Showing papers in "Translational lung cancer research in 2023"
TL;DR: Sotorasib as discussed by the authors is the first, selective KRAS G12C inhibitor to receive approval based on demonstration of significant clinical benefit and tolerable safety profile in previously treated, KRAS-G12C-mutated NSCLC.
Abstract: Background and Objective Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) driver alterations harbors a poor prognosis with standard therapies, including chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) or anti-programmed death ligand-1 (anti-PD-L1) antibodies. Selective KRAS G12C inhibitors have been shown to provide significant clinical benefit in pretreated NSCLC patients with KRAS G12C mutation. Methods In this review, we describe KRAS and the biology of KRAS-mutant tumors and review data from preclinical studies and clinical trials on KRAS-targeted therapies in NSCLC patients with KRAS G12C mutation. Key Content and Findings KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancer. The G12C is the most common KRAS mutation found in NSCLC. Sotorasib is the first, selective KRAS G12C inhibitor to receive approval based on demonstration of significant clinical benefit and tolerable safety profile in previously treated, KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC. Adagrasib, a highly selective covalent inhibitor of KRAS G12C, has also shown efficacy in pretreated patients and other novel KRAS inhibitors are being under evaluation in early-phase studies. Similarly to other oncogene-directed therapies, mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance limiting the activity of these agents have been described. Conclusions The discovery of selective KRAS G12C inhibitors has changed the therapeutic scenario of KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC. Various studies testing KRAS inhibitors in different settings of disease, as single-agent or in combination with targeted agents for synthetic lethality and immunotherapy, are currently ongoing in this molecularly-defined subgroup of patients to further improve clinical outcomes.
4 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper compared the perioperative and oncological outcomes of uniportal and three-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy in lung cancer patients, and found that the three port segmentation was more effective than the un-port segmentation.
Abstract: Background With an increasing amount of small nodules being detected, segmentectomy has recently received a great deal of attention. We have previously reported the feasibility and safety of uniportal segmentectomy. This study aims to further compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of uniportal and three-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy in lung cancer patients. Methods Patients undergoing thoracoscopic segmentectomy for lung cancer from January 2014 to March 2021 were enrolled. Clinical data were collected from the Western China Lung Cancer Database, a prospectively maintained database at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the heterogeneity in baseline characteristics. Perioperative outcomes, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared. Results Of the 10,063 lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lung resection, 2,630 patients receiving segmentectomy were selected (uniportal: 400; three-port: 2,230). After matching, similar results were found between the 2 groups (uniportal: 400; three-port: 1,200) regarding the number of lymph nodes harvested, the length of postoperative hospital stays, chest tube drainage volume, and postoperative complication rate. The mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Uniportal regimen showed similar 1- (100% vs. 99.9%, P=0.36), 3- (100% vs. 90.4%, P=0.20), 5-year OS (97.7% vs. 99.4%, P=0.78), as well as PFS, with the three-port regimen. Conclusions Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy is proven to be safe and feasible, and the perioperative outcomes and oncological results were similar between the uniportal and three-port regimens.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a total of 25 patients who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for preoperative stage III NSCLC between August 2020 and November 2021 in Zhongshan Hospital were retrospectively evaluated, and 21 of them were followed by pulmonary resection.
Abstract: Background Pembrolizumab has been shown to be effective and safe in improving the survival of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the effectiveness and safty of pembrolizumab in the induction treatment of patients with potential resectable clinical stage III NSCLC remains undetermined. Methods A total of 25 patients who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for preoperative stage III NSCLC between August 2020 and November 2021 in Zhongshan Hospital were retrospectively evaluated, and 21 of them were followed by pulmonary resection. The neoadjuvant treatment was as follows: intravenous pembrolizumab (200 mg) on day 1, carboplatin [target area under the curve (AUC) 5 mg/mL] or cisplatin (75 mg/m2) on day 1, and pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 for adenocarcinoma) or nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m2 for other subtypes) on day 1 of every 21-day cycle up to two or three cycles. Results The mean age of all 25 patients was 65 years, of whom 22 were men and 3 were women. Seventeen were diagnosed before treatment as clinical stage IIIA, seven as IIIB, and one as IIB. All received neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. Following induction therapy, 21 patients with stable disease or partial response (PR) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) underwent surgical resection without delay. Among the patients who underwent operation, major pathological response (MPR) was achieved in 13 patients, including 6 (28.6%) patients achieved a complete pathological response (CPR). Two patients with partial radiologic remission refused operative treatment, one had progressive disease (PD), and another developed a grade immune pneumonia and could not tolerate surgery. However, none of the adverse events caused surgery delays or deaths. Conclusions Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy could be considered reliable for clinical stage III NSCLC, but needs to be validated with more robust clinical trials.
2 citations
TL;DR: A literature review of relevant randomised clinical trials was undertaken using Embase database as mentioned in this paper , where the authors aim to synthesise findings from review of these trials and to describe options for optimal first-line treatment for ALK+ NSCLC.
Abstract: Background and Objective First-line treatment options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) whose tumors harbour anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have rapidly evolved from chemotherapy, to the first in class ALK-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib in 2011, and now include no fewer than five Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ALK inhibitors. However, while superiority to crizotinib has been established, head-to-head clinical trials comparing newer generation ALK inhibitors are lacking, and decisions on optimal first-line treatment must be based on analysis of the relevant trials, with attention to systemic and intracranial efficacy, toxicity profile as well as consideration of patient factors and preferences. Here we aim to synthesise findings from review of these trials and to describe options for optimal first-line treatment for ALK+ NSCLC. Methods A literature review of relevant randomised clinical trials was undertaken using Embase database. There were no limitations to time frame or language applied. Key Content and Findings Crizotinib was established as the standard of care first-line treatment for patients with ALK+ aNSCLC in 2011. Since this time, alectinib, brigatinib, ensartinib and lorlatinib have all demonstrated superiority as first-line treatments compared to crizotinib, based on progression free survival, intra-cranial efficacy, and side-effect profiles. Conclusions Options for optimal first-line treatment for ALK+ aNSCLC include alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib. This review serves as a resource summarizing data from key clinical trials with ALK inhibitors to aid in decision making when tailoring treatment for patients. Future research in the field includes real world analysis of efficacy and toxicity of next-generation ALK-inhibitors, identification of mechanisms of tumor persistence and acquired resistance, development of novel ALK inhibitors, and use of ALK-TKIs in earlier stage disease.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article , genome-wide changes in mRNA-expression, DNA-methylation and the histone-modification H3K36me3 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC HCC827 cells were analyzed with three omics approaches.
Abstract: Background Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) is an epigenetic-based mechanism contributing to the acquired treatment resistance against receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutations. Delineating the exact epigenetic and gene-expression alterations in EMT-associated EGFR TKI-resistance (EMT-E-TKI-R) is vital for improved diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC patients. Methods We characterized genome-wide changes in mRNA-expression, DNA-methylation and the histone-modification H3K36me3 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC HCC827 cells in result of acquired EMT-E-TKI-R. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to functional examine key findings from the omics analyses. Results Acquired EMT-E-TKI-R was analyzed with three omics approaches. RNA-sequencing identified 2,233 and 1,972 up- and down-regulated genes, respectively, and among these were established EMT-markers. DNA-methylation EPIC array analyses identified 14,163 and 7,999 hyper- and hypo-methylated, respectively, differential methylated positions of which several were present in EMT-markers. Finally, H3K36me3 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing detected 2,873 and 3,836 genes with enrichment and depletion, respectively, and among these were established EMT-markers. Correlation analyses showed that EMT-E-TKI-R mRNA-expression changes correlated better with H3K36me3 changes than with DNA-methylation changes. Moreover, the omics data supported the involvement of the MIR141/MIR200C-ZEB1/ZEB2-FGFR1 signaling axis for acquired EMT-E-TKI-R. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated analyses corroborated the importance of ZEB1 in acquired EMT-E-TKI-R, MIR200C and MIR141 to be in an EMT-E-TKI-R-associated auto-regulatory loop with ZEB1, and FGFR1 to mediate cell survival in EMT-E-TKI-R. Conclusions The current study describes the synchronous genome-wide changes in mRNA-expression, DNA-methylation, and H3K36me3 in NSCLC EMT-E-TKI-R. The omics approaches revealed potential novel diagnostic markers and treatment targets. Besides, the study consolidates the functional impact of the MIR141/MIR200C-ZEB1/ZEB2-FGFR1-signaling axis in NSCLC EMT-E-TKI-R.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used a MicroCavity Array (MCA) system to capture CTC agnostic of epithelial markers for further molecular testing in NSCLC patients.
Abstract: Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a promising non-invasive tool for monitoring therapy response. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test is limited to enumeration of epithelial CTC without further characterization and is not approved for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we use a MicroCavity Array (MCA) system to capture CTC agnostic of epithelial markers for further molecular testing in NSCLC. Methods CTCs were enumerated by fluorescent microscopy as longitudinal sampling throughout disease management from 213 NSCLC patients. CTC-enriched samples from a subset of 127 patients were interrogated for gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a customized pre-selected panel of 20 genes. Results At least 1 CTC was detected by enumeration in 53.8% of samples. Most patients had fewer than 5 CTCs (91%) and the highest observed count was 35 CTCs. Enumeration of single CTCs was not prognostic, although detection of CTC clusters at any time point was associated with increased risk of progression [hazard ratio (HR) 3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–8.2, P=0.0318]. In contrast, 124 (97.6%) patients with samples interrogated for gene expression had at least 1 gene detectable in at least 1 sample, and 101 (79.5%) had at least one elevated epithelial gene in at least one timepoint. High expression of BCL2, CD274 [programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)], CDH1, EPCAM, FGFR1, FN1, KRT18, MET and MUC1 were associated with poor prognosis. Patients with CTCs positive for at least 3 epithelial genes at baseline all progressed within 10 months (HR 8.2, P<0.001, 95% CI: 3.2–21.1). BCL2, CD274 (PD-L1), EPCAM and MUC1 remained significant independent prognostic factors in multivariate, time-dependent analyses of progression and death. Conclusions The selective profile of CTC genes and identification of CTC clusters better correlated with prognosis than enumeration of enriched CTC in NSCLC patients in this study.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors describe potential biomarkers for immunotherapy for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without an oncogenic driver, and they report that systemic therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination with chemotherapy have significantly improved the outcomes.
Abstract: Background and Objective For patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without an oncogenic driver, systemic therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination with chemotherapy have significantly improved the outcomes. However, the majority of patients do not have a durable response, and there is a need for additional predictive biomarkers. The objective of this narrative review is to describe potential biomarkers for immunotherapy. Methods Narrative overview of the literature synthesizing the findings of literature reporting retrospective, prospective, and subset analyses of studies investigating potential predictive biomarkers for ICI. Key Content and Findings Tumor expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is the only clinically available biomarker for patients receiving ICI-based therapy. However, PD-L1 has significant limitations and studies have investigated the predictive value of higher PD-L1 expression levels. There has been interest in tumor mutation burden (TMB) based on the premise that a higher TMB would be associated with a more neoantigens, which would increase the likelihood of an immune response. The studies to date have not revealed a consistent association with TMB level and survival benefit. Kelch-like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) and serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) mutations have been associated with worse outcomes with ICI but these mutations appear to be associated with a worse prognosis, and not predictive for ICI. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL’s) are the mechanism of immune response, and there is interest in further investigating the presence, type and distribution of TIL’s to predict immune benefit. Circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) levels, at baseline and on treatment samples, are being investigated to assess response to therapy and long-term benefit of ICI. Conclusions None of the current biomarkers in development are validated for use in routine clinical care. Given the complexity of NSCLC biology and immune response to ICI most likely a composite biomarker using multiple biomarkers will need to be develop.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a 70-year-old non-smoking woman with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR exon 19 deletion and T790M mutation was diagnosed with osimertinib-associated rhabdomyolysis.
Abstract: Background As a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), osimertinib is the standard treatment for patients with EGFR mutations. Diarrhea and rash are the most common side effects, and some rare adverse reactions have started appearing owing to their increased clinical application. Osimertinib-associated myositis was reported to be more common compared with previous studies; however, osimertinib-associated rhabdomyolysis (RM) has not yet been reported. This is the first report of osimertinib-associated RM during the treatment of a lung adenocarcinoma patient with EGFR exon 19 deletion and T790M mutation. Compared to myositis, RM could lead to much more serious consequences, such as acute renal failure (ARF), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and electrolyte disturbances. Our case exemplifies the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of osimertinib-associated RM, meanwhile, the potential mechanisms and related therapeutic choices have been fully discussed. Case Description Herein, we present a 70-year-old non-smoking woman diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR exon 19 deletion, who had received afatinib plus bevacizumab as the first-line therapy and almonertinib plus bevacizumab as the second-line therapy. Then the patient underwent osimertinib and bevacizumab as the third-line therapy. After 5-month treatment, the patient developed myalgia, muscular weakness, and tea-colored urine. The muscle strength grade of both the upper and lower limbs was III, and no other abnormalities were found. Serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Mb) levels increased to 1,470 IU/L and 616.5 ng/mL. The patient also developed acute renal insufficiency, hyperuricemia, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte disturbances. All symptoms were improved following the withdrawal of osimertinib. As a result, the patient was diagnosed with osimertinib-associated rhabdomyolysis. Conclusions This is the first report of osimertinib-associated RM during the treatment of a lung adenocarcinoma patient. Although osimertinib-associated RM is rare, it is worthy of clinical attention in clinical practice, especially in patients receiving osimertinib plus bevacizumab. Once developed myalgia, muscular weakness and tea-colored urine, laboratory tests including serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Mb) levels must be done, also osimertinib should be timely withdrawn to identify the cause.
2 citations
TL;DR: Ibusuki et al. as discussed by the authors performed a retrospective analysis of 122 patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC treated in the first-line setting with a pemetrexed-containing chemoimmunotherapy regimen at four different institutions in Japan.
Abstract: 10-12). However, as the current standard of care therapy for patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC without a targetable mutation has changed in recent years to include an ICI, it has remained unknown if TTF-1 expression still affects patient outcomes when treated with modern chemoimmunotherapeutic regimens. Ibusuki et al. begin to address this question through a retrospective analysis of 122 patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC treated in the first-line setting with a pemetrexed-containing chemoimmunotherapy regimen at four different institutions in Japan (13). Here the authors demonstrate significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) amongst patients with TTF-1-positive non-squamous NSCLC compared to those with TTF-1-negative disease
1 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the effects of the combination of an anti-CKAP4 antibody and osimertinib, a third generation TKI, on anti-tumor activity were tested using in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Abstract: Background Globally, lung cancer causes the most cancer death. While molecular therapy progress, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), has provided remarkable therapeutic effects, some patients remain resistant to these therapies and therefore new target development is required. Cytoskeleton-associated membrane protein 4 (CKAP4) is a receptor of the secretory protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and the binding of DKK1 to CKAP4 promotes tumor growth via Ak strain transforming (AKT) activation. We investigated if CKAP4 functions as a diagnostic biomarker and molecular therapeutic target for lung cancer. Methods CKAP4 secretion with exosomes from lung cancer cells and the effect of CKAP4 palmitoylation on its trafficking to the exosomes were examined. Serum CKAP4 levels were measured in mouse xenograft models, and 92 lung cancer patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). The lung cancer tissues were immunohistochemically stained for DKK1 and CKAP4, and their correlation with prognosis and serum CKAP4 levels were investigated. Roles of CKAP4 in the lung cancer cell proliferation were examined, and the effects of the combination of an anti-CKAP4 antibody and osimertinib, a third generation TKI, on anti-tumor activity were tested using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results CKAP4 was released from lung cancer cells with exosomes, and its trafficking to exosomes was regulated by palmitoylation. CKAP4 was detected in sera from mice inoculated with lung cancer cells overexpressing CKAP4. In 92 lung cancer patients, positive DKK1 and CKAP4 expression patients showed worse prognoses. Serum CKAP4 positivity was higher in lung cancer patients than in HCs. After surgical operation, serum CKAP4 levels were decreased. CKAP4 overexpression in lung cancer cells promoted in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo subcutaneous tumor growth, which were inhibited by an anti-CKAP4 antibody. Moreover, treatment with this antibody or osimertinib, a third generation TKI, inhibited AKT activity, sphere formation, and xenograft tumor growth in lung cancer cells harboring EGFR mutations and expressing both DKK1 and CKAP4, while their combination showed stronger inhibition. Conclusions CKAP4 may represent a novel biomarker and molecular target for lung cancer, and combination therapy with an anti-CKAP4 antibody and osimertinib could provide a new lung cancer therapeutic strategy.
1 citations
TL;DR: Pathak et al. as discussed by the authors reported that high-risk pathologic features (visceral pleural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and high-grade histologic findings) and tumor size should be simultaneously evaluated in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with early-stage, including stage IB NSCLC.
Abstract: in the stage IB was not been fully reported. In a cohort study of 50,814 patients with NSCLC, Pathak and colleagues suggested that high-risk pathologic features (visceral pleural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and high-grade histologic findings) and tumor size should be simultaneously evaluated in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with early-stage, including stage IB NSCLC (4)
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis to reveal patterns of protein expression at progression while on osimertinib treatment and found that most of the significant proteins were related to the immune system, specifically the adaptive immune response.
Abstract: Background Lung cancer patients with sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations treated with osimertinib will eventually develop progressive disease (PD). The survival following PD varies greatly between patients, and no effective treatment strategy has been established. Furthermore, at the moment, no easily accessible and precise biomarker exists that can predict the survival after PD. Methods We analyzed blood samples drawn from non-small cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR mutations that were treated with osimertinib. The levels of 92 circulating proteins were analyzed from plasma samples using a proximity extension assay (PEA). The results were evaluated with Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis to reveal patterns of protein expression at progression while on osimertinib treatment. Results We found that the expression of 7 proteins were significantly altered at PD, compared to a sample taken at osimertinib response. GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that most of the significant proteins were related to the immune system, specifically the adaptive immune response. Defining two groups of patients, based on the levels of circulating immune response proteins at PD, revealed significant differences in the overall survival (OS) after PD [hazard ratio (HR) =3.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–7.45; P=0.0046]. Conclusions In this study, we discover novel circulating biomarkers that can predict the OS after PD on osimertinib. These findings support the recent acknowledgement of the immune system’s importance in osimertinib resistance.
TL;DR: In this paper , the role of role of the role model is discussed. And role of roles of role models are discussed. But the role role is not discussed in this paper.
Abstract: Role of
TL;DR: In this article , the expression pattern of wild-type (WT) BRAF RNA in lung adenocarcinomas (LADC) was found to be associated with tumor necrosis, distinct immune checkpoint biology and outcomes.
Abstract: BRAF is a critical member of proliferation pathways in cancer, and a mutation is present in only 2-4% of lung adenocarcinomas (LADC). There is no data available on the expression pattern of BRAF RNA that might result in enhanced signalling and drug resistance.LADC tissue samples (n=64) were fixed and processed into paraffin blocks. Tissue microarrays (TMA) were constructed, and RNAScope®in situ hybridization (ISH) assay was performed for wild-type (WT) BRAF RNA. Apart from pathological assessment of tumor samples (grade, necrosis, vascular involvement and peritumoral infiltration), anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) immunohistochemistry and validation in public databases [The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA)] were carried out.WT BRAF RNA is expressed in LADC, with no significant expressional difference between early-stage (I-II) and advanced-stage (III-IV) patients (P=0.317). Never smokers exhibited significantly increased BRAF expression (compared to current and ex-smokers, P<0.01) and tumor necrosis correlated significantly with BRAF expression (P=0.014). PD-L1 expression was assessed on tumor cells and immune cells, PD-1 expression was evaluated on immune cells. There was no significant difference in BRAF RNA expression between tumor cell PD-L1-high vs. low patients (P=0.124), but it was decreased in immune cell PD-L1-high patients (P=0.03). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high BRAF expression was associated with significantly decreased OS (P<0.01) and was an independent negative prognostic factor according to multivariate Cox hazard regression (P=0.024). TCGA validation cohort confirmed our findings regarding OS in early-stage patients (P=0.034).We found an increased expression of BRAF RNA in all stages in LADC. High BRAF expression was associated with tumor necrosis, distinct immune checkpoint biology and outcomes. We recommend further evaluating the potential of targeting overexpressed BRAF pathways in LADC.
TL;DR: In this article , the association of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with LRP1B mutation and its association with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy was analyzed.
Abstract: Background Only a fraction of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients are eligible for immunotherapy. The identification of biomarkers for immunotherapy is crucial to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to systemically analyze LRP1B mutation and its association with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy. Methods A cohort of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-treated LUAD patients was analyzed to assess the association of LRP1B mutation with immunotherapy prognosis. Another cohort of LUAD patients with genetic and transcriptomic data was also obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). By investigating the ICIs and the TCGA-LUAD cohorts, we compared the differences in mutation profiles, immunogenicity, TIME, and DNA damage repair (DDR) mutations between the LRP1B-mutated and LRP1B wild-type groups. Additionally, we performed multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to validate the differences in the tumor microenvironment. Results Our results revealed that LRP1B mutation is associated with multiple immune-related pathways. Analysis of TIME indicated that LUAD patients with LRP1B mutation expressed significant levels of genes involved in antigen presentation, cytotoxicity, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory mediators, whereas a few immune checkpoint genes were highly expressed in the LRP1B-mutated group as well. Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) analysis indicated that LRP1B-mutated LUAD patients had higher infiltration of active immune cells. Multiplex IHC analysis showed that LRP1B-mutated LUAD patients had elevated programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression and immune cell infiltration. Patients with LRP1B mutation had higher tumor mutation burden, neoantigens, as well as more mutated genes in the DDR-related pathways. Finally, LRP1B-mutated LUAD patients showed a significant prolongation of progression-free survival (PFS) in the ICIs cohort and could be effectively predicted by our constructed nomogram. Conclusions Our study suggests that LRP1B mutation is associated with higher immune cell infiltration and elevated immune gene expression in TIME and potentially serves as a prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients treated with ICIs.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors summarize the literature regarding the prevalence and prognosis of early-stage ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the utility of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.
Abstract: While anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are standard of care treatment for metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the benefit of moving ALK inhibitors to earlier disease stages is unclear. The objective of this review is to summarize the literature regarding the prevalence and prognosis of early-stage ALK-positive NSCLC and the utility of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.We identified the references for this narrative review through a literature search of papers about early stage ALK-positive NSCLC using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. Last search was run on July 3, 2022. There were no language or time frame restrictions.The incidence of oncogenic ALK alterations in early-stage NSCLC ranges from 2-7%, and ALK-positive NSCLC patients are more likely to be younger and never or light smokers. Studies on the prognostic impact of ALK in early-stage disease have had conflicting results. ALK TKIs are not approved in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and there is a lack of large, randomized trial results. Several trials are currently accruing but results are not expected for several years.Attempts at large, randomized trials to evaluate the benefit of ALK TKIs in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant has been hampered by slow recruitment given the rarity of ALK alterations, lack of universal genetic testing, and the rapid pace of drug development. Expanded lung cancer screening recommendations, liberalization of surrogate endpoints (i.e., pathological complete response and major pathological response), growth of multicenter national clinical trials, and new diagnostic technologies (i.e., cell-free DNA liquid biopsies) provide hope of generating much needed data to definitively answer the question of the utility of ALK-directed therapies in the early-stage setting.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors discuss the most used liquid biopsy techniques, such as plasma DNA methylation, plasma metabolites and RNA, extracellular vesicles, and tumor-educated platelets in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Abstract: Background and Objective Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and constitutes a significant societal burden. Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have considerably broadened therapeutic options in lung cancer, particularly in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, these novel methods necessitate sophisticated molecular diagnostics. Liquid biopsy, which refers to the cytological and molecular analysis of cancer markers shed by the tumor into the body fluids, may offer an attractive diagnostic tool at the individual patient level. This approach is particularly relevant for lung cancer, as the anatomical location of tumor lesions frequently makes them inaccessible for tissue biopsy. Apart from minimal invasiveness, the major advantages of liquid biopsy include better reflection of the tumor clonal heterogeneity (spatial heterogeneity), the possibility of sequential sampling, and real-time monitoring of tumor load and its evolving mutational status (temporal heterogeneity). Methods This article reviews the available data in this field, current applications, and future perspectives in accordance with the Narrative Review reporting rules. Key Content and Findings We discuss the most used approaches, i.e., circulating DNA and tumor cells, but also emerging liquid biopsy techniques, such as plasma DNA methylation, plasma metabolites and RNA, extracellular vesicles, and tumor-educated platelets in NSCLC. Finally, we highlight the current limitations of liquid biopsy techniques hampering their clinical applications. Conclusions Due to their advantages, liquid biopsy-based approaches have recently gained immense interest in oncology. Potential applications of this method include early detection, informing precision medicine-based individualized treatment, and real-time monitoring of disease evolution and treatment. The development of next-generation sequencing has vastly extended genetic profiling, thus enabling better identification of druggable alterations. However, the clinical application of liquid biopsy techniques is still limited due to their suboptimal specificity and sensitivity, lack of standardization, and relatively high costs. Addressing these issues may allow further integration of liquid biopsies in the routine clinical setting, thus making a profound and permanent change in NSCLC management.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the activity and safety of the combination of gemcitabine plus capecitabines (GEM/CAP) combination for previously treated primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma.
Abstract: Background Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC) is a rare and unique subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies reporting on salvage treatment for pretreated PLELC are limited. Positive interactions between gemcitabine (GEM) and capecitabine (CAP) have been demonstrated in preclinical studies. In addition, the clinical benefit of the combination has been reported for other malignancies. However, the efficacy and safety of the combination for pretreated PLELC remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to examine the activity and safety of gemcitabine plus capecitabine (GEM/CAP) combination for previously treated PLELC. Methods Patients with PLELC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center who received GEM combined with CAP between May 2013 and January 2021 as the second-line therapy or beyond were retrospectively enrolled. Treatment consisted of intravenous GEM (1,000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) and oral CAP (1,000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–14) every 3 weeks. Evaluation of response was performed every 2 cycles in accordance with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Safety was assessed in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. The survival data were obtained by medical records or telephone. Follow-ups were performed until February 3rd, 2021. Results A total of 16 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 5, 4, 4, and 3 patients treated with GEM/CAP combination as the second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-line settings, respectively. There were 8 patients with partial response (PR) (50.00%), 6 with stable disease (SD) (37.50%), 2 with progressive disease (PD) (12.50%), and none with complete response (CR). The objective response rate and disease control rate (DCR) were 50.00% and 87.50%, respectively. The most common hematological and nonhematological adverse events (AEs) at any grade were neutropenia (31.25%) and hand-foot syndrome (43.75%). At a median follow-up of 29.3 months with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 20.3 to 38.3 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.3 months (95% CI: 6.5–12.1 months). The median overall survival (OS) was 41.5 months (95% CI: 3.1–79.8 months). Conclusions This retrospective study demonstrated the potential clinical benefit of GEM in combination with CAP for pretreated PLELC. Future multicenter large-scale, prospective studies are warranted.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper used Pearson correlation analysis to identify and validate a cuproptosis-related lncRNA (CuRLs) based signature for the prognostic prediction of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
Abstract: Background Cuproptosis, a recently discovered type of programmed cell death (PCD), paves a new avenue for cancer treatment. It has been revealed that PCD-related lncRNAs play a critical role in various biological processes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the role of cuproptosis-related lncRNA (CuRLs) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify and validate a CuRLs-based signature for the prognostic prediction of patients with LUAD. Methods RNA sequencing data and clinical information of LUAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify CuRLs. Univariate Cox regression analysis, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression, and stepwise multivariate Cox analysis were applied to construct a novel prognostic CuRLs signature. A nomogram was developed for the prediction of patient survival outcomes. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were utilized to explore potential functions underlying the CuRLs signature. Patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups. Several algorithms, such as tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER), cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT), and QuanTIseq, were combined to comprehensively investigate the differences in immune landscape between different risk groups. Sensitivity to common anticancer drugs was analyzed using the pRRophetic algorithm. Results We constructed a novel prognostic signature based on 10 CuRLs, including CARD8-AS1, RUNDC3A-AS1, TMPO-AS1, MIR31HG, SEPSECS-AS1, DLGAP1-AS1, LINC01137, ZSCAN16-AS1, APTR, and ELOA-AS1. This 10-CuRLs risk signature showed great diagnostic accuracy combined with traditional clinical risk factors, and a nomogram was constructed for potential clinical translation. The tumor immune microenvironment was significantly different between different risk groups. Among drugs commonly used in the treatment of lung cancer, the sensitivity of cisplatin, docetaxel, gemcitabine, gefitinib, and paclitaxel was higher in low-risk patients, and patients in the low-risk group may benefit more from imatinib. Conclusions These results revealed the outstanding contribution of the CuRLs signature to the evaluation of prognosis and treatment modalities for patients with LUAD. The differences in characteristics between different risk groups provide an opportunity for better patient stratification and to explore novel drugs in different risk groups.
TL;DR: In this paper , the clinical response to immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with ex20ins mutations was assessed by progression-free survival (PFS) and the objective response rate (ORR).
Abstract: Background Due to less sensitivity to classic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, effective first-line treatment is limited in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutations. Meanwhile, the impact of driver genes on the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors is discrepant. Our study aimed to assess the clinical response to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients with EGFR or HER2 ex20ins mutations. In parallel, patients treated with chemotherapy but without immunotherapy were included as controls. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients harboring ex20ins mutations treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and/or chemotherapy in the real world. The clinical response was assessed by progression-free survival (PFS) and the objective response rate (ORR). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control for confounding factors between immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Results Of 72 patients enrolled, 38 had been treated with one line of single-agent immunotherapy or combined therapy including immunotherapy, and 34 had received conventional chemotherapy without immunotherapy. Among patients treated with immunotherapy, the median PFS was 10.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.2–13.2 months] in the first-line setting, with an ORR of 50% (8/16). The median PFS was significantly longer in the first-line immunotherapy group than in the chemotherapy group (10.7 vs. 4.6 months, P<0.001). A trend of an increased ORR in patients who received ICIs was observed compared with chemotherapy, but there was no statistical difference (50% vs. 21.9%, P=0.096). After PSM, the median PFS with first-line immunotherapy was still longer than that with chemotherapy (10.7 vs. 4.6 months, P=0.028). Grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 13.2% (5/38) of patients, with the majority developing granulocytopenia (40%, 2/5). One patient discontinued treatment due to a grade 3 rash after three cycles of ICI plus anlotinib treatment. Conclusions The results showed that immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy may play a role in the first-line treatment of NSCLC patients with ex20ins mutations. This finding requires further investigation for application.
TL;DR: In this article , Zhou et al. reported on contemporary perioperative and oncological outcomes for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared to the threeport conventional VATS technique.
Abstract: Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023;12(6):1140-1142 | https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tlcr-23-211 In a recent issue of Translational Lung Cancer Research, Zhou and colleagues (1) reported on contemporary perioperative and oncological outcomes for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared to the threeport conventional VATS technique. They described the largest sample size so far with a cumulative number of 2,630 patients. Of these, 400 (15%) patients underwent uniportal VATS segmentectomy while the remaining 2,230 (85%) underwent three-port VATS segmentectomy, all for stage IA NSCLC. After propensity score matching, 400 uniportal VATS segmentectomies were compared to 1,600 threeportal VATS segmentectomies for final analysis. In search of the least invasive technique, uniportal VATS was introduced in the early 2000s. The uniportal approach was, during its early adaptation, associated with prolonged operation time, a higher risk of complications (including peroperative hemorrhage), and conversion to thoracotomy in comparison to a multiportal approach. Conversely, more recent studies have shown that both approaches are at least comparable regarding safety outcome, conversion rate, operating time, and completeness of lymphadenectomy for lobectomies (2). Although these techniques are comparable on different parameters, benefits of a single incision approach include reduced pain, shorter chest tube drainage duration and shorter hospitalization (2-4). Segmentectomies, as performed by Zhou and colleagues, are considered to be technically more challenging compared to lobectomies, in part due to larger variations in (sub) segmental anatomy. High-volume training is necessary to gain sufficient proficiency. Zhou and colleagues (1) defined a minimal annual caseload of 70 procedures to be a so-called high-volume surgeon. This annual caseload is comparable to the proposed 64–71 required cases as presented in a learning curve study on uniportal VATS segmentectomy (5). Segmentectomies can be categorized into simple versus complex procedures based on the location of the segment(s) and associated number of intersegmental planes. Simple segmentectomies are commonly defined as resection of segment S6 (left or right lower lobe), S1S2-S3 (trisegmentectomy of the left upper lobe) or S4S5 (lingulectomy). Zhou and colleagues (1) also defined segmentectomy of all combined basal segments (S7-S8S9-S10) as simple. All other segmentectomies were defined as complex. These complex segmentectomies are associated with a higher risk of complications (6,7). Though, it must be noted that these particular studies included segmentectomies via thoracotomy as well as VATS (both multiportal and uniportal). When comparing uniportal to multiportal VATS segmentectomies, several studies have found favorable outcomes for the uniportal approach regarding postoperative complications, duration of surgery, chest tube drainage and length of hospital stay, even in complex segmentectomies (8,9). Others found comparable clinical outcomes between both techniques (10,11). Zhou and colleagues (1) reported a lower amount of intraoperative blood loss and longer operative time when using uniportal VATS compared to multiportal VATS for complex Editorial
TL;DR: In this article , Désage et al. present real-life data concerning the daily decision-making progress in multi-disciplinary tumor board meetings (MDT), showing that noncompliance to AC guidelines due to age and comorbidities is a daily practice.
Abstract: surgery (1). Désage et al. demonstrated that postoperative complications, length of stay in the hospital exceeding 14 days, and an early referral to a rehabilitation unit were independent factors for the delay of the administration of AC (6). AC is known to have partially severe side effects, ranging from nausea, and vomiting to neutropenia and renal failure (7). Désage et al. showed a discontinuation rate of approximately 20% in their analysis due to the toxicity of AC. Furthermore, only 45.7% of the whole group completed all AC cycles. In the other cases, patients needed dose reduction. Désage et al. present real-life data concerning the daily decision-making progress in multi-disciplinary tumor board meetings (MDT). Non-compliance to AC guidelines due to age and comorbidities is a daily practice. Blasi et al. included 140 patients aged 75 years or older who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer with a formal indication of AC. Of these patients, only 21% received AC (8). However, low rates of guideline- based AC have also been described
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the characteristics of resectable patients, and compared the outcomes according to treatment modalities, including resectability, first-line treatments, and the lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) score.
Abstract: Background Surgery is important treatment option for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of its curative potential. We investigated the characteristics of resectable patients, and compared the outcomes according to treatment modalities. Methods Among 1,092 patients with NSCLC diagnosed between 2008 to 2020 from 7 university hospitals of Catholic Medical Center, we retrospectively analyzed 252 patients with clinical or pathological stage III. We compared survival outcomes among the groups according to resectability, first-line treatments, and the lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) score. Clinical N2 subgroup was analyzed using multi-parameter scoring system. Results The resectable group consisted of less smokers, showed better pulmonary function and lower inflammatory markers, and tended to be diagnosed as earlier cancer stage than the unresectable group. The resectable group showed better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than the unresectable group (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Regarding the first-line treatment, surgery showed the longest median PFS (33.70 months) and the highest 12-month OS rate (91.6%) than the other treatment modalities. OS was significantly different depending on the LIPI score in whole population, as well as in the unresectable group (P=0.004 and P=0.003, respectively). LIPI 0 group exhibited better OS than LIPI 1 and 2 in both populations. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 2–4, LIPI 1–2, and first-line treatment were independent prognostic factors for OS. Smoking, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and more advanced cancer stage were associated with unresectability. In subgroup analysis of N2 disease, we attempted to create new scoring system combining lymph node (LN) status and LIPI score. This scoring system showed significant association with OS. Conclusions The patients with resectable stage III NSCLC showed better PFS and OS than the patients with unresectable tumor. LIPI score exhibited possibility to be used as potential biomarker in stage III NSCLC. The multi-parameter scoring system using LN status and LIPI score was predictive of OS in the N2 subgroup.
TL;DR: In this article , the differential organ responses to ICI in individuals with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1 and RECIST-improved organ-specific response criteria.
Abstract: Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) possess remarkable clinical effectiveness in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Different immune profiles of tumors may play a key role in the efficacy of treatment with ICIs. This article aimed to determine the differential organ responses to ICI in individuals with metastatic NSCLC. Methods This research analyzed data of advanced NSCLC patients receiving first-line treatment with ICIs. Major organs such as the liver, lung, adrenal glands, lymph nodes and brain were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and RECIST-improved organ-specific response criteria. Results A retrospective analysis was conducted on a total of 105 individuals with advanced NSCLC with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50% who received single agent anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies as first-line therapy. Overall, 105 (100%), 17 (16.2%), 15 (14.3%), 13 (12.4%), and 45 (42.8%) individuals showed measurable lung tumors and liver, brain, adrenal, and other lymph node metastases at baseline. The median size of the lung, liver, brain, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes were 3.4, 3.1, 2.8, 1.9, and 1.8 cm, respectively. The results recorded mean response times of 2.1, 3.4, 2.5, 3.1, and 2.3 months, respectively. Organ-specific overall response rates (ORRs) were 67%, 30.6%, 34%, 39%, and 59.1%, respectively, with the liver having the lowest remission rate and lung lesions having the highest remission rate. There were 17 NSCLC patients with liver metastasis at baseline, and 6 had different responses to ICI treatment, with remission in the primary lung site and progressive disease (PD) in the metastatic liver site. At baseline, the mean progression-free survival (PFS) of the 17 patients with liver metastasis and 88 patients without liver metastasis was 4.3 and 7 months, respectively (P=0.02, 95% CI: 0.691 to 3.033). Conclusions The liver metastases of NSCLC may be less responsive to ICIs than other organs. The lymph nodes respond most favorably to ICIs. Further strategies may include additional local treatment in case of oligoprogression in these organs in patients with otherwise sustained treatment benefit.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors classified lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with pathological ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node involvement (pN2) into two distinct molecular categories based on transcriptome information and established a reasonable gene prediction model of 18 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to classify the pN2-A and pN 2-B patients.
Abstract: Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with pathological ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node (LN) involvement (pN2) exhibits strong biological and clinical heterogeneity. Thus, it is necessary to classify the biomolecular characteristics that lead to the prognostic heterogeneity of pN2-LUAD. Methods The clinical characteristics and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 75 patients with pN2-LUAD obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were collected as the training set. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with different molecular classifications were evaluated. Next, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biology, and immune cell infiltration in the microenvironment were analysed. Finally, DEGs in the pN2-A and pN2-B groups were included using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model, and gene signatures were selected for pN2-A/B type classification. The RNA-seq and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data from our center (n=58) and the GSE68465 dataset (n=53) were used as the validation data sets. Results Patients with pN2 LUAD were classified into two distinct molecular categories (pN2-A and pN2-B) based on transcriptome information, pN2-A and pN2-B represent low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively. The survival analysis showed that pN2-A patients had significantly better DFS (P=0.0162) and OS (P=0.0105) compared to pN2-B patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that molecular classification was an independent factor affecting the prognosis of pN2 LUAD (P=0.0038, and P=0.0024). Next, we found that compared with pN2-A stage patients, pN2-B stage patients had a higher frequency of canonical oncogenic pathway mutations and enrichments. At the single-cell level, we also found that the increase of endothelial cells and the decrease of cytotoxic T/natural killer (NK) cells led to a worse prognosis for pN2-B patients compared to pN2-A patients. Moreover, we established a reasonable gene prediction model of 18 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to classify the pN2-A and pN2-B patients. Finally, the key above-mentioned results were confirmed using our data and the GES68645 dataset. Conclusions The molecular classification of pN2 LUAD is expected to be a powerful supplement to pN2 substaging. Driver gene status and the immune microenvironment mediate different molecular types of LUAD and provide evidence for individualized treatment strategies.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated the prognostic value of lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with left-side NSCLC who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
Abstract: Background Lymph node dissection (LND) is crucial procedure during radical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the prognostic value of L4 LND remains elusive. To investigate the prognostic value of L4 LND in patients with left-side NSCLC who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods Three hundred twelve patients who underwent VATS between Jan. 2007 and Dec. 2016 were reviewed. Of those, 119 underwent L4 LND (L4D+), whereas the other 193 patients did not (L4D-). The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients diagnosed with primary left-sided NSCLC who underwent VATS lobectomy combined with LND; patients subjected to R0 resection and tumor pathological stage T1-4N0-2M0. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). OS was calculated from the operation date to the date of death. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and a t test was used for continuous variables. Results A total of 119 patients underwent L4 LND, and the procedure was more likely to be performed on upper lobe tumors (P=0.019). Patient distributions with respect to age, gender, smoking history, clinical stage, adjuvant therapy, tumor differentiation and tumor size were well balanced between two groups. More lymph nodes (LNs) were dissected in the L4D+ group than in the L4D- group (P<0.001). The rate of metastasis to L4 lymph nodes was 9.2%, which was comparable between patients with upper and lower lobe tumors (8.9% vs. 10.0%, P=1.000). The L4D+ group exhibited a significantly better OS than the L4D- group (median OS: undefined vs. 130 months, HR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.31–0.72; P=0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that L4 LND was an independent factor for OS. However, OS did not significantly differ between the two groups of cT1aN0 and cT1bN0 patients (OS: HR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.18–1.06; P=0.12). Conclusions L4 LND is recommended for patients with left-sided NSCLC as an essential component of radical resection. The role of L4 LND in cT1a-bN0 disease warrants further study.
TL;DR: In this article , the effect of erlotinib plus bevacizumab (EB) on progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with EGFR-positive non-squamous NSCLC in the randomized JO25567 study was analyzed.
Abstract: Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as erlotinib, are standard-of-care for patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but most patients progress within 1 year. Previously, we demonstrated that erlotinib plus bevacizumab (EB) improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with EGFR-positive non-squamous NSCLC in the randomized JO25567 study. To understand this effect, we conducted comprehensive exploratory biomarker analyses. Methods Using blood and tissue specimens from patients enrolled in the JO25567 study, angiogenesis-related serum factors, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor-A (pVEGFA), angiogenesis-related gene polymorphisms, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in tumor tissue were analyzed. Interactions between potential predictors and treatment effect on PFS were analyzed in a Cox model. Continuous variable predictors were evaluated by multivariate fractional polynomial interaction methodology and subpopulation treatment effect pattern plotting (STEPP). Results Overall, 152 patients treated with EB or erlotinib alone (E) were included in the analysis. Among 26 factors analyzed in 134 baseline serum samples, high follistatin and low leptin were identified as potential biomarkers for worse and better outcomes with EB, with interaction P values of 0.0168 and 0.0049, respectively. Serum concentrations of 12 angiogenic factors were significantly higher in patients with high follistatin. Low pVEGFA levels related to better outcomes with EB, interaction P=0.033. VEGF-A165a was the only predictive tissue mRNA, showing a similar trend to pVEGFA. No valid results were obtained in 13 polymorphisms of eight genes. Conclusions EB treatment showed better treatment outcomes in patients with low pVEGFA and serum leptin, and limited efficacy in patients with high serum follistatin.
TL;DR: In this paper , a real-life study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Abstract: Background Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy is now first-line standard of care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This real-life study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Methods CAP29 is a retrospective, observational, multicenter real-life study conducted in 6 French centers. We evaluated efficacy of first-line setting chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab (November 2019 to September 2020) in advanced (stage III-IV) non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients without targetable alterations. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, objective response rate and safety. Results With a median follow-up of 4.5 months (0 to 22 months), a total of 121 patients were included. Baseline characteristics were: median age of 59.8 years with 7.4% ≥75 years, 58.7% of males, 91.8% PS 0-1, 87.6% of stage IV with ≥3 metastatic sites in 62% of cases. Patients had brain and liver metastases in 24% and 15.7% of cases, respectively. PD-L1 was <1% (44.6%), 1–49% (28.1%) and ≥50% (21.5%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival achieved 9 and 20.6 months, respectively. Objective response rate was 63.7% with 7 prolonged complete responses. Survival benefit seemed to be correlated with PD-L1 expression. Brain and liver metastases were not statistically associated with decreased overall survival. Most common adverse events were asthenia (76%), anemia (61.2%), nausea (53.7%), decreased appetite (37.2%) and liver cytolysis (34.7%). Renal and hepatic disorders were the main causes of pemetrexed discontinuation. Grade 3–4 adverse events concerned 17.5% of patients. Two treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy confirmed real-life efficacy for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. With median progression-free survival and overall survival of 9.0 and 20.6 months, respectively and no new safety signal, our real-life data are very close to results provided by clinical trials, confirming the benefit and the manageable toxicity profile of this combination.