Early Detection of Lung Cancer - Is Hope on the Horizon?

The earlier a lung cancer is found, the greater the chance for a cure. Sadly, the majority of people are unaware they have lung cancer until it has progressed to advanced stages. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a screening method for lung cancer – such as colonoscopies for colon cancer – that can lower the death rate from colon cancer up to 90% by finding pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue in the earliest of stages? Better yet, how about a test such as the screening tests for HIV, that can detect the presence of the virus long before symptoms of AIDS occur with a simple blood test?

That type of test is being evaluated by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Just as our bodies can detect the presence of HIV and create an immune response, we also mount an immune response if we develop lung cancer. These scientists were able to look at 3 markers in the blood that were present more often in current and former smokers with lung cancer, than those who didn’t develop lung cancer.

The test wasn’t perfect. It was able to predict about half of the people who would later develop lung cancer. And, as with most screening tests, it was wrong part of the time. Almost 20% of the group that did not go on to develop lung cancer tested positive. But it is a start. Their goal now is to combine this with other tests for lung cancer such as CT screening, to develop a method of detecting lung cancer early. The research team, led by Dr. Samir Hanash, is optimistic that such a test could be in clinical use in 5 years.

Until then, and even if we do have a method to detect lung cancer early - prevention remains foremost. Quit smoking, check your home for radon, exercise, eat a healthy diet rich in foods that may lower the risk of lung cancer, and have an awareness of risk factors in your environment.

_Source:

An ‘HIV-test’ equivalent for early detection of lung cancer. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. News Release. 09/15/08.