• Most patients can return to their normal activities almost immediately after treatment, with minimal downtime.

CyberKnife therapy offers a highly effective, targeted approach for treating adrenal gland metastasis, with the advantage of minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing the side effects often associated with traditional radiation therapy.

Can you elaborate on the scope of lung cancer treatment in India?

The landscape of lung cancer treatment has evolved significantly. Patients have access to the latest in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, all of which are available at specialized cancer centers staffed by experienced oncologists.

A notable advancement in this realm is the CyberKnife treatment, a state-of-the-art form of stereotactic radiosurgery. This technology offers a non-invasive, highly precise option for treating lung cancer, including cases with metastasis, by delivering focused radiation doses to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Lung cancer treatment in Bangalore including Cyberknife treatment is available at HCG Hospital, Bangalore and at HCG Hospital Colaba, where he is the Head of CyberKnife Treatment in Mumbai. He is also associated with the International Clinical Services at the hospital.

What is the survival rate for metastatic adrenal cancer?

The survival rate for lung cancer that has metastasized to the adrenal gland varies widely. It depends on factors like the cancer’s stage, the patient’s overall health, and the response to treatment. It’s generally lower compared to non-metastatic lung cancer.

 How do symptoms of adrenal gland metastasis differ from other types of lung cancer metastases?

Symptoms of adrenal gland metastasis from lung cancer can differ from other types of lung cancer metastases due to the unique function and location of the adrenal glands.

I am elaborating the key differences for clarity purposes in the following manner.

Location-Specific Symptoms:

Adrenal glands are located in the kidneys. They produce vital hormones. When lung cancer spreads to the adrenal glands, it can affect hormone production, leading to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. This is less common with metastases to other organs.

Adrenal Gland Metastasis:

May cause abdominal pain, back pain, or symptoms related to adrenal insufficiency like fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, and skin changes.

I wish to highlight that adrenal metastases can be asymptomatic in the early stages when compared to metastases to other organs. For instance, brain or bone metastases often present early symptoms due to their impact on neurological function or bone structure.

Other Metastases (e.g., Brain, Bones, Liver): Symptoms depend on the metastasis site. For example,

• Brain metastases can cause headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits
• Bone metastases might cause bone pain or fractures
• Liver metastases could lead to abdominal pain, jaundice, or liver function abnormalities.

Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of lung cancer metastasis, as it guides the choice of diagnostic tests and informs treatment decisions.

Can lifestyle changes impact the prognosis of lung cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland?

While lifestyle changes alone cannot cure cancer, they can support overall health and may improve the effectiveness of treatments. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can positively affect a patient’s overall well-being and treatment response.

Committed to staying at the forefront of cancer research and treatment advancements, Dr. Sridhar ensures that his patients receive the highest quality care, aligned with international standards. He is also actively involved in various social causes and is passionate about cancer prevention, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and treatment. His dedication to his field and patients makes him a distinguished figure in radiation oncology in India.

In conclusion, understanding lung cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland is key for effective treatment. Although prognosis varies, advancements in medical care are improving outcomes. Early detection and individualized treatment plans are essential. Regular check-ups and staying informed about health are vital in managing this condition.

Reference Links

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer

https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/22548/html