Lung Cancer

A study of patients with incurable lung cancer suggests that volatile organic compounds may be useful, objective indicators of how soon someone may die.

A real-world evidence study shows an advantage in median overall survival among non-small cell lung cancer patients who were treated with second-line immunotherapy compared to those treated with chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis showed healthcare resource utilization was comparable.

Side effects from Opdivo, Yervoy and Keytruda that affect the eyes are relatively rare but can be serious. A recent review identified 290 cases.

Treatments aimed at certain mutations have proliferated and moved upstream to earlier-stage lung cancers. But there are many questions about insurance coverage and which tests to use to identify the biomarkers that help guide treatment.

Although smoking is the predominate risk factor for lung cancer, about 1 in 5 cases cases are believed to be linked to genetic factors.

“Lung cancer screening is a great example of the problem,” says the former chief medical and scientific officer for the American Cancer Society in this third of four-part video series.

Lowering the age and smoking history standards would result in substantially more Blacks and women being eligible for screening.