3T's in Battling Lung Cancer

3T's in Battling Lung Cancer

Want to know more about the 3T's in Battling Lung Cancer?

It is so common for Filipinos to dismiss seemingly ordinary health concerns such as body aches, colds or coughs. Seeking the advice of a health professional is often, well, most of the time set aside due to time or financial constraints. And despite scientifically established detrimental effects of habits such as smoking or excessive drinking, people still continue to ignore these risks aside. Relate? 

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" saying has gained a whole new meaning for people like TV and media personality Diego Castro. 

His father, the renowned broadcast anchor Angelo Castro Jr., passed away due to lung cancer in 2012 after having been diagnosed just four years earlier. "He began smoking when he was 10 years old," revealed Diego. "But he had already quit around 10 yrs prior to his diagnosis."

Hear Diego Castro's story - now a Lung Cancer Advocate

Diego Castro, Lung Cancer Advocate

HOPE FROM WITHIN

The Castro family's story happened just a couple of years ago, but in such a short span of time, Diego is astonished to find out more from the medical community that a lot has already been achieved in terms of more effective treatment options for lung cancer.

Diego admits that such news brings a feeling of regret and missed opportunities. However, a chance to ensure that his father's death was not in vain comes in the form of lending a voice to a multi-sectoral advocacy that urges Filipinos to be more proactive in battling cancer through early diagnosis and awareness of the 3T's in Battling Lung cancer. TEST, TALK and TAKE ACTION.

"Hope From Within" is a movement that symbolizes the optimism that novel treatments like immunotherapy bring to cancer patients and the latest in its series of ongoing educational and informational forums focuses on the importance of early detection for malignancy. 

For lung cancer in specific, it is important for those at high risk to get screened so that the disease can be addressed immediately, according to Dr. Ivy de Dios, oncology medical adviser of MSD Philippines. 

"In order to benefit from the innovation of immunotherapy particularly for certain types of advanced lung cancer, it is important that it is administered as early as possible upon the onset of the disease," explains Dr. de Dios. "That is why we are urging people to 'Test, Talk and Take Action.'"

Those who should primarily consider getting screened are high-risk individuals such as smokers. "ANY persistent cough should be looked into," she reminded. The screening test involves a low-dose CT scan of the chest. Any mass identified for biopsy will also then be analyzed by a pathologist for particular proteins, to further determine the suitability of the patient for immunotherapy treatment. 

The "TALK" phase involves constant and in-depth discussion with medical professionals and experts. "Prognosis and treatment should be threshed out well between the patient and doctor," said Dr. de Dios. Finally, "TAKE ACTION" not only means undergoing proper treatment but having a positive and proactive approach in battling the disease through healthy lifestyle changes and help from support groups.

Watch the video of some dialogues on the importance of early detection/screening, multi-disciplinary approach towards cancer management with Dr. Ma. Noemi Alsay-Uy - Medical Oncologist, Cebu Doctor's Hospital and Chong Hua Hospital, Dr. Dennis Tudtud - Medical Oncologist, Perpetual Succour Hospital and Chong Hua Hospital, Dr. Bernardita Chua - Pulmonologist, Perpetual Succour Hospital, Dr. James Guardiario - Thoracic and General Surgery, Chong Hua Hospital and Perpetual Succour Hospital and Dr. Clarito Cairo - Program Manager, Philippine Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Health. 

THE PROMISE OF IMMUNOTHERAPY

Immunotherapy involves fortifying the body's natural healthy cells to avoid being overridden by malignant cells and thus preventing the latter from multiplying. In many clinical studies all over the world, it has already been proven to add more years of survival to cancer patients. As supposed to traditional standard-of-care treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy presents less or little side effects. In many countries in the world, immunotherapy drugs have already been successful in use to treat various types of cancers. 

Through pathology of samples from the patient, such as tissue or even body fluids, molecular testing can determine the best course of immunotherapy treatment. For instance, depending on the presence of cell protein called PD-L1 (programmed death ligand), immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, atezolizumab or pembrolizumab may be administered.

Mutations in EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), meanwhile may indicate a patient's suitability for treatment using EGFR targeted therapies such as afatinib, erlotinib, or gefitinib. ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene changes may call for treatment with drugs that target the ALK protein such as crizotinib.

In the Philippines, the innovation of immunotherapy has already arrived. Early this year, a particular immunotherapy drug--pembrolizumab--has been indicated by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration as first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This means that those diagnosed with this particular type of lung malignancy may be administered by immunotherapy drug from the onset, and avoid undergoing chemotherapy.

Whereas before, being diagnosed with cancer seemed like an automatic death sentence, immunotherapy truly means renewed optimism among patients. This seeming "wonder drug" it is not difficult anymore indeed for those facing cancer to look at the brighter side of possibilities and to rely on their own hope from within.

The Duterte government also extends their full support for cancer patients through Medical Assistance Program. They are also passing the bill on benefits for the lung cancer patients by helping them in screening, diagnostics, and hospice care. 

Together, let's all commit in doing the 3T's: 

Test, Talk, and Take Action in Battling Lung Cancer!