Clinical lung cancer
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Clinical lung cancer · Nov 2010
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated primary lung cancer in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: a multi-institutional collaboration.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at increased risk for primary lung cancer (LC). We wished to compare the clinicopathologic features and treatment outcome of HIV-LC patients with HIV-indeterminate LC patients. We also sought to compare behavioral characteristics and immunologic features of HIV-LC patients with HIV-positive patients without LC. ⋯ Most HIV-positive patients were receiving HAART and had substantial improvement in CD4+ cell count at time of LC diagnosis. They were able to receive LC treatments; their tumor types and overall survival were similar to SEER LC participants. However, HIV-LC patients were diagnosed with LC at a younger age than their HIV-indeterminate counterparts. Future research should explore how screening, diagnostic and treatment strategies directed toward the general population may apply to HIV-positive patients at risk for LC.
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Clinical lung cancer · Sep 2010
Comparative StudyComparison of 18F-Fluoroerythronitroimidazole and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and prognostic value in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
The aim of this study was to compare glucose metabolism and hypoxia using 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 18F-fluoroerythronitroimidazole (18F-FETNIM) positron emission tomography (PET) and investigate their prognostic role on survival in patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Imaging using both 18F-FETNIM and 18F-FDG appears to be beneficial in the evaluation of solid tumors. 18F-FETNIM imaging provides us with a valuable method to detect tumor hypoxia and predict OS. These preliminary results warrant validation in larger trials.
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Clinical lung cancer · Sep 2010
High N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide: a biomarker of lung cancer?
The level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is affected by many known factors. Our study aimed to evaluate whether other factors, in particular lung cancer, could be responsible for an increase in NT-proBNP levels in a population with no known risk factors for elevated NT-proBNP. ⋯ In our study, patients with lung cancer were 7 times more likely to have elevated NT-proBNP (≥ 125 pg/mL). The presence of lung cancer should therefore be taken into account when interpreting NT-proBNP levels. Further studies are warranted to explore the diagnostic value of this marker in lung cancer and to identify the cause of the elevation.
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Clinical lung cancer · Jul 2010
Computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of indeterminate pulmonary pathology: efficacy of obtaining a diagnostic sample in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy of pulmonary nodules with indeterminate radiologic characteristics in patients at risk for malignant and nonmalignant processes such as infection or inflammation. ⋯ CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in patients who are clinically at risk for both nonmalignant and malignant processes continues to be a challenge. Although CT-guided percutaneous biopsy can establish an accurate diagnosis in a large majority of patients with malignancy, it is significantly less sensitive for infectious or inflammatory processes.
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Clinical lung cancer · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyInitial experience with endobronchial ultrasound in an academic thoracic surgery program.
Mediastinoscopy is considered the gold standard for evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes. However, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration has lately offered a less invasive alternative, with the ability to obtain nodal samples under direct visualization. Recent literature found an early learning curve for this technique. We present the initial experience of 4 thoracic surgeons with the procedure. ⋯ Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a quickly mastered technique that offers a safe, minimally invasive, and accurate means to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes.