A new study has shown that many lung cancer survivors are at high risk for developing another lung cancer or having their cancer return after completing treatment.
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From Medical Express
Lung cancer survivors at high risk for recurrence, new lung cancer
the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:
According to a new study presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2015 International Conference in Denver, Colorado, researchers have found that many lung cancer survivors are at high risk for developing recurrence of their disease or developing another another lung cancer.
For the study, researchers identified 192 lung cancer survivors who underwent surveillance for an average duration of about 8.5 years. Results showed that 38% of patients had developed recurrence or a new lung cancer during this period.
Researchers also found that for every additional pack of cigarettes smoked per year, patients had a 1% increased risk for developing lung cancer again. Other significant risk factors included presence of a nodule on a CT chest scan, premalignant lesions on three autofluorescence bronchoscopy exams anywhere in the central airway, and having recurrence of another non-lung cancer.
"We looked closely at risk factors that may help in predicting cancer recurrence in lung cancer survivors," said study lead author Samjot Dhillon, MD. "What we learned is that patients with a history of lung cancer should have close long-term surveillance so their doctor can detect early on if the cancer is recurring or if there is another cancer developing."
