Patients suffering from lung cancer can breathe a sigh of relief because the scientists have finally identified a new drug which is anticipated to stop the small cell lung tumors from spreading. This drug displayed a capacity to kill all cancerous cells of the lungs when tested in mice. It is now to be tested on patients.

Lung cancers are known to spread rapidly and, in most cases, have a very poor prognosis. Chemotherapy along with radiation therapy helps in reduction of the growth of cells, but they multiply very rapidly and finally become resistant to any further treatment. FGF – 2, which is a growth hormone, speeds up the division of cancer cells and makes them resistant to chemotherapy.

Now researchers have found a new drug, PD173074 which helps in blocking FGF-2 from multiplying further. It has been reported that this drug can be taken as a pill and intravenous drip might not be necessary.

Researchers are predicting that if this new drug proves to be successful in human beings, it will be a blessing for patients suffering from lung cancer because they have a chance of living longer ranging between 5 to 10 years.