What are Cancer-Related Lung Conditions?

Cancer and its treatments can affect many organs in the body, including the lungs, causing breathing problems during or after cancer therapy. These issues may be caused by the treatment itself, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. In other cases, cancer can worsen existing lung conditions like asthma or COPD.

The Program for Lung Care for Patients with Cancer at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian was created to help. Our goal is to diagnose and treat lung problems related to cancer and its therapies as early and effectively as possible, so that patients can breathe more comfortably and continue their cancer treatment safely.

Common Lung Conditions We Treat

Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is a type of inflammation in the lungs that can occur as a side effect of certain cancer treatments, including immunotherapy (especially checkpoint inhibitors), radiation to the chest, or specific chemotherapy drugs. It may cause symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Prompt recognition and treatment are important to reduce complications and avoid interruptions in cancer therapy.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Some targeted therapies used in cancer can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This group of conditions, known as ILD, can lead to breathing difficulty, fatigue, or abnormal findings on a chest CT.

Pleural Effusions

Fluid can collect around the lungs in patients with cancer. This buildup (called a pleural effusion) can cause discomfort or shortness of breath. We can safely drain the fluid and, if needed, place a small catheter (indwelling pleural catheter) to keep symptoms under control.

Lung Infections

Chemotherapy and certain cancers can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of lung infections. We collaborate closely with our infectious disease (ID) colleagues to quickly diagnose and treat infections with the appropriate medications.

Exacerbations of Chronic Lung Conditions

For patients with asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung diseases, cancer treatment can worsen underlying symptoms. We work to stabilize and optimize existing conditions throughout cancer care.