Lung cancer with DIC: pursue treatment rather than surrender care
A reader asks about a friend with metastatic lung cancer who had a stroke and developed DIC; Dr. Roach explains DIC is a serious but potentially treatable cancer‑related complication and that there are cancer-directed options (surgery if feasible, radiation, chemotherapy) and specific DIC treatments, so sending a patient home to die shouldn’t be the default. The column also touches on perennial rhinitis treatment, noting nasal cromolyn is very safe and can be effective for some, with additional options (steroids, immunotherapy, Atrovent, montelukast, saline washes, Xolair) depending on the case.