31. PD-L1 expression can be regarded as prognostic factor for survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients after chemoradiotherapyMartina Vrankar, Matjaž Zwitter, Izidor Kern, Karmen Stanič, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: The standard treatment for inoperable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA NSCLC) includes concurrent or sequential chemotherapy (ChT) and radiation therapy (RT). Long term survival rates with these approaches remains only in the order of 15%, therefore new treatment strategies, including immunotherapy, are under investigation, with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) as one of the major players. We evaluated the clinical significance of PD-L1 expression in tumor samples from patients with inoperable LA NSCLC who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in our institution between 2005 and 2010 and correlated their expression with clinicopathological parameters and outcome of treatment. Among 107 patients treated with concurrent CRT, a total of 43 (36 males and 7 females) had sufficient tissue for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The expression of PD-L1 was demonstrated in 7 tumors, in 6 males and 1 female. No statistical significant differences in patient characteristics, including age, smoking status and gender, were found according to the PD-L1 expression. After a median follow up of 103.6 months, median progression free survival (PFS) was 19.9 months in patients without and 10.1 months in patients with PD-L1 expression (p=0.008). Median overall survival (OS) was 28.4 and 12.1 months for PD-L1 negative and PD-L1 positive patients, respectively (p=0.012). In conclusions, patients with PD-L1 expression had shorter PFS and OS after concurrent CRT in LA NSCLC. Unfortunately, only small number of patients had tissue available for the IHC testing, therefore no firm conclusions could be made and further investigation is warranted.
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, lung cancer, chemoradiotherapy, survival
Published in DiRROS: 17.12.2020; Views: 1417; Downloads: 447
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32. NSCLC molecular testing in Central and Eastern European countriesAles Ryška, Peter Berzinec, Luka Brčić, Tanja Čufer, Rafal Dziadziuszko, Maya Gottfried, Ilona Kovalszky, Włodzimierz Olszewski, Buge Oz, Lukas Plank, József Tímár, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The introduction of targeted treatments for subsets of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has highlighted the importance of accurate molecular diagnosis to determine if an actionable genetic alteration is present. Few data are available for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) on mutation rates, testing rates, and compliance with testing guidelines. Methods: A questionnaire about molecular testing and NSCLC management was distributed to relevant specialists in nine CEE countries, and pathologists were asked to provide the results of EGFR and ALK testing over a 1-year period. Results: A very high proportion of lung cancer cases are confirmed histologically/cytologically (75-100%), and molecular testing of NSCLC samples has been established in all evaluated CEE countries in 2014. Most countries follow national or international guidelines on which patients to test for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements. In most centers at that time, testing was undertaken on request of the clinician rather than on the preferred reflex basis. Immunohistochemistry, followed by fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmation of positive cases, has been widely adopted for ALK testing in the region. Limited reimbursement is a significant barrier to molecular testing in the region and a disincentive to reflex testing. Multidisciplinary tumor boards are established in most of the countries and centers, with 75-100% of cases being discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board at specialized centers. Conclusions: Molecular testing is established throughout the CEE region, but improved and unbiased reimbursement remains a major challenge for the future. Increasing the number of patients reviewed by multidisciplinary boards outside of major centers and access to targeted therapy based on the result of molecular testing are other major challenges.
Keywords: non-small-cell lung carcinoma, molecular diagnostic techniques, EGFR mutations, ALK rearrangements, Central Europe, Eastern Europe
Published in DiRROS: 30.11.2020; Views: 1770; Downloads: 935
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33. Detection of EGFR variants in plasma : a multilaboratory comparison of a real-time PCR EGFR mutation test in EuropeCleo Keppens, John Palma, Partha Das, Sidney Scudder, Wei Wen, Nicola Normanno, Han J. J. M. van Krieken, Alessandra Sacco, Francesca Fenizia, David Gonzalez de Castro, Selma Hönigschnabl, Izidor Kern, Fernando Lopez-Rios, Maria D. Lozano, Antonio Marchetti, Philippe Halfon, Ed Schuuring, Ulrike Setinek, Boe Sorensen, Phillipe Taniere, Markus Tiemann, Hana Vosmikova, Elisabeth Dequeker, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Molecular testing of EGFR is required to predict the response likelihood to targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Analysis of circulating tumor DNA in plasma may complement limitations of tumor tissue. This study evaluated the interlaboratory performance and reproducibility of a real-time PCR EGFR mutation test (cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2) to detect EGFR variants in plasma. Fourteen laboratories received two identical panels of 27 single-blinded plasma samples. Samples were wild type or spiked with plasmid DNA to contain seven common EGFR variants at six predefined concentrations from 50 to 5000 copies per milliliter. The circulating tumor DNA was extracted by a cell-free circulating DNA sample preparation kit (cobas cfDNA Sample Preparation Kit), followed by duplicate analysis with the real-time PCR EGFR mutation test (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA). Lowest sensitivities were obtained for the c.2156G>C p.(Gly719Ala) and c.2573T>G p.(Leu858Arg) variants for the lowest target copies. For all other variants, sensitivities varied between 96.3% and 100.0%. All specificities were 98.8% to 100.0%. Coefficients of variation indicated good intralaboratory and interlaboratory repeatability and reproducibility but increased for decreasing concentrations. Prediction models revealed a significant correlation for all variants between the predefined copy number and the observed semiquantitative index values, which reflect the samples' plasma mutation load. This study demonstrates an overall robust performance of the real-time PCR EGFR mutation test kit in plasma. Prediction models may be applied to estimate the plasma mutation load for diagnostic or research purposes.
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, plasma, EGFR, molecular testing
Published in DiRROS: 23.11.2020; Views: 1442; Downloads: 303
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34. Trans-esophageal endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration (EUS-B-NA) : a road map for the chest physicianAntónio Bugalho, Maria De Santis, A. Szlubowski, Aleš Rozman, R. Eberhardt, 2018, review article Abstract: The endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scope has been increasingly used in the gastrointestinal tract (EUS-B). Scientific data proves its efficacy and safety to provide a complete lung cancer staging, when combined with EBUS-TBNA, and in the diagnosis of para-esophageal lesions. There are multiple barriers to start performing EUS-B but probably the most important ones are related to knowledge and training, so new operators should follow a structured training curriculum. This review aims to reflect the best current knowledge regarding EUS-B and provide a road map to assist those who are incorporating the technique into their clinical practice.
Keywords: diagnosis, lymph nodes, mediastinum, non-small-cell lung carcinoma -- diagnosis, fine-needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration
Published in DiRROS: 20.11.2020; Views: 1611; Downloads: 851
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35. Sequential afatinib and osimertinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer : final analysis of the GioTag studyMaximilian J Hochmair, Alessandro Morabito, Desiree Hao, Cheng-Ta Yang, Ross A Soo, James C-H Yang, Rasim Gucalp, Balazs Halmos, Angela Märten, Tanja Čufer, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Aim: Final overall survival (OS) and time on treatment analysis of patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received sequential afatinib and osimertinib. Patients & methods: Patients (n = 203) had T790M-positive disease following first-line afatinib and started osimertinib treatment >/=10 months before data entry. Primary outcome was time on treatment; OS analysis was exploratory. Results: Median time on treatment with afatinib and osimertinib was 27.7 months (90% CI: 26.7-29.9). Median OS was 37.6 months (90% CI: 35.5-41.3); median OS was 41.6 and 44.8 months in Del19-positive patients and Asian patients, respectively. Conclusion: In real-world clinical practice, sequential afatinib and osimertinib was associated with encouraging outcomes in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, especially in Del19-positive patients and Asian patients.
Keywords: non-small cell lung carcinoma -- therapy, drug therapy, afatinib, osimertinib, GioTag study
Published in DiRROS: 18.11.2020; Views: 1530; Downloads: 1264
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36. Achieving thoracic oncology data collection in Europe : a precursor study in 35 countriesAnna Rich, David R. Baldwin, Inmaculada Alfageme, Paul Beckett, Thierry Berghmans, Stephen Brincat, Otto Burghuber, Alexandru Corlateanu, Tanja Čufer, Ronald Damhuis, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Background: A minority of European countries have participated in international comparisons with high level data on lung cancer. However, the nature and extent of data collection across the continent is simply unknown, and without accurate data collection it is not possible to compare practice and set benchmarks to which lung cancer services can aspire. Methods: Using an established network of lung cancer specialists in 37 European countries, a survey was distributed in December 2014. The results relate to current practice in each country at the time, early 2015. The results were compiled and then verified with co-authors over the following months. Results: Thirty-five completed surveys were received which describe a range of current practice for lung cancer data collection. Thirty countries have data collection at the national level, but this is not so in Albania, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Data collection varied from paper records with no survival analysis, to well-established electronic databases with links to census data and survival analyses. Conclusion: Using a network of committed clinicians, we have gathered validated comparative data reporting an observed difference in data collection mechanisms across Europe. We have identified the need to develop a welldesigned dataset, whilst acknowledging what is feasible within each country, and aspiring to collect high quality data for clinical research.
Keywords: lung neoplasms -- epidemiology -- Europe, lung cancer, studies
Published in DiRROS: 12.11.2020; Views: 1262; Downloads: 570
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37. Sequential treatment with afatinib and osimertinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer : an observational studyMaximilian J Hochmair, Alessandro Morabito, Desiree Hao, Cheng-Ta Yang, Ross A Soo, James C-H Yang, Rasim Gucalp, Balazs Halmos, Lara Wang, Amanda Golembesky, Angela Märten, Tanja Čufer, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Aim: To assess outcomes in patients with EGFR mutation-positive (Del19, L858R) non-small-cell lung cancer receiving sequential afatinib and osimertinib in a real-world clinical setting. Materials & methods: In this retrospective, observational, multicenter study, patients (n = 204) had T790M-positive disease following first-line afatinib and started osimertinib treatment [>/=]10 months prior to data entry. Primary outcome was time on treatment. Results: Overall median time on treatment was 27.6 months (90% CI: 25.9-31.3), 30.3 months (90% CI: 27.6-44.5) in Del19-positive patients and 46.7 months (90% CI: 26.8-not reached) in Asians. The 2-year overall survival was 78.9%. Conclusion: In real-world clinical practice, sequential afatinib and osimertinib facilitates prolonged, chemotherapy-free treatment in patients with T790M acquired resistance, and is a potentially attractive strategy, especially for Del19-positive tumors.
Keywords: lung neoplasms -- therapy, non-small-cell lung cancer, afatinib, osimertinib, epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, observational study
Published in DiRROS: 09.11.2020; Views: 1537; Downloads: 932
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38. Non-small cell lung cancer in countries of Central and Southeastern Europe : diagnostic procedures and treatment reimbursement surveyed by the Central European Cooperative Oncology GroupAles Ryška, Rares Buiga, Albena Fakirova, Izidor Kern, Włodzimierz Olszewski, Lukas Plank, Sven Seiwerth, Erika Toth, Eri Zivka, Christiane Thallinger, Christoph Zielinski, Luka Brčić, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: This article analyzes the availability of different diagnostic procedures of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the reimbursement landscape of drugs for NSCLC in countries of central and southeastern Europe (CEE). A survey was conducted by the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group. Results of the survey show that both availability and reimbursement of diagnoses of molecular alterations in NSCLC, the detection of which is essential for therapeutic decisions, varies widely between countries of CEE. Not only is "reflex" testing often substituted by analyses performed only "on demand," but reimbursement of such assessments varies widely between unavailability and payments by the health care system or even pharmaceutical companies. It was concluded that a structured access to testing and reimbursement should be the aim in order to provide patients with appropriate therapeutic options. Implications for Practice. This article provides an overview of the limitations in lung cancer treatment in countries of central and southeastern Europe, as well as the reimbursement status of various lung cancer treatment regimens in these countries, which directly impacts treatment options.
Keywords: Non-small cell lung carcinoma -- diagnosis -- economics -- Europe, molecular diagnostic techniques, precision medicine, Central Europe, Southeastern Europe, reimbursement
Published in DiRROS: 09.11.2020; Views: 1554; Downloads: 383
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39. Prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemoradiotherapyMartina Vrankar, Izidor Kern, Karmen Stanič, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Expression of PD-L1 is the most investigated predictor of benefit from immune checkpoint blockade in advanced NSCLC but little is known about the association of PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological parameters of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Methods: National registry data was searched for medical records of consecutive inoperable stage III NSCLC patients treated with ChT and RT from January 2012 to December 2017. Totally 249 patients were identified that met inclusion criteria and of those 117 patients had sufficient tissue for PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. Results: Eighty patients (68.4%) expressed PD-L1 of >- 1% and 29.9% of more than 50%. Median PFS was 15.9 months in PD-L1 negative patients and 16.1 months in patients with PD-L1 expression >- 1% (p = 0.696). Median OS in PD-L1 negative patients was 29.9 months compared to 28.5 months in patients with PD-L1 expression >- (p = 0.888). There was no difference in median OS in patients with high PD-L1 expression (>- 50%) with 29.8 months compared to 29.9 months in those with low (1-49%) or no PD-L1 expression (p = 0.694). We found that patients who received a total dose of 60 Gy or more had significantly better median OS (32 months vs. 17.5 months, p < 0.001) as well as patients with PS 0 (33.2 vs. 20.3 months, p = 0.005). Conclusions: In our patients PD-L1 expression had no prognostic value regarding PFS and OS. Patients with good performance status and those who received a total radiation dose of more than 60 Gy had significantly better mOS.
Keywords: non small cell lung cancer, chemoradiotherapy, stage III
Published in DiRROS: 09.11.2020; Views: 1470; Downloads: 1048
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40. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer after surgical resectionNežka Hribernik, Igor Požek, Izidor Kern, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Background. The outcomes of patients with both lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are unfavorable. Therapeutic interventions for lung cancer such as surgery can cause acute exacerbation of IPF (aeIPF). This study aimed to assess the frequency of IPF in a group of patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to report clinical characteristics and outcomes of this cohort of patients. Patients and methods. This observational cohort retrospective study analyzed 641 pathological records of patients after surgical resection of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at University Clinic Golnik from May 2010 to April 2017. Pathological records of NSCLC with coexisting IPF were reviewed. CT scans and biopsy specimens for this group of patients were analyzed by a thoracic radiologist and pathologist, independently. We searched radiological and pathological features of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern in this group of patients. We report the clinical characteristics and outcome of this cohort of patients. Results. Out of 641 patients with early-stage NSCLC, only 13 (2.0%) had histologically and radiologically proven coexisting UIP/IPF. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of lung cancer (7/13 patients). The majority of tumors were small size (all being pT1 or pT2), stage I–II (11/13 patients), located in the lower lung lobes (11/13 patients). Almost all patients were current or ex-smokers (11/13 patients). There were two pathologically confirmed fatal cases (15.4%) due to aeIPF in the first two months after radical treatment, one after adjuvant radiotherapy and the other after surgery. Out of 13 patients, one patient had a lung cancer relapse. Conclusions. Frequency of UIP/IPF in surgically treated early stage NSCLC is rather low. Our observational study shows that radical treatment of lung cancer can cause aeIPF with dismal outcome in this group of patients. The standard of care in these mostly elderly patients still remains unresolved.
Keywords: non-small-cell lung cancer, early-stage cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, surgery, radiotherapy
Published in DiRROS: 07.10.2020; Views: 2048; Downloads: 881
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