Lung cancer is the world's most common cancer, and an estimated 219,440 Americans are expected to be diagnosed this year.(1) It is also estimated that lung cancer will cause 159,000 deaths in the United States this year - more than the total number of deaths resulting from breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.(1) Still, lung cancer lags far behind other cancers in both awareness and research funding, and, partly due to its connection with smoking, there can be a stigma attached to the disease.(2)

But there is hope for lung cancer patients. According to Richard Gaynor, M.D., vice president of oncology product development and medical affairs at Eli Lilly and Company, a leader in thoracic cancer treatment, "Researchers have made important strides in the last decade in lung cancer prevention, detection and treatment. We know that secondary smoke is detrimental.(3) We have better X-rays and spiral CT scans to detect lung cancer earlier on. And we know that where treatment is concerned, lung cancer, like breast cancer, can benefit from a tailored approach."

In the past, oncologists have used similar approaches to treatment based on lung cancer diagnosis, staging and prognosis.(4) But advances in tailored treatment options may help oncologists choose which patients could be more likely to benefit from certain therapies (see also Lung Cancer).

"While our work is far from finished, we do have a better understanding of lung cancer today, and patients can benefit," said Dr. Gaynor.

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Lung Cancer, Lung Neoplasms, Oncology, Pharmaceutical Business, Pharmaceutical Company, Prostate Cancer, Prostatic Neoplasms.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.

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