Part 4/11:
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, heavily linked to smoking. The 2022 data shows that lung cancer accounts for one in every eight new cancer diagnoses, contributing to approximately 1.8 million deaths annually. The condition is difficult to detect early as symptoms manifest in later stages, underscoring the urgency for therapeutic developments.
One of the most promising advancements is the world's first lung cancer vaccine, currently undergoing trials in seven countries. The mRNA-based vaccine aims to instruct the immune system to target and destroy cancerous cells without harming healthy ones, differentiating it from traditional chemotherapy. Early trial results from about 130 patients indicate hope in improving survival rates.