Innovations for lung cancer

The cancer of the lung is one of the most common cancers in the world. Is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. The numbers lung cancer is estimated that each year are diagnosed worldwide, 1.6 million new cases of lung cancer each year and, contrary to what is believed, not all cases are related to smoking, since a large percentage is due to living conditions that patients did not choose. Besides smoking, other risk factors for the development of lung cancer and exposure to wood smoke and harmful substances such as asbestos, chronic lung disease, poor nutrition, and genetic damage. In Mexico, for example, there are more nine thousand new cases and 24 people die daily because of this disease, hence the importance of raising awareness about a condition that has been increasing over the past 30 years.

More men with lung cancer Dr. Luis Martinez Barrera, MD oncologist lung cancer, said that lung cancer in men is the second type of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death also said that the proportion of this condition by gender is 2 to 1, which means that for every two men is a woman with this condition. "Unfortunately, lung cancer is a disease of poor prognosis and most patients at diagnosis and lung cancer have advanced or metastatic (with spread to other body sites), which often leads to death in a very short period. According to the Global Coalition Against Lung Cancer, one in 10 people survive 5 years after diagnosis, however, patients today have innovative treatment options that give them the opportunity to significantly extend the time without their disease worsening or progressing, and the possibility of extending the survival time. "he said.

Innovation to cure "Within these innovative treatment options based on medical Biologic therapies are personalized with a drug called erlotinib in addition to the demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer, has recently been approved for use as first-line treatment in a type of lung cancer patients presenting a genetic mutation called EGFR. This drug can triple the time without the cancer getting worse or progresses and Roche today with a program of diagnostic support for the presence of this mutation. In addition it also has an innovative therapy known biological bevacizumab, which when added to standard treatment for patients with a specific type of lung cancer known as adenocarcinoma, can reduce by more than 30% risk of death and significantly increases survival time. Importantly, the profile security of both therapies, no significant toxicity is added to the already known that chemotherapy can certainly translate into a better quality of life for patients, "said the expert.

It's not fatal if treated in time past , lung cancer was considered a fatal disease in the short term, but today, thanks to advances in treatment strategies based on innovative biologic therapies has led to increased time and quality of life of people who suffer. Roche, committed to quality of life of patients, research continues to allow them to develop and innovate in the field of specialized medicine.