World Lung Cancer Day: What is targeted therapy? How does it give an air of hope in treatment outcomes?

So, on this day, let’s explore the different aspects of lung cancer and how targeted therapy helps improve treatment outcomes for patients with the disease.

According to Dr Medhi, lung cancer is a malignant tumour that originates in the lungs — often developing from cells lining the air passages. “While the primary cause is tobacco smoke, that accounts for nearly 85 per cent of cases, other risk factors include exposure to environmental pollutants, radon gas, occupational hazards and a family history of lung cancer. The emergence of vaping is a new risk factor among the youth, adding to the disease burden as vaping may damage lung tissue and weaken the immune system,” the doctor said.

Explaining the symptoms of lung cancer, he said that commonly patients develop persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss or coughing up blood.

Diagnosis and prevention
Dr Medhi explained that early diagnosis is crucial because lung cancer at stage I where the tumour is confined to the lungs has a five-year survival rate as high as 60-80%. But by stage IV, the cancer has spread extensively and the five-year survival rate drops to only around 10 per cent.

Various methods are used for lung cancer diagnosis, including imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans), biopsies and sputum cytology.

“Additionally, the diagnosis of lung cancer has significantly improved over the years — allowing for more accurate and timely detection. Advanced imaging technologies like high-resolution CT scans and PET-CT scans provide detailed views of the lungs, aiding in the early identification of suspicious nodules or masses. Moreover, minimally invasive biopsy techniques, such as bronchoscopy and needle biopsies, enable precise sampling of lung tissues for accurate diagnosis,” the expert said.

At the same time, preventive measures are essential for maintaining lung health and reducing the risk of lung cancer. These include:

– Quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke are the most significant preventive steps as smoking cessation greatly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer.

– Minimising exposure to environmental pollutants and workplace carcinogens can also play a role in lung cancer prevention.

– Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding exposure to outdoor air pollution, can further promote lung health.

– Individuals should prioritise regular check-ups and screenings, especially if they have a family history of lung cancer or are at higher risk due to occupational exposures.

Treatment methods

Various methods are used for lung cancer diagnosis, including imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans), biopsies and sputum cytology. (Source: Freepik)

The treatment protocol for lung cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer. “It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy,” said Dr Medhi.

He said that targeted therapy has significantly improved outcomes for lung cancer patients, offering a more precise and personalised approach. “Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy specifically targets the molecular abnormalities driving cancer growth, minimising damage to healthy tissues,” the oncologist explained.

This treatment’s effectiveness is particularly evident in patients with specific genetic mutations such as EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase), where response rates are higher.

“Targeted therapy is more effective in controlling tumour growth and extending progression-free survival. Furthermore, targeted therapy plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Targeting the underlying driver mutations helps prevent the development of drug resistance and keeps the cancer under control for a more extended period,” Dr Medhi explained.

Highlighting that targeted therapy has significantly improved outcomes for patients with lung cancer, he said that compared to traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy offers higher response rates, longer progression-free survival and fewer severe side-effects.

“It is often better tolerated by patients, enhancing their quality of life during treatment. However, targeted therapy is effective only in patients with the specific mutations it targets,” he added.

However, he mentioned that as with any treatment, it has some side effects such as skin problems, diarrhoea and liver abnormalities. Additionally, the patient’s overall health, medical history, and any existing medical conditions need to be considered.

“Regular monitoring and close communication between patients and healthcare providers are vital to manage these side effects effectively,” he concluded.

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