Epidemiology of Lung Cancer

Abstract

Almost all lung cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts at tobacco control throughout the world. Further research is needed into the reasons underlying lung cancer disparities, the causes of lung cancer in never smokers, the potential role of HIV in lung carcinogenesis, and the development of biomarkers.

ALK-rearrangements and testing methods in non-small cell lung cancer: a review

“…Approximately 85% are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), consisting mainly of squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, and large-cell anaplastic carcinoma, with most being adenocarcinomas [2,3]. Roughly 85% of lung cancers are caused by smoking, with the remaining related to factors such as individual genetics, and radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution exposures [2-4]. Most NSCLCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage, are clinically aggressive, and have a high metastatic potential.…”

“…Additionally, current NSCLC chemotherapeutic regimens have low efficacy. For example, patients with untreated advanced NSCLC have a median survival of 7.15 months, while those treated with current platinum-based doubled chemotherapy regimens have an 8-12 month median survival [4,5]. …”

Does access to private healthcare influence potential lung cancer cure rates?

“…Our data also support current worldwide lung cancer trends that have revealed an increase in the proportion of patients being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in comparison with squamous cell carcinoma. [35][36][37][38][39][40] A steady decrease in daily smoking prevalence in association with switching to low-tar and filter cigarettes (enhancing delivery of smoke to peripheral regions of the lung) is believed to contribute to the decrease in rates of squamous cell carcinoma and the increase in rates of adenocarcinoma. [41][42][43][44] It has been postulated that filter tips effectively reduce deposition of larger particles in the central airway, resulting in a reduced risk of squamous cell carcinoma, but increase deposition of small-size particles in the deeper parts of the lung where adenocarcinoma preferentially occurs.…”

Molecular and Histological Changes in Post-Treatment Biopsies of Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study

“…In this setting, standard chemotherapy significantly improves patients' outcome, but 2-and 5-year survival remains disappointing [1]. From 2004 and onward genetic alterations have been identified, mainly in the adenocarcinoma subtype, such as sensitizing mutations of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and rearrangements of the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) genes and specific agents directed against these genomic abnormalities significantly extended progression-free survival of treated patients [2][3][4].…”