Le cancer bronchique féminin

Abstract

In France, the incidence of lung cancer in women is growing exponentially, making it the second cancer in terms of mortality.Among women patients, more adenocarcinoma, a more frequent non-smoking status, and a better overall prognosis compared to cancer in males are to be seen. Nevertheless, tobacco remains the main risk factor for women, who also appear to be more sensitive to its oncological action.Women are more likely to have « hormone-induced » cancer; studies show adverse effects of hormonal therapy and some benefit of anti- oestrogen treatment. On the other hand, the main oncogenes are occurring more frequently in women, and interactions between EGFR and oestrogen are the source of several recent studies on possibilities for new therapies.These differences in terms of genetic and hormone sensitivity presage several lines of research in order to better understand the oncogenesis of this cancer and to adapt therapies in the age of personalized treatments.