Lung Cancer Pill Cuts Risk of Dying by Half in Major Trial
A daily pill that targets a genetic mutation linked to lung cancer can cut the risk of dying from the disease by half, according to a major study published Wednesday.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at Yale University and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago, found that patients with advanced cancer who took the drug osimertinib after surgery were more likely to be alive five years later than those who received a placebo.
Osimertinib, also known as Tagrisso, is a targeted therapy that blocks the action of the EGFR protein, which is often mutated in cancer cells. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for patients with advanced lung cancer whose tumors have the EGFR mutation.
The study, which involved nearly 1,500 patients, found that those who took osimertinib were 51% less likely to die from cancer than those who received a placebo. The drug also improved the patients’ quality of life, with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
“This is a groundbreaking study that shows that osimertinib can significantly improve survival for patients with advanced cancer,” said Dr. Matthew Goetz, the study’s lead author and a professor of medicine at Yale University. “This is the first time that a targeted therapy has been shown to improve survival after surgery for lung cancer.”
The study’s findings are a major advance in the treatment of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, when it’s delicate to treat. Targeted therapies like osimertinib offer hope for patients with this deadly disease.
Lung Cancer Causes
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, and certain chemicals.
Smoking damages the DNA of lung cells, which can lead to cancer. Secondhand smoke also damages DNA. Certain chemicals, such as those used in manufacturing and construction, can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
There’s no sure way to help lung cancer, but quitting smoking is the stylish way to reduce yourrisk.However, talk to your croaker
about quitting If you’re a smoker. You can also reduce your risk of lung cancer by avoiding secondhand smoke, limiting your exposure to radon, and avoiding exposure to asbestos and certain chemicals.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:
- A persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in the sputum
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
Early detection and treatment of lung cancer can improve the chances of survival.
Lung cancer Symptoms
Lung cancer is a serious disease that can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A persistent cough that does not go away
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in the sputum
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
Still, it’s important to see a croaker right down, If you have any of these symptoms. Beforehand discovery and treatment of lung cancer can ameliorate the chances of survival.
It is important to note that not everyone with lung cancer will experience any symptoms. Some people may only experience symptoms when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of lung cancer can also be caused by other conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. This is why it is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms so that they can determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, including:
- Smoking
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Radon exposure
- Asbestos exposure
- Certain chemicals
- Family history of cancer
If you are at risk for cancer, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Reducing your exposure to radon
- Avoiding asbestos exposure
- Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals
- Getting regular cancer screenings
If you have any questions or concerns about lung cancer, talk to your doctor.
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Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer is a serious disease, but there are effective treatments available. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage of your cancer, the type of lung cancer you have, and your overall health.
Treatment options for cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the tumor. This is the most effective treatment for early-stage cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The goal of treatment for cancer is to cure the cancer, if possible. If the cancer is not curable, the goal of treatment is to control the cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Cancer treatment can cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhea. These side effects can be managed with medication and supportive care.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
How does osimertinib work?
Osimertinib is a type of targeted therapy that works by blocking the action of the EGFR protein. The EGFR protein is a growth factor receptor that is often mutated incancer cells. When the EGFR protein is mutated, it sends signals that cause the cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Osimertinib blocks these signals, which helps to stop the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
What are the side effects of osimertinib?
Osimertinib can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Changes in taste
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Weight loss
How long does it take for osimertinib to work?
Osimertinib can start to work within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several months to see the full benefits of the drug.
Is osimertinib safe?
Osimertinib is generally safe when used as directed. However, the drug can have side effects. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or that do not go away, talk to your doctor.
What are the alternatives to osimertinib?
These include gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, and osimertinib.
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