DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The most common type of lung cancer (85% of cases) diagnosed at stage III or IV when cure is generally not possible. Major subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma. Strongly associated with smoking but occurs in never-smokers.
1.8M
15
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Biopsy
- 2Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
- 3Tumor markers
- 4Genetic testing
- 5Endoscopy
- 6Blood tests
- 7Screening programs
Prognosis
Untreated metastatic NSCLC has median survival of 4-6 months. With platinum chemotherapy, survival extends to 8-12 months. Targeted therapies for driver mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF) offer 18-36 months median survival. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) in PD-L1 high tumors offers 24-30+ months median survival. Combination chemo-immunotherapy in non-squamous NSCLC offers 22-24 months. Brain metastases common; prophylactic cranial irradiation debated.
Prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Sun protection
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Vaccination (HPV, HBV)
- Screening programs
- Limit alcohol
- Maintain healthy weight
Research Status
Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) first-line for many. Targeted therapies for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, RET, KRAS G12C mutations. Liquid biopsy for resistance monitoring.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.cancer.gov
- https://www.who.int/cancer
- https://www.cancer.org
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.