Longevity in Lung Cancer: The New Standard
Onco team, Senior Medical Oncologist, Onco Cancer Care Centre, Hyderabad, writes about the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment.
In his brilliant yet heartbreaking autobiographical novel, When Breath Becomes Air, a young neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi describes how he was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer in May 2013. At that time, the average survival for such patients was less than one year.
Latest Treatment Advancements in Lung Cancer
Today, the landscape of lung cancer treatment has changed dramatically. With the advent of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many patients with advanced lung cancer are living longer — some for five years or more.
These breakthroughs have transformed stage IV lung cancer from a terminal diagnosis into a potentially manageable chronic illness for certain patients.
Targeted Therapy
For patients whose tumours have specific genetic mutations (such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, MET, or NTRK), targeted drugs can be highly effective. These oral medications block the signals that drive cancer growth and often come with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Patients on targeted therapy may experience progression-free survival of several years, especially when sequential treatments are used as resistance develops.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by activating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It has shown remarkable results in patients with high PD-L1 expression or high tumour mutational burden.
Some patients respond exceptionally well and achieve long-term remission, even after stopping treatment.
Importance of Multidisciplinary Care
It is vital that lung cancer treatment take place in a multidisciplinary setting, with close coordination between pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
A New Ray of Hope
The story of Paul Kalanithi remains a powerful reminder of the urgency and importance of cancer research. While we still do not have a cure for all cases, today's treatments offer real hope. With early molecular testing and access to modern therapies, longevity in lung cancer is no longer an exception — it is becoming the new standard.