Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is one of the common subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer, with a low detection rate of driver gene mutations, and its treatment strategy differs from that of adenocarcinoma of the lung. However, this does not mean there is no way out - the reasonable combination of various treatment methods is helping more and more patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung achieve longer survival times.
In this issue, we have invited Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, to provide a detailed analysis of issues that patients are concerned about, in order to help everyone better understand this disease.
Q1 How is treatment typically considered for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
A: Professor Yang Nong
The detection rate of driver mutations in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is very low, making it difficult for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma to benefit from targeted therapy targeting a specific driver mutation. Therefore, in clinical practice, a comprehensive approach is often taken, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and in some cases, radiotherapy.
Q2: What is the long-term survival status of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
A: Professor Yang Nong
Based on existing research data, in the field of advanced squamous cell carcinoma, combinations such as chemotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy have been observed to result in relatively longer survival times, with a median time approaching 30 months.
Of course, the data may vary slightly in different studies. In actual clinical practice, doctors will provide individualized diagnosis and treatment based on the specific situation of each patient. They may consider combinations such as chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, or add radiotherapy for appropriate patients. Some patients may even undergo surgery after their tumors have significantly shrunk.
Based on the currently conservative survival data, approximately one in six patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma can achieve long-term survival.
[A little science popularization] Understanding squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is a common subtype of lung cancer, ranking as the second most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for approximately 30% to 35% of all lung cancers.
It primarily originates from squamous metaplasia of bronchial mucosal epithelium, and is more common in middle-aged and elderly male smokers, often presenting as central lung cancer.
Compared to lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma has a lower detection rate of driver gene mutations, leading to different treatment approaches. Clinically, a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, radiotherapy, and other methods is more commonly used.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong
Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University
Long-term employed expert of Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, leader of the oncology department, head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic", chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medical Research Center.
He has dedicated nearly 30 years to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as clinical practice, research, and teaching in the management of complex recurrent and drug-resistant cases.
He has been honored with titles such as the "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Demeanor" at the 6th session, the "Annual Excellent Doctor" for eight consecutive years, and the "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines and has long been engaged in tumor health popularization work.
Specialization
Precision treatment of lung cancer, diagnosis and treatment of difficult, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases, as well as brain metastasis; individualized and precision-based treatment for brain metastases of lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for pan-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 clinical trials of phase I-III anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs).
We have been engaged in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for multiple cancer types, tailored to individual needs, and involving multiple disciplines for a long time.
Visit information
Clinic Hours
November 1st, 14:00-17:00
Outpatient visit location
Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
appointment registration
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
Friendly reminder
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring:
● ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
●Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
● Arrange the relevant examinations you have ever done in chronological order
● Paper medical records of previous visits
●Surgical case sections: wax blocks or 20-30 white sections
● Pathological diagnosis report
● Inpatient medical records and notes
● Recent relevant examinations
● Patient's current treatment plan
●The most urgent questions to consult
[Friendly reminder: This article is for health education purposes and cannot replace professional medical advice. Specific decisions regarding whether to undergo genetic testing and subsequent treatment plans should be made based on the patient's pathological results, physical condition, and doctor's recommendations.]