Prednisone and Lung Cancer: Understanding the Connection

Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid that has been shown to be helpful in treating certain types of inflammation, such as that associated with lung cancer.

Prednisone

• Prednisone is a steroid that is taken orally; the dosage is prescribed based on each patient's needs. Corticosteroids are a class of adrenal steroids that help regulate inflammation, as well as certain functions of the immune system.

Lung Cancer

• Lung cancer has a number of environmental, hereditary and lifestyle causes; its treatment is largely dependent on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. Prednisone is normally used in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment in which high-energy x-rays are directed at cancer cells and tumors in an attempt to kill the cells. This type of therapy frequently causes inflammation of the surrounding cells.

Function

• Using prednisone to counteract the inflammation caused by radiation therapy can help reduce the coughing, shortness of breath and fever that are sometimes caused by radiation therapy.

Considerations

• Prednisone is a powerful drug and should only be used under the direction of a doctor. Medication amounts should never be changed without consulting a doctor first.