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Lung CancerChapter 9Lung cancer
Book chapter

Lung CancerChapter 9Lung cancer

Sujata K. Bhatia
Biomaterials for Clinical Applications
20 Aug 2010

Abstract

Cell Lung Carcinoma Drug Release Lung Cancer Polymeric Micelle Small Cell Lung Cancer
Lung cancers, including tracheal and bronchial cancers, are the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. Globally, lung cancers are the most frequent cause of cancer death among men and the second most frequent cause of cancer death among women. In 2004, lung cancerlung cancer was responsible for 1.3 million deaths or 2.3% of all deaths globally and 1.2% of all years of life lost (World Health OrganizationWorld Health Organization 2008). Lung cancer is predominantly a twentieth century phenomenon, whose rising incidence has been closely linked to the rise of cigarette smoking. Already, lung cancer has established itself as the third leading cause of death overall in high-income countries (World Health Organization 2008). With increased smoking in developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer is expected to rise in coming years, particularly in China (Liu et al. 1998) and India (Behera and Balamugesh 2004). Moreover, smokers are not the only people at increased risk for lung cancer; non-smokers can develop lung cancer as a result of genetic predisposition, radon gas exposure, occupational carcinogens, and environmental air pollution including secondhand smoke. Several treatment modalities for lung cancer are currently available, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Yet these treatment options have limited efficacy, and the prognosis for those afflicted by lung cancer is grim: The 5-year survival rate with treatment is only 14% (Minna and Schiller 2008). Fortunately, rapid progress has been made in defining the pathophysiological characteristics and molecular basis of cancerous lung tumors. Biomaterials are now being developed that specifically target the vasculature and cellular architecture of cancerous lung masses. Such materials can carry anti-cancer agents directly to cancer cells and have the promise to decrease mortality from lung cancer.

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This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Web of Science research areas
Materials Science, Biomaterials
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