Malignant tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue

Medical condition

Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma[8] (since about 9899% of all lung cancers are carcinomas), is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung.[9] Lung carcinomas derive from transformed, malignant cells that originate as epithelial cells, or from tissues composed of epithelial cells. Other lung cancers, such as the rare sarcomas of the lung, are generated by the malignant transformation of connective tissues (i.e. nerve, fat, muscle, bone), which arise from mesenchymal cells. Lymphomas and melanomas (from lymphoid and melanocyte cell lineages) can also rarely result in lung cancer.

In time, this uncontrolled growth can metastasize (spreading beyond the lung) either by direct extension, by entering the lymphatic circulation, or via hematogenous, bloodborne spread into nearby tissue or other, more distant parts of the body.[10] Most cancers that start in the lung, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas. The two main types are small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).[3] The most common symptoms are coughing (including coughing up blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, and chest pains.[1]

The vast majority (85%) of cases of lung cancer are due to long-term tobacco smoking.[4] About 1015% of cases occur in people who have never smoked.[11] These cases are often caused by a combination of genetic factors and exposure to radon gas, asbestos, second-hand smoke, or other forms of air pollution.[4][5][12][13] Lung cancer may be seen on chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans.[14] The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy, which is usually performed by bronchoscopy or CT-guidance.[3][15]

The major method of prevention is the avoidance of risk factors, including smoking and air pollution.[16] Treatment and long-term outcomes depend on the type of cancer, the stage (degree of spread), and the person's overall health.[14] Most cases are not curable.[3] Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.[14] NSCLC is sometimes treated with surgery, whereas SCLC usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.[17]

Worldwide in 2020, lung cancer occurred in 2.2 million people and resulted in 1.8 million deaths.[6] It is the most common cause of cancer-related death in both men and women.[18][19] The most common age at diagnosis is 70 years.[2] In most countries the five-year survival rate is around 10 to 20%,[6] while in Japan it is 33%, in Israel 27%, and in the Republic of Korea 25%.[6] Outcomes typically are worse in the developing world.[20]

Signs and symptoms that may suggest lung cancer include:[1]

If the cancer grows in the airways, it may obstruct airflow causing breathing difficulties. The obstruction can also lead to accumulation of secretions behind the blockage, and increase the risk of pneumonia.[1]

Many of the symptoms of lung cancer (poor appetite, weight loss, fever, fatigue) are not specific.[3] In many people, the cancer has already spread beyond the original site by the time they have symptoms and seek medical attention.[21] Symptoms that suggest the presence of metastatic disease include weight loss, bone pain, and neurological symptoms (headaches, fainting, convulsions, or limb weakness).[1] Common sites of spread include the brain, bone, adrenal glands, opposite lung, liver, pericardium, and kidneys.[21] About 10% of people with lung cancer do not have symptoms at diagnosis; these cancers are incidentally found on routine chest radiography.[15]

Depending on the type of tumor, paraneoplastic phenomena symptoms not due to the local presence of cancer may initially attract attention to the disease.[22] In lung cancer, these phenomena may include hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (abnormally concentrated urine and diluted blood), ectopic ACTH production, or LambertEaton myasthenic syndrome (muscle weakness due to autoantibodies). Tumors in the top of the lung, known as Pancoast tumors, may invade the local part of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in Horner's syndrome (dropping of the eyelid and a small pupil on that side), as well as damage to the brachial plexus.[1]

Cancer develops after genetic damage to DNA and epigenetic changes. Those changes affect the cell's normal functions, including cell proliferation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and DNA repair. As more damage accumulates, the risk for cancer increases.[23]

Tobacco smoking is by far the main contributor to lung cancer.[4] Cigarette smoke contains at least 73 known carcinogens,[24] including benzo[a]pyrene,[25] NNK, 1,3-butadiene, and a radioactive isotope of polonium polonium-210.[24] Across the developed world, 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and 70% of those in women during 2000 were attributed to smoking.[26] Smoking accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases.[14] Vaping may be a risk factor for lung cancer, but less than that of cigarettes, and further research is necessary due to the length of time it can take for lung cancer to develop following an exposure to carcinogens.[27][28]

Passive smoking the inhalation of smoke from another's smoking is a cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. A passive smoker can be defined as someone either living or working with a smoker. Studies from the US,[29][30][31] the UK[32] and other European countries[33] have consistently shown a significantly-increased risk among those exposed to passive smoking.[34] The risk of developing lung cancer increases by 2528%.[35] Investigations of sidestream smoke (the main component of second-hand smoke; around 85%) suggest that it is more dangerous than direct mainstream smoke.[36]

Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogens as those found in tobacco smoke,[37] but the effect of smoking cannabis on lung cancer risk is not clear.[38][39] A 2013 review did not find an increased risk from light to moderate use.[40] A 2014 review found that smoking cannabis doubled the risk of lung cancer, though cannabis is in many countries commonly mixed with tobacco.[41]

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas generated by the breakdown of radioactive radium, which in turn is the decay product of uranium, found in the Earth's crust. The radiation decay products ionize genetic material, causing mutations that sometimes become cancerous. Radon is the second-most common cause of lung cancer in the US,[42] causing about 21,000 deaths each year.[43] The risk increases 816% for every 100 Bq/m increase in the radon concentration.[44] Radon gas levels vary by locality and the composition of the underlying soil and rocks. About one in 15 homes in the US has radon levels above the recommended guideline of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l) (148 Bq/m).[45]

Asbestos can cause a variety of lung diseases such as lung cancer. Tobacco smoking and exposure to asbestos together have synergistic effects on the development of lung cancer.[5] In smokers who work with asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is increased 45-fold compared to the general population.[46] Asbestos can also cause cancer of the pleura, called mesothelioma which actually is different from lung cancer.[47]

Outdoor air pollutants, especially chemicals released from the burning of fossil fuels, increase the risk of lung cancer.[4] Fine particulates (PM2.5) and sulfate aerosols, which may be released in traffic exhaust fumes, are associated with a slightly increased risk.[4][48] For nitrogen dioxide, an incremental increase of 10 parts per billion increases the risk of lung cancer by 14%.[49] Outdoor air pollution is estimated to cause 12% of lung cancers.[4]

Tentative evidence supports an increased risk of lung cancer from indoor air pollution in relation to the burning of wood, charcoal, dung, or crop residue for cooking and heating.[50] Women who are exposed to indoor coal smoke have roughly twice the risk, and many of the by-products of burning biomass are known or suspected carcinogens.[51] This risk affects about 2.4billion people worldwide,[50] and it is believed to result in 1.5% of lung cancer deaths.[51]

About 8% of lung cancer cases are caused by inherited (genetic) factors.[52] In relatives of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer, the risk is doubled, likely due to a combination of genes.[53] Polymorphisms on chromosomes 5, 6, and 15 have been identified and are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.[54] Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the genes encoding the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) CHRNA5, CHRNA3, and CHRNB4 are of those associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, as well as RGS17 a gene regulating G-protein signaling.[54] Newer genetic studies, have identified 18 susceptibility loci achieving genome-wide significance. These loci highlight a heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility across the histological subtypes of lung cancer, again identifying the cholinergic nicotinic receptors, e.g. CHRNA2.[55]

Numerous other substances, occupations, and environmental exposures have been linked to lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that "sufficient evidence" exists to show that the following are carcinogenic in the lungs:[56]

Similar to many other cancers, lung cancer is initiated by either the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.[57] Carcinogens cause mutations in these genes that induce the development of cancer.[58]

Mutations in the K-ras proto-oncogene contribute to roughly 1030% of lung adenocarcinomas.[59][60] Nearly 4% of non-small-cell lung carcinomas involve an EML4-ALK tyrosine kinase fusion gene.[61]

Epigenetic changes such as alteration of DNA methylation, histone tail modification, or microRNA regulation may result in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.[62] Importantly, cancer cells develop resistance to oxidative stress, which enables them to withstand and exacerbate inflammatory conditions that inhibit the activity of the immune system against the tumor.[63][64]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion.[59] Mutations and amplification of EGFR are common in NSCLC, and they provide the basis for treatment with EGFR inhibitors. Her2/neu is affected less frequently.[59] Other genes that are often mutated or amplified include c-MET, NKX2-1, LKB1, PIK3CA, and BRAF.[59]

The cell lines of origin are not fully understood.[1] The mechanism may involve the abnormal activation of stem cells. In the proximal airways, stem cells that express keratin 5 are more likely to be affected, typically leading to squamous-cell lung carcinoma. In the middle airways, implicated stem cells include club cells and neuroepithelial cells that express club-cell secretory protein. SCLC may originate from these cell lines[65] or neuroendocrine cells,[1] and it may express CD44.[65]

Metastasis of lung cancer requires transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cell type. This may occur through the activation of signaling pathways such as Akt/GSK3Beta, MEK-ERK, Fas, and Par6.[66]

Performing a chest radiograph (x-ray) is one of the first investigative steps if a person reports symptoms that may be suggestive of lung cancer. The x-ray may reveal an obvious mass, the widening of the mediastinum (suggestive of spread to lymph nodes there), atelectasis (lung collapse), consolidation (pneumonia), or pleural effusion.[14] Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest is often used for diagnosis and may reveal a spiculated mass which is highly suggestive of lung cancer. CT imaging is also used to provide more information about the type and extent of disease. Bronchoscopic or CT-guided biopsy is often used to sample the tumor for histopathology.[15]

Lung cancer can often appear as a solitary pulmonary nodule on a chest radiograph. However, the differential diagnosis is wide and many other diseases can also give this appearance, including metastatic cancer, hamartomas, and infectious granulomas caused by tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, or coccidioidomycosis.[67] Lung cancer can also be an incidental finding, as a solitary pulmonary nodule on a chest radiograph or CT scan done for an unrelated reason.[68] The definitive diagnosis of lung cancer is based on the histological examination of the suspicious tissue in the context of the clinical and radiological features.[1][3]

Clinical practice guidelines recommend specific frequencies (suggested intervals of time between tests) for pulmonary nodule surveillance.[69] CT imaging is not suggested to be used for longer or more frequently than indicated in the clinical guidelines, as any additional surveillance exposes people to increased radiation and is costly.[69]

Lung cancers are classified according to histological type.[3] This classification is important for determining both the management and predicting outcomes of the disease. Lung cancers are carcinomas malignancies that arise from epithelial cells. Lung carcinomas are categorized by the size and appearance of the malignant cells seen by a histopathologist under a microscope. For therapeutic purposes, two broad classes are distinguished: non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).[71]

The three main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma.[1] Rare subtypes include pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma.[72]

Nearly 40% of lung cancers are adenocarcinomas, which usually come from peripheral lung tissue.[3] Although most cases of adenocarcinoma are associated with smoking, it is also the most common form of lung cancer among people who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetimes ("never-smokers")[1][73] and ex-smokers with a modest smoking history.[1] A subtype of adenocarcinoma, the bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, is more common in female never-smokers, and may have a better long-term survival.[74]

Squamous-cell carcinoma causes about 30% of lung cancers. They typically occur close to large airways. A hollow cavity and associated cell death are commonly found at the center of the tumor.[3]

About 10 to 15% of lung cancers are large-cell carcinoma.[75] These are so named because the cancer cells are large, with excess cytoplasm, large nuclei, and conspicuous nucleoli.[3]

In SCLC, the cells contain dense neurosecretory granules (vesicles containing neuroendocrine hormones), which give this tumor an endocrine or paraneoplastic syndrome association.[76] Most cases arise in the larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi).[15] About 6070% have extensive disease (which cannot be targeted within a single radiation therapy field) at presentation.[1]

Four main histological subtypes are recognised, although some cancers may contain a combination of different subtypes,[71] such as adenosquamous carcinoma.[3] Rare subtypes include carcinoid tumors, bronchial gland carcinomas, and sarcomatoid carcinomas.[3]

The lungs are a common place for the spread of tumors from other parts of the body. These tumors are called metastases or secondary tumors. The most common appearance on chest x-ray is the presence of multiple nodules in the lower lobes.[77]

Primary lung cancers also most commonly metastasize to the brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands.[3] Immunostaining of a biopsy usually helps determine the original source.[78] The presence of Napsin-A, TTF-1, CK7, and CK20 help confirm the subtype of lung carcinoma. SCLC that originates from neuroendocrine cells may express CD56, neural cell adhesion molecule, synaptophysin, or chromogranin.[1]

Lung cancer staging is an assessment of the degree of spread of the cancer from its original source.[3] It is one of the factors affecting both the prognosis and the potential treatment of lung cancer.[1][3]

The evaluation of NSCLC staging uses the TNM classification (tumor, node, metastasis). This is based on the size of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis.[1]

Using the TNM descriptors, a group is assigned, ranging from occult cancer, through stages 0, IA (one-A), IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and IV (four). This stage group assists with the choice of treatment and estimation of prognosis.[81]

SCLC has traditionally been classified as "limited stage" (confined to one-half of the chest and within the scope of a single tolerable radiotherapy field) or "extensive stage" (more widespread disease).[1] However, the TNM classification and grouping are useful in estimating prognosis.[81]

For both NSCLC and SCLC, the two general types of staging evaluations are clinical staging and surgical staging. Clinical staging is performed before definitive surgery. It is based on the results of imaging studies (such as CT scans and PET scans) and biopsy results. Surgical staging is evaluated either during or after the operation. It is based on the combined results of surgical and clinical findings, including surgical sampling of thoracic lymph nodes.[3]

Stage IA and IB lung cancer

One option for stage IIB lung cancer, with T2b; but if tumor is within 2cm of the carina, this is stage 3

Stage IIIA lung cancer, if there is one feature from the list on each side

Smoking prevention and smoking cessation are effective ways of reducing the risk of lung cancer.[82]

While in most countries industrial and domestic carcinogens have been identified and banned, tobacco smoking is still widespread. Eliminating tobacco smoking is a primary goal in the prevention of lung cancer, and smoking cessation is an important preventive tool in this process.[82]

Policy interventions to decrease passive smoking in public areas such as restaurants and workplaces have become more common in many Western countries.[83] Bhutan has had a complete smoking ban since 2005[84] while India introduced a ban on smoking in public in October 2008.[85] The World Health Organization has called for governments to institute a total ban on tobacco advertising to prevent young people from taking up smoking.[86] They assess that such bans have reduced tobacco consumption by 16% where instituted.[86]

Cancer screening uses medical tests to detect disease in large groups of people who have no symptoms.[87] For individuals with high risk of developing lung cancer, computed tomography (CT) screening can detect cancer and give a person options to respond to it in a way that prolongs life.[69][88] This form of screening reduces the chance of death from lung cancer by an absolute amount of 0.3% (relative amount of 20%).[89][90] High-risk people are those age 5574 who have smoked equivalent amount of a pack of cigarettes daily for 30 years including time within the past 15 years.[69]

CT screening is associated with a high rate of falsely positive tests, which may result in unneeded treatment.[91] For each accurate positive scan there are about 19 false positive scans.[90] Other concerns include radiation exposure[91] and the cost of testing along with follow up.[69] Research has not found two other available tests sputum cytology or chest radiograph (CXR) screening tests to have any benefit.[88][92]

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly screening using low-dose CT in those who have a total smoking history of 30 pack-years and are between 55 and 80 years old until a person has not been smoking for more than 15 years.[93] Their recommendation excludes those with other health problems that would make treatment of lung cancer if found not an option.[93] The English National Health Service was in 2014 re-examining the evidence for screening.[94]

The long-term use of supplemental vitamin A,[95] B vitamins,[95] vitamin D[95] or vitamin E[95] does not reduce the risk of lung cancer. Vitamin C supplementation might reduce the risk of lung cancer.[96][97] Some studies have found vitamins A, B, and E may increase the risk of lung cancer in those who have a history of smoking.[95]

Some studies suggest that people who eat food with a higher proportion of vegetables and fruit tend to have a lower risk,[31][98] but this may be due to confounding with the lower risk actually due to the association of a high fruit and vegetables diet with less smoking.[99] Several rigorous studies have not demonstrated a clear association between diet and lung cancer risk,[1][98] although meta-analysis that accounts for smoking status may show benefit from a healthy diet.[100]

Treatment for lung cancer depends on the cancer's specific cell type, how far it has spread, and the person's performance status. Common treatments include palliative care,[101] surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.[1] Targeted therapy of lung cancer is growing in importance for advanced lung cancer.[102] In addition, smoking cessation and exercise is sometimes suggested.[103][104]

If investigations confirm NSCLC, the stage is assessed to determine whether the disease is localized and amenable to surgery or if it has spread to the point where it cannot be cured surgically. CT scan and PET-CT, noninvasive tests, can be used to help rule out malignancy or mediastinal lymph node involvement.[1][105] If mediastinal lymph node involvement is suspected using PET-CT, the nodes can be sampled (using a biopsy) to assist staging, a PET-CT scan is not accurate enough to be used alone.[105] Techniques used for obtaining a sample include transthoracic needle aspiration, transbronchial needle aspiration (with or without endobronchial ultrasound), endoscopic ultrasound with needle aspiration, mediastinoscopy, and thoracoscopy.[106] Blood tests and pulmonary function testing are used to assess whether a person is well enough for surgery.[15] If pulmonary function tests reveal poor respiratory reserve, surgery may not be possible.[1]

In most cases of early-stage NSCLC, removal of a lobe of lung (lobectomy) is the surgical treatment of choice. In people who are unfit for a full lobectomy, a smaller sublobar excision (wedge resection) may be performed. However, wedge resection has a higher risk of recurrence than lobectomy. Radioactive iodine brachytherapy at the margins of wedge excision may reduce the risk of recurrence. Rarely, removal of a whole lung (pneumonectomy) is performed.[107] Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and VATS lobectomy use a minimally invasive approach to lung cancer surgery.[108] VATS lobectomy is equally effective compared to conventional open lobectomy, with less postoperative illness.[109]

In SCLC, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is typically used, or sometimes both.[110] However, the role of surgery in SCLC is being reconsidered. Surgery might improve outcomes when added to chemotherapy and radiation in early-stage SCLC.[111]

The effectiveness of lung cancer surgery (resection) for people with stage I IIA NSCLC is not clear, but weak evidence suggests that a combined approach of lung cancer resection and removing the mediastinal lymph nodes (mediastinal lymph node dissection) may improve survival compared to lung resection and a sample of mediastinal nodes (not a complete node dissection).[needs update][112]

Radiotherapy is often given together with chemotherapy, and may be used with curative intent in people with NSCLC who are not eligible for surgery.[113] This form of high-intensity radiotherapy is called radical radiotherapy.[46] A refinement of this technique is continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART), in which a high dose of radiotherapy is given in a short time period.[114] Radiosurgery refers to the radiotherapy technique of giving a precise high-dose of radiotherapy that is guided by a computer.[115] Postoperative (adjuvant) thoracic radiotherapy generally is not used after curative-intent surgery for NSCLC.[116] Some people with mediastinal N2 lymph node involvement might benefit from post-operative radiotherapy.[117]

For potentially curable SCLC cases treated with surgery, post-operative chest radiotherapy is recommended.[3] The ideal timing of these therapies (the optimal time to give radiotherapy and chemotherapy for improving survival) is not known.[118]

If cancer growth blocks a short section of bronchus, brachytherapy (localized radiotherapy) may be given directly inside the airway to open the passage. Compared to external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy allows a reduction in treatment time and reduced radiation exposure to healthcare staff.[119] Evidence for brachytherapy, however, is less than that for external beam radiotherapy.[120]

Prophylactic cranial irradiation is a type of radiotherapy to the brain, used to reduce the risk of metastasis. PCI is used in SCLC.[46] In limited-stage disease, PCI increases three-year survival from 15% to 20%; in extensive disease, one-year survival increases from 13% to 27%.[121] For people who have NSCLC and a single brain metastasis, it is not clear if surgery is more effective than radiosurgery.[115]

Improvements in targeting and imaging have led to the development of stereotactic radiation in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. In this form of radiotherapy, high doses are delivered over a number of sessions using stereotactic targeting techniques. Its use is primarily in patients who are not surgical candidates due to medical comorbidities.[122]

For both NSCLC and SCLC patients, smaller doses of radiation to the chest may be used for symptom control (palliative radiotherapy).[123][124] The use of higher doses of radiotherapy for palliative care are not shown to prolong survival.[124]

The chemotherapy regimen depends on the tumor type.[3] SCLC, even relatively early-stage disease, is treated primarily with chemotherapy and radiation.[125] In SCLC, cisplatin/carboplatin and etoposide are most commonly used.[126] Combinations with carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, vinorelbine, topotecan, and irinotecan are also used.[127][128] In advanced NSCLC, chemotherapy improves survival and is used as first-line treatment, provided the person is well enough for the treatment.[129] Typically, two drugs are used, of which one is often platinum-based (either cisplatin or carboplatin). Other commonly used drugs are gemcitabine, paclitaxel, docetaxel,[130][131] pemetrexed,[132] etoposide or vinorelbine.[131] Platinum-based drugs and combinations that include platinum therapy do not appear to be more beneficial for prolonging survival compared to other nonplatinum medications, and may lead to a higher risk of serious adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia,[133] especially in people over the age of 70.[134] Evidence is insufficient to determine which chemotherapy approach is associated with the highest quality of life.[133] Also, evidence is lacking to determine if treating people with NSCLC a second time when the first round of chemotherapy was not successful (second-line chemotherapy) causes more benefit or harm.[135]

Adjuvant chemotherapy refers to the use of chemotherapy after apparently curative surgery to improve the outcome. In NSCLC, samples are taken of nearby lymph nodes during surgery to assist staging. If stage-II or -III disease is confirmed, adjuvant chemotherapy (including or not including postoperative radiotherapy) improves survival by 4% at five years.[136][137][138] The combination of vinorelbine and cisplatin is more effective than older regimens.[137] Adjuvant chemotherapy for people with stage IB cancer is controversial, as clinical trials have not clearly demonstrated a survival benefit.[139] Chemotherapy before surgery in NSCLC that can be removed surgically may improve outcomes.[140][141]

Chemotherapy may be combined with palliative care in the treatment of the NSCLC.[142] In advanced cases, appropriate chemotherapy improves average survival over supportive care alone, as well as improving quality of life.[142][143] With adequate physical fitness maintaining chemotherapy during lung cancer palliation offers 1.5 to 3 months of prolongation of survival, symptomatic relief, and an improvement in quality of life, with better results seen with modern agents.[144][145] The NSCLC Meta-Analyses Collaborative Group recommends if the recipient wants and can tolerate treatment, then chemotherapy can be considered in advanced NSCLC.[129][146]

Several drugs that target molecular pathways in lung cancer are available, especially for the treatment of advanced disease. Erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, and osimertinib inhibit tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These EGFR inhibitors may help delay the spread of cancer cells for people with EGFR M+ lung cancer and may improve a person's quality of life.[147] EGFR inhibitors have not been shown to help people survive longer.[147] For people with EGFR mutations, treatment with gefitinib may result in an improved quality of life compared to treatment with chemotherapy.[148]

Immunotherapy may be used for both SCLC and NSCLC.[149][150] NSCLC cells expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) could interact with programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) expressed on the surface of T cells, and result in decreased tumor cell kill by the immune system.[151] Atezolizumab is an anti PD-L1 monoclonal antibody. Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are anti PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on the surface of T cells. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor in the circulation, and functions as an angiogenesis inhibitor.[151] Multiple phase 3 clinical trials utilizing immunotherapy in the first line for treatment of NSCLC were published, including Pembrolizumab in KEYNOTE-024, KEYNOTE-042, KEYNOTE-189 and KEYNOTE-407; Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in CHECKMATE-227 and CHECKMATE 9LA; and Atezolizumab in IMpower110, IMpower130 and IMpower150.[151]Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, and zoledronic acid may be useful in the treatment of bone metastases.[152]

Vaccine-based immunotherapy treatment after surgery or radiotherapy may not lead to improved survival for people with stages I-III NSCLC.[153]

Several treatments can be provided via bronchoscopy for the management of airway obstruction or bleeding. If an airway becomes obstructed by cancer growth, options include rigid bronchoscopy, balloon bronchoplasty, stenting, and microdebridement.[154] Laser photosection involves the delivery of laser light inside the airway via a bronchoscope to remove the obstructing tumor.[155]

Palliative care when added to usual cancer care benefits people even when they are still receiving chemotherapy.[156] These approaches allow additional discussion of treatment options and provide opportunities to arrive at well-considered decisions.[157][158] Palliative care may avoid unhelpful but expensive care not only at the end of life, but also throughout the course of the illness. For individuals who have more advanced disease, hospice care may also be appropriate.[15][158]

The most effective intervention for avoiding death from lung cancer is to stop smoking; even people who already have lung cancer are encouraged to stop smoking.[104] There is no clear evidence which smoking cessation program is most effective for people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer.[104]

Some weak evidence suggests that certain supportive care interventions (noninvasive) that focus on well-being for people with lung cancer may improve quality of life.[159] Interventions such as nurse follow-ups, psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy, and educational programs may be beneficial, however, the evidence is not strong (further research is needed).[159] Counseling may help people cope with emotional symptoms related to lung cancer.[159] Reflexology may be effective in the short-term, however more research is needed.[159] No evidence has been found to suggest that nutritional interventions or exercise programs for a person with lung cancer result in an improvement in the quality of life that are relevant or last very long.[159]

Exercise training may benefit people with NSCLC who are recovering from lung surgery.[160] In addition, exercise training may benefit people with NSCLC who have received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or palliative care.[161] Exercise training before lung cancer surgery may also improve outcomes.[103] It is unclear if exercise training or exercise programs are beneficial for people who have advanced lung cancer.[162][159] A home-based component in a personalized physical rehabilitation program may be useful for recovery.[161] It is unclear if home-based prehabilitation (before surgery) leads to less adverse events or hospitalization time.[161] Physical rehabilitation with a home-based component may improve recovery after treatment and overall lung health.[161]

Of all people with lung cancer in the US, around 17% to 20% survive for at least five years after diagnosis.[163][2][164] In England and Wales, between 2013 and 2017, overall five-year survival for lung cancer was estimated at 13.8%.[165] Outcomes are generally worse in the developing world.[20] Due to late detection, the stage of lung cancer is often advanced at the time of diagnosis. At presentation, about one-third of cases of NSCLC have metastatic disease, and 6070% of SCLC have extensive-stage disease.[3] Survival for lung cancer falls as the stage at diagnosis becomes more advanced; the English data suggest that around 70% of patients survive at least a year when diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this falls to just 14% for those diagnosed with the most advanced disease (stage IV).[166]

Prognostic factors in NSCLC include presence of pulmonary symptoms, large tumor size (>3cm), nonsquamous cell type (histology), degree of spread (stage) and metastases to multiple lymph nodes, and vascular invasion. For people with inoperable disease, outcomes are worse in those with poor performance status and weight loss of more than 10%.[167] Prognostic factors in small cell lung cancer include performance status, biological sex, stage of disease, and involvement of the central nervous system or liver at the time of diagnosis.[168]

For NSCLC, the best prognosis is achieved with complete surgical resection of stage-IA disease, with up to 70% five-year survival.[169] People with extensive-stage SCLC have an average five-year survival rate less than 1%. The average survival time for limited-stage disease is 20 months, with a five-year survival rate of 20%.[14] The prognosis of patients with NSCLC improved significantly in the last years with the introduction of immunotherapy.[151]

According to data provided by the National Cancer Institute, the median age at diagnosis of lung cancer in the US is 70 years,[needs update][170] and the median age at death is 72 years.[needs update][171] In the US, people with medical insurance are more likely to have a better outcome.[172]

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Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cancer among men for both incidence and mortality, and among women has the third-highest incidence (after breast and colorectal cancers) and second-highest mortality (after breast cancer). In 2020, 2.2million new cases were found worldwide, and 1.8million deaths were due to lung cancer, representing 18.0% of all deaths from cancer. The highest rates are in Micronesia, Polynesia, Europe, Asia, North America and Europe. Rates in Africa and Central America are much lower.[6]

People who have a long history of smoking have the highest risk of developing lung cancer, with the risk increasing with duration of smoking. The incidence in men rose until the mid-1980s, and has declined since then. In women, the incidence rose until the late 1990s, and has since been stable.[3]

For every 34million cigarettes smoked, one lung cancer death can occur.[173] The influence of "Big Tobacco" plays a significant role in smoking.[174] Young nonsmokers who see tobacco advertisements are more likely to smoke.[175] The role of passive smoking is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for lung cancer,[34] resulting in policy interventions to decrease the undesired exposure of nonsmokers to others' tobacco smoke.[176]

From the 1960s, the rates of lung adenocarcinoma started to rise in relation to other kinds of lung cancer, partially due to the introduction of filter cigarettes. The use of filters removes larger particles from tobacco smoke, thus reducing deposition in larger airways. However, the smoker has to inhale more deeply to receive the same amount of nicotine, increasing particle deposition in small airways where adenocarcinoma tends to arise.[177] Rates of lung adenocarcinoma continues to rise.[178]

In the US, both black men and black women have a higher incidence.[179][180] The lifetime risk of developing lung cancer is 8% in men and 6% in women.[1]

Also in the US, military veterans have a 2550% higher rate of lung cancer primarily due to higher rates of smoking.[181] During World War II and the Korean War, asbestos also played a role, and Agent Orange may have caused some problems during the Vietnam War.[182]

Lung cancer is the third-most common cancer in the UK (47,968 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2017),[183] and it is the most common cause of cancer-related death (around 34,600 people died in 2018).[184]

Lung cancer rates are currently lower in developing countries.[185] With increased smoking in developing countries, the rates are expected to increase in the next few years, notably in both China[186] and India.[187]

Lung cancer was uncommon before the advent of cigarette smoking; it was not even recognized as a distinct disease until 1761.[188] Different aspects of lung cancer were described further in 1810.[189] Malignant lung tumors made up only 1% of all cancers seen at autopsy in 1878, but had risen to 1015% by the early 1900s.[190] Case reports in the medical literature numbered only 374 worldwide in 1912,[191] but a review of autopsies showed the incidence of lung cancer had increased from 0.3% in 1852 to 5.66% in 1952.[192] In Germany in 1929, physician Fritz Lickint recognized the link between smoking and lung cancer,[190] which led to an aggressive antismoking campaign.[193] The British Doctors' Study, published in the 1950s, was the first solid epidemiological evidence of the link between lung cancer and smoking.[194] As a result, in 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States recommended smokers should stop smoking.[195]

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Lung cancer - Wikipedia