“A new study examines the causes of lung and related cancers in the 10 most populous nations, including the U.S. The findings, by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, reveal an evolving picture of global mortality from tracheal, bronchial and lung cancers (TBLC) from 1990 to 2019. The data also put the spotlight not only on tobacco use but on air pollution. “Tobacco smoking is still the most important modifiable risk factor, but air pollution has become a very important risk factor as well,” said senior author Gilberto Lopes, M.D., chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Sylvester and associate director for the cancer center.”
Roswell Park Research Debunks Perceived Benefits of Overweight/Obesity in Lung Cancer Patients
“BUFFALO, N.Y. —Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing at least 13 types of cancer — and worse outcomes after diagnosis. But lung cancer seems to be an exception: Studies have shown that patients with a high body mass index (BMI) experience a lower risk of disease recurrence and longer survival after surgical treatment — an irregularity called “the obesity paradox.” In light of obesity’s detrimental effects in other cancers, what accounts for those unexpected outcomes?”
Life “Consumed” by Cancer Care: Lung Cancer Patients Spend 1 in 3 Days in Healthcare Contact, Study Finds
“A cancer diagnosis is life-changing event for patients and their families, triggering a cascade of tests and treatments often resulting in frequent, time-consuming healthcare appointments. How many healthcare contact days should patients ideally have? A recent study sought to address this question by examining the number of healthcare contact days for patients with advanced lung cancer. The results were published today in JAMA Network Open. Healthcare contact days refers to days spent receiving healthcare outside of the patient’s home. A high number of healthcare contact days can significantly affect families and caregivers as well as take away from personal time available for patients who may be facing limited life expectancy. The term “time toxicity” has been coined for the large amounts of time taken up healthcare that may interfere with other priorities.”
Lung Cancer Behind Projected 77% Jump in Cancer Cases by 2050
“Even as people around the globe marked World Health Day recently, a new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) painted a grim picture of just how pervasive cancer will become in the next few decades. Using global data on cancer incidence and death from the Global Cancer Observatory, a World Health Organization (WHO) database, the ACS estimates that the number of people with cancer could rise by 77 percent by 2050. That increase will be driven primarily by population growth – the current global population of roughly 8 billion people is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 – as well as an aging population.”
Fox Chase Cancer Center Researchers Show Estrogen Metabolites Contribute to Development of Lung Cancer Among People Who Never Smoked
“PHILADELPHIA (April 8, 2024) — In a study presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024, researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center showed that estrogen is metabolized extensively in both mouse and human lungs, ultimately contributing to the development of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Investigators at Fox Chase are the first to report this finding.”
Nanoparticle Delivery of FZD4 to Lung Endothelial Cells Inhibits Lung Cancer Progression and Metastases
“A recent breakthrough study from the lab of Tanya Kalin, MD, PhD, professor of Child Health and Internal Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, has shown potential to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients suffering from lung cancers. “We have identified the novel protein FOXF1 that stabilizes blood vessels inside the lung tumors, decreases intertumoral hypoxia and prevents lung cancer metastases,” explained Dr. Kalin, the senior author on this study.”
AstraZeneca reports positive Phase III results for Imfinzi in small cell lung cancer
“Though a recent Phase III trial failed to achieve its primary endpoint with Imfinzi (durvalumab) in a specific subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), AstraZeneca has announced that another Phase III study evaluating the checkpoint inhibitor has demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with limited-state small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC).”
Study Explores mRNA Vaccine Combo Therapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“In a phase 1B study led by Jhanelle Gray, MD, chair of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, researchers evaluated the use of a messenger RNA-based cancer vaccine to improve upon immune checkpoint blockade therapy in patients with advanced-stage, previously treated NSCLC. “There are a few immune checkpoints we think are important in the therapeutic landscape for non-small cell lung cancer,” Gray said. “Some are further advanced than others, those being anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1, as well as anti-CTLA-4. But there’s some debate in the field over which patients can receive just one agent, and which need combination therapy.””
Merck puts KRAS cancer drug competitor to the test
“The Phase 3 study, which is set to enroll some 600 people with a common form of metastatic lung cancer, will pit the KRAS inhibitor together with Merck’s immunotherapy Keytruda against Keytruda alone. Researchers will assess whether the combination slows tumor progression and helps people live longer.”
