• 24 studies were reviewed to understand the profile of lung cancer in Southeast Asia. 

• The results were recently published as a narrative review in The Lancet Journal.

• These included 13 case-control studies, eight cohorts, two meta-analyses, and one cross-sectional study.

• Lung cancer incidence and mortality varied significantly between Caucasians and Asians, affecting epidemiology, genomics, therapies, and outcomes.

• A significant proportion of lung cancer patients in Southeast Asia are never-smokers (40-50% of cases in India).

• The most common causes in South Asian countries among non-smokers were as follows:

1. Air pollution in urban areas; 

2. Occupational exposures of workers in industries dealing with asbestos, cadmium, chromium, coal, etc; 

3. Household biomass fuel burning for cooking.

• Adenocarcinoma was found to be the most common histopathological subtype, present in about one-third of the patients.

• EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations were found in 23-30% of patients, while ALK rearrangements were present in 5-7%.

• Although therapies align with global standards, access to newer treatments and drugs remains challenging.

• The study identified that to achieve optimal cancer prevention and treatment, guidelines based on data generated within the country rather than relying on global data are essential.

• Collaborative research, political commitment, policy changes, and patient advocacy are essential to improve the region's lung cancer treatment and outcomes.

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