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Is radiation the last treatment option?

Page last modified on: August 15, 2008
Question from EZguest113: My mother has been told that because her platelets are shot they can no longer do chemotherapy (small cell lung cancer). She will be starting radiation. And she is afraid that radiation is the end....is it? What happens if the radiation doesn't work?
Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Radiation therapy is an important and effective treatment for many types of cancers, including lung cancer. It's best to wait for her blood count to return closer to normal before starting. Her doctor may recommend Neumega, a medication that boosts platelet counts.

On Wednesday, June 14, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Easing Breast Cancer Fears. Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about managing emotional effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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