There are numerous agencies, organizations and medical facilities conducting research in the area of lung cancer. The basic areas of focus include:

• Prevention. Research is focusing on ways to help people quit smoking with a variety of methods, such as nicotine replacement products and medications. Other programs have focused on educating young people on the dangers of smoking to prevent them from starting the habit. Other studies are examining the role of diet, vitamins and supplements in cancer prevention.
  
  
• Earlier diagnosis. Researchers continue to study various diagnostic methods for earlier detection of lung cancer. A large clinical trial called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) is studying whether spiral CT scanning of people at high risk will be superior to current imaging techniques. Scientists are also studying methods to detect cancer through sputum and DNA changes in cells.
  
  
• Chemotherapy. Research is focusing on the development of new chemotherapy drugs and drug combinations that can be effective with less toxic side effects. Studies are also being conducted to evaluate effective pairing of chemotherapy drugs with surgery and radiation therapy.
  
  
• Genetics. Scientiests have continued to focus on DNA and their changes that result in cancerous cells. With gene therapy, they hope to develop ways to alter lung cancer by changing DNA or to use DNA to repair gene mutations. Researchers are also studying chromosome abnormalities and their association with cancer risk in families.
  
  
• Antiangiogenesis drugs. Researchers hope to develop certain drugs that may be useful in stopping lung cancer growth by preventing new blood vessels from forming. Blood vessels are necessary to nourish cancer cells, a process known as angiogenesis. Without the nourishment, the cancer would not be able to grow. Antiangiogenesis drugs may be successful in stopping this nourishment process. Researchers are also examining other targeted therapies that may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
  
  
• Vaccines. Researchers are working to develop vaccines to help the body's immune system fight cancer. One successful NSCLC vaccine has been deeveloped using patients' own tumor cells. Some lung cancer vaccines are currently being tested in some clinical trials.

In August 2005, The National Cancer Institute (NCI) announced a new initiative to aggressively fight lung cancer. Using an integrated approach, its mission is to eliminate suffering and death due to lung cancer by 2015. The new plan will focus on three critical areas:

• Reducing the risk factors for lung cancer by achieving better tobacco control
  
  
• Earlier detection and treatment of lung cancer and pre-cancer
  
  
• Targeting advanced therapies with ongoing research

As part of the plan, an Image Response Assessment Team (IRAT) will be established. The IRAT will focus on the analysis of lung cancer tumor markers and their contribution to lung cancer treatment. Researchers also intend to use advanced imaging strategies to understand lung cancer development and the response to various treatments.