Lung cancer news is constantly evolving, with significant advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment. Here are some recent developments:
Recent Breakthroughs
- Blood Test for Lung Cancer: The NHS has become the first health service in the world to roll out a ‘liquid biopsy’ test for lung cancer patients. This blood test can detect tiny fragments of tumor DNA, enabling patients to access targeted therapies up to two weeks earlier than traditional tissue biopsies.
- Targeted Lung Screening Programmes: Detecting lung cancer early can significantly increase chances of successful treatment. Targeted lung screening programs are being implemented across the UK, particularly for 55-74-year-olds who currently or previously smoked.
Research and Funding
- LungVax Vaccine: Cancer Research UK is funding research into a potential lung cancer prevention vaccine, LungVax, which could lead to the world’s first lung cancer prevention vaccine.
- TRACERx Study: The TRACERx study has helped identify new techniques to detect lung cancer at an early stage. Cancer Research UK has invested over £231 million into researching lung cancer in the last 10 years.
Statistics and Survival Rates
- Lives Saved: Almost 668,000 lung cancer deaths have been avoided in the UK since the 1970s, equivalent to saving 100 lives every day.
- Survival Rates: Diagnosing lung cancer early can significantly improve survival rates. For stage 1 lung cancer, almost 65 out of every 100 people will survive for five years or more .
Ongoing Research and Support
- IASLC News: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) provides timely and relevant lung cancer news, including updates on clinical trials, tobacco control, and patient care.
- CURE: CURE is a comprehensive resource for cancer news and oncologist insights on lung cancer, offering information on treatment options, research, and support.
Significant advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment