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Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

What is Non-small Call Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer The NSCLCs account for 80% of all lung cancers and can be further subdivided into squamous-cell carcinoma, large-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (which includes bronchioloalveolar-cell carcinoma [BAC]).

At the start of the millennium, it was estimated that there were 10 million new cancer cases worldwide per annum

The causes
The causes of lung cancer are thought to be almost exclusively environmental, although susceptibility is modulated by protective elements such as genetic factors and diet.1

The staging
The staging of lung cancer is based on the size and invasiveness of the primary tumour (T), absence, presence and degree of regional lymph node (N) involvement, and the metastatic spread to distant organs and lymph nodes (M), or TNM system.

In around 5% of cases, usually of early-stage disease, initial presentation is a chance finding during routine examination for other conditions and no symptoms are evident.

Following presentation and diagnosis of NSCLC, thorough examination allows determination of the disease stage to provide a prognosis at the individual patient level.

The treatment
The treatment strategies for NSCLC are principally dictated by clinical stage with modulation according to patient preferences and characteristics such as age and PS

The four primary treatment modalities used in the management of patients with NSCLC are:2

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Combination chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

Useful links

  • Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer
    Spain's national cancer centre.

  • Association of Cancer Online Resources
    A free online lifeline for everyone affected by cancer and related disorders.

  • British Lung Foundation
    The British Lung Foundation exists to provide information and support for everyone living with a lung disease—and for the people who look after them.

  • Cancer BACUP
    Europe's leading cancer information service, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

  • Cancer Help
    Cancer Help UK is a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families. 

  • Cancer Survival Toolbox®
    The Cancer Survival Toolbox® is a free audio program designed to help cancer survivors and caregivers develop the practical tools needed to deal with the diagnosis, treatment and challenges of cancer.

  • Cuneo Lung Cancer Study Group (CuLCaSG)
    CuLCaSG—ALCASE Italia has been founded to fight against the worldwide devastating effects of the lung cancer epidemic. We are committed to stimulate clinical research and medical education among doctors, nurses and other health professionals, to increase the general awareness about the disease, to help suffering people and their loved ones, and to advocate for their needs and rights.

  • La Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
    France's national cancer centre.

  • Lega Italiana per la Lotta Contro i Tumori
    Oncology site in Italian.

Source: EPG guide- www.epgonline.org/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer.cfm

References:
1. Alberg AJ, Samet JM. Epidemiology of lung cancer. Chest 2003;123:21S–49S.
2. Putnam JB, Fossella FV, Komaki R, eds. Implementation of multidisciplinary care in the treatment of patients with lung cancer. In: Fossella FV, Komaki R, Putnam JB, eds. Lung Cancer. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 2003:1-24

Last Updated 18-08-2010