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Tumor size and level of visceral pleura invasion can impact survival of NSCLC patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that tumor size and level of visceral pleura invasion significantly impact the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,700 surgical resection cases and divided patients into nine groups based on tumor size and VPI.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 19, 2009

Multifocal lung cancers appear to originate from single cancer clone

A retrospective analysis found that multiple lung tumors in patients often arise from a single cancer cell, suggesting multifocal lung cancers should be classified as advanced-stage cancers. The study analyzed 70 tumor samples and concluded that 77% of patients had multiple tumors originating from a single clone.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 7, 2009

M. D. Anderson researchers identify tumor-suppressor gene for lung cancer

Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a tumor-suppressor gene that suppresses lung tumors in mice and could provide new approaches for lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The GPRC5A gene is under-expressed in human lung cancer cells and its expression was found to be lower in 61% of human non-small c...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 13, 2007

Talcum powder stunts growth of lung tumors

Researchers found that talc stimulates healthy cells to produce endostatin, a hormone that inhibits tumor growth and kills tumor cells. The study reveals talcum powder's potential as a therapeutic agent for metastatic lung cancer, offering new hope for patients with incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 6, 2007

Modeling lung cancer

A new mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer validates MEK inhibitors as a potential treatment option. The model, developed by Dr. Martin McMahon and colleagues, shows that MEK inhibition can halt tumor progression in early-stage lung tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 2007

Gene expression in lung tumors

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that gene expression patterns in human lung tumors most similar to those seen in early mouse lung development stages predict poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients. The researchers developed a classification system based on genomic analysis, which may help improve treatment options.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Inflammatory biomarker helps identify progressive precancerous lesions in the lung

A study found that a high level of CRP is associated with an increased risk of developing progressive precancerous lesions in the lungs. The researchers believe that this inflammatory biomarker could help identify individuals at high risk for non-small cell lung cancer and potentially treat them with chemopreventive agents.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006

Tumor size related to lung cancer spread

Researchers analyzed 28,689 cases of non-small cell lung cancer, finding a stronger association between tumor size and metastasis for solid tumors. The study suggests that smaller tumor sizes are associated with higher curability rates, even for micrometastases undetectable by current techniques.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2006

Towards targeted lung cancer treatment

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that patients with KRAS mutations do not respond to targeted therapy drugs erlotinib and gefitinib. Analyzing tumors for EGF receptor and KRAS mutations may be crucial to predicting treatment effectiveness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 24, 2005

Radiofrequency ablation safe and feasible for eradicating lung tumors

In a study of 18 patients with inoperable lung tumors, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was found to eradicate lung tumors with no relapse in 94% of cases. Minor complications, including pneumothorax, were treated successfully, and the procedure offered benefits such as low costs, short hospitalization times, and good patient tolerance.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 1, 2004

Lung tumor therapies improved by combining CT and PET scans

Researchers found that combining CT and PET scans significantly enhances radiologists' abilities to precisely define tumor locations for radiation treatments. This improves the efficacy of treatment and limits side effects in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. PET-CT scanning units are now available at hundreds of hospitals nationwide.