Lung cancer remains the foremost cause of cancer-related fatalities globally, with an alarming 1.8 million deaths recorded in 2020 alone. In China, both the incidence and mortality rates for lung cancer are significantly above the global average. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Professor Zhou Qinghua, a leading expert in thoracic surgery from the Lung Cancer Center at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, discussed innovative strategies for treating lung cancer and underscored the importance of prioritizing patient care.

With over fifty years of experience in the medical field, Professor Zhou has pioneered several groundbreaking techniques that have transformed the landscape of thoracic surgery. Notably, he developed the "cardiac displacement tracheal reconstruction" method, which extends the resectable length of the trachea from the conventional limit of 4 cm to an impressive 9.5 cm. This advancement has breathed new life into patients with advanced stages of lung cancer who once faced dire prognoses, enabling them to regain a semblance of normality. His team’s Phase III lung cancer surgical data has even led to pivotal revisions in international treatment guidelines.

Chinese physicians like Professor Zhou are making significant contributions to the global dialogue surrounding lung cancer diagnosis and treatment through their relentless pursuit of innovation. However, Zhou emphasizes that at the core of every advancement lies a fundamental principle: the interests of the patient must always come first.

Lung cancer begins with the uncontrolled proliferation of specific cells within lung tissue, culminating in the formation of tumors. These abnormal growths can obstruct airways or invade critical blood vessels, causing further complications. If left unchecked, cancer cells can metastasize, moving to different body parts and impairing organ functionality. The initial step a surgeon typically takes is to excise the tumor along with surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells.

In the last decade, lung cancer treatments have evolved rapidly, transitioning from singular therapeutic modalities to a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) approach. This includes targeted therapies that hone in on specific genetic mutations within cancer cells, sparing surrounding normal tissues and enhancing treatment efficacy.

The introduction of the small molecule drug gefitinib in 2003 marked a pivotal turning point in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management. Zhou notes that advancements in targeted drugs have led to the development of first, second, and third generations, with a fourth generation soon to be available. In fact, China currently stands at the forefront, offering a greater variety of targeted drugs for both prevalent and rare mutations compared to Western counterparts.

Immunotherapy represents another revolutionary approach in cancer treatment, empowering the body’s immune system to recognize and combat cancerous cells more effectively. The FDA's approval of PD-1 inhibitors like pembrolizumab in 2014 provided a vital breakthrough, and its introduction to the Chinese market in 2018 marked a significant milestone for lung cancer therapy.

The recent emergence of the sandwich treatment model is particularly noteworthy. This innovative strategy begins with preoperative neoadjuvant immunotherapy, followed by surgical resection and postoperative adjuvant immunotherapy, aiming to reduce tumor size and cancer stage, thereby facilitating more radical surgical interventions.

An illustrative case of this innovation is the journey of a patient from the UK, diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and presenting with multiple metastases. After a combination of targeted therapy and chemotherapy, culminating in a surgical opportunity, this patient was able to reclaim a normal life after comprehensive treatment overseen by Zhou and his team.

Professor Zhou's contributions to thoracic surgery extend beyond basic resection techniques to encompass functional reconstruction. His pioneering ideas in thoracic oncologic reconstructive surgery ensure comprehensive tumor excision alongside reconstructive efforts that restore normal organ functionality.

Looking forward, Zhou sees vast potential for international collaboration in both basic and translational medicine. He acknowledges the advancements made in Chinese clinical research, emphasizing the country's capacity to conduct swift, multi-center clinical studies involving large patient populations, thus driving forward lung cancer research and treatment strategies.