Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women world-wide. The impact of this devastating disease on society is phenomenal with patient outcomes only marginally improving over the past four decades and the cost of treatment constantly rising. Recent technological advances in how we diagnose cancer and the advent of targeted therapies and a more personalised approach to patient treatment has paved the way for real improvements in lung cancer management. This book provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer in the 21st century. It describes in detail the histopathology and staging of tumours. It outlines the epidemiology of the disease and the role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cigarette smoke, radon and occupational exposures in the incidence of lung cancer. An in depth overview of the current recommended treatment options for lung cancer patients depending on stage is presented, highlighting the relevant clinical trials that have changed clinical practice. An insight into many of the molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to therapy and recent developments in targeted therapies are reviewed extensively. Finally, the molecular biology of lung carcinogenesis, progression and the link between inflammation and lung cancer are examined.