Cryosurgery, or cryotherapy, uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Using a bronchoscope, the doctor puts an instrument, called a cryoprobe, close to the tumour. Liquid nitrogen is then circulated through the probe to freeze the tumour. Cryosurgery is still a relatively new treatment for lung cancer, and is not widely available in the UK.

Diathermy, which is sometimes known as electrocautery, uses an electrical current passed through a needle, to destroy cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses laser, or other light sources, combined with a light-sensitive drug (sometimes called a photosensitising agent) to destroy cancer cells. The light-sensitive drug is given as a liquid into a vein. After waiting for the drug to be taken up by the cancer cells, the laser light is directed at the tumour using a bronchoscope.

PDT will make you temporarily sensitive to light and you will need to avoid bright light for between a couple of days and a few months, depending upon the photosensitising drug that is used. Other side effects include swelling, inflammation, breathlessness and a cough.

PDT is still being researched as a treatment for advanced lung cancer and is not suitable for everyone. It can also be used if the cancer is just growing into the wall of one of the main airways (endobronchial cancer) and is at a very early stage. Your doctor can give you more information. PDT is only available at some centres.

Angiogenesis is the medical term for the growth of new blood vessels. Tumours need their own blood supply in order to grow. Drugs are available which can help stop the development of new blood vessels – these are known as antiangiogenesis drugs. They include bevacizumab (Avastin®) and thalidomide. Both these drugs are being studied to see if they may help people with lung cancer.