Among the common types of lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma has relatively abundant treatment options; while lung squamous cell carcinoma, as another major subtype, also affects countless patients and their families with its diagnosis and treatment methods as well as survival prospects.
In the era of rapidly evolving treatment methods, can patients with advanced squamous cell lung cancer overcome the bottleneck and cross the "5-year survival" threshold? Faced with diverse monitoring methods, how should they make rational choices?
We have invited Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital, to focus on the precision diagnosis and treatment of "squamous cell carcinoma of the lung" and provide an in-depth interpretation.
Q: What is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
Professor Yang Nong: Squamous cell carcinoma is a very common pathological type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 30%-50% of non-small cell lung cancers.
In simple terms, squamous cell carcinoma of the lung occurs when the bronchial epithelial cells lining the airway walls undergo abnormal mutations due to long-term external stimuli, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and ultimately tumor formation. These tumors mostly grow in relatively large airways such as lobes and sub-lobes. As the tumor continues to grow, it not only causes airway obstruction but may also induce a series of complications such as tracheal stenosis and obstructive pneumonia.
Q: Is it possible for the survival rate of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung to exceed 5 years?
Professor Yang Nong: The answer is yes. As early as more than a decade ago, the clinical trial results of the first batch of immunotherapy targeted at advanced malignant tumors had already provided a clear answer.
For patients with advanced lung cancer who have undergone two or more lines of treatment, whether adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, 17% of them survive for more than 5 years after immunotherapy, which is clinically considered as clinical cure.
Patients with advanced diseases at that time could achieve such treatment effects through a single immunotherapy, let alone the fact that after more than a decade of clinical exploration, immunotherapy has now been upgraded to various combination therapy schemes.
Note:
What's more noteworthy is that as the timing of treatment continues to be advanced, immunotherapy is being incorporated into first-line treatment and used in combination with other therapies, further improving the 5-year survival rate of patients.
Q: Is it necessary to perform gene testing for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
Professor Yang Nong: Not all patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung need genetic testing, but it is recommended for several groups of people:
Note
One group consists of lung squamous cell carcinoma patients without a history of smoking, especially female patients. This group is more likely to have clinically meaningful gene mutations detected, and genetic testing can provide crucial reference for subsequent diagnosis and treatment.
Another category includes patients who exhibit "abnormal" conditions during treatment, such as disease progression patterns that deviate from typical squamous cell carcinoma, or suspicious signs in imaging findings and biological characteristics. In such cases, obtaining more comprehensive biological information through genetic testing can aid in adjusting the diagnosis and treatment plan.
In addition, peripheral blood ctDNA testing serves as an important auxiliary tool for dynamically monitoring disease progression during treatment. Therefore, when financial conditions permit, conducting genetic testing and continuous ctDNA monitoring for the aforementioned patients holds considerable clinical value.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, the leader of the oncology department, and the head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also the chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, a member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, the director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and the director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as to clinical, scientific research, and teaching work in complex, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Demeanor" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended by patients nationwide as "Annual Good Doctor" for eight consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, boasts over 500,000 followers across the internet, and has achieved over 120 million views in cancer prevention science popularization.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases with brain metastasis; individualized and precise treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, he has led nearly 400 phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs), and is particularly skilled in treating complex cases such as refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant conditions, as well as brain metastases.
He is also proficient in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualized treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, covering a wide range of solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
[Visit Information]
1. Clinic Hours and Location
January 25th, 8:00-12:00
The sixth consultation area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
2. [Appointment registration]
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
3. Health consultation
13876807106
[Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
2. Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
3. Arrange the relevant examinations you have ever done in chronological order
4. Paper medical records of previous visits
5. Surgical case biopsy: wax block or 20-30 white slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Inpatient medical records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patient's current treatment plan
10. The most pressing questions I want to inquire about