Warning Signs of Lung Cancer and Early Stage Clinical Trials
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the stage and type of cancer, but some common warning signs include:
- Coughing and shortness of breath that gets worse or doesn’t go away
- Chest pain and tightness, and
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus.
These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, but if you experience any of them for an extended period, it is essential to see a doctor. Early stage clinical trials for lung cancer have shown promising results in recent years, offering hope to those affected by the disease. Here are three of the most significant advancements in lung cancer clinical trials:
1. Medication intervention
Medication interventions have been developed to target specific mutations in lung cancer cells, making it possible to attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. One such medication is Alecensa, which has been shown to be effective in treating patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive lung cancer stage 4.
2. EGFR mutation targeted therapy
EGFR Exon20 is a mutation in the EGFR gene that makes cancer cells more resistant to treatment. However, new targeted therapies, such as Venclexta (EGFR mutation targeted therapy) and Alectinib, have been developed to target this mutation, providing a more effective treatment option for patients.
3. CAR T cell therapy:
CAR T cell therapy is a promising new treatment that uses a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. In this therapy, a patient’s T cells are modified to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering a potentially effective treatment option for metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
4. Small cell lung cancer clinical trials
Recent clinical trials have also yielded promising results in new treatments for metastatic SCLC treatment option, such as the Enhertu antibody-drug conjugate and the Pralsetinib NSCLC. Additionally, the FDA recently approved Zepzelcazepzelca lung cancer clinical trials results (lurbinectedin) as a new treatment option for SCLC clinical trials.
While these advancements in lung cancer clinical trials offer hope for those affected by the disease, it is important to note that not all treatments work for all patients. However, with continued research and clinical trials, there is hope for the development of new and effective treatments for lung cancer. If you experience any warning signs of lung cancer, it is important to see a doctor and discuss your treatment options.