Extrathoracic Metastases Research Articles

Lung cancer - major changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The revision for the eighth edition of the tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) classification of lung cancer was based on analyses of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer database, which included 77,156 evaluable patients diagnosed with lung cancer from 1999 to 2010. Among tumor (T) descriptors, the following new tumor-size groups were created: T1a, ≤1 cm; T1b, >1 to 2 cm; T1c, >2 to 3 cm; T2a, >3 to 4 cm; T2b, >4 to 5 cm; T3, >5 to 7 cm; and T4, >7 cm. Tis and T1mi were introduced for adenocarcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, respectively. Endobronchial tumors located <2 cm from the carina have better prognosis than those with any other T3 descriptor and were classified as T2. Total atelectasis/pneumonitis was classified as a T2 descriptor, because it has a T2 prognosis. Diaphragmatic invasion is now T4. Visceral pleural invasion remains unchanged, and mediastinal pleura invasion, which is seldom used, disappears as a T descriptor. The lymph node (N) component descriptors are unchanged, but the number of involved nodal stations has prognostic impact. For the metastasis (M) component, M1a (intrathoracic metastases) remains unchanged, but extrathoracic metastases are divided into a single extrathoracic metastasis (new M1b) and multiple extrathoracic metastases in a single organ or multiple organs (M1c). Stage IA is now divided into IA1, IA2, and IA3 to accommodate T1a, T1b, and T1cN0M0 tumors, respectively; all N1 disease is stage IIB except for T3-T4N1M0 tumors, which are stage IIIA; a new stage IIIC is created for T3-T4N3M0 tumors; and stage IV is divided into IVA (M1a and M1b) and IVB (M1c). This revision enhances our capacity for prognostication and will have an important impact in the management of patients with lung cancer and in future research. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:138-155. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

PL03.02: Lung Cancer Staging – Changing the Clinical Practice

PL03.02: Lung Cancer Staging – Changing the Clinical Practice

MA08.01 A Highly Sensitive Next-Generation Sequencing Platform for Detection of NSCLC EGFR T790M Mutation in Urine and Plasma

Non-invasive genotyping of NSCLC patients by circulating tumor (ct)DNA is a promising alternative to tissue biopsies. However, ctDNA EGFR analysis remains challenging in patients with intrathoracic disease, with a reported 26-57% T790M mutation detection rate in plasma (Karlovich et al., Clin Cancer Res 2016; Wakelee et al., ASCO 2016). We investigated whether a mutation enrichment NGS could improve mutation detection in plasma and urine from TIGER-X, a phase 1/2 study of rociletinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. The therascreen (Qiagen) or cobas (Roche) EGFR test was used for EGFR T790M analysis in tumor biopsies. Urine and plasma were analyzed by trovera mutation enrichment NGS assay (Trovagene). Of 174 matched tissue, plasma and urine specimens, 145 (83.3%) were T790M+ by central tissue testing, 142 (81.6%) were T790M+ by plasma, and 139 (79.9%) were T790M+ by urine. Urine and plasma combined identified 165 cases (94.8%) as T790M+. Of 25 cases positive by ctDNA but negative/inadequate by tissue, 16 were double-positive in plasma and urine, unlikely to be false positive (Figure 1). T790M detection rate was higher for extrathoracic (n=119) vs intrathoracic (n=55) disease in plasma (87.4% vs 69.1%, p=0.006) but not urine (81.5% vs 76.4%, p=0.42). Combination of urine and plasma identified T790M in 92.7% of intrathoracic and 95.8% of extrathoracic cases (p=0.47). In T790M+ patients, objective response rate was similar whether T790M mutation was identified by tissue, plasma or urine: 37.4%, 33.1% and 36.6%, respectively. 4 of 9 patients T790M+ by urine but negative by tissue responded, and 2 of 8 patients T790M+ by plasma but negative by tissue responded. Mutation enrichment NGS testing by urine and plasma combined identified 94.8% of T790M+ cases. Combination of urine and plasma may be considered before tissue testing in EGFR TKI resistant NSCLC, including patients without extrathoracic metastases.

P1.02-039 Assessment of KRAS mutations (by Digital PCR) in Circulating Tumoral DNA from Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

KRAS mutations are detected in approximately 25% of lung adenocarcinomas (LA). Targeted therapies against KRAS are under investigation. The use of tumor biopsy for molecular testing may be challenging due to the invasiveness of the procedure, the limited material for multiple biomarker analyses and tumor heterogeneity. Mutation detection in circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) can overcome these caveats and also be used for tracking tumor dynamics. The aim of this study was to evaluate KRAS mutation detection in plasma samples from LA. Plasma samples from 35 patients with histologically confirmed KRAS mutant LA were collected at initiation of chemotherapy. KRAS mutations were assessed using digital PCR technology (QuantStudio3D Digital PCR System, Thermofisher Scientific). Correlation between ctDNA and tumor biopsies in terms of mutation detection was analyzed. In 5 cases plasma samples were obtained during the course of the disease to monitor clonal dynamics. Most cases were male (71%), with stage IV disease (83%), and showed KRAS mutation on codon12 (94%). KRAS mutation was found in plasma samples in 28/35 cases, showing a concordance with the tumor of 80%. In patients whose disease was limited to thorax (stages II, III, and IVa) KRAS mutation was detected in 7/10 (70%) plasma samples. Plasma/tumor biopsy concordance in cases with extra-thoracic metastases was 84% (21/25). The 4 false negative cases had low burden of extra-thoracic disease, with bone (2 cases), brain (1 case), and abdominal lymph node (1 case) as the only metastatic location outside the thorax. KRAS clonal dynamics in plasma showed a good correlation with treatment responses in some cases (figure 1). High concordance in the detection of KRAS mutations was found between plasma and tumor tissue using digital PCR technology, particularly in cases with extra-thoracic disease. Digital PCR allows for tracking clonal dynamics in KRAS mutant LA.

ED15.03 Surgery of Thymic Malignancies

ED15.03 Surgery of Thymic Malignancies

ED05.01 What’s New in Lung Cancer Staging?

The tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) classification for malignant tumors has been periodically revised in the International Union for Cancer Control (UICC) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). As for lung cancer, the process of revision is quite unique compared with malignancies of other organs in that the corresponding professional society, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), has been playing a principal role in database construction, making revision agenda, simulation, and validation as a proposal to UICC and AJCC. The agenda articles have been already published for T, N, M, and stage grouping in the official journal of IASLC. In brief, the IASLC database included 77,156 evaluable patients diagnosed with lung cancer from 1999 to 2010, originating from 35 different databases in 16 countries of 5 continents. Among these, the data of 3905 patients were given by electric data capturing. In the T descriptors, new tumor-size groups were created: T1a </= 1cm; T1b >1-2 cm; T1c >2-3cm; T2a >3-4cm; T2b >4-5cm; T3 >5-7cm; and T4 >7cm. Endobronchial location <2cm from the carina has better prognosis than any other T3 descriptor and will be classified as T2. Total atelectasis/pneumonitis will be classified as T2 because it has a T2 prognosis. Diaphramatic invasion will be T4. Visceral pleural invasion remains the same, and mediastinal pleura invasion, seldom used, disappears as a T descriptor. The N component remains the same, but the number of involved nodal stations has prognostic impact. Therefore, it was proposed to divide N1 into N1a (single station N1) and N1b (multiple station N1), N2 into N2a1 (single station N2 without pN1 involvement), N2a2 (single station N2 with pN1 involvement) and N2b (multiple station N2) for testing. For the M component, M1a (intrathoracic metastases) remains the same, but extrathoracic metastases are divided into single extrathoracic metastasis (new M1b) and multiple extrathoracic metastases in a single or multiple organs (M1c). Regarding stages, stage IA is divided into IA1, IA2 and IA3 to accommodate T1a, T1b and T1cN0M0 tumors; all N1 disease are stage IIB except for T3-T4N1M0 that are IIIA; a new stage IIIC is created for T3-T4N3M0 tumors; and stage IV is divided into IVA (M1a and M1b) and IVB (M1c). The 8th edition of the TNM classification of lung cancer defines new tumor-size groups, confirms the prognostic relevance of quantifying nodal disease, establishes a new category for single extrathoracic metastasis, and creates new stage groupings. Looking at these, the importance of the accurate measurement of tumor diameter and accurate counting of the swollen nodes and lesions of distant disease has been raised. In this way it improves our understanding of the anatomic extent of the tumor, enhances, our capacity to indicate prognosis at clinical and pathologic staging, and increases the possibilities of research by facilitating tumor stratification for future clinical trials. Prognosis, TNM classification, Staging, lung cancer

Prognostic Impact of Newly Proposed M Descriptors in TNM Classification of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

IntroductionThe International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer recently proposed new M descriptors for the next edition of the TNM classification for NSCLC, subdividing the current M1b category into two subcategories: M1b, which indicates a solitary extrathoracic metastasis in a single organ, and M1c, which indicates multiple extrathoracic metastasis. The purpose of this study was to validate the prognostic value of the newly proposed M descriptors in an independent cohort with multivariate and subgroup analysis. MethodsA total of 1024 patients in a consecutive lung cancer database who had stage IV NSCLC treated between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. Newly proposed M staging was used for classification and comparison of survival. Adjustment for other clinical covariates and subgroup analysis was conducted. ResultsAccording to the newly proposed M descriptors, 262 patients (25.6%), 152 patients (14.8%), and 610 patients (59.6%) were classified into the subgroups M1a, M1b, and M1c, respectively. The median overall survival times were 22.5, 17.8, and 13.6 months for the M1a, M1b, and M1c groups, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjustment for other covariates, Cox proportional hazards regression revealed statistically significantly shorter overall survival for the M1b group than for the M1a group (hazard ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.65, p = 0.03) and for the M1c than the M1b group (hazard ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.28–1.93, p < 0.001). These differences showed a consistent tendency regardless of pathologic and molecular subtypes. ConclusionsThe newly proposed M descriptors have prognostic value in patients with stage IV NSCLC.

Solid predominant histologic subtype and early recurrence predict poor postrecurrence survival in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

IntroductionThis study investigated the correlation between histologic predominant pattern and postrecurrence survival (PRS), and identified the clinicopathologic factors influencing PRS in patients with completely resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsA total of 136 stage I lung adenocarcinoma patients who experienced tumor recurrence after completely resection were included in this study. To analysis the association between histologic predominant pattern and PRS, invasive adenocarcinomas with mixed histologic components were divided into 2 groups: solid and nonsolid group (including lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary) based on the histologic predominant pattern. PRS was analyzed to identify the prognostic predictors using the Kaplan-Meier approach and multivariable Cox models.ResultsFor all stage I invasive adenocarcinoma patients, the majority of postsurgical recurrences occurred within 2 years. Patients with solid predominant histological pattern were associated with unfavorable PRS (HR, 2.40; 95%CI 1.13-5.08, p=.022). There was a significant difference for poor PRS for patients who diagnosed tumor recurrence shorter than 12 months after surgery (HR, 2.34; 95%CI 1.12-4.90, p=.024). Extrathoracic metastasis was associated with poor media PRS in univariable analysis (p =.011), however, there was no significant PRS difference in multivariable analysis (HR, 1.56; 95%CI 0.65-3.73, p=.322) compared with intrathoracic metastasis.ConclusionsSolid predominant histologic subtype and recurrence free interval less than 12 months predict worse PRS in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract 2244: Development of an automated device for size-based enrichment and isolation of circulating tumor cells in lung cancer patients

Abstract Background and Purpose: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are relatively rare cells defined as tumor cells circulating in the peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors. Diagnosis utilizing CTCs is expected to help guide decision-making for precision cancer medicine. We developed an automated microcavity array (MCA) system to detect CTCs based on the differences in size and deformability between tumor cells and normal blood cells. Here we evaluated its performance using preclinical spike-in model and blood samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Material and method: The automated MCA system consists of components such as chambered cartridge containing micro metal filter, reagent and waste reservoirs, and peristaltic pump. To evaluate the recovery of CTCs, preclinical experiments using NSCLC cells, NCI-H820, A549, NCI-H441 and NCI-H23 spiked into peripheral whole blood from healthy volunteers were performed. For clinical evaluation, 6 mL of peripheral whole blood was collected from 50 advanced lung cancer patients prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and from 10 healthy donors. Samples were collected in an EDTA-containing tube and were processed within 3 hours of blood draw. Recovered cells on the filter were then fixed, permeabilized, and stained automatically and high-resolution fluorescent images were obtained using fluorescence microscope. We defined CTC as DAPI-positive, cytokeratin-positive and CD45-negative cell. Results: Results of the preclinical study showed that up to 90% of spiked-in tumor cells were recovered, confirming that the detection sensitivity by this automated device is on par with that by previous manual detection procedure. Demographics of 50 lung cancer patients enrolled in clinical study were as follows: median age 72 (range, 48 to 85); male 66%; stage III/IV 12/88%; NSCLC/SCLC 78/22%. Cells defined as CTC were detected in 2 cases out of 10 healthy volunteers, of which CTC count was 1 and 2 / 6 mL, respectively. Three or more CTCs were detected in 71% of patients with advanced lung cancer (39 out of 50) and five or more CTCs were detected in 52% of patients (26 out of 50) (median CTC count 13.5). Among stage IV NSCLC patients, patients with extrathoracic metastasis tend to have more CTCs than in those with intrathoracic metasitasis (median CTC count, 8 versus 4, p = 0.058). A head-to-head comparison between CellSearch system and our system was conducted in NSCLC patients, showing the superiority of our system (median CTC count, 0 versus 11.25, p = 0.0001, n = 17). Conclusions Our results suggest that the automated MCA device has a clinical potential for CTCs diagnosis towards precision medicine in lung cancer. This device also enables higher throughput owing to its automated procedure. Further clinical evaluation including the detection of PD-L1 expression will be performed in an expansion cohort. Citation Format: Satomi Yagi, Yasuhiro Koh, Hiroaki Akamatsu, Woong Kim, Ayaka Tanaka, Kuninobu Kanai, Atsushi Hayata, Ryota Shibaki, Masayuki Higuchi, Hisashige Kanbara, Takashi Kikuchi, Keiichiro Akamatsu, Masanori Nakanishi, Hiroki Ueda, Nobuyuki Yamamoto. Development of an automated device for size-based enrichment and isolation of circulating tumor cells in lung cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2244.

The IASLC Lung Cancer Staging Project: Background Data and Proposals for the Application of TNM Staging Rules to Lung Cancer Presenting as Multiple Nodules with Ground Glass or Lepidic Features or a Pneumonic Type of Involvement in the Forthcoming Eighth Edition of the TNM Classification

IntroductionApplication of tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) classification is difficult in patients with lung cancer presenting as multiple ground glass nodules or with diffuse pneumonic-type involvement. Clarification of how to do this is needed for the forthcoming eighth edition of TNM classification. MethodsA subcommittee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Staging and Prognostic Factors Committee conducted a systematic literature review to build an evidence base regarding such tumors. An iterative process that included an extended workgroup was used to develop proposals for TNM classification. ResultsPatients with multiple tumors with a prominent ground glass component on imaging or lepidic component on microscopy are being seen with increasing frequency. These tumors are associated with good survival after resection and a decreased propensity for nodal and extrathoracic metastases. Diffuse pneumonic-type involvement in the lung is associated with a worse prognosis, but also with a decreased propensity for nodal and distant metastases. ConclusionFor multifocal ground glass/lepidic tumors, we propose that the T category be determined by the highest T lesion, with either the number of tumors or m in parentheses to denote the multifocal nature, and that a single N and M category be used for all the lesions collectively—for example, T1a(3)N0M0 or T1b(m)N0M0. For diffuse pneumonic-type lung cancer we propose that the T category be designated by size (or T3) if in one lobe, as T4 if involving an ipsilateral different lobe, or as M1a if contralateral and that a single N and M category be used for all pulmonary areas of involvement.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) segmentectomy with preoperative dual localization: right upper lobe wedge resection and left upper lobe upper division segmentectomy.

Clinical vignette A 75-year-old male presented with abnormalities upon chest computed tomography (CT) scanning at a routine check. He had a 1.7-cm sized ground glass opacity (GGO) on the posterior segment of the right upper lung (RUL) and a 1.2-cmsized semisolid lung nodule on the left upper lung (LUL). To differentiate synchronous metastasis, sequential CT-guided core biopsy was performed for the GGO lesion on the posterior segment of the RUL and the posterior segment of the LUL. Both lesions were suspected to be adenomatous hyperplasia or non-small cell lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma was detected in situ upon pathologic examination. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed no lymph node metastasis or extrathoracic distant metastasis. The LUL semisolid lesion showed mild hypermetabolism, while the RUL pure GGO lesion showed no definite uptake on PET scan. Pulmonary function was as follows: forced vital capacity (FVC), 3.07 L (75%); forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), 2.34 L (88%); carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO), 20.7 mL/mmHg/min (116%). The patient was referred for surgical resection of bilateral synchronous lung lesions. In this case, by employment of the dual localization technique (hook-wire and lipiodol), we performed bilateral uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection. Wedge resection was carried out for the GGO lesion on the posterior segment of the RUL and left upper divisional segmentectomy was carried out for the semisolid lesion on

Five-Year Survival in EGFR-Mutant Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with EGFR-TKIs

IntroductionActivating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) predict for prolonged progression-free survival in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) versus chemotherapy. Long-term survival outcomes, however, remain undefined. The objective of this study was to determine the 5-year survival in these patients and identify clinical factors associated with overall survival (OS). MethodsPatients with EGFR-mutant metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who had been treated with erlotinib or gefitinib at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 2002 and 2009 were included. OS was analyzed. ResultsAmong 137 patients, median progression-free survival and OS were 12.1 months (95% CI: 10.2–13.5) and 30.9 months (95% CI: 28.2–35.7), respectively. Twenty patients (14.6%) were 5-year survivors. In multivariate analysis, exon 19 deletions (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44–0.91, p = 0.01), absence of extrathoracic (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93, p = 0.02) or brain metastasis (HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.77, p = 0.002), and not a current smoker (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09–0.59, p = 0.002) were associated with prolonged OS. Age; sex; stage at diagnosis; liver, bone, or adrenal metastasis; specific TKI; and line of TKI therapy were not associated with OS. ConclusionsOur data suggest that the rate of 5-year survival among patients with EGFR-mutant metastatic lung adenocarcinoma treated with erlotinib or gefitinib is 14.6%. Exon 19 deletions and absence of extrathoracic or brain metastasis are associated with prolonged survival. On the basis of our findings, clinicians can gain an enhanced estimation of long-term outcomes in this population.

The clinicopathological significance of NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions in 52 cases of intrathoracic solitary fibrous tumors.

NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion drives STAT6 nuclear expression and is the pathognomonic hallmark of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). However, no study has systematically analyzed the clinicopathological features, STAT6 immunoexpression status, or the fusion variants of NAB2-STAT6 in intrathoracic SFTs. Fifty-two intrathoracic SFTs were retrieved to appraise histopathology, assess STAT6 immunoexpression, and determine NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants by RT-PCR. Location-relevant histologic mimics served as controls. Thirty-one pleura-based, 12 mediastinal/pericardial, and nine intrapulmonary lesions were histologically categorized into eight malignant, eight atypical, and 36 conventional or cellular SFTs, including two fat-forming and two giant cell angiofibroma-like SFTs. STAT6 distinctively decorated the tumoral nuclei in 51 (98%) SFTs. However, no nuclear staining was observed in the histological mimics. NAB2-STAT6 fusion was detected in 34 SFTs. Twenty-nine (85.3%) exhibited the major NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2/3 variant and 5 (14.7%) the minor NAB2ex6-STAT6ex16/17. NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2 was significantly associated with older age (P=0.01) and pleuropulmonary tumors (P=0.025). After a median follow-up of 33.9 (range, 0.3-174.6) months, adverse outcomes occurred in one atypical and five malignant SFTs, including two local relapses, one intrapulmonary metastasis, and three extrathoracic metastases. Inferior disease-free survival was univariately associated with atypical/malignant histology (P=0.001) and a mitosis >4/10 HPFs (P=0.0012) but was unrelated to fusion variants. In conclusion, the majority of intrathoracic SFTs exhibited STAT6 nuclear staining, and NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2/3 was the predominant fusion type. However, clinical aggressiveness is associated with atypical/malignant histology primarily contributed by increased mitosis but was unrelated to the NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants.

Abstract B138: Evaluation of a novel automated device for size-based enrichment and isolation of CTCs in patients with advanced lung cancer

Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with prognosis of patients with advanced solid tumors including lung cancer and reflect characteristics of the respective primary tumor and its metastatic deposits. Assessment of CTCs is expected to improve effectiveness of anticancer therapy and to sophisticate our knowledge to cancer metastasis. We previously reported that detection of CTCs using microcavity array (MCA) system yielded the superior sensitivity than FDA-approved CellSearch system in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Here we developed the automated CTCs detection device and evaluated its performance using preclinical spike-in model and blood samples from NSCLC and SCLC patients. The feasibility study on the assessement of PD-L1 expression level was also performed. To evaluate the recovery of CTCs preclinically, NSCLC cells, H1975, A549, H441 and PC-14 were spiked into 6 mL of peripheral whole blood obtained from healthy volunteers. Then, cells were captured and immuno-stained by using automated MCA system. CTCs were defined as those positive for DAPI and cytokeratin (CK) and negative for CD45. Additionally, normal blood cells and cancer cells were distinguished according to their size. For clinical evaluation, 6 mL of peripheral whole blood was collected from 10 healthy donors and 30 advanced lung cancer patients prior to the initiation of chemotherapy. Head-to-head comparison with CellSearch system was also conducted. PD-L1 immunostaining was established in a preclinical spike-in study using NSCLC cell lines, H820, A549, H441, and H23 with varying PD-L1 expression levels and tested as an exploratory objective in a subset of patients enrolled in a clinical study. We confirmed that up to 90% of spiked-in tumor cells were recovered by the automated MCA system, suggesting that the detection sensitivity by this automated device is on par with that by previous detection procedure. Characteristics of 30 lung cancer patients in clinical study were as follows: median age 71 (range, 48 to 85); male 70%; stage III/IV 17/83%; NSCLC/SCLC 83/17%. Cells defined as CTC were detected in 2 cases out of 10 healthy volunteers, of which CTC count was 1 and 2 in 6 mL of peripheral blood, respectively. More than 2 CTCs were detected in 77% of patients with advanced lung cancer (n = 23/30) and more than 5 CTCs were detected in 50% of patients (n = 15/30) (median CTC count 5.5). Significantly more CTCs were detected by the automated MCA system than by CellSearch system. Among stage IV NSCLC patients, patients with extrathoracic metastasis tend to have more CTCs than in those without one (median CTC count, 8 versus 4, p = 0.058). No difference in CTC counts between NSCLC and SCLC was observed in this study cohort. PD-L1 expression was assessed in a subset of patients and intra-patient heterogeneity of PD-L1 staining among CTCs was observed in patients who harbor PD-L1-positive CTCs. Our results suggest that the automated MCA device for size-based enrichment and isolation of CTCs has a clinical potential for CTCs diagnosis towards precision medicine in lung cancer. This also enables us to deal with more samples owing to its automated procedure and higher throughput. Further clinical evaluation including PD-L1 expression will be performed in an expansion cohort and the biology of CTCs will be investigated utilizing this device. Citation Format: Woong Kim, Yasuhiro Koh, Hiroaki Akamatsu, Satomi Yagi, Ayaka Tanaka, Kuninobu Kanai, Atsushi Hayata, Ryota Shibaki, Masayuki Higuchi, Hisashige Kanbara, Takashi Kikuchi, Keiichiro Akamatsu, Masanori Nakanishi, Nobuyuki Yamamoto. Evaluation of a novel automated device for size-based enrichment and isolation of CTCs in patients with advanced lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B138.

Solid Predominant Histologic Subtype in Resected Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma Is an Independent Predictor of Early, Extrathoracic, Multisite Recurrence and of Poor Postrecurrence Survival.

To examine the significance of the proposed International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) histologic subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma for patterns of recurrence and, among patients who recur following resection of stage I lung adenocarcinoma, for postrecurrence survival (PRS). We reviewed patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma who had undergone complete surgical resection from 1999 to 2009 (N = 1,120). Tumors were subtyped by using the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification. The effects of the dominant subtype on recurrence and, among patients who recurred, on PRS were investigated. Of 1,120 patients identified, 188 had recurrent disease, 103 of whom died as a result of lung cancer. Among patients who recurred, 2-year PRS was 45%, and median PRS was 26.1 months. Compared with patients with nonsolid tumors, patients with solid predominant tumors had earlier (P = .007), more extrathoracic (P < .001), and more multisite (P = .011) recurrences. Multivariable analysis of primary tumor factors revealed that, among patients who recurred, solid predominant histologic pattern in the primary tumor (hazard ratio [HR], 1.76; P = .016), age older than 65 years (HR, 1.63; P = .01), and sublobar resection (HR, 1.6; P = .01) were significantly associated with worse PRS. Presence of extrathoracic metastasis (HR, 1.76; P = .013) and age older than 65 years at the time of recurrence (HR, 1.7; P = .014) were also significantly associated with worse PRS. In patients with stage I primary lung adenocarcinoma, solid predominant subtype is an independent predictor of early recurrence and, among those patients who recur, of worse PRS. Our findings provide a rationale for investigating adjuvant therapy and identify novel therapeutic targets for patients with solid predominant lung adenocarcinoma.

Factors Associated with Life Expectancy in Patients with Metastatic Spine Disease from Adenocarcinoma of the Lung.

Study Design Retrospective study. Objective Our objective was to identify preoperative prognostic factors associated with survival in patients with spinal metastasis from lung carcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of 26 patients diagnosed with lung carcinoma metastatic to the spinal column was performed to determine factors associated with survival. We used 3 months survival as the clinical cutoff for whether surgical intervention should be performed. We analyzed patients who survived less than 3 months compared with those who survived more than 3 months. Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors including functional scores were collected for analysis. Results The median survival for all patients in our study was 3.5 months. We found a statistically significant difference between the group that survived less than 3 months and the group that survived greater than 3 months in terms of extrathoracic metastasis, visceral metastasis, and average postoperative modified Rankin score. Conclusion Determining which patients with lung cancer spinal metastases will benefit from surgical intervention is often dictated by the patient's predicted life expectancy. Factors associated with poorer prognosis include age, functional status, visceral metastases, and extrathoracic metastases. Although the prognosis for patients with lung cancer spinal metastases is poor, some patients may experience long-term benefit from surgical intervention.

Lung cancer staging now and in the future.

For a long time lung cancer was associated with a fatalistic approach by healthcare professionals. In recent years, advances in imaging, improved diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment modalities are reasons for optimism. Accurate lung cancer staging is vitally important because treatment options and prognosis differ significantly by stage. The staging algorithm should include a contrast computed tomography (CT) of the chest and the upper abdomen including adrenals, positron emission tomography/CT for staging the mediastinum and to rule out extrathoracic metastasis in patients considered for surgical resection, endosonography-guided needle sampling procedure replacing mediastinoscopy for near complete mediastinal staging, and brain imaging as clinically indicated. Applicability of evidence-based guidelines for staging of lung cancer depends on the available expertise and level of resources and is directly impacted by financial issues. Considering the diversity of healthcare infrastructure and economic performance of Asian countries, optimal and cost-effective use of staging methods appropriate to the available resources is prudent. The pulmonologist plays a central role in the multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer diagnosis, staging and management. Regional respiratory societies such as the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology should work with national respiratory societies to strive for uniform standards of care. For developing countries, a minimum set of care standards should be formulated. Cost-effective delivery of optimal care for lung cancer patients, including staging within the various healthcare systems, should be encouraged and most importantly, tobacco control implementation should receive an absolute priority status in all countries in Asia.

Prognostic Nomogram to Predict Survival After Surgery for Synchronous Multiple Lung Cancers in Multiple Lobes

In the absence of metastatic disease, surgery for synchronous non-small-cell lung cancers involving multiple lobes can be curative. However, there currently exists no reliable prognostic instrument for this patient population after surgery. We undertook an analysis to examine the prognostic significance of adenocarcinoma histology and developed a prognostic nomogram. This study was a pooled analysis of six previously reported datasets. Patients without extra-thoracic metastasis who underwent surgical resection of synchronous lung cancers in multiple lobes were included. Those with small cell cancer, carcinoid tumor, or exclusively carcinoma in situ were excluded. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify independent survival predictors for nomogram development. Data from 467 patients were analyzed. Adenocarcinoma was a sole histology in 253 patients (54.2%). Those with exclusively adenocarcinoma histology had a better median survival than their counterparts: 67.4 versus 36.2 months, (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis incorporating histology, sex, age, maximal T-size, highest N-stage, and laterality demonstrated that having exclusively adenocarcinoma histology independently predicted an improved survival: hazard ratio 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.48, 0.78). Other favorable survival predictors were N0, T-size less than or equal to 3 cm, bilateral cancers, age less than 70 years, and women sex. The developed nomogram was well calibrated and demonstrated a moderate to good discrimination with a bootstrap-corrected Harrell C-statistic of 0.70. Several unique features among patients with resected synchronous multiple lung cancers, including the presence of exclusively adenocarcinoma histology, are of prognostic significance. A simple nomogram incorporating these factors can be utilized to predict patient survival with acceptable accuracy.

Survival Outcome Assessed According to Tumor Burden and Progression Patterns in Patients With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy

BackgroundMutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been associated with a marked therapeutic response to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the clinical predictors of the survival benefit of EGFR-TKI therapy for NSCLC with EGFR-activating mutations have not been well elucidated. Therefore, the present study evaluated the clinical predictors of survival outcome in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC who had been treated with EGFR-TKIs. Material and MethodsThe data from 224 patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma treated with EGFR-TKIs were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment outcomes were evaluated according to the clinical factors, number of metastasis sites, and progression patterns. ResultsThe clinical factors associated with reduced progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) ≥ 2, intra- and extrathoracic metastasis, extrathoracic metastasis, a high number of metastatic sites, metastasis to the liver or adrenal gland at baseline, and rapid progression at the diagnosis of progressive disease (PD). On multivariate analysis, the factors that remained significantly associated with a shorter PFS were ECOG PS ≥ 2 (odds ratio [OR], 2.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.374-3.437; P < .001) and rapid tumor progression at PD (OR, 1.800; 95% CI, 1.059-3.058; P = .030). ConclusionThus, the tumor burden, expressed as the number of metastatic sites at EGFR-TKI treatment, and rapid tumor progression at PD were predictive of inferior survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma with activating EGFR mutations.

Off Pump CABG along with Resection of Giant Thymoma : A Case Report

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death world-wide. Thymomas are anterior mediastinal neoplasms, characterized by epithelial cells and lymphocytes. Although they are often encapsulated and well differentiated tumors, they can show local invasion, pleural invasion or extrathoracic metastasis. In this article, we report the case of a rare patient who underwent thymectomy along with off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i1.20801 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 7(1): 55-57