Global Burden of Lung Cancer: Prognosis, Symptom Management, And Challenges with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Lung cancer represents a significant global health burden, accounting for the highest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the prognosis remains poor, with a low 5-year survival rate post-diagnosis and substantial mortality within the first year. Patients often experience debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and coughing, which severely impact their physical and psychological well-being. Pain management is particularly challenging and critical due to its potential leading to depression and anxiety. Lung cancer encompasses histological classifications such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), each with distinctive subtypes. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) face exacerbated challenges when they also develop lung cancer, impacting their prognosis significantly compared to those with lung cancer alone. The management of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in lung cancer necessitates a multifaceted approach, incorporating supportive care, pharmacological interventions, and emerging therapies like molecular targeted therapies, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy. This comprehensive management requires collaboration among various healthcare professionals to optimize outcomes and enhance quality of life for affected patients. Despite considerable progress, managing fibrosis in lung cancer remains complex due to its heterogeneous nature and varied progression. Ongoing future research aims to identify biomarkers for early detection, refine treatment strategies, and explore novel therapies through clinical trials. This review highlights lung cancer's global burden, poor prognosis, and severe symptoms impacting patient well-being. It discusses histological types, compounded challenges with IPF, and the need for a multifaceted treatment approach. Emphasis is placed on ongoing research for early detection, refined treatments, and novel therapies to improve outcomes.