New Delhi: Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers globally, with about 2.2 million new cases diagnosed every year. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports that lung cancer accounts for 18 per cent of all cancer-related deaths. In India, lung cancer is also a significant cause of cancer-related deaths.
Advances in genetic profiling are now helping improve survival rates by allowing treatment plans to be tailored to individuals. Precision oncology has therefore become a central practice in the management of lung cancer.
Metropolis Healthcare conducted a seven-year study between 2015 and 2021 to analyze lung cancer cases across India, in observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The study examined genetic alterations in more than 3,200 patients with lung cancer, focusing on key genes linked to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The study found that adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent histology of NSCLCs in the samples, accounting for 83 per cent, while squamous cell carcinoma made up the remaining 17 per cent. Most of the patients were older than 60 years.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer & Senior Oncopathologist, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “Studying genetic mutations and alterations in cancer-related genes is essential for guiding clinicians in selecting the most suitable treatment—whether it involves surgery, medications, or chemotherapy.”
Interestingly, the prevalence of EGFR mutations was higher in younger and female patients, whereas ALK rearrangements were found more frequently in younger patients, regardless of gender.
The study underscores the importance of molecular profiling in NSCLC, as identifying these genetic alterations can guide targeted therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes. Advances in molecular diagnostics, particularly Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), have revolutionized the field of oncology. NGS allows for the simultaneous sequencing of multiple genes, providing comprehensive insights into the genetic makeup of tumors.
Current clinical guidelines, including those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European Society for Medical Oncology, emphasize the importance of genetic profiling in lung cancer.
