World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Dreams Coming True for Lung Cancer Patients?

World Lung Cancer Day, observed every year on August 1 since its inception in 2012, creates awareness and promotes overall lung health. The day throws light on the need to derail the growth of lung cancer, find a cure for the lethal disease and enhance access to early detection, screening, quality care, treatment and palliative care.

An updated guideline from the American Cancer Society recommends that around 5 million additional people get screened for lung cancer. The organization also claims that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) account for most lung cancer cases: the former accounts for 10% to 15% of all lung cancer, while NSCLC contributes 80% to 85% of cases.

The cancer watchdog has estimated around 234,580 new lung cancer cases and claims that approximately 125,070 people would succumb to the disease in 2024. While around every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer, advancements in early detection and treatment and people quitting smoking provide a glimmer of hope amidst adversity. As such, investments in diagnostics, liquid biopsy, therapeutics and surgery could be pronounced in the near term.

Risk Factors Apart from Smoking

Arguably, smoking is the top-most risk factor for lung cancer-the longer someone smokes, the higher the risk of having lung cancer. The U.S. CDC infers that tobacco smoke contains a minimum of 70 carcinogens. Predominantly, the inhaled smoke reportedly damages the cells that line the lungs. The American Cancer Society claims that around 80% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking. Furthermore, passive smoking has become rampant, furthering the need for lung cancer diagnostics.

There are other risk factors, too, including asbestos and radon exposure. Individuals with previous radiation done on the chest for other cancers can also be at higher risk. Apparently, stakeholders have frowned upon air pollution; it accounts for 1% to 2% of deaths due to lung cancer in the U.S.

In light of the prevailing trends, treatment options, based on stage, histology, comorbidities and health of patients, have taken a quantum leap over the past few years and survival rates have jumped. Lung cancer diagnostics rely on:

• Biopsy;

• Chest CT scan with infusion of contrast material;

• Physical examination;

• History;

• Chest x-ray;

• Routine laboratory evaluations.

Liquid Biopsy: Future of Lung Cancer Care

Liquid biopsies are a vital cog in redefining cancer care from earlier diagnosis and prognosis to better treatment management. Lung cancer liquid biopsy has emerged as a test that is easier on patients and faster for doctors. For the uninitiated, a biopsy is a sample of cells or tissue taken from almost any body part and sent for cancer check in the lab. The approved liquid biopsy test relies on the analysis and detection of biomarkers-circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Researchers can take a tumor’s biopsies and blood tests for ctDNA to get a bird’s eye view of cancer genetics.

Of late, liquid biopsy-based multicancer early detection tests have gained prominence in detecting multiple cancer types early (from a single blood sample). Researchers have upped efforts to accurately identify ctDNA among other types of DNA in blood to negate false alarms. So much so that they are expected to seek artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to assess or know if a mutation has a role in a specific cancer; prominently, AI can be pivotal in expanding the application of liquid biopsy and boosting lung cancer diagnostic performance. Oncology has also witnessed the use of AI algorithms and image data to develop predictive models for prognosis, treatment response and therapeutic decision-making.

Research activities and technological advancements are likely to provide an impetus to liquid biopsies as stakeholders strive to further advanced care.

Navigating Lung Cancer Surgery

Surgery to remove cancer is generally the option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. It may depend on the type, stage and location of the cancer and other medical conditions. Lung cancer surgery is sought to remove the tumor when the cancer has not spread. Surgery may also involve removing the entire or part of the lung, often termed “lung resection.” Some types of lung surgery are highlighted below:

• Sleeve resection: It is used to treat some cancers in large airways of the lungs.

• Pneumonectomy: The operation removes an entire lung and may be required if the tumor is near the center of the chest.

• Segmentectomy or wedge resection: If the individual doesn’t have the required normal lung function to resist removing the whole lobe, merely a part of a lobe is removed.

• Lobectomy: This surgery cuts away the entire lobe containing the tumor.

 

Lately, minimally invasive surgery, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and surgical robots, have gained prominence globally. Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is akin to VATs as they both have shorter recovery times, fewer complications and less blood loss. In essence, robotic surgery has become the game changer as the advanced tools are maneuverable and precise.

As the world ages and cancer cases rise, advancements and innovations in the surgery of lung cancer, along with advancements in treatment options, will continue to garner headlines.

Beating Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is not a death sentence! The disease can be detected early through screening and lives can be saved. Taking preventive measures and attending routine doctor checkups can help taper off the risks of developing lung cancer. The aging population and burgeoning population growth may add fuel to the fire (lung cancer cases).

Medical technology, biopharma companies, researchers and other stakeholders are expected to emphasize advancements in biopsies and surgery. They are likely to shift from generating profits by boosting volumes to delivering greater value and helping close the gap in cancer care. Industry leaders could inject funds into technology capabilities to enhance the holistic cancer experience an individual goes through.