Researchers found a rare hereditary syndrome associated with a 31% risk of disease in never-smokers carrying the germline EGFR T790M mutation. The study highlights the need for increased surveillance and screening for affected carriers, regardless of smoking status.
A recent study found that female hormone therapy, particularly estrogen plus progesterone, significantly improved survival among women with non-small cell lung cancer. The combination of hormone therapy and long-term use showed the most notable improvements in median survival time.
A study found significant discrepancies between fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for ALK testing, leading to the detection of approximately 25% of ALK-positive cases. The findings support the need for combined testing using both FISH and IHC methods.
Researchers have developed a novel technique for detecting ALK rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) using quantitative (q)RT-PCR. The assay overcomes limitations of existing methods, including cost and interpretation challenges, with high sensitivity and ease of use.
A recent study found that EGFR mutations are prevalent among the Asian population, with a frequency of 51.4% in stage IIIB or IV adenocarcinomas of the lung. The mutation was more common among women and never-smokers than previously reported.
The cumulative success rate for new agents in advanced NSCLC is lower than industry estimates, but biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies substantially increase success rates. Biomarker-targeted therapy shows a 62% cumulative success rate, nearly six times higher than non-biomarker targeted trials.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.
A new set of evidence-based guidelines recommend lung cancer screening for high-risk populations in Ontario using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The guidelines suggest annual screening for two years, followed by biennial screenings until a negative result is obtained. The recommended parameters for LDCT include 120 to 140 kVp and...
A prospective cohort study of 81,697 racially diverse adults found that lung cancer survival between black and white patients was similar when demographic factors and smoking were controlled. The study aimed to address racial disparities in lung cancer survival rates.
Researchers recommend accelerated radiotherapy as standard treatment for un-resected non-small cell lung cancer patients not receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, citing its efficiency over current practice. However, cost-effectiveness of different modified schemes remains uncertain and requires further research.
A recent retrospective study found that chemotherapy improves median survival among elderly patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by more than 6 months. The study analyzed data from 10,428 patients aged 65 and older who received chemotherapy between 1992 and 2001.
Researchers in Canada found that funding from the pharmaceutical industry significantly decreased EGFR mutation testing after it was discontinued. The Canadian healthcare system lacked resources for implementing a national policy, leading to a substantial drop in test requests.
Researchers have identified Ephrin B2 as a promising target for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. The study found that EPHB2 is significantly overexpressed in tumor tissue compared to normal peritoneum, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that obese patients initially had superior outcomes in terms of overall survival compared to normal-weight and overweight patients. However, their risk of death from any cause significantly increased once they were on the study longer than 16 months, indicating a limited time benefit of obesity in lung cancer patients.
Researchers have developed two new methodologies to determine ALK status in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The first method improves IHC assay sensitivity using a novel hapten and tyramide amplification, detecting low levels of ALK protein expression. The second method combines brightfield IHC with in situ hybridization f...
Researchers developed a highly accurate method to detect ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer using immunocytochemistry. The study found that this method had high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for prescreening NSCLC patients.
A study of 582 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) found SBRT to be safe and effective, with a three-year freedom from local progression rate of 79.6%. The biological effective dosage was the most significant factor influencing outcomes.
Researchers found that PET-CT improved staging accuracy and intrathoracic disease identification in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer patients. This led to an improvement in overall survival rates compared to those not staged with PET-CT.
A recent study found that lung cancer in women who have never smoked is more frequently associated with EGFR mutations and estrogen receptor (ER) overexpression. The researchers observed a higher percentage of these genetic abnormalities in patients who had not previously smoked, suggesting potential new treatment targets for this group.
Researchers evaluate immunohistochemistry for detecting ALK rearrangement in lung adenocarcinoma, finding it a reliable and cost-effective method. The study suggests that IHC can effectively detect ALK rearrangement and identify suitable candidates for targeted therapy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that digital chest tomosynthesis (DT) holds promise as a first-line lung cancer screening tool. DT improved sensitivity in detecting lung nodules compared to conventional chest radiography, while providing lower costs and radiation dosages.
Sarcomatoid lung carcinomas are rare and aggressive diseases resistant to chemotherapy. Researchers found higher levels of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in these tumors, which may lead to the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 targeted therapies. This discovery supports potential novel immunotherapy approaches for this difficult-to-treat disease.
Researchers found that tumors with ALK gene rearrangements can harbor up to 20% of additional mutations, including EGFR and MET genes. These coexisting mutations may impact treatment response to targeted therapies.
Researchers found that intraventricular chemotherapy can palliate associated symptoms in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from non-small cell lung cancer. The study shows that 20 of 69 patients achieved normal ICP, and careful patient selection is recommended for successful treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that higher primary care provider density is associated with lower lung cancer mortality rates, particularly among white populations. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at primary care providers may deserve more investigation to improve access to cancer care.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has developed a guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer, recommending testing for EGFR and ALK abnormalities in all patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. This approach provides individualized treatment options and improved quality of life for patients.
A survey by the IASLC found that 90% of physicians believe tobacco cessation is essential for lung cancer treatment, but only 39% provide assistance. The study highlights barriers to effective tobacco cessation support for cancer patients.
A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that 54% of patients with early stage node-negative lung adenocarcinoma had tumors with at least one biologically relevant mutation. The researchers also discovered mutations associated with drug resistance in these patients.
Researchers found local therapy combined with continued EGFR TKI therapy to be well-tolerated and effective in prolonging progression-free and overall survival. Local therapy was associated with a median overall survival of 41 months, a median time to progression of 10 months.
A study found that elderly patients are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, with only 33% of highly cited trials excluding them. Researchers recommend increasing age diversity to better represent the median age of advanced NSCLC patients.
Researchers found cancers with EGFR exon 20 insertions have similar clinical characteristics to those with common mutations but a poorer prognosis. Median survival was 16 months for these patients, shorter than those with other mutations.
Researchers compared the patterns of failure between stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), lobectomy, and pneumonectomy for patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. The results show comparable patterns of failure, but highlight the challenges in making such comparisons due to differences in patient and tumor-related factors.
A recent study by IASLC found that EGFR mutations do not serve as a prognostic factor in NSCLC patients. Instead, smoking status appears to be the most significant predictor of overall survival. The researchers also discovered that administering EGFR TKI can prolong survival after disease recurrence.
A recent study found immunohistochemistry to be a reliable and accurate method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer. The technique outperformed fluorescence in situ hybridization, which is currently the standard but time-consuming method.
A new study validates the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification for lung adenocarcinomas among Japanese patients, revealing prognostic value in histologic subtypes. The classification identifies specific molecular markers, such as EGFR and KRAS mutations, associated with prognosis and treatment outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that COPD is not an independent risk factor for lung cancer. Researchers associated COPD with lung cancer, but attributed this link to smoking and ascertainment bias, highlighting the need for lung cancer screenings when diagnosing COPD.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that denosumab was associated with significantly improved overall median survival in lung cancer patients, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. The treatment also showed improved survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers have successfully genotyped 344 NSCLC specimens with a median turnaround time of 31 days, enabling targeted therapy. This study's findings highlight the potential for large-scale genomic testing to transform lung cancer treatment.
Researchers found that local ablative therapy and continuation of targeted drugs can prolong disease control by up to 6.2 months in patients with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating NSCLC after progression, particularly for patients with oligoprogressive disease.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that fit elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer can benefit from salvage targeted therapy without increased toxicity. The study analyzed data from 255 patients and showed no difference in response rates or progression-free survival between age groups.
A study analyzing the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) staging system for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) reveals areas for potential revision. The current system distinguishes among T and N categories, but qualitative T descriptors may not be applicable to clinical staging.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that VeriStrat can predict response to erlotinib, but does not provide a survival benefit. The test showed a significant difference in median survival between good and poor responders, with good responders experiencing longer survival on erlotinib.
A pilot study found that breath testing can accurately discriminate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. The technique, using volatile organic compounds and chemical nanoarrays, identified 53 malignant and 19 benign nodules with high accuracy.
Researchers from the British Columbia Cancer Research Center analyzed lung tumors exposed to arsenic, highlighting genetic and epigenetic changes driving carcinogenesis. These findings may help prevent arsenic-related cancer in regions with low exposure levels.
Researchers are developing a multiple marker test in peripheral blood to detect lung cancer, promising an earlier diagnosis. The test discriminated between healthy donors and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high accuracy.
Scientists investigate the use of novel AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in combination with erlotinib as a second-line defense for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have developed resistance to erlotinib. A Phase II trial has shown promising initial results.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California identified 7,112 patients with lung nodules using existing medical records. They developed an automated method that classifies nodules with 96% sensitivity and 86% specificity compared to clinician review.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment did not negatively impact health-related quality of life, and functional and symptom outcomes remained stable after two years.
A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that high-volume hospitals and thoracic surgeons have lower mortality rates compared to general surgeons. The researchers recommend a national audit program to evaluate institutions based on quality parameters, including hospital volume.
Researchers found that perioperative chemotherapy improved overall survival in patients with limited large cell neuroendocrine tumors or small-cell lung cancer after surgery. The study of 74 patients showed a significant difference in overall survival between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not.