Adam D. Lye, M.D., on new treatments that are improving survival chances for lung cancer patients.

Published: November 14, 2018 | Updated: December 10, 2020

Adam D. Lye, M.D., is a proud Kentuckian. The medical oncologist/hematologist grew up in Covington and attended medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington.

For fun, Dr. Lye and his family like to go for hikes around the commonwealth. He also follows Kentucky country musicians Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childress.

Dr. Lye’s love for his home state extends to helping combat one of its biggest challenges. Kentucky has the highest lung cancer rate in the country.

“I’m committed to the area, and I’m committed to the people,” said Dr. Lye, who recently joined Norton Healthcare and will practice at the new Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro opening Nov. 5.

New lung cancer treatments and early detection

Quitting smoking is the best way to lower the risk for lung cancer. Next best is for smokers to undergo screening beginning at age 55. Lung cancer is usually detected late, making treatment much more difficult.

“Early detection makes a huge difference,” said Dr. Lye, who is board certified in internal medical and medical oncology. “If you detect lung nodules early, your chance of curing lung cancer improves dramatically.”

Recent advances in genetics also are improving the outlook for patients with lung cancer, according to Dr. Lye. Certain chemotherapy drugs can be deployed against specific genetic mutations, improving their effectiveness.

Another breakthrough in cancer treatment is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer.

“There are all kinds of new and exciting treatments coming on that are helping make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “These new therapies are providing patients with hope.”

Norton Cancer Institute offers patients personalized medicine with surgical, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and genetic therapies tailored to combat the unique genetic makeup of their cancers.

A love for taking care of patients

Before attending medical school, Dr. Lye worked in the medical device business for five years.

“That served me well. It gave me a different perspective than someone who goes straight through school,” he said. “It has helped me communicate with patients.”

Dr. Lye said he never wavered from his plan to go into medicine.

“My love really is patients and taking care of patients,” Dr. Lye said. “The patient interaction is really what I wanted and what I focus on.”

He said he wants cancer patients in Kentucky to know they do not need to leave the state to get the best cancer care. Patients at Norton Cancer Institute have access to more than 100 specialists and 180 cancer-related clinical trials, offering the latest therapies.

“Norton Healthcare is a great place to get world-class care,” Dr. Lye said. “We do everything just as well as other major cancer centers, if not better.”