UVA Doctors Using New Lung Cancer Research Method - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Doctors at the University of Virginia Health System are using a new approach to treat lung cancer.

For decades, doctors have treated the cancer with a "one-size-fits-all" approach - by viewing tumors under the lens of a microscope.

Now, doctors are using molecular profiling to better tailor treatment options for patients.

"It's not just looking at the shape of the cells, we're actually looking at the genes that are in these cells, they're in the DNA, to determine what is actually driving the formation of these tumors," Dr. David Jones, of the UVA Department of Surgery, said.

The new method came about when doctors discovered there are different types of lung cancer, which can depend on genetic factors.