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Recent advances in lung cancer research: unravelling the future of treatment

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Abstract

Lung cancer, a multifaceted disease, demands tailored therapeutic approaches due to its diverse subtypes and stages. This comprehensive review explores the intricate landscape of lung cancer research, delving into recent breakthroughs and their implications for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. Genomic profiling and biomarker identification have ushered in the era of personalised medicine, enabling targeted therapies that minimise harm to healthy tissues while effectively combating cancer cells. The relationship between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer is examined, shedding light on potential mechanisms linking these two conditions. Early detection methods, notably low-dose computed tomography scans, have significantly improved patient outcomes, emphasising the importance of timely interventions. There has been a growing interest in segmentectomy as a surgical intervention for early-stage lung cancer in recent years. Immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach, harnessing the body's immune system to recognise and eliminate cancer cells. Combining immunotherapy with traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies, has shown enhanced efficacy, addressing the disease's heterogeneity and overcoming drug resistance. Precision medicine, guided by genomic profiling, has enabled the development of targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, offering personalised treatments tailored to individual patients. Challenges such as drug resistance and limited accessibility to advanced therapies persist, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts and innovative technologies like artificial intelligence. Despite challenges, ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations and technological advancements offer hope for a future where lung cancer is treatable and preventable, reducing the burden on patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by the Italian Ministry of Health with Ricerca Corrente and 5x1000 funds.

Funding

Ministero della Salute, 5 × 1000, Ricerca Corrente.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy

    Luca Bertolaccini, Monica Casiraghi, Clarissa Uslenghi, Sebastiano Maiorca & Lorenzo Spaggiari

  2. Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

    Monica Casiraghi & Lorenzo Spaggiari

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  1. Luca Bertolaccini
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  2. Monica Casiraghi
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  3. Clarissa Uslenghi
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Correspondence to Luca Bertolaccini.

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Bertolaccini, L., Casiraghi, M., Uslenghi, C. et al. Recent advances in lung cancer research: unravelling the future of treatment. Updates Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-024-01841-3

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