Articles tagged with Lung Cancer
A study analyzing Medicare claims found that biopsies accounted for 43.1% of $38.3 million in diagnostic costs for patients with ultimately negative lung cancer diagnoses. Lung biopsies were also the most expensive test, with a median cost of $3,784 and an average cost including complications of $37,745.
Research shows that primary care providers who know guideline recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening are more likely to order LDCT for high-risk individuals. This knowledge gap is highlighted by a survey of over 200 primary care providers, which found that 48% knew three or more guideline components.
Research reveals that minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and adenocarcinoma in-situ (AIS) lung cancer patients have comparable five-year disease-free and overall survival rates of 97.7%. This finding suggests that tumor sub-classification may not provide additional prognostic information for patients with tumors ≤3 cm in size.
Research found that post-operative radiation therapy improved overall survival for patients with resected NSCLC, with a median survival time of 42 months compared to 38 months without PORT. Factors associated with better survival included female gender, adenocarcinoma histology, and younger age.
A 10-year analysis of data from an institutional patient registry indicates that 79% of tumors are controlled locally for early stage lung cancer patients treated with SBRT. The treatment resulted in minimal toxicity, with no grade 4 or 5 events recorded.
Researchers found that erlotinib, a targeted drug for advanced-stage lung cancer, can increase the aggressiveness of tumors in early-stage patients, leading to accelerated growth and decreased survival rates. The study suggests combining an EGFR inhibitor with a Notch inhibitor may overcome this effect.
A European multicenter harmonization study reveals that standardized semi-quantitative anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) IHC is reliable and comparable to FISH testing for detecting ALK protein expression. The study showed 100% concordance among institutions on 15 well-characterized NSCLC specimens, making IHC a potential stand-alone test.
A novel software application, CANARY, can automatically analyze high-resolution CT images to classify early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients into risk groups. The tool was developed at Mayo Clinic and demonstrated accurate stratification of patients into categories with different 5-year disease-free survival outcomes.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered three small-molecule compounds that activate Bax and induce high levels of cell death in lung cancer cells without harming noncancerous tissues. These findings represent a new class of anticancer drugs with a unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers expressing Bax, including lung cancer.
Researchers identified 149 metabolites with altered concentrations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to those at risk but without the disease. The study suggests a potential diagnostic biomarker for early lung cancer detection.
A large-scale population-based study found that removing the entire lobe of lung may offer better overall survival compared to partial resection and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy. The study also suggests that SABR may be a suitable alternative to surgery for elderly patients with multiple medical problems.
Researchers found that family doctors may not be detecting lung cancer signs promptly enough, with one in seven patients dying within three months. Chest x-rays performed in primary care had lower early death rates, but frequent GP visits increased the risk.
CNIO researchers found that the simultaneous inhibition of Cdk4 and Cdk6 is more effective than individual inhibition in reducing tumour growth and promoting aggressive tumours in mice. The study also revealed that the combined activation of both oncogenes leads to uncontrolled cell division and an increased risk of developing leukemia.
A study published in Science found that sequencing a single region of a localized tumor can identify most cancer-driving genomic aberrations. The researchers identified 20 known cancer gene mutations across all regions of the same tumor, suggesting a potential connection to relapse.
Researchers discovered that lung cancers can exist undetected for many years due to unique genetic faults in separate areas of the tumor. The study highlights the need for better early detection methods to improve treatment outcomes, as two-thirds of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when treatments are less effective.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have developed a miniaturized biomedical testing device for exosomes, promising earlier detection and improved survival rates for patients. The lab-on-a-chip technology uses magnetic beads to isolate exosomes from plasma samples, enabling minimally invasive and cost-effective cancer diagnosis.
A phase 1 clinical trial of crizotinib against ROS1-positive lung cancer showed a 72% response rate and 19.2 months progression-free survival, suggesting potential for durable action against this subtype of lung cancer.
A new virtual breast test using ultrasound elastography could significantly improve cancer detection accuracy, especially for women with suspicious mammograms.
Phase II data showed dabrafenib has significant anti-tumour activity in patients with advanced BRAF V600E mutant non-small cell lung cancer. HER2 inhibition also shows promise in HER2-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with a 21% overall response rate in patients treated with neratinib and temsirolimus.
A direct comparison of docetaxel and pemetrexed with cisplatin shows similar progression-free survival rates, but docetaxel is associated with more frequent adverse events. The study included 149 patients with non-squamous lung cancer and found that the pemetrexed combination was less toxic.
A Korean study showed that patients with low levels of thymidylate synthase in their lung tumors experienced greater benefits from treatment with pemetrexed and cisplatin. The enzyme's expression level can also serve as a prognostic biomarker for overall survival.
The phase III trials indicate that anamorelin is safe and well-tolerated in treating symptoms of advanced non-small cell lung cancer anorexia-cachexia. Patients experienced improvements in lean body mass, body weight, and patient symptoms/concerns regarding appetite over 12 weeks.
Researchers report that crizotinib effectively halted tumor growth in 36 of 50 study participants and suppressed it in another 9. The study confirmed that ROS1 is a viable therapeutic target for ROS1-positive lung cancer patients.
A substantial proportion of potential subjects are reflexively excluded from lung cancer clinical trials due to prior cancer. The exclusion criterion was applied in more than two-thirds of trials in which survival was not the primary endpoint, resulting in up to 18% exclusion rate.
Researchers found modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy, but no clinically significant cardiac events. The study suggests that longer follow-up and increased dose range may reveal the impact of radiation on late RT-related toxicity.
A new study found that high-risk individuals screened for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce treatment costs by up to 85%, resulting in a significant reduction in mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The average cost per-person for LDCT screening was $453, while the mean cost for diag...
A meta-analysis of 70 studies found that fludeoxyglucose F18-PET combined with CT is less accurate for diagnosing lung cancer in areas with endemic infectious lung diseases. The pooled sensitivity was 89%, but specificity was lower (61%) compared to non-endemic regions (77%).
A new analysis found that FDG-PET technology is less accurate in diagnosing lung cancer versus benign disease in regions with high rates of histoplasmosis or tuberculosis. Misdiagnosis could lead to unnecessary tests and surgeries, with potential complications and mortality.
A Yale study found that patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who underwent conventional surgery had better long-term outcomes than those treated with radiosurgery. The study used Medicare billing records of 1,078 patients and found a significant difference in complications and mortality rates between the two groups.
Researchers present long-term results of RTOG 0236, confirming good primary tumor control and positive 5-year survival rates for patients with inoperable lung cancer. The study found a 40% 5-year survival rate, with seven percent estimated five-year primary tumor failure rate.
A meta-analysis of 757 Stage IV NSCLC patients found that factors such as timing of metastases and lymph node involvement impact overall survival. The study identified three risk groups with different five-year OS rates, and highlighted the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive treatments.
Research found that NSCLC patients who never smoked had a significantly lower risk of developing secondary primary lung cancers (SPLC) compared to current smokers. The study analyzed 1,484 patients and found that five years after diagnosis, current smokers were more likely to develop SPLC.
Researchers discovered that patients with lung cancer have a higher breath temperature than those without. The study also identified a cut-off value in temperature measurement to accurately diagnose lung cancer.
A secondary analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data found that both cancer prevalence and positive predictive value of lung cancer screening were higher in the 65+ cohort than in the under-65 cohort. Clinicians should share age-specific estimates of screening benefits and harms with patients to make an informed decision.
A combination therapy of two miRNAs, let-7 and miR-34, has been shown to suppress tumor growth in an animal model of non-small-cell lung cancer. The study offers a promising therapeutic avenue for this aggressive malignancy.
Manchester scientists have developed a method to personalize and increase radiotherapy doses for lung cancer patients, potentially improving local control and survival rates. The technique uses intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to minimize harm to healthy tissue.
Researchers found BIM deletion independently predicts overall and progression-free survival in advanced NSCLC patients, particularly in those treated with EGFR TKIs or chemotherapy. The study suggests considering BIM deletion as a clinical trial stratification factor for Asian NSCLC patients.
Researchers found high concordance (94%) between EGFR mutations in plasma-derived ctDNA and tumor tissue in NSCLC patients. This suggests that a single plasma sample may be sufficient for mutation status assessment when tumor tissue is unavailable.
A large pooled analysis of seven studies involving over 25,000 individuals found associations between lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia. Patients with co-occurring chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia had a higher risk of lung cancer.
A comprehensive analysis of data from thousands of patients revealed that one in ten cancers would be classified differently using a new classification system based on molecular subtypes. The study provides a more refined, quantitative picture of cancer subtypes and could lead to different treatment options for those patients.
A study of nearly 3,000 cancer survivors found that nearly one in ten continued to smoke many years after diagnosis. The highest rates were seen among bladder and lung cancer patients. Meanwhile, sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and income played a role in smoking status.
A UK psychologist has developed a patient tool to assist with lung cancer screening decision-making, aiming to empower individuals to make informed choices about their health. The tool will provide accurate information and calculate personalized feedback, allowing patients to discuss the decision with their healthcare provider.
Researchers have found an irreversible inhibitor, SML-8-73-1, that selectively and irreversibly interferes with the activity of mutated KRAS genes. This breakthrough has significant potential to target cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes for patients with lung, pancreas, and colon cancers.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that cancer cells with high sugar intake and mobility have a similar mechanism, promoting metastasis and influencing patient survival. The intensity of this phenomenon significantly impacts survival rates, making GLUT3 a potential target for future therapies.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) disputes systemic patient anxiety concerns related to inconclusive cancer screening test results from computed tomography (CT) lung cancer exams. A study by Gareen et al suggests that anxiety effects are minimal, and the lifesaving benefits outweigh any downsides.
Increased use of less toxic chemotherapy treatments in advanced NSCLC is associated with higher overall survival. The study found a significant increase in survival rates among patients receiving second-line therapy, with median overall survival ranging from 3.9 to 11.8 months.
A Vanderbilt University-led team has identified protein 'signatures' of genetic mutations that drive colorectal cancer. The study's findings may lead to new advances in diagnosing and treating the disease by identifying patients who would benefit most from chemotherapy after surgery.
ROS1 gene fusions were detected in 12 out of 492 specimens examined for lung adenocarcinoma using RT-PCR and IHC tests. ROS1 positive patients are significantly younger than the entire population, but there are no associations with gender or smoking history.
Scientists at Salk Institute identify gene DIXDC1 that stops cancer cells from spreading, opening new avenues for treating aggressive lung and other cancers. The discovery provides hope for patients with limited treatment options.
A new 'QTA' technique allows for precise treatment and progress tracking in lung cancer patients with high accuracy. The study found that nearly 90% of tumor cells can be analyzed to detect K-ras gene mutations, enabling personalized treatment.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked, while cautioning against widespread lung cancer screening among high-risk older adults due to insufficient evidence. The committee cited age-related risks and diminishing benefits of extended life fro...
A study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a shorter time to first cigarette (TTFC) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in both heavy and light smokers. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 current and former smokers, revealing that TTFC was statistically significantly higher...
Researchers at UCLA have discovered how factors regulating adult stem cells in lungs can lead to precancerous lesions. The study found that disrupting normal ROS regulation drives repair process, causing precancerous lesions to form.
Researchers develop device that spots lung cancer in exhaled breath, combining novel technologies for early detection and diagnosis. The breathalyzer test uses a nanotech chip to detect unique chemical signatures of lung cancer tumors, accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions.
A systematic review of 8215 studies found that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening does not significantly influence overall quality of life or result in long-term anxiety or distress. However, positive results can lead to short-term increases in distress levels.
A recent study found that a 5-year low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening protocol can detect lung cancer effectively, with a high proportion of cancers being treated and good long-term survival rates. The results show improved diagnostic performance compared to other studies, including the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology create algorithms to quantify lung nodule growth on CT scans, identifying small cancers and obviating risky biopsies. The software compensates for background factors and estimates nodule volumes, enabling accurate doubling time calculation and malignant growth detection.
A new class of tumor-targeting agents can seek out and find dozens of solid tumors, even illuminating brain cancer stem cells that resist current treatments. The agents deliver two types of payloads directly to cancer cells, resulting in direct imaging or treatment.
A landmark ESMO survey of over 700 specialists provides insight into treatments most oncologists choose for lung cancer patients with incomplete resection. The study reveals that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are commonly prescribed, but treatment decisions vary depending on the specialty of the treating physician.
Researchers have found that crizotinib produces significant responses in patients with intermediate and high MET amplification, resulting in a 60-67% overall objective response rate. The drug showed early activity against MET-dependent cells in preclinical laboratory studies.