Moffitt Momentum eNewsletter | Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center is making strides in the fight against lung cancer – the leading cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. More people die of lung cancer than of breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. And Florida ranks second in the country, behind California, in the number of new lung cancer cases each year. Across the U.S., there will be about 215,020 new cases of lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) in 2008, with about 161,840 people dying of this disease. The vast majority of these new cases are non-small cell lung cancers.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are typically slow-growing cancers that respond poorly to chemotherapy. Small cell lung cancers, on the other hand, grow quickly, and although they initially respond better than NSCLC to chemotherapy, these cancers tend to return virulently. Small cell lung cancers appear small and oval-shaped when viewed under a microscope.

NSCLCs consist of a group of lung cancers named for the types of cells that are affected and how they look under a microscope. Squamous cell carcinomas, which account for nearly 25 percent of all lung cancers, affect thin, flat squamous cells that have a scaly appearance. Adenocarcinomas (40% of all lung cancers) are cancers of the cells that line the alveoli and produce substances such as mucous. The remainder of NSCLCs affects several types of large lung cells.

Squamous cell cancers, which are linked to a history of smoking, are found in the middle of the lung, near a bronchus, or air tube. Adenocarcinomas are usually found in the outer region of the lung, while large cell carcinomas can appear in any part of the lung. These large cell tumors tend to grow more rapidly and spread more quickly than the other two, making them difficult to treat.

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, with tobacco smoking causing nine out of every 10 lung cancer cases. Non-smokers who live with a smoker have a 20 to 30 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer than do spouses of non-smokers, according to the American Cancer Society.

NSCLC is increasingly being treated with new, targeted therapies in addition to the traditional surgical removal of all or part of the lung plus chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin) target angiogenesis, the growth of tumor blood vessels, to cut off the tumor’s much-needed blood supply. Other drugs, such as Tarceva (erlotinib), target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein on the surface of cells that is involved with cell growth and division. Some lung cancer cells have too many copies of EGFR, helping the cells to grow faster. Erlotinib puts the brakes on this action.

Researchers at Moffitt are using these and other therapies to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Research
The National Cancer Institute awarded a SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) grant in lung cancer to Moffitt’s Thoracic Oncology Program in September. These prestigious grants promote interdisciplinary research and move basic research findings from the laboratory into clinical settings involving both cancer patients and populations at risk for cancer.

"This grant acknowledges the continued translational work done by the entire lung team at Moffitt, which has been recognized nationally and internationally," says Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., program leader for Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt. "It will provide us with the opportunity to continue and significantly enhance our efforts to contribute to the prevention and cure of lung cancer."

For more information about the SPORE grant, please click here for Moffitt’s Fall 2008 edition of Clinical Trials Update.

Program Overview & Making An Appointment
Moffitt’s Thoracic Oncology (Lung Cancer) Program features physician specialists who have the expertise to diagnose and treat lung cancer. The program provides patients and referring physicians with the most current methods of care and support available today, and it utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate and treat lung and other thoracic cancers.

To make an appointment in our Thoracic Oncology (Lung Cancer) Clinic, click here or call 1-888-860-2778.

Find out more about our Thoracic Clinical Trials by clicking here.

Patient/Family Testimonial

The following is an excerpt from Faces of Lung Cancer, a collection of photographs and personal stories of lung cancer patients and their caregivers.

Tony & Elizabeth
"I’m their surprise and she’s their prize," Tony states proudly. Tony, 83, and Elizabeth, 84, have shared many things over their 53-year marriage, but neither were prepared to share a lung cancer diagnosis. "I thought this is a bit much for one family, both having lung cancer," says Elizabeth.

"Living is an accomplishment now. My doctor says you’re surprising us all, everyday. I feel proud about being alive and doing at least some of the thing I used to do. Life is different when you get cancer; you don’t go on as before…you realize you have it and do the best you can," Tony reflects.

While in the hospital admitted for a rapid heart beat, a chest X-ray revealed a spot on Tony’s lung. "My heart was under control, but the news I had cancer? … I was shocked." Believing the cancer was operable he was referred to a surgeon at Moffitt. The surgeon broke the news, his cancer had spread to the sternum, stage 4 and was inoperable. Tony met with one of the oncologists, "I want it straight…What should I do?" The oncologist discussed his options, including a clinical trial.

"I want to get in it," Tony said with no apprehension. Elizabeth added, "What’s to be afraid of, sign me up." "The idea that if I was gonna die, I would just as soon try to do some good. I thought it was great that they were making progress and here is something new…the more we find out about the mechanisms of cancer, the more we find out about possible cures," Tony says. "When you go on a clinical trial you put your faith in their hands."

"Good hands they are," Elizabeth adds.

One year into Tony’s treatment, Elizabeth was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The hospital ordered a chest X-ray, followed by a CT scan. The workup revealed something all too familiar to this couple - a diagnosis of lung cancer. They knew exactly where to turn, to the same surgeon who consulted with Tony just a year earlier. Elizabeth’s cancer was operable. "Hers is a storybook success, she walked away cancer free, now the only thing wrong with her is her personality," Tony said laughing.

Elizabeth reflects, "He’s been very positive about everything, never depressed, only worried." Tony is worried about leaving behind Elizabeth. She has become more dependent on Tony as her macular degeneration has worsened over the years. Tony looks at his condition differently now, "I wanna be able to take care of her, always." Tony and Elizabeth’s love and commitment continues to carry them through. They take one day at a time, each day a gift. "Yeah, we’re very, very lucky…both of us."

If you would like to read more lung cancer stories from patients and caregivers or to order the Faces of Lung Cancer book, visit facesoflungcancer.com.

If you are interested in sharing your cancer story, e-mail Moffitt.Momentum@moffitt.org.

Lung Cancer Quiz

Cancer Answers Q&A: Lung Cancer Screenings

A: According to the National Cancer Institute, currently there is no generally accepted screening test for lung cancer. Several methods of detecting lung cancer have been studied as possible screening tests. The methods under study include tests of sputum, chest X-ray or spiral (helical) CT scans. You may want to speak with your doctor about your own risk factors and the possible benefits and harms of being screened for lung cancer.

If you have a cancer question that you’d like answered, please call Cancer Answers at 1-888-MOFFITT or write to us at canceranswers@moffitt.org. Your submission may be published in a future issue!

Symptom Checker: Lung Cancer Symptoms

Most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they have spread, but you should report any of the following problems to your doctor right away. Often these problems are caused by something other than cancer, but if lung cancer is found, getting treatment right away might mean your cancer could be cured or you could live longer with a better quality of life.

Moffitt Morsels – Healthy Recipes for Healthy Living

HOT COCOA MIX (3 Recipes):

Ingredients:

1 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 cup dried egg whites
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground clove
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
6” cinnamon sticks (optional) for garnish
Black tea bags

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the dry milk powder, sugar, cocoa, egg-white powder, cinnamon, allspice, clove, ginger and black pepper, making sure all the tiny clumps are broken up. Spoon the mixture into a jar and seal tightly.

This mix is intended to be used with 1 percent milk to make hot chocolate, or a tea bag for making chai. If giving this mix as a gift, include instructions for using 1 to 2 teaspoons (according to taste) per serving.

For Chai, brew one tea bag in a cup or mug of hot milk. Remove the tea bag and stir in the mix. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer, if desired.

For Hot Chocolate, place the mix in a mug and gradually stir in hot milk. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer if desired, or 2-3 drops of vanilla extract or 1 drop of almond extract.

For Hot Mocha, mix 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso into the Hot Chocolate.

Nutritional Information:

Makes 2 1/2 cups mix. Per serving of hot chocolate: 112 calories, 3g total fat (2g saturated fat), 24g carbohydrate, 8g protein, less than 1g dietary fiber, 129 mg sodium.

Back to the Table of Contents
Return To eNewsletter

PORK LOIN CHOPS WITH NEW POTATOES, CABBAGE & APPLES :

Ingredients:

2 tsp. olive oil
4 thick cut (about 4 oz. each) lean boneless pork loin chops, fat trimmed
1 lb. (1/2 head) red or green cabbage, cut into thin slices
1 medium onion, quartered and cut into thin slices
1 carrot, cut into thin slices
1 rib celery, cut into thin slices
1 tsp. chopped garlic
2 Granny Smith apples, cored, quartered, peeled and cut into thin slices (about 2 cups)
1 lb. new potatoes, halved
1 tsp. dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

In large Dutch oven or other large wide saucepan, heat olive oil. Add pork chops and cook over medium heat 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to side dish. In same pan, place cabbage, onion, carrot, celery and garlic; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Add apples, potatoes, thyme, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to blend. Cover and cook, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and tuck pork chops into vegetables and add any pork juices. Sprinkle with cider vinegar. Cover and cook until pork chops are reheated and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve each person a dish of vegetables with a piece of pork on top.

Nutritional Information:

Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 338 calories, 9g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 36g carbohydrates, 28g protein, 7g dietary fiber, 84mg sodium.

Back to the Table of Contents
Return To eNewsletter

PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE:

Ingredients:

2 cups canned pumpkin
1 12-oz. can evaporated skim milk
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground or freshly grated nutmeg (about 15 gratings)
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1 ready-made 9-inch pie crust
1 1/2 tsp. flour mixed together with 1/4 tsp. each nutmeg and cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In large frying pan, cook the pumpkin over medium-high heat, stirring often so all pumpkin comes in contact with pan, and until pumpkin is reduced to 1 3/4 cups, about 5-10 minutes. Turn pumpkin into large bowl and let cool slightly.

Add milk, sugar, egg, egg white, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and allspice. Mix well until sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over bottom of pie shell. (This helps prevent the shell from becoming soggy and adds flavor as well.) Pour filling into pie crust and bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake 30 minutes more or until filling is set. If edges of pie crust brown too quickly, use strips of foil as loose cover. The pie filling is done when filling looks set and knife inserted comes out clean. Set on rack and cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Makes 8 servings, each containing 254 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Recipe Source:
American Institute for Cancer Research

Back to the Table of Contents
Return To eNewsletter

Moffitt Momentum

Table of Contents

Every Breath Counts: The Battle Against Lung Cancer

Patient/Family Testimonial

Lung Cancer Quiz

Cancer Answers Q&A: Lung Cancer Screenings

Symptom Checker: Lung Cancer Symptoms

Moffitt Morsels – Healthy Recipes for Healthy Living