CONTENTS:

1.14     Future Developments in Lung Cancer Detection

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‘If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research.’ Albert Einstein.

1.14 Future Developments in Lung Cancer Detection

 
In these relatively early days of lung cancer screening, it is likely that refinements will be made to first-line and second-line testing.  There are several developments in lung cancer detection for the future:

• Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET).
• Molecular and protein-based tumor biomarkers in exhaled breath, bronchial epithelium, sputum, and blood.
• Immunostaining or molecular analysis of sputum for lung cancer markers.
• Fluorescence bronchoscopy.
• Exhaled breath analysis of volatile organic compounds.
• Genomic and proteomic analysis of bronchoscopic samples.
• Serum protein microarrays for detecting molecular markers.
• Microscopic assessment of tumor growth patterns.

Well, one things for sure that all sounds really futuristic! The only word I really understand is ‘microscopic’

Hmmm, funny that Hector!

What do you mean? Now, hold on a minute…that’s below the belt!

Exactly!

 
 
In conclusion, there are some remaining challenges to the lung cancer screening programs that still need to be addressed. These challenges include screening cost-effectiveness, screening frequency, and screening duration as well as identifying target populations, criteria for a ‘positive’ screening finding, issues with ‘over diagnosis’ and long-term follow-up.

I need a vacation. And by ‘Vacation’ I mean I need to move away and find a new job. On a beach. With Rum.

References:

Anglim PP, Alonzo TA, Laird-Offringa1 IA. (2008) DNA methylation-based biomarkers for early detection of non-small cell lung cancer: an update. Molecular Cancer. 2008, 7:81. (Retrieved 7^th April 2015): http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/7/1/81

Palmisano WA, Divine KK, Saccomanno G, Gilliland FD, Baylin SB. et al. (2000) Predicting Lung Cancer by Detecting Aberrant Promoter Methylation in Sputum. Cancer Res November 1, 2000 60; 5954. (Retrieved 7^th April 2015): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11085511

More references for this section are on this page.

Patient Information:

National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)  Study Facts from the NCI. (Retrieved 22^nd Jan 2015): http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/noteworthy-trials/nlst

AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality  Screening high-risk populations for lung cancer. (Retrieved 7^th April 2015): http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=47274

More patient information for this section is on this page..

Forward to 2A Imaging in Screening: CT scans.   Back to 1J Reduction in Mortality and Cost Effectiveness.