Current treatments for non-small cell lung carcinoma

Abstract

This literature review addresses the subject of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the current treatments for it. For therapeutic purposes, lung carcinomas are histologically grossly organized into two main groups that are NSCLC and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). NSCLC comprises about 85% of all lung carcinoma cases and are further organized into three histologic subgroups: squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large-cell lung cancer. Smoking status and mortality rates have been widely documented to have a correlation with all lung cancers.

Diagnostical tools have improved and are sufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis without the need to rely on immunocytochemical or immunohistochemical analysis on routine basis. Despite these advanced tools and benefits of receiving early intervention, NSCLC is often di agnosed late, which precedes poor prognosis.

Lung cancer develops over long period of time and often presents itself with non-specific res piratory symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes bloody sputum. With smokers already excessively represented in pulmonary diseases and simultaneously being the dominant bracket to develop NSCLC, some of the warning signs of this cancer might go unnoticed for longer period amongst them.

Current treatment options include traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Emphasis on these has remained strong, but treatments have begun convert into new and more specific options. Combination therapies, targeted therapies and immunotherapies are increasingly used in late-stage disease. Lastly, we touch on the possibil ities of novel bacteria-based therapies for lung cancer.

Keywords: non-small-cell lung cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunother apy, targeted therapy, bacteria-based therapy