Lung Cancer Information & Resources
Evidence-based information on types, symptoms, treatment options, and the latest targeted therapies and immunotherapy advances
Leading cause of cancer death
5-year survival rate overall
New cases annually in the US
Deaths per year in the US
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It begins when cells in the lungs grow abnormally and form tumors. While smoking is the primary risk factor, 10-20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked.
Recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have dramatically improved outcomes, especially for patients with specific genetic mutations. Early detection through low-dose CT screening is also saving lives.
Types of Lung Cancer
- •Adenocarcinoma (40%)
- •Squamous cell carcinoma (25-30%)
- •Large cell carcinoma (10-15%)
- •More aggressive
- •Often spreads early
- •Strong link to smoking
Common Symptoms
Early lung cancer often has no symptoms. If you're high-risk (smoker or former smoker aged 50-80), talk to your doctor about low-dose CT screening.
Risk Factors
Smoking (85-90% of lung cancers)
Secondhand smoke exposure
Radon gas exposure
Asbestos and other carcinogens
Family history of lung cancer
Previous radiation to chest
Air pollution
Chronic lung diseases (COPD)
Treatment Options
- •Lobectomy (remove lung lobe)
- •Pneumonectomy (remove entire lung)
- •Wedge resection (small tumors)
- •Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
- •External beam radiation
- •Brachytherapy
- •Platinum-based combinations
- •Neoadjuvant (before surgery)
- •Adjuvant (after surgery)
- •EGFR inhibitors (Tarceva, Tagrisso)
- •ALK inhibitors (Alecensa, Lorbrena)
- •ROS1, BRAF, MET inhibitors
- •Keytruda, Opdivo, Tecentriq
- •PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors
- •First-line for many advanced cases
Critical Biomarkers for Treatment
EGFR Mutations
Most common targetable mutation (10-15% of NSCLC), highly responsive to TKIs
ALK Rearrangements
Found in 3-5% of NSCLC, excellent targeted therapy options
PD-L1 Expression
Predicts immunotherapy response (>50% expression = single-agent immunotherapy)
KRAS G12C
Previously 'undruggable,' now has targeted therapy (Lumakras)
ROS1, BRAF, MET
Rare but actionable mutations with targeted therapies
Latest Research & Breakthroughs
- Immunotherapy revolutionizing first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC
- Targeted therapies for KRAS G12C mutations (Lumakras, Krazati)
- Low-dose CT screening reducing lung cancer deaths by 20%
- Liquid biopsy for early detection and treatment monitoring
- Combination immunotherapy + chemotherapy improving survival
- Next-generation EGFR and ALK inhibitors overcoming resistance
