Thoracic Tumours

Expert assessment and treatment of thoracic tumours

The Thoracic Tumours Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital specialises in the assessment and medical treatment of cancers affecting the chest, with particular focus on those cases where it is essential to precisely determine the most appropriate treatment option based on the characteristics of the tumour and the clinical situation of each individual.

This group primarily includes lung cancer, as well as other tumours that may affect the pleura, the mediastinum or other thoracic structures. These are conditions that require expert assessment and a holistic approach, capable of rigorously combining the various treatment options.

In this context, the molecular characterisation of the tumour plays a central role, particularly in lung cancer. A detailed understanding of the disease’s biological profile enables the selection of targeted therapies, the assessment of the suitability of immunotherapy, and the adjustment of treatment with a higher degree of precision.

The unit’s objective is not limited to recommending a specific therapy, but rather to establish a comprehensive and individualised strategy based on the extent of the disease, tumour biomarkers, the patient’s general condition and the most appropriate sequence of the various available interventions.

When is an assessment indicated?

Care in this unit is indicated both for people with a confirmed diagnosis of a thoracic tumour and for those with a clinical or radiological suspicion that requires further investigation to guide subsequent management.

In many cases, the complexity lies not only in confirming the diagnosis, but also in deciding which treatment to initiate, at what stage, and using which combination of options. Determining whether the approach should focus on medical treatment, surgery, radiotherapy or a coordinated sequence of various procedures requires a specialist assessment from the outset.

The biological and clinical heterogeneity of these tumours makes an expert assessment particularly important, enabling therapeutic decisions to be made judiciously, proactively and with precision.

Main tumours assessed in the unit

The unit specialises in treating the main tumours of the thoracic region: non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, mediastinal tumours and metastatic disease of thoracic origin.

Each case is assessed individually, taking into account not only tumour control but also the impact of treatment, the expected course of the disease and the need to adjust decisions throughout the care process.

Clinical assessment and treatment planning

The process begins with a detailed clinical assessment that combines histological diagnosis, imaging tests and the analysis of molecular biomarkers. This integrated approach provides a better understanding of the tumour’s behaviour and enables treatment to be determined on a more robust and personalised basis.

Based on this information, the case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee comprising specialists in Medical Oncology, Respiratory Medicine, Thoracic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Pathology.

The approach does not rely on a single intervention, but rather on the most appropriate combination and sequence of different therapeutic options, the planning of which is continuously reviewed in light of the patient’s response and the progression of the disease.

Personalised cancer treatment

Medical treatment is tailored to each individual, taking into account the type of tumour, its molecular profile, the extent of the disease and the patient’s general condition.

It includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies aimed at specific molecular alterations, which are particularly relevant in certain subtypes of lung cancer, where knowledge of the tumour’s biological profile allows for more precise treatment options.

Treatment decisions are based on current scientific evidence and are reviewed on an ongoing basis in light of observed efficacy, tolerability and clinical progression.

Monitoring and assessment of disease progression

Clinical monitoring enables us to assess the response to treatment, detect signs of disease progression and adjust the treatment strategy where necessary.

Follow-up appointments are arranged on an individual basis and enable not only the monitoring of the disease, but also the management of treatment-related side effects and close coordination with the other specialist departments involved.

Support at every stage of the process

A diagnosis of a thoracic tumour often involves complex decisions and periods of great uncertainty. For this reason, alongside cancer treatment, the unit places particular emphasis on clearly explaining the process and providing clinical support throughout all its stages.

From the very first consultation, we take the time needed to explain the clinical situation, the significance of the tests, the treatment options and the expected course of the condition in each individual case.

Open communication, continuity of care and the team’s availability are an essential part of the unit’s care model.