Question 1

are a549 cancer cell lines specific to the adenocarcinoma sub-type of lung cancer, or does it mean something else?

Accepted Answer

CA cell line: The A549 cell line originated from a male patients bronchoalveolar lung carcinoma. Cell lines often acquire additional mutations that facilitates their growth in culture. They may not retain all of the characteristics of the original tumor.

Question 2

how common is lung cancer in non smokers? and is it true only a certain type of lung cancer is genetic? and if so which type?

Accepted Answer

Lung cancer: Of all lung cancers 97% are smoking related. 3 % in non smokers. Regd the genetic basis of lung cancer, to the best of my knowledge, there is no genetic variant. Sonetimes we see several cases in families but still primarily it is smoking associated.

Question 3

are "a549" lung cancer cells a particular type or sub-type of lung cancer, or is this a generic code for lung cancer cells of all types?

Accepted Answer

Cell culture: A549 are cells that were isolated a long time ago from a lung cancer and maintained in culture for experimental purposes as a model for type II alveolar lining cells

Question 4

are there different types of lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: There are multiple types of lung cancers based on cells that cancer originates from. Two broad categories are small cell which tends to be more systemic, and non-small cell that tends to be more localized in the lung to start. There are different variants within these categories. Also many lung lesions are actually from cancers elsewhere in body. Metastatic disease.

Question 5

could lung cancer (of any type) not show up on an x-ray after 14 months of symptoms?
theoritical question not for diag.)

Accepted Answer

Yes: Especially, adenocarcinomas in the apex can be very small and hide behind other structures.

Question 6

what types of lung cancer is tarceva (erlotinib) used for?

Accepted Answer

NSCLC(EGFR mutation): Lung cancer is broadly divided into two types; (1) non-small cell lung cancer (nsclc) & (2) small cell lung cancer.

When biopsy shows nsclc, pathologists do further testing to determine specific mutations in cancer cells.  If the testing shows that cancer cells express epidermal growth factor receptor (egfr), tarceva (erlotinib) maybe indicated for targeted therapy.

Question 7

of the many types of lung cancer of the more serious types, what are the treatments?

Accepted Answer

Depends on stage: The mainstays of treatment for lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and various combinations of the above.  The best treatment for any given patient will depend on the stage of the patient's cancer as well as the patient's overall health and functional status.

Question 8

why is elevated amylase linked to lung cancer but  elevated lipase is not. are they almost the same type of test?

Accepted Answer

They produce it...: Amylase and lipase are two different enzymes produced by the pancreas normally.  (amylase is also produced by the salivary glands).  Amylase helps break down carbs, while lipase breaks down fats for digestion.  Rare lung tumors produce amylase, but not lipase because glands in the lung are more similar to salivary glands.  In fact some types of tumors seen in the salivary gland also occur in lung.

Question 9

is biopsy the only way of determining the sub-type of non-small cell lung cancer? any non-invasive ways? 1st biopsy inconclusive and risks with repeat

Accepted Answer

Need a biopsy: A physician who diagnosed ANY lung cancer without obtaining a biopsy would be committing gross malpractice. You've got SOMETHING in your lung that's VERY worrisome and whatever got it noticed, you should be demanding that the biopsy be repeated anyway and a best diagnosis rendered. Risks? Do you want to die of a missed cancer? I know you don't. Be brave. Best wishes.

Question 10

what are the best treatments for late stage lung cancer based on pathology type?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy: To late for surgery alone.

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Doctor answers about:

Dana reeve type of lung cancer

A member asked:

Are a549 cancer cell lines specific to the adenocarcinoma sub-type of lung cancer, or does it mean something else?

A member asked:

How common is lung cancer in non smokers? and is it true only a certain type of lung cancer is genetic? and if so which type?

A member asked:

Are "a549" lung cancer cells a particular type or sub-type of lung cancer, or is this a generic code for lung cancer cells of all types?

A member asked:

Are there different types of lung cancer?

A member asked:

Could lung cancer (of any type) not show up on an x-ray after 14 months of symptoms? theoritical question not for diag.)

A member asked:

What types of lung cancer is tarceva (erlotinib) used for?

A member asked:

Of the many types of lung cancer of the more serious types, what are the treatments?

A member asked:

Why is elevated amylase linked to lung cancer but elevated lipase is not. are they almost the same type of test?

A member asked:

Is biopsy the only way of determining the sub-type of non-small cell lung cancer? any non-invasive ways? 1st biopsy inconclusive and risks with repeat

A member asked:

What are the best treatments for late stage lung cancer based on pathology type?

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