Lung Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Advances

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally, killing 1.8 million in 2020. In the US, its mortality exceeds that of prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Tobacco and air particles drive it. China's male smoking rate and PM2.5 risks are examples. Regional disparities are huge, like in East Asia and Africa. Pathogenesis involves six core mechanisms: Tobacco carcinogen-induced DNA damage (85% population-attributable risk), PM2.5/radon genotoxicity, Somatic driver mutations (EGFR/KRAS), Occupational carcinogen exposure, Chronic pulmonary inflammation, and Lifestyle modulators. Early-stage surgery has good survival rates, but for advanced cases, new drugs are used. Global 5 - year survival is low. This review outlines etiologies, evaluates treatments and proposes strategies. This review delineates molecular etiologies, evaluates therapeutic innovations, and proposes multisectoral strategies to mitigate this escalating public health crisis.