What is asbestos related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is a type of lung cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its heat-resistant qualities. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air that can be inhaled.
Asbestos related lung cancer has a long latency period of up to 20-40 years. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause chronic inflammation and cell damage which can unfortunately lead to malignant tumours in the lungs.
Diagnosis and traditional treatments
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Imaging (X-ray, CT scan)
- Lung biopsy
- Review of occupational exposure history
Treatment depends on the stage and may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy as a treatment in lung cancer
Immunotherapy has dramatically transformed the landscape of lung cancer treatment in recent years.
Unlike traditional approaches like chemotherapy which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by empowering a patient’s own immune system to recognise and destroy these tumour cells.
The approach has widened treatment options, improved survival rates for many and is now an established part of care for eligible lung cancer patients in the UK.
NHS v Private immunotherapy treatments
While immunotherapy is increasingly available on the NHS, decisions about which patients are eligible depend on clinical factors and national recommendations. If a particular immunotherapy drug is not routinely funded in a patient’s area, it may still be possible to request NHS funding on an individual basis (called an individual funding request), though this isn’t always successful.
Private healthcare providers in the UK also offer immunotherapy as part of cancer care, and in some cases, this can provide access to drugs or combinations not yet widely funded under NHS pathways. However, private treatment can be costly. Patients may pay hundreds of thousands of pounds for a course of immunotherapy, depending on the drug, frequency, and duration of treatment.
For many patients, the choice between NHS and private care isn’t just about speed or preference, it’s about availability. Some cutting-edge immunotherapy regimens may not yet be approved by national guidelines or may be under evaluation, meaning patients seeking them privately must self-fund or use insurance.
Securing the best outcome for your treatment via a legal claim
At Asbestos Justice, we have been successful in recovering compensation for thousands of clients arising from conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
We can often include the cost of private medical treatment in a compensation claim, which can include the cost of immunotherapy treatment if recommended by the client’s treating medical professionals. This has enabled our clients to access private health care that has extended life expectancy and quality of life.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, including lung cancer, our expert asbestos disease team can advise whether you can claim compensation.
Call us today on 0800 038 6767 or contact us for a free, no-obligation chat to see how we can help you. All of our work is done on an entirely no win, no fee basis.