 |
|
Study points to possibility of blood test to detect lung cancer
December 10, 2007DURHAM, N.C. -- A test for four blood proteins may provide a less-invasive follow-up for patients who have suspicious lesions on chest radiographs or computerized tomography (CT) scans, according to a new study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers.
"CT scans have a very high false positive rate when trying to discover lung cancer," said Edward Patz, Jr., M.D., a radiologist at Duke and lead investigator on the study. "What that leads to is several follow-up imaging studies or invasive procedures like biopsy, which have risks of their own. This study is the first step in developing a test that would allow us to sample a patient's blood and determine whether more invasive testing and treatment are necessary."
The researchers published their findings in the December 10, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study was funded by Duke's Department of Radiology.
Researchers studied four proteins in the blood and found that their levels were different in patients with lung cancer as compared to patients of the same age and gender who didn't have cancer. They compared the levels of these proteins in the blood of almost 100 patients known to have lung cancer to the levels in the blood of nearly 100 patients without cancer.
"Using the four markers, known as CEA, RBP, SCC and AAT, we were able to distinguish patients who had cancer from those who didn't with over 80 percent accuracy," Patz said.
The four protein markers have all been associated with lung cancer, but none in isolation wields enough influence to definitively indicate the disease. However, in combination they may be very useful, Patz said.
The researchers created a "classification tree" to sort out a person's likelihood of having lung cancer, based on the levels of each of the four proteins. "People whose samples landed in one of three bins at the bottom of the tree had a 90 percent chance of having cancer," Patz said. "Other bins indicated risks as low as 10 percent."
CT scanning has been proposed for routine lung cancer screening, but it detects many nodules that are not cancerous, leading to more invasive and risky treatment. A recent study found that nodules were detected in more than 70 percent of those screened, while lung cancer was found in less than three percent.
"We talk about how devastating this disease is all the time, but we still don't have a screening system in place that can detect lung cancer early, without exposing patients to the risks of biopsy and surgery," Patz said. "This study is an important step in the right direction."
The researchers will next perform a larger study looking at the use of biomarkers prospectively in patients found to have lung lesions by CT scan. The ultimate goal is to develop a screening system by which patients could have the blood test before imaging and those found to be in a "high risk bin" would have a CT scan for further evaluation.
"We would determine whether the person is at low or high risk of having lung cancer based on these biomarkers," Patz said. "Patients at low risk might be followed with further blood tests or imaging studies while those at high risk might require immediate intervention."
Lung cancer is the leading killer of men and women in the United States, with nearly 175,000 people diagnosed each year, and about 160,000 patients dying from the disease yearly. More than 75 percent of lung cancer patients have already experienced significant disease spread by the time they are diagnosed, making the need for early detection techniques imperative.
Duke University Medical Center
Researchers studied four proteins in the blood and found that their levels were different in patients with lung cancer as compared to patients of the same age and gender who didn't have cancer. They compared the levels of these proteins in the blood of almost 100 patients known to have lung cancer to the levels in the blood of nearly 100 patients without cancer.
"Using the four markers, known as CEA, RBP, SCC and AAT, we were able to distinguish patients who had cancer from those who didn't with over 80 percent accuracy," Patz said.
The four protein markers have all been associated with lung cancer, but none in isolation wields enough influence to definitively indicate the disease. However, in combination they may be very useful, Patz said.
The researchers created a "classification tree" to sort out a person's likelihood of having lung cancer, based on the levels of each of the four proteins. "People whose samples landed in one of three bins at the bottom of the tree had a 90 percent chance of having cancer," Patz said. "Other bins indicated risks as low as 10 percent."
CT scanning has been proposed for routine lung cancer screening, but it detects many nodules that are not cancerous, leading to more invasive and risky treatment. A recent study found that nodules were detected in more than 70 percent of those screened, while lung cancer was found in less than three percent.
"We talk about how devastating this disease is all the time, but we still don't have a screening system in place that can detect lung cancer early, without exposing patients to the risks of biopsy and surgery," Patz said. "This study is an important step in the right direction."
The researchers will next perform a larger study looking at the use of biomarkers prospectively in patients found to have lung lesions by CT scan. The ultimate goal is to develop a screening system by which patients could have the blood test before imaging and those found to be in a "high risk bin" would have a CT scan for further evaluation.
"We would determine whether the person is at low or high risk of having lung cancer based on these biomarkers," Patz said. "Patients at low risk might be followed with further blood tests or imaging studies while those at high risk might require immediate intervention."
Lung cancer is the leading killer of men and women in the United States, with nearly 175,000 people diagnosed each year, and about 160,000 patients dying from the disease yearly. More than 75 percent of lung cancer patients have already experienced significant disease spread by the time they are diagnosed, making the need for early detection techniques imperative.
Duke University Medical Center
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Tamoxifen Spectroscopy Immune Cell Drug Abuse Substance Abuse Carbon Nanotube Hydrocortisone Lifespan Allergic Reactions Electricity Bone Marrow Glioblastoma Snowmelt RNA Ankylosing Spondylitis Diabetic Retinopathy Genomes Cholera Visual System Ageing Suicide Cancer Survivor Imaging technique Space Telescope Hippocampus
See More: Science News Tags
Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News RSSResearchers find clear difference in quality, type of lung cancer info available in US and Japan
A study published in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology revealed that internet-based lung cancer information was of a higher quality in the United States (US) than in Japan.
Cancer researchers link DICER1 gene mutation to rare childhood cancer
Research published today in Science Express from the journal Science demonstrates the first definitive link between mutations in the gene DICER1 and cancer.
Study finds cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in individuals with schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia die from cancer four times as often as people in the general population.
UCLA cancer researchers develop model that may help identify cancer stem cells
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, on a quest to find lung cancer stem cells, have developed a unique model to allow further investigation into the cells that many believe may be at the root of all lung cancers.
Prostate cancer test improves prediction of disease course
A new prostate cancer risk assessment test, developed by a UCSF team, gives patients and their doctors a better way of gauging long-term risks and pinpointing high risk cases.
DKK-3 and WIF-1: Proteins related to liver cancer development?
Liver cancer is one of the most fatal human malignancies and the third most frequent cause of tumor-related death, about half a million people globally each year.
Defeating nicotine's double role in lung cancer
A lung cancer treatment that inhibits nicotine receptors was shown to double survival time in mice, according to Italian researchers.
Vaporized viral vector shows promise in anti-cancer gene therapy
A new lung cancer therapy employing a vaporized viral vector to deliver a cancer-inhibiting molecule directly to lung tissue shows early promise in mouse trials, according to researchers at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Korea.
Common chemotherapy drug triggers fatal allergic reactions
A chemotherapy drug that is supposed to help save cancer patients' lives, instead resulted in life-threatening and sometimes fatal allergic reactions.
Women under-represented in cancer research, U-M study finds
Women are under-represented in clinical cancer research published in high-impact journals, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
More Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News Articles
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
ABC of Lung Cancer (ABC Series) by Ian Hunt (Editor), Martin M. Muers (Editor), Tom Treasure (Editor) Lung Cancer is the most common cause of cancer death and cancer symptoms. The ABC of Lung Cancer is a much needed reference for those treating and caring for patients with lung cancer such as primary care doctors, specialist cancer nurses, junior doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers and other health care professionals. This new title in the ABC series covers the epidemiology and diagnosis of lung cancer, focusing particularly on primary care issues such as what symptoms require urgent investigation, and when to refer to a specialist. This is a practical guide for all those involved in the care of the lung cancer patient, as well as patients and their families and carers. |
 |
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... |
|
Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma by Howard A. Gutman (Author) | |
 |
Lung Cancer: A Practical Guide by Luis E. Raez MD FACP FCCP (Author), Orlando E. Silva MD JD FACP FCLM (Author) This handbook is written to provide a 'bedside' reference for the practising oncologist, as well as a compendium of lung cancer information useful to thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, respiratory medicine specialists, clinical researchers and educators, medical students and nurses. The book is written in outline format to provide the reader with quick and easy access to information on the major trials, landmark articles and reviews in lung cancer. The results of important clinical trials are summarised in 5-10 lines, with key data including: whether or not randomised; number of subjects; study periods; median follow-up; dosages; results; limitations and conclusions. In addition, there is a comprehensive index so that specific information can be quickly found. Practical 'bedside'... |
 |
Lung Cancer (Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging) by Sujal R. Desai (Editor) Despite the world-wide drive to increase awareness of the risks of smoking, lung cancer remains a global problem. A multidisciplinary team approach is now considered the most effective way to manage lung cancer. Imaging plays a central role in this multidisciplinary approach; this is reflected in the present volume. Individual chapters focus on imaging (including screening, diagnosis of symptomatic cases and staging), pathology and treatment options in lung cancer. Due to recent interest in the potential role of PET for a variety of malignancies, a separate chapter is devoted to this technique. Each volume in Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging is co-ordinated by an expert guest editor with contributions from all members of the multidisciplinary team, bringing together expertise from... |
 |
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... |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |