Lung cancer is a disease typically associated with tobacco smoking; however, lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked (LCINS) is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Moreover, smoking rates are declining around the world and therefore LCINS is likely to increase as a proportion of all lung cancers over time. Thus, understanding the aetiology and features of LCINS is increasingly important. Herein, the authors review the emerging data on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and molecular features of LCINS as well as the genetic and environmental risk factors for this disease. They also summarize the unique diagnostic and management paradigms of LCINS.
- Jaclyn LoPiccolo
- Alexander Gusev
- Pasi A. Jänne
