A Review: Lung Cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in the world, accounting for a sizable amount of cancer-related deaths. It is often divided into two types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the former originating mostly in the respiratory tract\'s epithelial lining. About 85% of cases are NSCLC, while SCLC is more aggressive and spreads more quickly. Lung cancer has a complex aetiology, with tobacco use being the main risk factor, followed by exposures at work, genetic predispositions, and environmental contaminants. The asymptomatic aspect of the early stages frequently prevents early detection, which results in a poor prognosis and delayed treatment. Early detection rates have increased thanks to sophisticated diagnostic tools like biomarkers, imaging techniques, and biopsy-based approaches.Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in the world, accounting for a sizable amount of cancer-related deaths. It is often divided into two types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the former originating mostly in the respiratory tract\'s epithelial lining. About 85% of cases are NSCLC, while SCLC is more aggressive and spreads more quickly. Lung cancer has a complex aetiology, with tobacco use being the main risk factor, followed by exposures at work, genetic predispositions, and environmental contaminants. The asymptomatic aspect of the early stages frequently prevents early detection, which results in a poor prognosis and delayed treatment. Early detection rates have increased thanks to sophisticated diagnostic tools like biomarkers, imaging techniques, and biopsy-based approaches.

Introduction

1. Overview & Significance:
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer worldwide, with nearly 1.8 million deaths annually. Its high mortality is mainly due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options in advanced stages. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (85% of cases) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (15%).

2. Epidemiology & Risk Factors:

• More common in men and highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

• Driven by tobacco smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures (asbestos, arsenic), radon gas, and genetic predispositions.

• Incidence is declining in countries with successful anti-smoking campaigns.

3. Early Detection & Symptoms:

• Early detection improves survival, but most cases are diagnosed late due to early-stage asymptomatic nature.

• Common symptoms: persistent cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, weight loss, shortness of breath.

• Advanced stages can involve neurological issues, liver failure, and bone pain.

4. Diagnostic Tools:

• Imaging: X-ray, CT, PET scans.

• Biopsy: Bronchoscopy, CT-guided needle biopsy.

• Molecular testing: Detects mutations (EGFR, ALK, KRAS) for personalized treatment.

5. Treatments:

• Surgery: Preferred for early-stage NSCLC.

• Radiation & Chemotherapy: Standard for advanced or inoperable tumors.

• Targeted therapy: Drugs like erlotinib, crizotinib target specific mutations.

• Immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) improve survival.

• Palliative care: Enhances quality of life in advanced stages.

6. Herbal vs. Allopathic Approaches:

• Herbal: Natural compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, berberine) act on multiple pathways, generally have fewer side effects.

• Allopathic: Proven drugs (cisplatin, paclitaxel, bevacizumab) target specific mechanisms but can have significant side effects.

• Herbal therapies lack standardization and clinical trial data, while allopathic drugs are well-regulated and evidence-backed.

• Future potential lies in integrative approaches combining both methods.

7. Pathogenesis & Molecular Basis:

• Involves DNA damage, genetic mutations (e.g., TP53, KRAS), epigenetic changes, and chronic inflammation.

• Tumor progression includes unchecked cell division, angiogenesis, and metastasis to liver, brain, or bones.

8. Global Burden & Control Strategies:

• Lung cancer causes major economic and healthcare strain.

• WHO and other global efforts promote smoking cessation, air quality improvement, and early screening.

• Multidisciplinary care teams are crucial for effective, patient-centered management.

9. Future Scope:

• Continued research is needed on drug resistance, personalized treatments, and the integration of herbal remedies with standard therapies.

• Immunotherapy and precision medicine are key to future progress.

Conclusion

One of the most common and fatal cancers in the world, lung cancer presents a serious problem for international health systems. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis for many lung cancer patients remains poor, particularly in advanced stages. Despite their effectiveness, allopathic treatments are frequently linked to serious side effects, exorbitant expenses, and resistance over time. These drawbacks highlight the necessity of complementing or alternative approaches that are less harmful and equally successful. Herbal remedies have demonstrated significant promise in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. These remedies are taken from traditional medical systems including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani. Phytochemicals that modulate important molecular pathways like NF-?B, STAT3, PI3K/Akt, and p53, such as curcumin, resveratrol, withaferin A, and berberine, show intriguing anticancer activities. These natural substances frequently have apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-metastatic, and antioxidant properties, which enhance their potential as chemo preventive and therapeutic agents. However, obstacles like inadequate bioavailability, limited clinical validation, and a lack of standardisation make it difficult to include them into regular treatment plans. A more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to lung cancer treatment may be provided by a well-rounded and integrative method that combines the advantages of both allopathic and herbal approaches. To confirm the effectiveness and safety of herbal medications, future research should concentrate on clinical trials, pharmacokinetic investigations, and regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, herbal medicines are the key to long-term, sustainable solutions in the battle against lung cancer, even while modern medicine offers quick and focused intervention.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Gauri Pethe, Ms. Rekha Kolape, Mr. Nitin Gawai, Ms. Pradnya Jadhav. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.