Review on lung cancer: an overview of risk factors, pathophysiology, and current treatment modalities

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the predominant histological types of this heterogeneous disease. Smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, but other factors that also play a role include exposure to environmental contaminants, occupational hazards, genetic predispositions, and underlying lung conditions. Complex genetic abnormalities, aberrant signaling pathways, and the tumor microenvironment are all part of the pathophysiology of lung cancer, which results in unchecked cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Because the disease is asymptomatic in its early stages, early diagnosis is still difficult and frequently leads to late-stage diagnoses. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines, and surgical resection are the current treatment techniques; notable developments in immunotherapy are showing encouraging results. Patients having advanced lung cancer continue to have a poor prognosis despite available treatment choices, highlighting the necessity for improved early detection methods, personalized therapy strategies, and a more profound understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. This review highlights the continuing research to enhance patient outcomes while examining the pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, and current therapeutic methods for lung cancer.