Lung cancer treatment options are advancing at a rapid pace, with more effective medications and procedures available today than even two years ago. WashU Medicine physicians and researchers at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine are responsible for many of those lung cancer breakthroughs – through early and accurate detection, accelerated research and clinical trials, and constant pursuit of new treatments only available here.
If you have had an abnormal chest CT, a lung nodule, lung screening concern, or referral from a pulmonologist, the best first step is to talk with a care coordinator at Siteman Cancer Center.
Our specialists at WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare who treat lung disease focus only on the lung – with expert imaging, advanced pulmonology, and teams that bring together all disciplines of cancer care. We make sure you have an accurate diagnosis quickly, so you can understand what it means for you – and have the right next steps.
Clinical Trials Increase Quality of Life
Siteman-led lung cancer clinical trials have increased survivability and quality of life for participants. Today, the new breakthrough drug that exploits genentic mutations is FDA approved.
Why Choose Siteman for Lung Cancer
The most promising options for lung cancer and thoracic tumors in the world are happening at Siteman Cancer Center – making us known as the best Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region for lung cancer.
Our seminal research has defined how oncologists understand the disease, and we offer every treatment available for lung cancer care. That’s why more than 1,000 new patients diagnosed with lung cancer and thoracic tumors choose Siteman each year.
With the region’s largest thoracic tumor board, we have an experienced and nationally recognized multidisciplinary team of WashU Medicine medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, radiologists, pulmonologists and pathologists who collaborate to identify the very best treatment option for each patient.
Our unique team approach combines WashU Medicine physicians and researchers with the expertise of BJC HealthCare, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital to create thorough, multidisciplinary care. That means, you will have many experts caring for you, not just one. That makes your care different at Siteman Cancer Center.
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
Research and Clinical Trials at Siteman
Every cancer treatment we use today was tested in a clinical trial first. Siteman Cancer Center offers clinical trials that are not available anywhere else. We lead the region in unique clinical trials, so you have more options and the most recent research.
WashU Medicine consistently has 35+ leading-edge clinical trials available for patients diagnosed with thoracic cancer like lung cancer.
Siteman Cancer Center is investing more in basic, translation, and clinical research than nearly every other cancer center in the nation. Researchers at Siteman Cancer Center have ongoing research in lung cancer – currently studying causes and treatments from the relationship of genetic mutations and individualized therapy to the interactions between tumors that spread through air spaces (STAS).
A Siteman care coordinator is the fastest path to referral, consult, or second opinion. Our care coordinators – oncology nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – will guide you from your first call.
Early Detection Means More Effective Treatment
We believe that early detection is the most powerful first step in lung cancer treatment. The Siteman Cancer Center path from an early, accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment options, means you can get the best options for the best outcomes more quickly.
That’s why we lead risk and prevention outreach in the St. Louis metro area – and we bring lung cancer screenings closer to home. Siteman Cancer Center launched the region’s first and only mobile lung screening program in the region – providing high-quality, low-dose CT scans to anyone who is eligible. The mobile unit travels across Missouri to make getting a quick lung screening easy.
A High-Quality, Low-Dose CT Scan Near You
Getting a high-precision lung screening near you is an important step for your health. Siteman makes it easy. We schedule screenings at each of our locations plus on our mobile unit.
Interpreting Results
WashU Medicine radiologists read every CT scan for the most accurate results. If they identify abnormal results, like a lung nodule or lesion, you will hear from your doctor directly. Our experts read scans 48-hours after you are seen, so you get information quickly.
If you have an abnormal CT, we refer you to our treatment experts right away. You will know exactly what steps you need to take.
WashU Medicine physicians were the first in the U.S. to link smoking to lung cancer. That legacy of research and innovation – and early detection – continues at Siteman today.
Learn MoreWhen to Seek a Second Opinion for Lung Cancer
A second opinion can provide clarity, confirm your diagnosis, and ensure you are aware of all available treatment options.
Many patients seek a second opinion after an abnormal lung scan, a new diagnosis, or when considering treatment decisions. It is a common and important step – especially for lung cancer, where treatment options continue to evolve.
You may want to consider a second opinion if:
- You have been told you have a lung nodule or abnormal CT scan and want expert evaluation
- You have received a lung cancer diagnosis and want to confirm the type or stage
- You are deciding between treatment options such as surgery, radiation, or medication
- You want to know if clinical trials or newer therapies may be available
- Your cancer is not responding to treatment or has returned
At Siteman Cancer Center, specialists from WashU Medicine review imaging, pathology, and prior treatment plans to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Many patients learn about additional treatment options, including our clinical trials and targeted therapies at Siteman, that might not have been previously considered.
You do not need a referral to request a second opinion. Talk to a care coordinator to request a second opinion or discuss your next steps.
Nurses at Siteman answer every call and every form. Speak with them directly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT Monday- Friday for guidance on appointments, second opinions, and referrals.