by Never-smoker lung cancer, a type of lung cancer that affects individuals who have never smoked or have only minimal smoking history, is gaining increased attention in the medical community. According to recent research, new potential treatment pathways are being explored to improve outcomes for these patients.
A study published in the journal Nature Communications revealed that never-smoker lung cancer is driven by different genetic mutations compared to lung cancer in smokers. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies specifically for never-smokers, as opposed to the current one-size-fits-all approach.
The research team, led by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee from Columbia University, identified a specific genetic alteration, called a “fusion gene,” that is present in approximately 15% of never-smoker lung cancer cases. This fusion gene, EML4-ALK, is not typically found in smoker-associated lung cancers.
The findings of this study could pave the way for the development of targeted therapies, such as ALK inhibitors, which have already shown success in treating other types of lung cancers driven by similar genetic alterations. These therapies work by blocking the action of the abnormal protein produced by the fusion gene, thereby inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Another potential treatment approach for never-smoker lung cancer is Immunotherapy Drugs. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have shown remarkable success in treating various types of cancer, including lung cancer, in recent years. These treatments work by enhancing the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Never-smoker lung cancer is often diagnosed at an earlier stage due to the absence of smoking history, which could make these patients more responsive to immunotherapies. Additionally, the unique genetic profile of never-smoker lung cancer may make it more susceptible to immune-mediated attacks.
The combination of targeted therapies and immunotherapies could offer even greater benefits for never-smoker lung cancer patients. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of these treatment approaches in this patient population.
In conclusion, the discovery of new genetic drivers and potential treatment pathways for never-smoker lung cancer is a significant step forward in the fight against this disease. The development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies could lead to improved outcomes and better quality of life for never-smoker lung cancer patients.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
