Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused by genetic and environmental factors that lead to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lung tissues. Key mechanisms include:

  • Genetic mutations

    Mutations in genes such as EGFR, KRAS, and ALK drive cancer progression (Herbst et al., 2008).

  • Environmental exposures

    Prolonged exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, asbestos, radon,
    and air pollution damages lung epithelial cells.

  • Chronic inflammation

    Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may create an
    environment conducive to cancer development (Walser et al., 2008).
Lung Cancer
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Imaging techniques

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the preferred screening tool for high-risk individuals.

Chest X-rays and PET scans aid in identifying tumors and metastasis

Biopsy

Bronchoscopy, fine-needle aspiration, or surgical biopsy provides tissue for histological examination. 

Molecular testing

Determines the presence of mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, ROS1) that guide targeted therapy decisions (Reck et al., 2022).

Staging

Staging with the TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) informs treatment planning.

Click the drop down for treatments

Allopathic treatments

Surgery:
Preferred for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including
lobectomy or pneumonectomy.

Radiation therapy:

Stereotactic body radiotherapy
(SBRT) or external beam radiation for localized cancers or palliation.

Systemic therapies:

Chemotherapy:
Platinum-based regimens are common for advanced stages.

Targeted therapy:

EGFR inhibitors (e.g.,osimertinib), ALK inhibitors (e.g., alectinib), and others based on specific mutations (Hirsch et al., 2017).

Immunotherapy:
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab are effective for cancers with
high PD-L1 expression.

Osteopathic and integrative treatments:

Breathing exercises and physical therapy:

Help maintain lung function and quality of life.

Nutritional support:

Managing side effects like cachexia during systemic treatments.

Mindfulness and stress management:

Yoga, meditation, and counseling address psychological burdens.

Homeopathic approaches

Homeopathy lacks empirical support as a primary treatment. However, some patients explore herbal supplements or acupuncture to alleviate side effects (e.g., nausea or fatigue) when used as complementary care.

disclaimer

This website is not a real Oncology Group website. This website is an assignment for an upper division biology course offered at USC entitled"GERO 310 – The Physiology of Aging"