Can lung cancer patients receive chemotherapy during pregnancy?

Can lung cancer patients undergo chemotherapy during pregnancy? In fact, chemotherapy is not absolutely prohibited during pregnancy, or it is not that "mother and child cannot be taken care of at the same time", which depends on the number of weeks of pregnancy, the type of tumor and the chemotherapy drugs. The gestational period of the fetus is 10 months. In the first three months, the various organs of the fetus are in the process of differentiation and development. In theory, chemotherapy is not suitable at this stage, and the probability of fetal malformation caused by chemotherapy drugs is high at this time; after three months, the differentiation of the fetus is basically completed, and the development of organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys is basically formed. At this time, the mother can weigh the pros and cons of treatment. Although chemotherapy has side effects, most chemotherapy drugs can also reach the fetus through the placenta, but the use of drugs at this stage is relatively safe, and the probability of causing malformations is extremely low. However, the nervous system of the fetus is still developing after 13 weeks, and it is not ruled out that it will cause adverse effects such as fetal developmental retardation and low weight. In general, chemotherapy is relatively safe after three months of pregnancy, and there will be no death or fetal malformation. From the perspective of ethics and medicine, it should be treated.

Is the treatment for cancer during pregnancy different from that for cancer in general?

The principles of cancer treatment during pregnancy are the same as those during non-pregnancy, and the effects of treatment are similar. Surgery is acceptable during pregnancy, and chemotherapy can also be considered after 3 months of pregnancy. In addition, according to the current medical level, as long as the fetus is more than 28 weeks old, the chance of survival is still very high. Pregnant women with tumors can also consider appropriate early termination of pregnancy to ensure the survival of the child without affecting treatment. Although early caesarean section requires more family expenses both financially and in life, such as premature babies need to stay in incubators and require more meticulous care, but life is more important than anything else. The choice of chemotherapy drugs is another key factor in whether pregnant women can undergo chemotherapy. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs, which are divided into high-risk drugs (such as MTX), low-risk drugs (5-FU) and unknown (such as paclitaxel) according to their teratogenicity. If the pregnant woman needs to receive low-risk chemotherapy drugs, then it can be considered in combination with the gestational age. If high-risk drugs are used, then you can find out if there are low-risk drugs to replace them. In short, some drugs do not have a great impact on the fetus and should be considered for timely use.

A warm reminder: although it is unfortunate to discover a malignant tumor during pregnancy, please discuss treatment measures in depth with your doctor to get an accurate judgment on whether you can receive chemotherapy.