Summary
A 65-year-old surfer overcame early-stage EGFR-positive lung cancer using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a precise, non-surgical treatment that spared his lung capacity.
When surfer Paul Hendrix, age 65, learned he had early-stage lung cancer in 2023, he worried about losing lung capacity. His cancer was a type called EGFR-positive lung adenocarcinoma, which usually would be treated by removing part of the lung via surgery. Since Hendrix is a lifelong surfer, losing even a bit of lung function could have changed his surfing life forever.
Hendrix asked his doctors if he could try a newer, less invasive treatment: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). With SBRT, doctors use high-dose radiation aimed with millimeter precision at the small tumor. The treatment is done while the patient breathes, but thanks to image guidance, the radiation hits only the cancer and spares healthy lung tissue.
Unlike surgery, SBRT happens in an outpatient setting and usually finishes in just a few short sessions. For Hendrix, the course was three visits — each under ten minutes — and he had little to no side effects. He did not get a cough, shortness of breath, or other major problems. Within days, he resumed riding his motorcycle; just weeks later, he was back out surfing.
The treatment decision was reviewed by a team of specialists at UCLA Health, including radiation oncologists, surgeons, lung doctors, and cancer experts. They concluded SBRT could offer a cure rate similar to surgery — but with the huge benefit of preserving lung capacity and quality of life.
While surgery remains the standard for many early lung cancers, experts say more personalized choices like SBRT are becoming important. For people like Hendrix — who value active lifestyles and long-term health — SBRT may be a life-changing option.
