Those patients with the rare form of congenital alpha antitrypsin deficiency can now have a replacement therapy. The alpha antiproteinase is called prolastin. It requires weekly or possibly only monthly, infusions. In effect, it is a cure because it replaces the basic deficiency. COPD also responds to bronchodilators and corticosteroids as described above in asthma.
Lung cancer is now the most common malignancy in both men and women.
Stopping smoking is the answer to prevention. Otherwise, the cure for lung cancer is surgery, if it s possible. Chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective. But, new lung cancer centers are being developed. These will focus upon early identification and intervention, and of course, this will also mean smoking cessation.