Lung Cancer

Lung cancer ranks among the top causes of cancer-related fatalities globally. It develops in lung tissues, typically in the cells that line the airways. There are two primary types:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):This is the most prevalent type, comprising around 85% of cases. It includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

   
   

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):This type is more aggressive, spreading rapidly, yet it often shows initial responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Key risk factors include smoking (the primary cause), radon exposure, asbestos, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms usually manifest in the later stages of the disease and may include a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath. 

Common Drugs Used to Treat Lung Cancer

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common drug categories include:

1. Chemotherapy:

   • NSCLC and SCLC: Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Etoposide

   • Often used alone or in combination for both early and advanced disease

     
     

2. Targeted Therapy:For tumors with specific genetic mutations (mostly in NSCLC):

   • EGFR inhibitors: Erlotinib, Gefitinib, Osimertinib (Tagrisso)

   • ALK inhibitors: Crizotinib, Alectinib, Lorlatinib (Lorviqua, Xalkori)

   • ROS1 inhibitors: Entrectinib, Crizotinib (Rozlytrek)

   • BRAF inhibitors: Dabrafenib (often with Trametinib) (Tafinlar)

   • MET, RET, KRAS inhibitors (for other mutation types)

     
     

3. Immunotherapy:Stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells:

   • PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, Durvalumab (Opdivo, Keytruda, Tecentriq, Imfinzi)

   • Often used for advanced NSCLC or SCLC, especially if the tumor expresses PD-L1

     
     

4. Anti-angiogenesis Drugs:

   • Bevacizumab (Avastin): Blocks blood vessel growth in tumors, often combined with chemo in NSCLC

Lung cancer treatment is increasingly personalized, with molecular testing guiding the use of targeted and immune therapies for better outcomes.