According to a recent study published in the Cell Reports journal, “levels of a protein present in tumors could predict someone’s chances of surviving lung cancer and provide a new treatment.”
The study found that “patients with high levels of TLR2 in early-stage lung cancer were found to have increased survival rates compared with those with lower levels.”
The findings, the researchers say, could help identify the disease earlier and improve people’s chances of beating the disease.
The five-year survival rate for late-stage lung cancer is approximately six per cent; however, if detected earlier, the survival rate is 50per cent.
Dr Fraser Millar, a lecturer in respiratory medicine at the University of Edinburgh said: “very little is known about the biology of early lung cancer and, by understanding this process more, we have identified a possible new treatment for this devastating disease.” I think these results are really exciting,” he added.
The study was undertaken through collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, University College London, University of Cantabria, the Spanish National Research Council and the Mayo Clinic.
The researchers are hopeful that “it could lead to research into using senescence and the associated chemicals as part of a screening programme to provide earlier diagnosis.”
