respiratory
Lung cancer

Novel therapies begin to ‘outsmart’ ALK-positive NSCLC

Rare ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can achieve an ‘impressive’ overall survival of almost four years (46 months) when aggressively managed, Australian clinicians have shown. A study of 35 patients identified between 2010 and 2016 at the Royal North...

Rare ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can achieve an ‘impressive’ overall survival of almost four years (46 months) when...

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lung-cancer

Lung cancer’s other side effect: financial toxicity

A diagnosis of lung cancer comes with a huge financial burden that goes beyond the hefty out of pocket costs for scans, surgery and drug treatments, a patient representative says. Loss of paid employment is a common occurrence for patients with...

A diagnosis of lung cancer comes with a huge financial burden that goes beyond the hefty out of pocket costs...
lung-cancer

Immune therapy benefits confirmed in NSCLC

Overall survival is doubled in patients with metastatic NSCLC  treated with pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy compared to chemo alone, a phase 3 trial has shown. In findings released at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago,...

Overall survival is doubled in patients with metastatic NSCLC  treated with pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy compared to chemo alone,...
lung-cancer

Liquid biopsy could replace lung tissue biopsy: Australian trial

It’s a “no brainer” that liquid biopsy will eventually supersede tissue biopsy in guiding lung cancer treatment decisions, but more work is needed on the practical aspects of the procedure, early Australian experience suggests. A trial of liquid biopsy for detecting...

It’s a “no brainer” that liquid biopsy will eventually supersede tissue biopsy in guiding lung cancer treatment decisions, but more...
lung-cancer

Checkpoint inhibitors show potential for first line use in NSCLC

The next step for immune therapy in lung cancer is in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy as first line treatment, according to oncologist Associate Professor Chris Karapetis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are listed on the PBS as second line treatments for non-small...

The next step for immune therapy in lung cancer is in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy as first line treatment,...
lung-cancer

Lung cancer screening hurdles become apparent in ILST

The practical problems of running  a national lung cancer screening program are becoming apparent as Australian centres enter their second year of a five-year trial of low dose CT testing. With a target of recruiting 2000 current and former smokers to...

The practical problems of running  a national lung cancer screening program are becoming apparent as Australian centres enter their second...
lung-cancer

Ask the right questions for lung cancer symptom control: Prof David Currow

By asking the right questions, clinicians can do much more to help lung cancer patients avoid debilitating symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and cough, according to oncologist Professor David Currow. Patients often...

By asking the right questions, clinicians can do much more to...
lung-cancer

ATLANTIC trial shows immune checkpoint inhibitors may have role in advanced NSCLC

The immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab may have a role in the treatment of EGFR+ tumours with high PD-L1 expression, results from the phase 2 ATLANTIC study show. Published this week in Lancet Oncology the open-label, single-arm...

The immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab may have a role in the treatment of EGFR+ tumours with high PD-L1...
lung-cancer

Nicotine cap on e-cigs ‘too low’, inquiry told

The UK should rethink restrictions on nicotine levels in e-cigarettes, researchers argue, saying people using lower nicotine concentration e-liquids take longer and more frequent puffs, increasing their exposure to potentially harmful compounds. Addressing a parliamentary inquiry into e-cigarettes last week, smoking...

The UK should rethink restrictions on nicotine levels in e-cigarettes, researchers argue, saying people using lower nicotine concentration e-liquids take...
lung-cancer

Asbestos-related lung disease risk will persist, researchers warn

Asbestos-related lung disease has only just peaked in Australia and vigilance is still required against conditions such as mesothelioma for year to come, researchers warn. While asbestos was banned in 2003,  widespread use in building materials prior to this time means...

Asbestos-related lung disease has only just peaked in Australia and vigilance is still required against conditions such as mesothelioma for...
lung-cancer

UK: First guidelines for the management of mesothelioma

The newly-published British Thoracic Society guideline on the investigation and management of pleural malignant mesothelioma should help reduce “wide and unwarranted variation,” in care, according to the lead author. Speaking to the limbic, Dr Ian Woolhouse, consultant respiratory physician at...

The newly-published British Thoracic Society guideline on the investigation and management of pleural malignant mesothelioma should help reduce “wide...
lung-cancer

Professor Kwun Fong: What does 2018 hold for lung cancer?

What will be the big challenges and changes for lung cancer treatment and research in 2018? we spoke to expert Professor Kwun Fong, Senior Staff Specialist/Clinical Manager Pulmonary Malignancy Unit, at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, to find out. ...

What will be the big challenges and changes for lung cancer treatment and research in 2018? we spoke to expert...
lung-cancer

Modest investment will cut hospitalisations and deaths from lung disease: Lung Foundation

The signs of early lung disease are not being picked up in primary care, warns the nation's respiratory health advocacy group which is calling for a national training program to upskill GPs. Lung Foundation Australia has called on the federal government...

The signs of early lung disease are not being picked up in primary care, warns the nation's respiratory health advocacy...
lung-cancer

Pilot lung health checks identifying cancer in high-risk

Pilot lung health check schemes in London, Liverpool and Manchester demonstrate that it is possible to “reach the unreachable” and diagnose lung cancer early in people at high risk. Delegates at the BTS Winter Meeting heard that targeted screening, intended to...

Pilot lung health check schemes in London, Liverpool and Manchester demonstrate that it is possible to “reach the unreachable” and...
lung-cancer

Evidence builds to support lung cancer screening in high-risk

Lung cancer screening for people at high risk is feasible with risk prediction tools helping to refine the process, the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Congress was told. Research from the Lungscreen WA Project presented at the Congress showed use...

Lung cancer screening for people at high risk is feasible with risk prediction tools helping to refine the process, the...
lung-cancer

Questions raised about follow-up after lung cancer treatment

More work is needed to clarify optimal surveillance of patients following curative treatment for lung cancer, the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Congress in Sydney was told. Dr Emily Stone, a senior staff specialist in thoracic medicine at St Vincent’s...

More work is needed to clarify optimal surveillance of patients following curative treatment for lung cancer, the Asian Pacific Society...
lung-cancer

Survey finds lack of empathy for people with lung cancer

The perception that lung cancer patients ‘have only themselves to blame’ is common in the community - suggesting a general lack of empathy and support for patients with lung cancer compared to other severe illnesses. A Lung Foundation Australia survey has...

The perception that lung cancer patients ‘have only themselves to blame’ is common in the community - suggesting a general...
lung-cancer

No urgency to bring in early palliative care for mesothelioma

Early specialist palliative care for patients recently diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma does not improve quality of life or mood over standard care. The findings, presented recently at the 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer, reinforce usual practice to refer patients...

Early specialist palliative care for patients recently diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma does not improve quality of life or mood...
lung-cancer

Precautionary principle is ‘immoral’, vaping inquiry hears

Doctors’ groups have condemned the decision to allow a second tobacco giant to front the federal government’s inquiry into vaping. Philip Morris Limited used its time in front of federal MPs to describe its goal to convert over a quarter of...

Doctors’ groups have condemned the decision to allow a second tobacco giant to front the federal government’s inquiry into vaping. Philip...
lung-cancer

Hundreds of lung cancer cases caused by silica dust

Silica dust exposure is being attributed to over 230 lung cancer cases in Australia each year. The new estimate attempting to quantify damage from occupational exposure to invisible crystalline silica was released by the Cancer Council Australia, which estimates 600,000 Australian...

Silica dust exposure is being attributed to over 230 lung cancer cases in Australia each year. The new estimate attempting to...
lung-cancer

Heart trial finds lung cancer benefit

Results from a trial on the use of the monoclonal antibody canakinumab in heart disease has failed to impress, but an exploratory analysis suggests it may have a role in lung cancer. The trial was not designed to explore the benefits...

Results from a trial on the use of the monoclonal antibody canakinumab in heart disease has failed to impress, but...
lung-cancer

How checkpoint inhibitors are changing the outlook for lung cancer patients

Immunotherapy is making its mark in the management of lung cancer - the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia. Survival is being extended for many patients and new agents have just been added to the PBS for patients who...

Immunotherapy is making its mark in the management of lung cancer - the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia....
lung-cancer

Lung Foundation welcomes new option for advanced lung cancer

Around 4,500 people living with advanced lung cancer are set to benefit from the new PBS listing of a checkpoint immunotherapy. Nivolumab (Opvido) has been listed on the PBS  for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and advanced (stage...

Around 4,500 people living with advanced lung cancer are set to benefit from the new PBS listing of a checkpoint...
lung-cancer

Big tobacco’s role in vaping inquiry leaves TSANZ fuming 

The TSANZ is questioning why the tobacco industry has a seat at the table of a parliamentary inquiry into the use and marketing of e-cigarettes, claiming it's at odds with Australia's obligations to a WHO agreement. The thoracic society was due...

The TSANZ is questioning why the tobacco industry has a seat at the table of a parliamentary inquiry into the...
lung-cancer

Closing in on targeted therapy for lung SCC

Australian researchers have discovered a better biomarker for identifying which patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma will respond to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors. The study using patient-derived xenografts in laboratory models of the disease, found high levels of FGFR1 in tumour RNA...

Australian researchers have discovered a better biomarker for identifying which patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma will respond to fibroblast...
lung-cancer

Lung cancer still the #1 cause of cancer death

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms that lung cancer remains Australia's leading cause of cancer deaths - with over 9,000 deaths from the disease anticipated in 2017. The report, Cancer in Australia 2017, said that...

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms that lung cancer remains Australia's leading cause of cancer...
lung-cancer

Reason for PBAC rejection of cancer medicines important for patients and doctors

More clarity around the reasons cancer medicines are rejected by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) would better inform discussions between clinicians and their patients, a medical oncologist says. Dr Deme Karikios, who practices at the Nepean Hospital and is a...

More clarity around the reasons cancer medicines are rejected by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) would better inform discussions...
lung-cancer

A new prognosis for lung cancer: Major advances in diagnostics and therapeutics

Historically, lung cancer is a disease with limited treatment options, late-diagnosis, and a limited spectrum of chemotherapies that have toxic side effects and a poor response rate, but there have been several exciting developments in recent years. In this latest...

Historically, lung cancer is a disease with limited treatment options, late-diagnosis, and a limited spectrum of chemotherapies that have toxic...
lung-cancer

Desperate cancer patients prepared to pay for immunotherapy treatment

Cancer patients desperate to buy themselves more time are spending thousands of dollars to self-fund immunotherapy treatment even though there is little evidence to show it is likely to have a major benefit. A retrospective review describing outcomes and toxicity of...

Cancer patients desperate to buy themselves more time are spending thousands of dollars to self-fund immunotherapy treatment even though there...
lung-cancer

Lung cancer stigma is costing lives

Stigma associated with lung cancer as a ‘smokers’ disease’ is costing lives through inadequate detection of early disease, deficiencies in care and lack of research, according to the Lung Foundation Australia. Launching a ‘call to action’ to improve lung cancer outcomes,...

Stigma associated with lung cancer as a ‘smokers’ disease’ is costing lives through inadequate detection of early disease, deficiencies in...
lung-cancer

GPs unlikely to pick up certain cancers right away because it’s not the most likely diagnosis

Diagnosing cancer early is important for improving the chances of long-term survival from the disease. Perceived delays in cancer diagnosis are a common cause of distress for patients and their families – and a frequent source of legal complaints. Most patients...

Diagnosing cancer early is important for improving the chances of long-term survival from the disease. Perceived delays in cancer diagnosis...
lung-cancer

Better end-of-life communication needed in advanced cancer

Improving doctor-patient communication in patients with advanced cancer could reduce overly aggressive treatment near the end of life, experts say. Writing in this week's JAMA Oncology Dr Jeffrey D. Robinson from the Portland State University, Portland, Oregon and colleagues...

Improving doctor-patient communication in patients with advanced cancer could reduce overly aggressive treatment near the end of life, experts say. ...
lung-cancer

450,000 Australians may benefit from lung cancer screening

Some 450,000 Australians may be eligible for lung cancer screening – but researchers say there is a long way to go before a national screening program becomes a reality. In a study published in this week’s Medical Journal of Australia,...

Some 450,000 Australians may be eligible for lung cancer screening – but researchers say there is a long way to...
lung-cancer

Australia lags behind in lung cancer screening

The implementation of a targeted lung cancer screening program in Australia is being hampered by a lack of “vital information,” experts say in this week’s MJA. Writing in an editorial titled Lung cancer screening in Australia: Progress or procrastination? Dr...

The implementation of a targeted lung cancer screening program in Australia is being hampered by a lack of “vital information,”...
lung-cancer

So many cancer “breakthroughs”

The use of superlatives to describe cancer drugs in news articles as "breakthrough," "revolutionary," "miracle" is common even when drugs have not shown survival benefits or been approved, a study shows. Haematologist-oncologist Dr Vinay Prasad from the Oregon Health &...

The use of superlatives to describe cancer drugs in news articles as "breakthrough," "revolutionary," "miracle" is common even when drugs...
lung-cancer

Govt says no to lung cancer screening program

An Australian lung cancer screening program has been rejected by the Government because of unresolved issues and questions around cost. In a position statement the Standing Committee on Screening said there was some evidence to support annual screening for people...

An Australian lung cancer screening program has been rejected by the Government because of unresolved issues and questions around cost. In...
lung-cancer

Lung cancer number one cause of death in older women

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 65-74, the latest data on deaths in Australia shows. The statistics from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare ranked COPD as the fourth cause of death for women in the...

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 65-74, the latest data on deaths in Australia shows. The...
lung-cancer

Champix not linked to suicidal behaviour: study

Concerns that the tobacco quitting drug varenicline (Champix) is associated with an increased risk of suicidality and accidents have not been supported by a large observational study. Researchers from Sweden and Oxford in the...

Concerns that the tobacco quitting drug varenicline (Champix) is associated with an increased risk of suicidality and accidents...
lung-cancer

Statins reduce lung cancer death

Patients with lung cancer have a lower risk of death if they are taking statins, findings from an observational study suggest. The study of 14 689 patients with lung cancer who had more than 12 prescriptions...

Patients with lung cancer have a lower risk of death if they are taking statins, findings from an observational...
lung-cancer

Clinical controversies addressed in oxygen guidelines

Updated guidelines on the use of oxygen in the home address clinical controversies such as oxygen prescription to smokers, provision of oxygen on discharge from hospital, and the use of palliative oxygen. Published in Thorax this week the guidelines from...

Updated guidelines on the use of oxygen in the home address clinical controversies such as oxygen prescription to smokers, provision...
lung-cancer

Respiratory physicians at the centre of lung cancer teams

Respiratory physicians play a pivotal role in lung cancer multidisciplinary teams, say Australian and UK clinicians, although there's no evidence to prove it. Writing in an invited review series on lung cancer practice, implementing evidence around the world,...

Respiratory physicians play a pivotal role in lung cancer multidisciplinary teams, say Australian and UK clinicians, although there's no...
lung-cancer

Strong evidence biofuel causes lung cancer

Exposure to biofuel doubles the risk of lung cancer in women, finds a systematic review that provided risk estimates for the 2010 Global Burden of Disease study. The analysis...

Exposure to biofuel doubles the risk of lung cancer in women, finds a ...
lung-cancer

Happy 50th anniversary to cisplatin

This year marks the 50th anniversary of cisplatin’s accidental discovery as an anti-cancer drug. Despite its horrible side effects, and the ability of cancers to become resistant to it, the drug remains as relevant now as it was...

This year marks the 50th anniversary of cisplatin’s accidental discovery as an anti-cancer drug. Despite its horrible side...
lung-cancer

Smoking: new Australian data to die (or live) for

A new study of deaths from all causes in New South Wales published today in BMC Medicine reports both some very bad and very good news about smoking. Up until now, Australian estimates of the death and disease risks of smoking...

A new study of deaths from all causes in New South Wales published today in BMC Medicine reports both some...
lung-cancer

Metastatic NSCLC an ideal benchmark for end-of-life-care

People with metastatic NSCLC have a poor prognosis, making the disease an ideal benchmark to measure the quality of end-of-life care, palliative care experts say. The overview of care for over 6,000 patients with metastatic NSCLC in Victoria found that...

People with metastatic NSCLC have a poor prognosis, making the disease an ideal benchmark to measure the quality of end-of-life...
lung-cancer

Lung cancer trials shouldn’t exclude cancer survivors

Excluding patients with a prior cancer diagnosis from lung cancer clinical trials may not be justified, researcher say.  For patients with advanced lung cancer, previous cancer did not adversely affect survival, regardless of the type, stage, or...

Excluding patients with a prior cancer diagnosis from lung cancer clinical trials may not be justified, researcher say.  ...