Early detection and personalized therapies in lung cancer

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

 ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Medical specialists and patients gathered at a health awareness event to discuss the critical role of early detection and personalized therapies in combating lung cancer, a disease that affects approximately 40,000 people annually in Turkey.

The "Awareness and Hope in Lung Cancer" panel, hosted by Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, aimed to educate the public on prevention strategies, revealing that 80% of cases are directly tied to tobacco use. Multidisciplinary experts emphasized how advanced imaging, robotic surgical techniques, and targeted oncological treatments are significantly improving survival rates and patient quality of life.

Tobacco use and early screening

Pulmonologist Dr. Burcu Babaoğlu Karan warned about the rising threat of electronic cigarettes among youth, clarifying that alternative tobacco products are not innocent. Explaining that 80% of lung cancer cases stem from tobacco usage, Karan advised individuals over 50 with a history of smoking one pack a day for at least 20 years to undergo annual check-ups. She noted that low-dose CT scans are highly effective for catching the disease in its earliest, asymptomatic stages.

PET-CT imaging in tumor staging

Accurate staging forms the foundation of the entire treatment process. Nuclear Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Fikret Çermik stated that PET-CT scans allow doctors to evaluate not only the physical presence of a tumor but also its biological behavior and spread throughout the body. This comprehensive mapping prevents unnecessary surgical interventions and ensures the most appropriate treatment plan is formulated.

Robotic surgery and fast recovery

For early-stage patients, surgical intervention remains highly effective. Thoracic Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkan Kaba noted that robotic surgery allows for complex operations through very small incisions without completely opening the chest cavity. This advanced technological approach helps patients recover faster and return to their daily routines in a much shorter timeframe.

Personalized medicine and radiotherapy

Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ömer Fatih Ölmez emphasized that the era of applying the same treatment to every patient is over. Treatments are now customized based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor, with targeted therapies and immunotherapy yielding highly successful results for eligible patients. Meanwhile, Radiation Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Enis Özyar highlighted that high-precision radiotherapy serves as a vital option for inoperable tumors, maximizing tumor destruction while minimizing side effects.

A patient's journey of hope

Actress Sevil Akı shared her mother's eight-year battle with the disease, noting two recurrences during the process. Akı explained that modern medical advancements provided them with multiple treatment options, ensuring there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. Health Communicator Seral Çelik, who moderated the event, likened the multidisciplinary treatment approach to a puzzle, stating that when experts from different branches come together, they create the best possible outcome for the patient.

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