The MARS2 trial (Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2) was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) surgery in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The trial aimed to determine whether this surgery, which removes the lining of the lung and potentially other affected tissues, improves survival…
Author Archives: Dr Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide, but advances in molecular diagnostics have led to the identification of specific aberrations driving the disease. One such aberrations (rearrangement) occurs in the ROS1 gene, found in approximately 1-2% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with ROS1-positive lung cancer tend…
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a subtype of lung cancer caused by a genetic mutation in the ALK gene. This mutation leads to abnormal protein production, causing cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. ALK mutations are found in about 5% of NSCLC cases and are more common in younger people and…
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, and about 85% of all lung cancers are a type known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among NSCLC patients, some have a specific genetic mutation in the EGFR gene, which stands for epidermal growth factor receptor. This mutation makes the cancer grow…
Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a challenging diagnosis, as it indicates the cancer has spread beyond the chest to other parts of the body. Treatment for this stage typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, aiming to control the disease and improve survival. Recent data showed that the addition of immunotherapy (atezolizumab…
The treatment of early-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has traditionally involved a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For patients with localized disease, the standard approach includes drugs such as cisplatin or carboplatin paired with etoposide, followed by radiation to the chest to target residual cancer cells. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) can also be…
Clinical trials are crucial in advancing lung cancer treatment, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies while contributing to medical progress. These trials test new drugs, combinations, or treatment strategies, aiming to improve survival rates, reduce side effects, and enhance the quality of life for patients with lung cancer. There are different types of clinical trials…
Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), offering more personalized and effective options compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy. These therapies work by targeting specific genetic mutations or proteins that drive cancer growth, allowing for more precise and less toxic treatment. One of the most well-known targets in NSCLC is…
Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), offering new hope, particularly for patients with advanced disease. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors, a key class of immunotherapy drugs, have shown remarkable…