The evolution of non-small cell lung cancer metastases in TRACERx
Lung Disease News
Aug. 11, 2023 — Yoga and breathing control practices, in combination with aerobic training, are particularly key exercises for asthmatic people seeking to improve their lung function, a new peer-reviewed study ...
Aug. 9, 2023 — New findings may lead to relapse-free treatment for a sizeable subgroup of lung cancer patients. In a study in mice, scientists have identified a biomarker that may help physicians select lung cancer ...
Aug. 8, 2023 — Overly active immune cells are often behind lung damage in diseases such as Covid-19. Researchers have developed an RNA agent for a lung spray that slows the activity of these cells, known as ...
July 25, 2023 — Having a food allergy as a baby is linked to asthma and reduced lung function later in childhood, according to a new ...
July 20, 2023 — Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, appear promising for maintaining lung health, according to new evidence from a large, multi-faceted study in healthy adults. ...
July 7, 2023 — The mucus in the airways is not as sticky, inflammation in the lungs significantly reduced: Triple combination therapy can achieve these positive, lasting effects in patients with cystic fibrosis ...
June 22, 2023 — Small-cell lung cancer is a particularly aggressive type of tumor with a consistently high mortality rate. In recent years, the research of scientists has significantly contributed to a better ...
June 8, 2023 — The largest and most comprehensive cell map of the human lung has been completed. The Human Lung Cell Atlas reveals the great diversity of cell types in the lung and shows key differences between ...
June 1, 2023 — Researchers have collaborated to refine a cell culture technology platform that grows genetically identical lung buds from human embryonic stem ...
May 24, 2023 — A new study has shown that human T cells have an important role to play in controlling ...
Apr. 21, 2023 — Storing donor lungs for transplant at 10 degrees Celsius markedly increases the length of time the organ can live outside the body according to new ...
Mar. 31, 2023 — A new type of nanoparticle can be administered to the lungs, where it can deliver messenger RNA encoding useful proteins. Researchers hope to use them to develop new treatments for cystic fibrosis ...
Mar. 28, 2023 — Researchers develop a 3D cell culture system to test how inhibiting fibroblast activities can help treat lung cancer. To simulate the tumor microenvironment and mimic real tissues, the team ...
Mar. 17, 2023 — A new study has revealed FDA-approved trametinib and entinostat (which is currently in clinical trials) can be given in tandem to produce fewer and smaller tumors in mice with LKB1-mutated non-small ...
Mar. 15, 2023 — A new study represents a first step towards generating highly detailed 3-dimensional maps of lung tumors using genetically engineered mouse ...
Mar. 13, 2023 — Scientists have discovered why breast cancer cells that have spread to the lungs may 'wake up' following years of sleep -- forming incurable secondary tumors. Their research reveals the ...
Mar. 10, 2023 — One in 10 adults suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Research around a new breathing device developed by pulmonologists offers promise for improving ...
Mar. 9, 2023 — Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the deadliest birth defects. To better understand and treat this condition in the future, researchers designed a new cell model in the laboratory and tested ...
Mar. 8, 2023 — Contracting a lower respiratory tract infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult, according to new ...
Feb. 27, 2023 — New research reveals how the relationship between nerves and immune cells in the lungs can contribute to the development of allergic ...
Friday, August 11, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Friday, July 7, 2023
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Friday, April 21, 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Monday, March 13, 2023
Friday, March 10, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Monday, February 27, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Monday, January 9, 2023
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Monday, December 26, 2022
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Monday, December 5, 2022
Friday, December 2, 2022
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Monday, November 21, 2022
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Monday, October 17, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Friday, September 23, 2022
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Monday, September 19, 2022
Friday, September 16, 2022
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Monday, September 5, 2022
Friday, September 2, 2022
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Monday, August 8, 2022
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Monday, August 1, 2022
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Monday, July 18, 2022
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Friday, June 10, 2022
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Friday, June 3, 2022
Thursday, June 2, 2022
What Causes Lung Cancer? Scientists Are Working To Connect The Dots.
For Sharon Fisher, the lung cancer diagnosis came as a gut punch.
A simple cold had turned into a lingering feeling of congestion, with a dry cough. Eventually diagnosed with pneumonia, a closer look revealed a lesion in the left lobe of her lung. But, how?
After all, she'd never been a smoker, was an avid hiker, was still the same weight she'd been since high school, had no history of illnesses, and was a foodie who ate no processed foods and cooked healthy meals for herself, in spite of her hectic work schedule.
What most people do not realize is that in approximately 15% of lung cancer diagnoses, the patient has never smoked. And, they had no exposure to known carcinogens.
While this fact has baffled the medical community, further exploration revealed that there were many more female never-smokers (as they are referred to) who were contracting this cancer, and at an earlier age, than smokers.
Analyzing the tumors of these never-smokers, a study by the National Cancer Institute revealed that there was an accumulation of genetic mutations within this group. Scientists are still trying to connect the dots to figure out what exposures may have added to the risk.
For patient Fisher, the lung cancer was already Stage 2 at diagnosis, and required a surgical lobectomy, wherein one of the five lobes of her lungs was removed.
After chemotherapy there was no further evidence of disease. But, the five-year survival rate for stage 2 lung cancer, after treatment, is only 35%.
Over the next few years, Fisher's tumors would return in other areas of her lungs, and despite being a part of clinical trials for her specific cancer mutations and receiving various forms of immunotherapy and targeted treatments, she died of the disease four years later. She was 70 when she passed away, in 2019.
"This is why it is so important to catch lung cancer in its earliest stages," said Ramsy Abdelghani, M.D., Tulane's Director of Interventional Pulmonology. "At stage 1, your 5-year survival rate is 95%. But, in Louisiana, 80% of those diagnosed are either stage 3 or 4. At these advanced stages, survival rates drop precipitously. At stage 4, you're looking at a five-year survival rate of 5%. We're not doing well here with lung cancer screening."
Detecting lung cancer early is easier said than done, and in fact, most people are unaware there is any screening at all for lung cancer.
To receive the low-dose CT scan (10% of the normal radiation) that can detect the earliest of lung cancers, one must meet certain criteria. Patients must be between the ages of 50 and 80, either be a current smoker, or someone who has quit in the last 15 years.
And, the smoking history must be significant — that equates to 20 years of smoking a pack a day, or 10 years of smoking two packs a day. If these criteria are met, patients are entitled to one scan a year, covered by insurance. But, those who have family histories of lung cancer should certainly be in that mix, as they are twice as likely to contract the disease.
Sadly, there are no signs or symptoms in the earliest of stages, so screening is vital. Finding these cancers at stage 2 means there can still be microscopic areas of disease that are present even after surgery, but are not always detectable.
The key is to know your family history, honestly discuss your smoking history with your primary care physician, and take advantage of the ability to screen for this deadly disease. Abdelghany is meeting with primary care physicians to ensure that patients' histories are triggering notifications that will lead to early screening.
Even if you're not a smoker, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is often found in soil and water.
Although radon decays quickly, it gives off tiny radioactive particles which can leach into buildings and homes and be inhaled. When that happens, it damages the cells that line the lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is the only cancer proven to be associated with inhaling radon.
Diagnosis for lung cancer has become far more sophisticated of late. Biopsies are less invasive and pinpointing the exact location of a tumor has become far more accurate.
"I do robotic bronchoscopies by navigating an endoscope through the intricate branches of the bronchi, then do intraoperative imaging to confirm my location," Abdelghany said. "This is a quick, minimally invasive technique to isolate the lesion, and get it analyzed, so treatment can begin."
Major strides are being made in treating all types of lung cancerAlthough not technically lung cancer, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in the membranes that cover the lungs. If you didn't know much about this disease prior to the barrage of television ads now asking those with the disease to join class-action lawsuits, you have now probably learned that 80% of these cases are caused by exposure to asbestos — much of it from factories.
Tiny bundles of asbestos fibers which fly through the air can be inhaled. This causes cell turnover, which leads to cancer.
There is a high mortality rate associated with this cancer, as there are no early signs or symptoms that would lead someone to treatment. It is critical that anyone working with asbestos wear a proper mask that filters out all particulate matter.
Major strides have been made over the last decade, relative to all types of lung cancer.
Before these new treatments, the only recourse for treating lung cancer was surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Now, by knowing the exact type of cancer you have and determining what stage it is, along with knowing what factors within the tumor can be targeted, precision medicine can go after specific markers within the tumor. As researchers like to say — it is important to know the enemy, so you can find the right tools to fight it.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the lungs, the two spongy organs in your chest that help your body absorb oxygen. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer affecting adults in the United States and the leading cause of cancer death.
There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. NSCLC makes up about 80-85% of all lung cancer diagnoses in the United States. It is estimated that smoking causes up to 90% of cases of lung cancer.
The common symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer are shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for NSCLC.
There are many different types of lung cancer, and each one affects different types of cells and spreads in different ways. The main types of non-small cell lung cancer include: Squamous cell carcinoma: This type forms in the thin, flat squamous cells in the lungs, which line the inside of the airways. It is also possible for it to develop in the skin. Large cell carcinoma: This begins in different types of large cells in the lungs. Adenocarcinoma: This starts in the cells that line the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs). When NSCLC develops in the lungs, it affects your ability to breathe. Common symptoms may include: Persistent cough Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Chest pain Wheezing Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) Hoarse voice Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) No appetite Unintended weight loss Fatigue As NSCLC grows and spreads, it can start to affect other organs and areas of the body. Later symptoms may include: Bone pain Joint pain Muscle weakness Eyelid drooping (ptosis) Swelling in the face and neck Non-small cell lung cancer occurs when certain cells in the lungs become damaged and begin to grow and multiply at an out-of-control rate. The most common cause of cell damage in the lungs is smoking. Researchers believe that up to 90% of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking tobacco. Risk Factors The main risk factor for NSCLC is smoking. The earlier a person starts smoking and the more often they smoke, the higher their risk for lung cancer. Other risk factors include: Second-hand smoke exposure Workplace exposures to chemicals including asbestos, radon, chromium, beryllium, nickel, soot, or tar History of radiation therapy to the breast or chest History of frequent imaging tests Exposure to atomic bomb radiation Exposure to air pollution Family history of lung cancer Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Beta carotene supplements (for heavy smokers only) Older age Gene mutations such as the KRAS-G12C mutation, which is found in 13% of people with NSCLC Non-small cell lung cancer is usually diagnosed by an oncologist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. If your healthcare provider is concerned that you have symptoms of lung cancer, you will likely be referred to an oncologist who specializes in lung cancer. Medical tests used to diagnose NSCLC include: Physical exam: The oncologist will perform a thorough physical exam to look for signs of cancer. Health history: Your oncologist will ask questions about your health history and risk factors to understand your cancer risk. Lab tests: Your oncologist may order lab tests of tissues, blood, and urine to look for signs of cancer or infection. Chest X-ray: You may need a chest X-ray to rule out other causes of lung cancer symptoms such as pneumonia or another infection. Sputum cytology: A pathologist examines a sample of your sputum (mucus) under a microscope. Thoracentesis: A healthcare provider removes fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall, and then examines it under a microscope. Endoscopic ultrasound: A healthcare provider inserts a scope down the throat to produce pictures of the lungs. Bronchoscopy: The oncologist may use a bronchoscopy to look inside the trachea (windpipe) and the large airways. Mediastinoscopy: A surgeon makes an incision in the breastbone and guides a scope into the chest to examine the lungs and take a biopsy if needed. Lymph node biopsy: If your oncologist is concerned that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they may remove all or part of a lymph node to test it for cancer cells. Once you have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, your oncologist may order additional tests to determine how advanced the cancer is. These tests can include: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the lungs and surrounding tissues. Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan provides detailed pictures by taking several X-rays from different angles. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan finds fast-growing cells in the body to tell how far cancer has spread. Bone scan: Your oncologist may recommend a bone scan to determine if cancerous cells have spread to the bone. Pulmonary function test (PFT): PFTs can be used to tell how well the lungs are working. Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer depends on the stage. Cancer staging is used to determine how far cancer has spread throughout the body. The stages of NSCLC include: Occult (hidden) stage: Cancer cells cannot be detected with imaging or bronchoscopy but can be found in the sputum. Stage 0: Cancer cells are present in the lining of the airways but have not spread beyond the lungs. Stage IA: The cancerous tumor is no larger than 3 centimeters (cm) and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IB: The tumor is between 3 and 4 cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIA: The tumor is between 4 to 5 cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIB: The tumor is not larger than 5 cm but has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage III: Cancer cells have spread to areas on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor. Stage IV: Cancer cells have spread to distant areas of the body, such as the liver or the brain. The treatment for non-small cell lung cancer depends on the cancer stage, symptoms, and your overall health. There are several possible treatment options, and your oncologist will recommend a plan based on your individual health. The goal of treatment for people with stage I or stage II NSCLC is to cure cancer. The goal of treatment for those with stage III or stage IV is usually to extend life and improve quality of life. If the tumor can be removed, surgery is usually the first treatment option. Surgical options include: Wedge resection: Remove the tumor and the surrounding normal tissue Lobectomy: Remove the entire lobe of the lung Pneumonectomy: Remove the whole lung Sleeve resection: Remove part of the bronchus If cancer cells have spread beyond the lungs, you may require additional treatments, including: Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It may be useful after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy includes drugs used to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy supports the body's immune system so it can better fight cancer. Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses a laser beam to destroy cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT combines light energy with drugs that help destroy cancer cells when activated by light. Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery freezes and destroys abnormal tissue to stop cancer from spreading. Electrocautery: Electrocautery uses a heated needle or probe to destroy cancerous tissue. Another treatment option for non-small cell carcinoma is targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs to help the body identify specific cancer cells. Targeted therapy options include: Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are able to attach to specific targets on cancer cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: These drugs enter the cell membrane and tell cancer cells to stop growing and dividing. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors: These drugs block the mTOR proteins (which coordinate cell growth) to keep cancer cells from growing and dividing. KRAS G12C inhibitors: These inhibitors block the KRAS-G12C mutation to keep them from growing more cancer cells. Not all cases of non-small cell lung cancer can be prevented. However, it is possible to significantly lower your risk. Because smoking causes a majority of lung cancer cases, avoiding tobacco is the best way to prevent lung cancer. If you currently smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about resources to help you quit. There are prescription medications and support groups that may help. People with NSCLC are at an increased risk of developing other types of cancer in the future. If you have a history of cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about regular cancer screenings. People with NSCLC are at an increased risk of certain complications, including: Pneumonia: Infection and inflammation in the lungs Thrombosis: Blood clot, which can start in or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) Paraneoplastic syndrome: A group of symptoms that occur when the immune system reacts to cancer Many people with non-small cell lung cancer can be cured with successful treatment. However, some people may live with this type of cancer without a cure. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Fortunately, there are several treatment options and resources available as you navigate living with NSCLC. People with this type of lung cancer can expect to regularly meet with their healthcare team for follow-up exams, imaging tests, and screenings. If you or a loved one with NSCLC smokes cigarettes or uses other tobacco products, joining a smoking cessation program can help with quitting. You may also find further resources and support by joining a lung cancer support group and/or seeing a therapist.
Comments
Post a Comment