Lung Cancer

This book describes the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer development and progression that determine therapeutic interventions in the era of genomics, when the rapid evolution in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment necessitates critical review of new results to integrate advances into practice. The text opens with background and emerging information regarding the molecular biology of lung cancer pathogenesis. Updated results regarding lung cancer prevention and screening are discussed, followed by chapters on diagnostic techniques and pathological evaluation. This leads on to a detailed presentation of treatment modalities, from surgery and radiation therapy to standard chemotherapy and targeted agents. The coverage includes resistance to therapy and the emergence of immunotherapy for lung cancer; in addition, the current evidence in respect of small cell lung cancer is summarized. The book presents insights from experts across disciplines to emphasize the importance of collaborative care. Advances in our understanding of issues in geriatric oncology and palliative care complete the comprehensive discussion of lung cancer.

This, the first of two volumes on personalized medicine in lung cancer, touches on the core issues related to the understanding of lung cancer—statistics and epidemiology of lung cancer—along with the incidence of lung cancer in non-smokers. A major focus of this volume is the state of current therapies against lung cancer—immune, targeted therapies against EGFR TKIs, KRAS, ALK, angiogenesis; the associated challenges, especially resistance mechanisms; and recent progress in targeted drug development based on metal chemistry. Chapters are written by some of the leading experts in the field, who provide a better understanding of lung cancer, the factors that make it lethal, and current research focused on developing personalized treatment plans. With a unique mix of topics, this volume summarizes the current state-of-knowledge on lung cancer and the available therapies.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

This is the second, completely updated edition of a comprehensive book in which many of the world’s leading lung cancer specialists discuss the recent advances in the radiation oncology of lung cancer and reflect on the latest research findings. The first three sections cover the basic science of lung cancer, clinical investigations, including histology and staging, and a wide range of fundamental treatment considerations. Current treatment strategies for small cell and non-small cell lung cancer are then explained and evaluated in detail, with due attention to novel approaches that promise further improvements in outcome. The various types of treatment-related toxicity are discussed, and quality of life studies and prognostic factors are also considered. After evaluating the latest technological and biological advances, including IMRT, IMAT, cyber knife treatment, and tomotherapy, the book concludes by thorough consideration of specific aspects of clinical research in lung cancer.

What is my prognosis? What are my treatment options? Which therapies would be the most effective for my stage of lung cancer? These and other frequently asked questions are addressed in this crucial reference designed to help patients educate themselves and obtain the best possible treatments. The completely revised second edition has been updated to include a discussion of the movement towards customized chemotherapy; treatment options for early-stage lung cancer including minimally invasive surgery; and the most promising treatments, among them multimodality therapy—a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Dr. Scott also surveys tests for early detection of lung cancer, talks about the importance of cancer staging, examines alternative treatments, and offers advice on coping with emotions such as "smoker's guilt."

Nanotechnology-based Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Lung Cancer is an indispensable resource that will help pharmaceutical scientists and clinical researchers design and develop novel drug delivery systems and devices for the treatment of lung cancer. As recent breakthroughs in nanomedicine are now making it possible to deliver drugs, genes and therapeutic agents to localized areas of disease to maximize clinical benefit, while also limiting unwanted side effects, this book explores promising approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer using cutting-edge nanomedical technologies. Topics discussed include polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, micelles and nanoemulsions. Provides an overview of an array of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems Examines the design, synthesis and application of different nanocarriers in drug and gene delivery Provides an in-depth understanding of the design of targeted nanotherapeutics and technologies and its implication in various site-specific cancers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women world-wide. The impact of this devastating disease on society is phenomenal with patient outcomes only marginally improving over the past four decades and the cost of treatment constantly rising. Recent technological advances in how we diagnose cancer and the advent of targeted therapies and a more personalised approach to patient treatment has paved the way for real improvements in lung cancer management. This book provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer in the 21st century. It describes in detail the histopathology and staging of tumours. It outlines the epidemiology of the disease and the role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cigarette smoke, radon and occupational exposures in the incidence of lung cancer. An in depth overview of the current recommended treatment options for lung cancer patients depending on stage is presented, highlighting the relevant clinical trials that have changed clinical practice. An insight into many of the molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to therapy and recent developments in targeted therapies are reviewed extensively. Finally, the molecular biology of lung carcinogenesis, progression and the link between inflammation and lung cancer are examined.