Redefining lung cancer together
Every 13 seconds, someone is diagnosed with lung cancer.¹
Research has transformed the lung cancer landscape over the past few decades. Long-term survival is now a reality for some, rather than just a possibility. Despite this, it is still one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers and patients still seek better health outcomes. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for more deaths each year than breast, prostate and stomach cancers combined.1-3
In recent years, a growing understanding of the science behind the disease and the challenges to receive optimal care has started to unlock new possibilities for patients.
Today, the definition of lung cancer is very different to what it was 20 years ago. What was once treated as a single condition, is now recognised as a highly-complex disease made of numerous subtypes that all work differently. 2-4
The discovery of disease characteristics called biomarkers, such as alterations to genes or changes to the immune system, have redefined how lung cancer can be classified and treated.5 Testing for biomarkers can help identify the subtype of a disease before starting therapy, and is relevant for all people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), regardless of the stage of disease. Based on the results, doctors can design a treatment plan tailored to each person’s individual needs.
While the five-year survival rates remain woefully low, what we are seeing with the age of precision medicine is more treatment options being available to patients and certainly with the increased number of biomarkers and targeted therapies available, more opportunities to beat the terrible survival statistic.
Biomarker testing is relevant at the time of diagnosis and also when there is recurrence or progression. Discover how testing can unlock the unknown about lung cancer and help doctors develop more personalised treatment plans.
Detecting and treating lung cancer earlier can offer patients the best chance to be free from disease, meaning they may live longer.6 Sadly, just half of people with lung cancer are diagnosed and treated before their disease has spread.2,3
What prevents early diagnosis in lung cancer?
The lack of symptoms in the earlier stages make it difficult to detect. When symptoms appear, they are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other diseases. This can make it difficult to diagnose lung cancer early and many people are diagnosed at an advanced stage, after it has spread. 7
Screening can detect lung cancer at a much earlier stage and has been shown to reduce mortality by nearly a quarter among high-risk people. Yet very few countries have screening programmes for lung cancer, and in countries where they are established, many eligible people do not undergo screening.7-9
Many patients with lung cancer face a lack of empathy around their disease, with others attributing blame due to the association with smoking. As a result, many people experience feelings of self-blame and isolation.7 Even diagnosis can be delayed due to the stigma and fear associated with lung cancer.
Disparities in healthcare across different countries and regions mean that some people have limited or no access to innovative services that support earlier intervention in lung cancer, such as screening, testing and treatment. This lack of access can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, impacting care outcomes.7
Reducing the risk of lung cancer returning
Many people with early-stage lung cancer face a risk of the disease coming back, even after treatment. For people having surgery, additional treatments may be given before (neoadjuvant) and/or after surgery (adjuvant) to help reduce the risk of cancer returning.10
While significant progress is being made, more needs to be done to make a difference for people with lung cancer. At Roche, we are working closely with our partners – from patients and healthcare professionals to health systems and industry – to redefine the future of lung cancer care at every stage of their journey.
With our combined expertise in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and digital health solutions, we are continually expanding our understanding of how cancer operates to reshape the way we diagnose, treat and care for people with this disease. Starting from early detection to personalised treatment and alternative modes of administration, we hope to ultimately ensure that patients can receive the optimal care for their form of lung cancer.
Everything we do is driven by our goal to improve patient outcomes and give more people with lung cancer the opportunity to live longer, disease-free lives.
Everyday we get closer to the promise of helping more patients live free from lung cancer. We’ve got to be committed to taking bold steps – like moving medicines quickly into earlier settings, which can be a risk. But that’s what we owe to patients and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is willing to take that risk.
It takes all of us to address the challenges, but together, we can redefine lung cancer.
References
World Health Organisation. World Globocan 2022. Available from:
Accessed August 2024. Cancer.net. Information about Small Cell Lung Cancer. Available from:
Accessed August 2024. Cancer.net. Information about Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Available from:
Accessed August 2024. Jones G, et al. Recent advances in the management of lung cancer. Clin Med. 2018;1(18): s41–s46.
National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Available from:
Accessed August 2024. EpiCast. EpiCast report: NSCLC epidemiology forecast to 2022. Available from:
Accessed August 2024. Cassim S, et al. Patient and carer perceived barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer: a systematic review. BMC Cancer. 2019;19(1):25
The National Lung Screening Trial Research Team. Reduced lung-cancer mortality with low-dose computed tomographic screening. N Engl J Med. 2011.4;365(5):395-409.
de Koning HJ, et al. Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Volume CT Screening in a Randomized Trial. N Engl J Med. 2020;382:503-513.
NHS. Lung Cancer: Treatment. Available from:
Accessed September 2024.