Recently, I saw a patient with lung cancer and brain metastases in the clinic. Ten months ago, he was diagnosed with a central-type right lung adenocarcinoma (tumor diameter 5.5 cm) after developing a persistent cough.

Because the tumor was inoperable, his doctors recommended chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. After nine months of intensive treatment costing more than 200,000 RMB, his condition continued to decline, and new metastases appeared in the cerebellum.

The patient and his family were puzzled — why had the cancer spread despite such aggressive therapy? I shared with them a video by Qiao Zhen, a well-known Chinese voice actor who battled cancer himself. He described how overly aggressive chemotherapy can destroy the body’s natural defense and immune systems, leaving once-healthy people weak and fragile. When patients lose confidence and the will to fight, the disease often wins quickly.

Having treated over 1,500 complex lung cancer cases with the CyberKnife system, my treatment philosophy is clear: Avoid overtreatment. Strengthen the patient’s own resistance and immunity. Encourage a relaxed mindset and strong willpower. Eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly to improve circulation and detoxify the body — and combine these with rational, targeted therapies. The goal is not to “eliminate” the tumor at all costs, but to coexist and maintain quality of life.

One remarkable case involves a patient who has survived 14 years with advanced lung cancer thanks to CyberKnife. Fourteen years ago, he was diagnosed with central-type squamous cell carcinoma in the right lung. He underwent four sessions of CyberKnife treatment, followed by four cycles of chemotherapy.

Nine years later, a new lesion appeared in the left lung hilum. He received a second round of CyberKnife therapy, again followed by four cycles of chemotherapy. This March, he developed a cough, and a CT scan showed tumor recurrence in the right mediastinum and upper lobe — he is now preparing for his third CyberKnife treatment.

From my experience, CyberKnife combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy should be considered the first-line option for patients with inoperable lung cancer. Unfortunately, both doctors and patients often know little about this advanced approach. I hope this real case can help more people with lung cancer find the best treatment strategy.