Lung Cancer Specialist in Guatemala
Lung cancer has more options than ever. But you need to know which ones apply to your case.
In recent years, lung cancer treatments have changed radically. Today there are therapies specific to the tumor's characteristics — pills instead of chemotherapy in many cases. Knowing which one applies starts with the right testing.
When should you consult Dr. Reynoso?
You were diagnosed with lung cancer and haven't had a complete oncologic consultation
Your diagnosis doesn't include molecular testing — EGFR, ALK, ROS1, PD-L1
You have persistent cough, coughing up blood, or unexplained difficulty breathing
A lung mass was found on imaging and you need guidance on the next step
Your current treatment isn't working and you're looking for options
You want a second opinion before starting chemotherapy or immunotherapy
⚡ Consultations Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday | By appointment only
5+
actionable mutations in non-small cell lung cancer with targeted therapies available
3-5x
greater survival in EGFR-mutated cases with targeted therapy vs. standard chemotherapy
8+
years treating lung cancer at every stage in Guatemala
Q600
initial consultation with molecular review and treatment plan
Molecular testing changes everything.
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of cases and is divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. In adenocarcinoma, molecular testing identifies actionable mutations — EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, RET, NTRK — that allow the use of targeted therapies instead of standard chemotherapy, with significantly better results.
A patient with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma treated with osimertinib has a median progression-free survival of over 18 months. That same patient treated with standard chemotherapy without knowing about the mutation has a median of about 6 months. That difference starts with molecular testing — and with an oncologist who knows how to request and interpret it.
“In lung cancer, skipping the molecular workup is a mistake the patient pays for. EGFR, ALK, PD-L1 — those results determine whether the treatment is going to work or not.”—Dr. Giovanni Reynoso
Symptoms that require an oncologic evaluation.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages because early symptoms are nonspecific. Recognizing the warning signs can significantly speed up diagnosis.
Persistent cough
A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, one that changes character in a smoker, or one that doesn't respond to usual treatment. It's the most common symptom in lung cancer.
Coughing up blood
Blood in the sputum or when coughing — of any amount. Always requires evaluation with imaging and bronchoscopy when indicated.
Progressive shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing that worsens progressively without an obvious cause — no heart failure, no anemia, or other identified cause.
Chest pain
Chest pain that doesn't change with movement or position. May indicate pleural involvement or chest wall extension.
Weight loss and fatigue
Weight loss without dietary change and progressive tiredness. Common systemic symptoms in advanced lung cancer.
Persistent hoarseness
A change in voice with no obvious laryngeal cause. May indicate involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve due to mediastinal lymph nodes.
Superior vena cava syndrome
Swelling in the face, neck, and arms, headache, and a feeling of fullness. An oncologic emergency caused by superior vena cava compression from a mediastinal mass.
Lung mass on imaging
A nodule or mass found incidentally on a chest X-ray or CT scan. Requires an oncologic evaluation to determine whether a biopsy is needed and which studies to request.
Do you identify with any of these?
A first one-hour consultation is enough to begin your workup and, if applicable, reach a clear diagnosis
When first-line treatment stops working.
Acquired resistance to targeted therapies or progression on immunotherapy are common events in managing advanced lung cancer. The second-line strategy depends on the resistance mechanism and prior treatments received.
Resistance to EGFR inhibitors
Resistance to osimertinib can be managed with chemotherapy with or without an antiangiogenic agent, or with new inhibitors depending on the identified resistance mechanism — C797S mutation, MET amplification, histological transformation. A biopsy at progression or a liquid biopsy guides the next line of treatment.
Progression on immunotherapy
In tumors without an actionable mutation treated with anti-PD1/PD-L1, progression can be managed with second-line chemotherapy — docetaxel with or without ramucirumab or nintedanib. Selection depends on the patient's functional status and comorbidities.
Lung cancer without prior molecular testing
Patients diagnosed and treated without a complete molecular panel may have unidentified actionable mutations. Dr. Reynoso requests testing on available tissue or a liquid biopsy — in some cases this completely changes the treatment strategy.
“I've seen patients with advanced lung cancer treated with standard chemotherapy who actually had an EGFR mutation. With the right testing and the right treatment, the prognosis is completely different.”—Dr. Giovanni Reynoso
How lung cancer is evaluated in consultation
A complete oncologic diagnosis of lung cancer requires histology, molecular profile, staging, and a functional status evaluation. The first consultation with Dr. Reynoso reviews what's already complete and which decisions depend on what's missing.
Complete case review
Detailed medical history, review of imaging — X-ray, chest CT, PET-CT — biopsy result, and any prior treatment received.
Histology and classification
Review of histological type — adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell, or other. Histological type determines which molecular tests are relevant and which treatments apply.
Complete molecular panel
In adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma: EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600E, MET exon 14, RET, NTRK, and PD-L1 expression. In squamous cell carcinoma: PD-L1 and EGFR in non-smokers. If not yet performed, it's requested on available tissue or through a liquid biopsy.
Complete staging
Whole-body PET-CT or contrast-enhanced CT of chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Brain MRI in stages III and IV. TNM classification to determine whether the disease is resectable, treatable with curative intent, or palliative.
Functional status evaluation
Performance status (ECOG), lung function, comorbidities. Determines which treatments are tolerable and which pose an unacceptable risk for that specific patient.
Treatment plan based on complete profile
With histology, molecular results, stage, and functional status in hand — the protocol is designed: targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. In localized disease, coordination with thoracic surgery and radiotherapy.
Why consult Dr. Reynoso for lung cancer?
Complete molecular testing from day one
Dr. Reynoso doesn't start treatment for lung adenocarcinoma without a complete molecular panel. EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, PD-L1 — these are the tests that determine whether the patient has access to a targeted therapy more effective than standard chemotherapy.
Up-to-date ASCO and ESMO protocols
Lung cancer treatment guidelines are updated frequently — new targeted therapies, new immunotherapy indications, new combinations. Dr. Reynoso applies the current ASCO and ESMO guidelines in every case.
Management of resistance and second-line treatment
Acquired resistance to targeted therapies is common. Dr. Reynoso evaluates the resistance mechanism — with a biopsy at progression or a liquid biopsy when applicable — and defines the second-line strategy with up-to-date judgment.
Time to understand the case and explain the options
A full hour per consultation — to review the studies, explain the diagnosis and treatment options, and answer questions from the patient and family clearly and without rushing.
Complete molecular testing from day one
Dr. Reynoso doesn't start treatment for lung adenocarcinoma without a complete molecular panel. EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, PD-L1 — these are the tests that determine whether the patient has access to a targeted therapy more effective than standard chemotherapy.
Up-to-date ASCO and ESMO protocols
Lung cancer treatment guidelines are updated frequently — new targeted therapies, new immunotherapy indications, new combinations. Dr. Reynoso applies the current ASCO and ESMO guidelines in every case.
Management of resistance and second-line treatment
Acquired resistance to targeted therapies is common. Dr. Reynoso evaluates the resistance mechanism — with a biopsy at progression or a liquid biopsy when applicable — and defines the second-line strategy with up-to-date judgment.
Time to understand the case and explain the options
A full hour per consultation — to review the studies, explain the diagnosis and treatment options, and answer questions from the patient and family clearly and without rushing.
Received a cancer diagnosis? The next step is a consultation.
First visit, second opinion, or oncologic follow-up — you deserve an oncologist who explains everything.
Medical Oncology in Guatemala City
Dr. Giovanni Reynoso - Oncólogo
Edificio Spazio, 15 avenida y 5 calle 5-50, Vista Hermosa III, Zona 15. Nivel 10, Oficina 10-01Bonanova Health, private hospital specializing in cancer in Zona 15
Office Hours
Monday to Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Care
Dr. Reynoso does not handle emergencies. For oncologic emergencies, go to the nearest hospital.
Coverage Areas
Guatemala City
- • Zona 15, Vista Hermosa I, II, and III
- • Zona 10, 14, 16
- • Zona 9, 13
- • Carretera a El Salvador
Metropolitan Area
- • Mixco
- • Villa Nueva
- • Santa Catarina Pinula
- • San Cristóbal
Departmental Coverage
- • All departments of Guatemala
- • Patients traveling from other parts of the country
- • Zacapa, Chiquimula, Izabal, San Marcos, Petén
International Coverage
- • El Salvador
- • Belize
- • Honduras
- • Costa Rica
Common questions, clear answers
Still have questions? Let’s talk directly on WhatsApp for personalized answers.