 |
|
Radiation preferred over surgery for patients with some stages of lung cancer
March 21, 2007After an initial chemotherapy treatment, radiation may be a better choice than surgery for patients with stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer, according to a randomized controlled trial published in the March 21 Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The authors suggest that a combination of chemotherapy and radiation should be the preferred treatment option for these patients.
Approximately 80 percent of all lung cancers are non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), and of those patients diagnosed with NSCLC, about 30 percent have locally advanced stages IIIA or IIIB. Previous studies have shown that treating stage IIIA patients with chemotherapy before surgery increases the survival rate compared with patients receiving only surgery. The researchers had originally hypothesized that surgery would be more effective than radiation after chemotherapy treatment.
Jan van Meerbeeck, M.D., Ph.D., of the University Hospital of Ghent in Belgium, and colleagues from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) recruited 579 eligible patients from 41 institutions into the trial between December 1994 and December 2002. All of the patients were diagnosed with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC that had progressed so far that it could not be completely removed by surgery. The patients were first given three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Those who responded to the treatment—61 percent of the initial group—were then randomly assigned to receive either surgery or radiation, 167 and 165 patients respectively.
The researchers found that surgery, compared to radiation, did not improve survival after treatment with chemotherapy. The median survival time for surgical patients was 16.4 months versus 17.5 months for patients who were treated with radiation. And the 5-year overall survival rate for surgical patients was 15.7 percent, compared with 14 percent for patients who received radiation. Although the survival rates for the two groups were very similar, the authors concluded that radiation was the preferred treatment because of its lower rate of complications and mortality in lung cancer patients.
"These results are important because several centers routinely use"¦chemotherapy followed by surgery to treat patients with this stage of disease based on small randomized studies that showed that surgery alone is inferior to"¦chemotherapy and surgery in stage IIIA patients," the authors write.
In an accompanying editorial, David Johnson, M.D., of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, and colleagues discuss how surgeons and oncologists are likely to react to this study, as well as the challenges that each group faces in trying to treat this disease. "Accordingly, these data will be thoroughly parsed by surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists alike to assess how each specialty's contribution might be improved and the negative aspects minimized," the authors write.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
The researchers found that surgery, compared to radiation, did not improve survival after treatment with chemotherapy. The median survival time for surgical patients was 16.4 months versus 17.5 months for patients who were treated with radiation. And the 5-year overall survival rate for surgical patients was 15.7 percent, compared with 14 percent for patients who received radiation. Although the survival rates for the two groups were very similar, the authors concluded that radiation was the preferred treatment because of its lower rate of complications and mortality in lung cancer patients.
"These results are important because several centers routinely use"¦chemotherapy followed by surgery to treat patients with this stage of disease based on small randomized studies that showed that surgery alone is inferior to"¦chemotherapy and surgery in stage IIIA patients," the authors write.
In an accompanying editorial, David Johnson, M.D., of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, and colleagues discuss how surgeons and oncologists are likely to react to this study, as well as the challenges that each group faces in trying to treat this disease. "Accordingly, these data will be thoroughly parsed by surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists alike to assess how each specialty's contribution might be improved and the negative aspects minimized," the authors write.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News RSSResearchers Identify Role of Gene in Tumor Development, Growth and Progression
Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine researchers have identified a gene that may play a pivotal role in two processes that are essential for tumor development, growth and progression to metastasis.
Common pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth
Although morphine has been the gold-standard treatment for postoperative and chronic cancer pain for two centuries, a growing body of evidence is showing that opiate-based painkillers can stimulate the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke
Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers at bars and restaurants onto outdoor patios, but a new University of Georgia study in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these outdoor smoking areas might be creating a new health hazard.
Carnegie Mellon researchers link health-care debate to risk of dying in US and Europe
The current health care debate in the United States is complicated. Trade-offs between heath care expenditures, lifestyle choices and life expectancy have been suggested but seldom clearly demonstrated.
PET imaging response a prognostic factor after thoracic radiation therapy for lung cancer
A rapid decline in metabolic activity on a PET scan after radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with good local tumor control, according to a study presented by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital at the 51st ASTRO Annual Meeting.
Study of concurrent radiotherapy, chemotherapy shows promise in small cell lung cancer
Treating limited stage small cell lung cancer(LSCL) with a combination of accelerated high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy has shown encouraging results.
Stereotactic radiotherapy offers noninvasive, effective treatment for frail patients with early-stage lung cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians.
Preventative brain radiation for lung cancer patients: Benefits and risks
A new study is taking a closer look at the benefits versus risks for lung cancer patients to undergo preventative brain radiation therapy as a means to stop cancer from spreading to the brain.
Study spotlights efficacy of questionnaire to identify patients at high risk for lung cancer
A study featured in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer.
Intervals between lung cancer diagnosis and treatment displays a health care disparity
Research published in the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has found that intervals between lung cancer suspicion, diagnosis and treatment may be attributed to health care system discrepancies.
More Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News Articles
 |
How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan by Michael Lloyd (Author) Written by a lung cancer survivor who understands what it takes to beat the odds, this book offers unparalleled hope and direction for anyone facing this illness. It is filled with specific exercises and techniques to promote healing and reverse side effects by taking a pro-active approach in helping to restore your mind, body and spirit to an optimum state of health. Endorsed by a Lung Cancer Specialist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, this book combines what the doctors tell you with critical information they don't tell you. Visit www.SurviveLungCancer.com for chapter summaries. |
 |
Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope by Claudia I. Henschke (Author), Peggy McCarthy (Author), Sarah Wernick (Contributor) Winner of the 2003 American Society of Journalists and Authors' June Roth Memorial Award for Health and Medical Books. An authoritative book with new lifesaving strategies for those at risk and those already diagnosed. Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer—because it's usually found too late. Claudia Henschke's groundbreaking research on early diagnosis, published in The Lancet, made headlines worldwide. Now, for the first time, she offers specific recommendations based on her latest findings: who needs to be checked, where to be tested, and what to expect. Dr. Henschke and coauthor Peggy McCarthy, a leading patient advocate, provide up-to-the-minute information on diagnosis, treatment, and survival, accompanied by inspiring words from... |
 |
Voices of Lung Cancer: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength (Voices Of series) by The Healing Project (Editor), S. Epatha Merkerson (Editor) Provided by the patients, their friends, families, and caregivers of those diagnaosed with lung cancer, these very personal stories offer inspired insight into the ways families and professionals care for both themselves and the patient, gain a deeper understanding of the relationships, and learn to come to terms with the end of life. Included are essays by medical experts about the science of lung cancer, current treatments, choosing the right doctors, and what the future holds for the next generation of patients. |
 |
Quick Facts on Lung Cancer by American Cancer Society (Author) Educate yourself about lung cancer What are your risk factors for lung cancer? Can you prevent it? How is lung cancer treated? What should you ask your doctor? QuickFACTS Lung Cancer is both a comprehensive and a quick read, with highlighted cover tabs for quick reference of specific topics. QuickFACTS Lung Cancer: Covers everything from risk factors to living well after cancer treatment Provides critical questions to ask your healthcare team Educates and empowers you right from the start Completely updated with the latest patient treatment guidelines Includes a lung cancer dictionary |
 |
Lung Cancer by Jack A. Roth (Author), James D. Cox (Author), Waun Ki Hong (Author) Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. However, since the first edition of Lung Cancer was published 14 years ago, rapid progress in the biology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease has been made. |
 |
Mom Lung Cancer Support Infant/Toddler T-Shirt by CafePress |
 |
Lung Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks) by Arthur T. Skarin MD FACP FCCP (Editor), Paul Lorigan MB FRCP (Editor) Written by highly eminent authors, Lung Cancer - a handbook in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute series - is produced in full color and is richly illustrated throughout, providing a review of each cancer including its incidence, epidemiology, etiology and histopathology, together with the clinical features. Diagnostic studies and current clinical and pathological staging are also given. Detailed tables are provided with histopathological classification, diagnostic studies and, when important, prognostic factors. Current therapies are also discussed in detail, particularly the management of metastatic lung disease in the context of new and emerging treatments. Comprehensive coverage - from risk and prevention, and screening and diagnosis, through to treatment options (surgery,... |
 |
Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options by Lorraine Johnston (Author) Lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the U.S. Yet it receives little attention from the media, and those with lung cancer suffer more blame and stigma than other cancer patients, even though 50 percent of them are former smokers or have never smoked. Lung cancer treatments and the daunting prognosis for some types and stages of lung cancer can significantly impact quality of life. In straightforward language, Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment & Options addresses its readers' medical, emotional, and support needs. The book includes stories from patients themselves, their families and their healthcare professionals. Author and patient advocate Lorraine Johnston emphasizes using knowledge to dispel fear. The content has been reviewed by top medical experts and physicians... |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition by Karen Parles (Author), Joan H. Schiller (Author) Empower yourself! No one with lung cancer needs to be alone in their fight against this disease. 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition enables patients and their families to seek our the best treatment possible for early detection of lung cancer. Providing both the doctor s and patient s point of view, this book is a complete guide to understanding treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Through 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition, expert authors use their experiences with patients to provide support and hope to the tens of thousands of people coping with this disease. |
 |
Surviving Lung Cancer: (My Story) by Darlene Lehosit (Author) Surviving Lung Cancer (My Story) was written to share the triumphant story of the author’s journey into the world of lung cancer, which began shortly before her official diagnosis in February of 1999; the symptoms that led to the series of tests; her experience with tests leading up to the diagnosis; the excellent treatment she received; the tremendous effect lung cancer had on her physically as well as mentally; how all of this affected the people around her; how the tumor that had lodged itself on her laryngeal nerve caused her to lose her voice for a period of eight months; and how the lasting effects of chemotherapy left her with chronic illnesses which have changed her life forever. It is the author’s attempt to give a ray of hope to other lung cancer patients and their... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |