Lung cancer : journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
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Circulating molecular biomarkers of lung cancer may allow the pre-selection of candidates for computed tomography screening or increase its efficacy. We aimed to identify features of serum mass profile distinguishing individuals with early lung cancer from healthy participants of the lung cancer screening program. ⋯ We developed a serum mass profile-based signature identifying patients with early lung cancer. Although this marker has insufficient value as a stand-alone preselecting tool for LD-CT screening, its potential clinical usefulness in evaluation of indeterminate pulmonary nodules deserves further investigation.
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Inhibitors of the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) pathway show the potential to substantially increase the efficacy of therapy for various malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At the same time, substantial effort has been invested in finding biomarkers predicting which patients will respond best to this immune checkpoint inhibition. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, genetic alterations and mutational load in tumor cells, and pre-existing immunity and its enhancement during treatment through tumor-infiltrating immune cells have been associated with outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibition. Here, we review the reported predictive biomarkers of response to PD-1 pathway immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC, mainly focusing on results obtained with clinical trials.
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Prior studies have shown an anticancer effect of statins in patients with certain malignancies. However, it is unclear whether statins have a mortality benefit in lung cancer. We compared survival of patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vs. not receiving statins prior to diagnosis. ⋯ Statin use is associated with improved survival among patients with stage IV NSCLC suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Further research should evaluate plausible biological mechanisms as well as test the effect of statins in prospective clinical trials.
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Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2, ERBB2) mutations occur in 3% of lung adenocarcinomas. While case reports and series have shown activity of HER2 targeted agents in these patients, little is known about outcomes of chemotherapies. Patients with stage IV HER2-mutant lung cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering were reviewed. ⋯ The median duration of chemotherapy was 4.3 months (68 treatments, range 0-21 months): 6.2 months for pemetrexed ±platinum/bevacizumab, 4 months for taxane ±platinum/bevacizumab, 2.6 months for gemcitabine, 3.5 months for vinorelbine. The median duration of HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors was 2.2 months (28 treatments, range 0.3-16.3 months). As we search for better targeted therapies for patients with HER2-mutant lung cancers, chemotherapy remains an important component of care.
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Case Reports
Immune-related pancreatitis secondary to nivolumab in a patient with recurrent lung adenocarcinoma: A case report.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor is a verified standard of care as a second-line chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Management of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) is crucial for ensuring patient safety. However, less frequent irAEs may result in complications. ⋯ The patient was treated with high-dose prednisone, resulting in gradual improvement of symptoms and laboratory data. A follow-up MRCP revealed a swollen pancreas and pancreatic inflammation. Immune-related pancreatitis is a rare type of nivolumab-induced irAE that shows no significant changes on radiologic imaging, except for a swollen pancreas on CT, and can be suppressed using high-dose prednisone.