September 15, 2007

Alternative Therapies Recommended for Lung Cancer Patients

For the first time, a panel of experts at the American College of Chest Physicians has issued treatment guidelines for lung cancer patients that includes alternative therapies.

Massage therapy is suggested for patients in the grips of chronic pain when drugs fail to provide enough relief. And acupuncture is urged for those experiencing the nausea and fatigue that can accompany conventional chemotherapy.

At the same time, the panel warns against certain vitamin and mineral supplements such as beta carotene and vitamin A, both of which have been linked to an increase in the risk of lung cancer among smokers.

'Mind-body' therapies to treat lung cancer

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October 2, 2006

Blood Test to Detect Early Lung Cancer

French researchers at the Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve in Montpellier, France are reporting that a new blood test may be able to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages.

"While it's not ready for prime time, the test would ideally be given to seemingly healthy people at high risk of lung cancer -- for example, smokers aged 45 or older," he tells WebMD. "You want to give it before symptoms develop, perhaps repeating it every six months or so."

Blood Test Spots Lung Cancer

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September 28, 2006

Lung Cancer Higher in Industrial Areas

A new study has shown that people living in industrial areas have higher rates of lung cancer.

In the study, researchers in New Zealand and the U.K. compared more than 200 women with primary lung cancer and 339 healthy women. All the women lived in Teeside in northeast England, an area with especially high rates of lung cancer among women.

Lung Cancer Risk Rises in Industrial Zones

Related: Lung Cancer

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July 28, 2006

X-Rays Often Fail in Lung Cancer Diagnosis

A new study in the British Journal of General Practice has shown that X-rays often fail in lung cancer diagnosis. The numbers are worrisome: 38 out of 164 lung cancer patients originally had negative X-rays. If you have symptoms of lung cancer but receive a negative X-ray, it is probably wise to follow-up with further testing. Dr. William Hamilton, one of the researchers involved in the study, said:

" ... we were surprised by the high proportion of negatives in cancer patients ... [general practitioners] will want to consider either repeat X-rays, perhaps with a lateral, or referral, if they still suspect cancer. "

Lung cancer patients given X-ray all-clear by mistake

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July 21, 2006

Nicotine in Gum and Patches Tied to Lung Cancer

A study done by researchers at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida shows that nicotine may help cancer cells to proliferate, even if it's only the nicotine in nicotine gum and patches. Because many lung cancer patients use these products to quit smoking, it is causing significant concern among researchers and doctors.

"So, smokers should be staying away from all products that contain nicotine," he cautioned. "Not just cigarettes -- anything. I can not say that this is just about smoking. This is about exposure to any nicotine. Even a patch to help quit smoking may not be the best idea."

Nicotine May Help Spur Lung Cancer

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July 18, 2006

Thermal Ablation for Lung Cancer Extends Lives

A study of 41 patients with inoperable lung cancer who had a life expectancy of less than one year has shown that thermal ablation, a non-surgical technique, can extend lives by as much as two years. Thermal ablation is being used to treat many different forms of cancer. It is non-invasive and involves the use of targeted radiofrequency energy injected directly into tumors.

"These new outpatient treatments not only are effective, but allow us to treat patients who historically have no other options," he said. "Utilizing imaging and targeted thermal ablation, we can heat and destroy lung tumors, and extend a patient's life," he said.

Heating, Destroying Lung Tumors Extends Lives

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