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Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death despite 50 years of antismoking efforts and advances in treatment. Overall, the 5-year survival remains disappointing at 15%. The majority of lung cancers are inoperable at presentation, thereby limiting treatment options and the potential to cure. The best prognosis for lung cancer is expected when the diagnosis is made at an early stage of the disease. At present, the best way to diagnose lung cancer is a combination of three different screening tools: low-dose computed tomography (CT), sputum analyses, and fluorescence bronchoscopy. The tumor marking ability of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been demonstrated. Inhalation of 5-ALA has been used to detect early lung cancer and is safe and reliable. The data of Yoon et al. in this issue describe the usefulness of photodynamic diagnosis with ALA inhalation. |
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