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  Each year, throughout the world approximately 1.82 million people are said to be affected by lung cancer². Japan accounts for approximately 130,000 of these patients, and the rate of death from this type of cancer tops the list for men, while it is the second leading cancer-related death for women, following colorectal cancer³.

  Depending on histological type, lung cancer is broadly divided into non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer accounts for some 85% of lung cancer cases⁴. During treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer, the existence of lymph node metastasis and the location and number of metastases are one determinant of the cancer's progression. Knowing this information can help a physician decide on treatment methods, such as whether to excise a portion of the lung or to use anti-cancer agents. 

 

  Sysmex introduced an automated lymph-node metastasis rapid detection system⁵ for breast cancer in 2008. Highly praised for its ability to detect metastasis in around only 30 minutes, Sysmex’s system has been adopted globally by many institutions, particularly in regions such as Japan and Europe. In Japan, the method received a recommendation in the Japanese Breast Cancer Society’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Breast Cancer, Fiscal 2013 Edition⁶ as one of the detection methods of metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes, contribute to standardization the rapid detection of breast cancer lymph node metastasis. 

  Sysmex also automated the rapid detection of lymph node metastasis for colorectal cancer in 2010 and stomach cancer in 2012. 

 

  Having received approval to extend application of the rapid detection of lymph node metastasis to non-small-cell lung cancer, it will become possible to determine the existence of lymph node metastasis of this cancer by employing the same reagents and instruments as are currently used for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. 

  The lymph node metastasis rapid detection system using the OSNA method⁷ developed by Sysmex shortens the time required to obtain results from the detection of lymph node metastasis, raises the precision of detection of non-small-cell lung cancer lymph node metastasis, and is expected to contribute to the determination of more appropriate treatment methods. 

 

  Going forward, Sysmex will strive to expand the global market for lymph node metastasis rapid detection systems that employ the OSNA method, and work toward standardizing the detection of lymph node metastasis of cancer.