ScienceDaily: Lung Disease News

Chronic drinking and exposure to particulate matter dramatically decreases lung function

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Alveolar macrophage (AM) function plays a critical role in protecting the lungs by removing particulates. Chronic drinking causes persistent oxidative stress in the lungs, leading to impaired AM function. A new rodent study shows that chronic drinking appears to intensify lung damage caused by particulate matter.

Rapid change in China brings significant improvements in health

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:08:08 EDT

In China between 1990 and 2010, communicable disease and child mortality decreased while life expectancy increased. But China faces significant challenges. The top five causes of health loss are dietary risks, high blood pressure, tobacco use, ambient air pollution, and household air pollution. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer increased in the past 20 years. China has five cancers in its top 15 causes of premature mortality, more than any G20 country.

Targeted therapy boosts lung cancer outcomes

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:38:38 EDT

Non-small cell lung cancer patients whose tumor cells had an abnormal ALK gene fared better if treated with crizotinib, a targeted therapy, than with traditional chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival was 7.7 months in the crizotinib group and three months in the chemotherapy group. Patients treated with crizotinib also reported a better quality of life than those treated with standard chemotherapy.

Promising new approach to treatment of lung cancer

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:12:12 EDT

Researchers have developed a new drug delivery system that allows inhalation of chemotherapeutic drugs to help treat lung cancer, and in laboratory and animal tests it appears to reduce the systemic damage done to other organs while significantly improving the treatment of lung tumors -- the tumors virtually disappeared.

Genetic marker associated with risk for pulmonary fibrosis

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:54:54 EDT

New research finds that a genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis, an uncommon but deadly lung disease, may be effective in identifying individuals at risk for this disease.

Low radiation scans help identify cancer in earliest stages

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:24:24 EDT

A study of veterans at high risk for developing lung cancer shows that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can be highly effective in helping clinicians spot tiny lung nodules which, in a small number of patients, may indicate the earliest stages of the disease. LDCT uses less than a quarter of the radiation of a conventional CT scan.

Combined wood and tobacco smoke exposure increases risk and symptoms of COPD

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:27:27 EDT

People who are consistently exposed to both wood smoke and tobacco smoke are at a greater risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and for experiencing more frequent and severe symptoms of the disease, as well as more severe airflow obstruction, than those who are exposed to only one type of smoke.

'Magic bullet’ nanomedicine developed for acute lung injury

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Researchers have devised a ‘magic bullet’ nanomedicine which could become the first effective treatment for Acute Lung Injury or ALI, a condition affecting 20 per cent of all patients in intensive care.

Allergic disease worsens COPD symptoms and exacerbations

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:53:53 EDT

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who also have allergic disease have higher levels of respiratory symptoms and are at higher risk for COPD exacerbations, according to a new study.

Pathogen turns protein into a virulence factor in one easy step

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:11:11 EDT

To infect its host, the respiratory pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa takes an ordinary protein usually involved in making other proteins and adds three small molecules to turn it into a key for gaining access to human cells. Researchers have now uncovered this previously unknown virulence factor in P. aeruginosa, one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

New cause for common lung problem

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

New research has found that in cases of lung edema, or fluid in the lungs, not only do the lungs fail to keep water out as previously believed, but they are also allowing water to pump in.

Vitamin C may head off lung problems in babies born to pregnant smokers

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:33 EDT

Pregnant women are advised not to smoke during pregnancy because it can harm the baby's lungs and lead to wheezing and asthma, among other problems. If a woman absolutely can't kick the habit, taking vitamin C during pregnancy may improve her newborn's lung function and prevent wheezing in the first year of life, according to a new study.

Flu and bacteria: Better prognosis for this potentially fatal combination

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Scientists have provided insights into how much harm bacteria can cause to the lung of people having the flu. The results could prompt the development of alternative treatments for flu-related bacterial infections, to improve patient outcome and prevent permanent lung damage.

Lung cancer mortality rates linked to primary care provider density

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:33:33 EDT

Researchers found lower mortality was associated with higher primary care provider density.

Genome study suggests new strategies for understanding and treating pulmonary fibrosis

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:16:16 EDT

A new genome-wide association study of more than 6,000 people has identified seven new genetic regions associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers have found a number of genes associated with host defense, cell-cell adhesion and DNA repair, which provide clues to possible mechanisms underlying this currently untreatable disease.

Testing lung cancer drugs and therapies in mice

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:39:39 EDT

Researchers have designed a genetically engineered mouse for use in the study of human lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Radiation dose level affects size of lesions seen on chest CT images

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:21:21 EDT

The estimated size of chest lymph nodes and lung nodules seen on CT images varies significantly when the same nodes or nodules are examined using lower versus higher doses of radiation, a new study shows. The size of lymph nodes and lung nodules is an important determinant of treatment and treatment success.

Gene study helps understand pulmonary fibrosis

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:46:46 EDT

A study of the genomes of more than 1,500 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis found multiple genetic associations with the disease. One variant in a gene called TOLLIP was linked to an increase in the risk of death. This finding suggests that an abnormal immune response to infectious agents or environmental injury may be central to the disease.

Icy therapy spot treats cancer in the lung

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:11:11 EDT

Frozen balls of ice can safely kill cancerous tumors that have spread to the lungs, according to the first prospective multicenter trial of cryoablation.

Asbestos exposure, asbestosis, and smoking combined greatly increase lung cancer risk

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:42:42 EDT

The chances of developing lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, asbestosis and smoking are dramatically increased when these three risk factors are combined, and quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer after long-term asbestos exposure, according to a new study.

Novel approach to study COPD and treatment efficacy identified

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Researchers have pinpointed a genetic signature for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from airway cells harvested utilizing a minimally invasive procedure. The findings provide a novel way to study COPD and could lead to new treatments and ways to monitor patient's response to those treatments.

Some lung cancers linked to common virus

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:27:27 EDT

A common virus known to cause cervical and head and neck cancers may also trigger some cases of lung cancer, according to new research.

Neutrons help explain ozone poisoning and links to thousands of premature deaths each year

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:19:19 EDT

Scientists have helped explain how ozone causes severe respiratory problems and thousands of cases of premature death each year by attacking the fatty lining of our lungs.

New software identifies and stratifies risk posed by lung nodules

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:30 EDT

Scientists have developed a new software tool to noninvasively characterize pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of cancerous nodule in the lungs.

Novel serum biomarker bilirubin predicted lung cancer risk in smokers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Smokers with low bilirubin levels were at increased risk for lung cancer incidence and mortality compared with those who had the highest bilirubin levels, making serum bilirubin a potential biomarker for lung cancer risk prediction.

Researchers uncover a genetic vulnerability of lung cancer to lay the foundation for new drug options

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:22:22 EDT

Physician-researchers at UT Southwestern have identified a vulnerability of certain lung-cancer cells – a specific genetic weakness that can be exploited for new therapies.

Advances in molecular testing offer new hope for lung cancer patients

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EDT

The emergence of molecular diagnostic testing in lung cancer offers new hope for patients battling the number one cancer killer in the United States and abroad. Now, for the first time after a decade of biomarker testing in lung cancer, a uniform approach for testing for the EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement along with the availability of targeted therapies offer lung cancer patients the chance for improved quality of life and more time with their loved ones.

Early COPD diagnosis possible with nuclear medicine

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:15:15 EDT

In vivo ventilation/perfusion imaging can detect early changes to the lung caused by cigarette smoke exposure and provides a noninvasive method for studying lung dysfunction in preclinical models, according to new research. These measures have the potential to be applied clinically to study and diagnose the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Researchers find immunity protein that ramps up inflammation, and agents that can block it

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:56:56 EDT

Scientists have discovered a new biological pathway of innate immunity that ramps up inflammation and then identified agents that can block it, leading to increased survival and improved lung function in animal models of pneumonia.

Antibiotic may provide benefit for treatment of respiratory disorder

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:23:23 EDT

Among patients with the lung disorder non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, treatment with the antibiotic erythromycin resulted in improvement in symptoms but also increased the risk of antibiotic resistance, according to a new study.

Vitamin D benefits breathing in tuberculosis patients

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:15:15 EDT

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D can help people breathe better and may even protect against tuberculosis, according to a recent study. The study of more than 10,000 Korean adults found that lung function improved when people had absorbed more vitamin D into their bodies.

Higher soy intake prior to lung cancer diagnosis linked to longer survival in women

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EDT

A new study finds that Chinese women who consumed more soy before being diagnosed with lung cancer lived longer compared with those who consumed less soy.

New lung cancer study takes page from Google's playbook

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:11:11 EDT

A new study shows that the same sort of mathematical model that Google uses to predict which websites people want to visit may help researchers predict how lung cancer spreads through the human body.

Common antibiotic linked to heart problems in patients with lung conditions

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:56:56 EDT

The antibiotic clarithromycin -- widely used for treating lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and acute exacerbations (sudden worsening) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- may be associated with an increased risk of heart problems, finds a new study.

Protein linked to exacerbation of COPD identified

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:31:31 EDT

Researchers have identified a protein likely to be involved in the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This protein, Siglec-14, could serve as a potential new target for the treatment of COPD exacerbation.

Researchers spot molecular control switch for preterm lung disorders

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:53:53 EDT

Researchers have made major discoveries that could lead to new treatments for lung disorders in premature babies. In a mouse study, the team located key molecules that switch on stress pathways in preterm lung disorders, and also found that when parts of these pathways were blocked with a pain drug, lung damage was prevented or reversed.

Will having one lung limit Pope Francis?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:41:41 EDT

A pulmonologist explains why a person can function normally on one lung.

Study points to essential role of IL-22 in lung repair after the flu

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:15:15 EDT

Once the initial episode of influenza has passed, the chronic effects tend to be overlooked. The results of a new study indicate that the cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays a critical role in normal lung repair following influenza infection.

Ultrasound to detect lung congestion in dialysis patients may help save lives

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:14:14 EST

Lung ultrasound can detect asymptomatic lung congestion in dialysis patients and can predict their risk of dying prematurely or experiencing heart attacks or other cardiac events. Treating asymptomatic lung congestion may help improve cardiovascular health and prevent cardiovascular deaths in dialysis patients. Lung congestion is highly prevalent and often asymptomatic among patients with kidney failure.

Steroids may shorten hospital stay for pneumonia patients

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:33:33 EST

Patients with pneumonia may spend fewer days in the hospital if they are given steroids along with antibiotics and supportive care.

Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 EST

A healthy lung has some capacity to regenerate itself like the liver. In COPD, these reparative mechanisms fail. HDAC therapies may be useful for COPD, as well as other airway diseases. The levels of HDAC2 expression and its activity are greatly reduced in COPD patients. Decreased HDAC activity may impair the ability of the lung epithelium to regenerate.

Screening could avert 12,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:22:22 EST

Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in all screening-eligible current and former smokers has the potential to avert approximately 12,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. By providing a national estimate of potentially avertable lung cancer deaths, the study will help policy makers better understand the possible benefits of LDCT lung cancer screening.

New emphysema procedure tested

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 EST

Medical researchers have just treated the first patient in the United States in an experimental lung reduction procedure for emphysema.

Reduced Lung Function in Infancy Associated with Wheeze Later

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:41:41 EST

A study in Australia suggests that reduced lung function in infancy was associated with wheezing beyond childhood at 18 years of age, according to a new report.

Researchers find potential new therapeutic target for treating non-small cell lung cancer

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:47:47 EST

Researchers have found a potential targeted therapy for patients with tobacco-associated non-small cell lung cancer. It is based on the newly identified oncogene IKBKE, which helps regulate immune response.

Lung researchers create new air sacs in mouse model of emphysema using a novel growth factor

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

In a study of mice, researchers have identified a new molecular pathway involved in the growth of tiny air sacs called alveoli that are crucial for breathing. The scientists say their experiments may lead to the first successful treatments to regrow the air sacs in people who suffer from diseases such as emphysema in which the air sacs have been destroyed by years of smoking. The work may also suggest new therapy for premature infants born before their lungs are fully developed.

Frequently prescribed drug used in concerning ways with harmful side effects

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:16:16 EST

A popular class of drugs commonly used to treat sleep and mood symptoms continues to be frequently prescribed despite being known to have potentially life-threatening side effects.

RNA promotes metastasis in lung cancer

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:21 EST

MALAT1, an RNA molecule, is a marker for progression of lung cancer. Researchers have now found out that MALAT1 activates metastasis-promoting genes in cancer cells. In mice, blocking of MALAT1 reduced the number and size of lung cancer metastases.

Potential new target in fight against 'superbug'

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:30:30 EST

Researchers have discovered how an antibiotic-resistant superbug exploits oxygen-limited conditions in the lungs of patients with severe respiratory disease to thrive.

Genetic test identifies small but deadly lung cancers

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:44:44 EST

A novel genetic test can help identify small but aggressive lung tumors associated with poor survival, according to a new study.

Measuring the consequence of forest fires on public health

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:58:58 EST

Pollution from forest fires is impacting the health of people with asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases, finds a new study. This study uses data from pharmacies and dispensaries to measure the increase in drugs needed to alleviate symptoms associated with pollution.

Risk of lung cancer death has risen dramatically among women smokers in recent decades

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:52:52 EST

Female smokers have a much greater risk of death from lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease in recent years than did female smokers 20 or 40 years ago, reflecting changes in smoking behavior.

GP judgement not enough to accurately diagnose cases of pneumonia, study suggests

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:51:51 EST

Pneumonia cannot be accurately diagnosed solely on a doctor’s analysis of symptoms and patient history, according to new findings.

Smoking cessation more successful for cancer patients who quit before surgery

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:37:37 EST

Lung and head and neck cancer patients who smoked before surgery are more likely to relapse than those who had quit before surgery, researchers say. They found that smoking-relapse prevention interventions are needed immediately after surgery to help prevent relapse.

Stopping smoking reduces risk of bacterial pneumonia in people with HIV

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:20:20 EST

Bacterial pneumonia is one of the commonest and most serious infections occurring in people infected with HIV. A metanalysis of cohort and case control studies finds that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smoking counterparts, but that when people stopped smoking their risk was reduced.

Severity of emphysema predicts mortality

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 06:46:46 EST

Severity of emphysema, as measured by computed tomography (CT), is a strong independent predictor of all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality in ever-smokers with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.

Critically ill flu patients saved with artificial lung technology treatment

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:33:33 EST

In recent weeks, the intensive critical care units at University Health Network's Toronto General Hospital have used Extra Corporeal Lung Support to support five influenza patients in their recovery from severe respiratory problems.

COPD patients at risk of dangerous bacterial infections

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:01:01 EST

It is well known that COPD patients run a higher risk of contracting respiratory infections. However, a new thesis shows that they are also at higher risk of other bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and pneumococcal and staphylococcal infections that can cause serious illness.

Lung cancer: Comparable patterns of failure between SBRT, lobectomy or pneumonectomy for stage I NSCLC

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:45:45 EST

For patients with medically operable clinical stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lobectomy or pneumonectomy is the standard approach. For patients with medically inoperable stage I NSCLC, stereotactic body radiotherapy has become a standard of care. Researchers wanted to compare the patterns of failure between each method.

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:21:21 EST

Scientists have identified the chemical ‘fingerprints’ given off by specific bacteria when present in the lungs, potentially allowing for a quick and simple breath test to diagnose infections such as tuberculosis. Researchers have successfully distinguished between different types of bacteria, as well as different strains of the same bacteria, in the lungs of mice by analyzing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in exhaled breath.