Antioxidants, Cytokines and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Lung Cancer: Associations with Adverse Events, Response and Survival

Lung cancer represents a major health concern with over 1.3 million cases diagnosed worldwide each year. Lung cancer is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also chemotherapy and ionizing radiation induce the formation of ROS. This book reviews studies examining the levels of various antioxidants, cytokines and parameters of oxidative and nitrosative stress in lung cancer patients and non-cancer controls. In addition, a comprehensive review of current literature is provided. The findings of the studies would indicate that lung cancer is associated with increased oxidative stress and production of certain cytokines. It was also demonstrated that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid can be a useful medium for analyzing local cytokine and oxidative stress marker status. New, interesting data is provided as higher exhaled pentane levels seemed to predict better survival. In addition, these data imply that serum and BAL fluid IL-8 and thiols and serum VEGF may be useful prognostic factors in lung cancer patients. Dr. Crohns's groundbreaking research is a must-have for everyone interested in lung cancer research.