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12.04.2011 Guest of the Week: Dr. Fereidoun Abtin Faculty at the Department of Radiology, Lung Cancer Program, and Thoracic Oncology Program David Geffen school of Medicine at UCLA Host: Dr. Mohamad Navab

In his talk Dr. Abtin will discuss the options for lung cancer which remains to be the number one cause of cancer related mortality in the US and around the world. Lung cancer kills more than the top three other cancers put together. It is now clear that number one cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke exposure. Other factors like radon gas, second hand smoke and asbestos exposure also contribute as risk factors but to a much lesser extent. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking or even better, never start.

After a decade long NCI funded research, National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was concluded and showed up to a 20% increase in survival in high risk patient which underwent screening for lung cancer with low dose CT scan of chest. The lead institute in this study was UCLA, and we are currently providing lung cancer screening. Lung cancer types have been reviewed and new classification has been considered. There are many immuno-histochemical markers, which help diagnose and direct the management. One of the options include outpatient imaging guided ablation. This is for patients who are not surgical candidates or do not want to undergo surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation, similar to a dental procedure. A needle is placed within the tumor and through electrical current or cryoablation (ice formation) the tumor is destroyed. These procedures allow most patients to return home on the same day or with an overnight stay and without a significant scar. Although there are many options for lung cancer management, prevention is the best and cessation of smoking in any form should be considered as the first step towards fight against lung cancer.
Dr. Abtin is a faculty at the Department of Radiology, Lung Cancer Program and Thoracic Oncology Program at David Geffen school of Medicine at UCLA where he did his fellowship in 2005 and 2006. His clinical work, teaching, research, presentations and publications involve and focus on the areas discussed above.