Using Imaging and Molecular Markers to Predict Tumor Response and Lung Toxicity in Lung Cancer

Successful treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with radiation therapy requires that the physicians determine exactly where the tumor is in your body and protect your normal tissue. This study is designed to apply functional imaging, Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) and Ventilation/Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (V/Q SPECT), before treatment and then again during treatment to see if it helps predict how well the treatment works for your cancer and how well your lung functions during treatment. A Computerized Tomography (CT) will also be performed along with both of these procedures to help the researchers see clearly where your cancer or your healthy lung is located. The researchers are also doing blood tests in this study to look for markers in your blood and to see if it helps them in determining your risk of developing side effects from radiation to the lungs. The researchers hope that this study will help them in the future to design radiation treatment plans that provide the best treatment for each individual patient.