Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains a challenging disease with high morbidity and mortality despite targeted therapy. Symptom burden related to cancer impairs quality of life and functional status in patients with lung cancer and in survivors. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been recognized as an effective, noninvasive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory disease. It is well established that pulmonary rehabilitation benefits patients with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease through improved exercise capacity and symptoms. Evidence is increasing that the benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation can be applied to patients with lung cancer. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation has made its way as a cornerstone of integrated care for patients with lung cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer: a word of caution

Recently published data from pooled randomised trials conclude that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) can be considered the treatment of choice in operable lung cancer patients fit for lobectomy. This conclusion comes for comparable 3-year survival and much lower risk of early severe morbidity and mortality. In this editorial comment we discuss the validity of the conclusions due to the prematurity of the survival analysis and to the poor accuracy of patients' staging leading to higher rates of regional relapse in the SABR arm. Besides, therapy-related mortality and morbidity in the pooled cohort is much higher that the internationally accepted standards maybe because surgery was not performed according to the best approaches and procedures currently available. The effectiveness of SABR as the sole therapy for resectable lung cancer is still awaiting for sound evidences. It could be adopted for individual cases only in two situations: (I) the patient does not accept surgical treatment; and (II) in cases were the risk of surgical related mortality is considered to exceed the probability of long-term survival after lung resection. For this, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment, including surgeons and oncologists, is mandatory.

Clinical pathway for thoracic surgery in an Italian centre

Clinical care pathways are developed to standardize postoperative patient care and the main impetus is to improve quality of care, decrease variation in care and reduce costs. We report the clinical pathway of care adopted at our centre since the introduction of Uniportal VATS program for major lung resections.

Arterial blood gases predict long-term prognosis in stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background

Preoperative hypercapnia and hypoxemia are reportedly risk factors for postoperative complications. This study aimed to establish the long-term survival risk associated with abnormal preoperative arterial blood gases (ABGs) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This study involved 414 patients with stage I NSCLC who underwent lobectomy/bilobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. The patients were divided into groups with normal (n = 269) and abnormal (n = 145) ABGs.

Results

The patients in the normal ABG group (median age 67 years) were significantly younger than those in the abnormal ABG group (median age 70 years). There were no significant differences between the groups in gender, performance status, pathological stage, histology, postoperative complications, or preoperative comorbidity, except for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/pulmonary fibrosis. The 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rates in the normal and abnormal ABG groups were 87, 77 and 56, and 78 , 63 and 42 %, respectively (p = 0.006). According to multivariate analysis, age, gender, performance status, non-adenocarcinoma, differentiation of resected tumor, pathological stage, any prior tumor and abnormal ABGs (risk ratio, 1.61) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Abnormal ABGs predict long-term survival risk in patients with NSCLC, which is important for planning therapeutic strategies.

Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer

In this chapter, we discuss the preoperative evaluation that is necessary prior to surgical resection, stage-specific surgical management of lung cancer, and the procedural steps as well as the indications to a variety of surgical approaches to lung resection.

What the Surgeon Needs to Know About Databases

Data collection is one of the most important instruments of any quality improvement initiatives. We have selected, summarized, and discussed 5 recent contributions mostly based on large international databases, which we considered most relevant to our specialty. They focused on different aspects: the selection and rigorous definition of the variables contained in the data set, the evaluation of a treatment or a pathway of care by the analysis of the observed outcomes, the identification of risk factors able to affect the surgical course, the measurement of the quality provided by a care giver, and the assessment of the quality of the data collected and the planning of quality improvement activities.

Outcome after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and open pulmonary lobectomy in patients with low VO2 max: a case-matched analysis from the ESTS database†

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to verify the association of low VO2 max with postoperative morbidity and mortality after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open pulmonary lobectomy using the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) database.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data collected from the ESTS database was conducted. A total of 1684 lobectomy patients with available VO2 max values were included (2007-14). Patients operated through VATS (281 patients) or thoracotomy (1403 patients) were separately analysed. Propensity score analyses were performed to match patients with high (≥15 ml/kg/min) and low VO2 max (<15 ml/kg/min) for each approach. The following variables were used to construct the score: age, body mass index, predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%), coronary artery disease, American Society of Anaesthesiology grade and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score. Cardiopulmonary morbidity and 30-day mortality were compared between the matched groups.

RESULTS

Mean VO2 max was 17.4 ml/kg/min. A total of 471 patients (28%) had low VO2 max. Overall postoperative cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality rates were 30% (505 patients) and 4.1% (70 patients), respectively. Morbidity and mortality rates in low VO2 max patients were 33% (156 patients) and 6% (28 patients), respectively. After VATS, cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality rates were 2-fold (13 of 72, 18% vs 143 of 399, 36%, P = 0.003) and 5-fold (1 of 72, 1.4% vs 27 of 399, 6.7%, P = 0.09) lower compared with thoracotomy. Matched comparison after thoracotomy (399 pairs): Mortality was significantly higher in patients with low VO2 max (27 patients, 6.7%) compared with those with high VO2 max (11 patients, 2.8%, P = 0.008). Complication rates were similar between the two groups (low VO2 max: 143 patients, 36% vs high VO2 max: 133 patients, 33%, respectively, P = 0.5). Matched comparison after vats (72 pairs): Morbidity and mortality rates of patients with low VO2 max were similar to those of patients with high VO2 max (morbidity: 13 patients, 18% vs 17 patients, 24%, P = 0.4; mortality: 1 patient, 1.4% vs 4 patients, 5.5%, P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Low VO2 max was not associated with an increased surgical risk after VAT lobectomy, which challenges the traditional operability criteria when this technique is used.

Outcomes After Surgery in High-Risk Patients With Early Stage Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with early stage lung cancer considered high risk for surgery are increasingly being treated with nonsurgical therapies. However, consensus on the classification of high risk does not exist. We compared clinical outcomes of patients considered to be high risk with those of standard-risk patients, after lung cancer surgery.

METHODS

A total of 490 patients from our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons data from 2009 to 2013 underwent resection for clinical stage I lung cancer. High-risk patients were identified by ACOSOG z4032/z4099 criteria: major: forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 50% or less or diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) 50% or less; and minor: (two of the following), age 75 years or more, FEV1 51% to 60%, or Dlco 51% to 60%. Demographics, perioperative outcomes, and survival between high-risk and standard-risk patients undergoing lobectomy and sublobar resection were compared. Univariate analysis was performed using the χ(2) test/Fisher's exact test and the t test/Mann-Whitney U test. Survival was studied using a Cox regression model to calculate hazard ratios, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn.

RESULTS

In all, 180 patients (37%) were classified as high risk. These patients were older than standard-risk patients (70 years versus 65 years, respectively; p < 0.0001) and had worse FEV1 (57% versus 85%, p < 0.0001), and Dlco (47% versus 77%, p < 0.0001). High-risk patients also had more smoking pack-years than standard-risk patients (46 versus 30, p < 0.0001) and a greater incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (72% versus 32%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to undergo sublobar resection (32% versus 20%, p = 0.001). Length of stay was longer in the high-risk group (5 versus 4 days, p < 0.0001), but there was no difference in postoperative mortality (2% versus 1%, p = 0.53). Nodal upstaging occurred in 20% of high-risk patients and 21% of standard-risk patients (p = 0.79). Three-year survival was 59% for high-risk patients and 76% for standard-risk patients (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Good clinical outcomes after surgery for early stage lung cancer can be achieved in patients classified as high risk. In our study, surgery led to upstaging in 20% of patients and acceptable 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival as compared with historical rates for nonsurgical therapies. This study suggests that empiric selection criteria may deny patients optimal oncologic therapy.

Reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness after lung resection is not related to the number of lung segments removed

Aim

To evaluate the effect of lung cancer surgery on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and to assess the agreement between the predicted postoperative (ppo) V̇O_2peak and actually measured postoperative peak oxygen uptake (V̇O_2peak).

Methods

Before and 4–6 weeks after lung cancer surgery, 70 patients (35 women) underwent measurements of pulmonary function and CRF via a cardiopulmonary exercise test. In addition, the 23 non-exercising patients underwent measurements after 6 months. The ppo V̇O_2peak calculated from the number of functional segments removed was compared with the actually measured postoperative values of V̇O_2peak for accuracy and precision.

Results

After surgery, the V̇O_2peak decreased from 23.9±5.8 to 19.2±5.5 mL/kg/min (−19.6±15.7%) (p<0.001). The breathing reserve increased by 5% (p=0.001); the oxygen saturation remained unchanged (p=0.30); the oxygen pulse decreased by −1.9 mL/beat (p<0.001); the haemoglobin concentration decreased by 0.7 g/dL (p=0.001). The oxygen pulse was the strongest predictor for change in V̇O_2peak; adjusted linear squared: r²=0.77. Six months after surgery, the V̇O_2peak remained unchanged (−3±15%, p=0.27). The ppo V̇O_2peak (mL/kg/min) was 18.6±5.4, and the actually measured V̇O_2peak was 19.2±5.5 (p=0.24). However, the limits of agreement were large (CI −7.4 to 8.2). The segment method miscalculated the ppo V̇O_2peak by more than ±10 and ±20% in 54% and 25% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The reduction in V̇O_2peak and lack of improvement 6 months after lung cancer surgery cannot be explained by the loss of functional lung tissue. Predicting postoperative V̇O_2peak based on the amount of lung tissue removed is not recommendable due to poor precision.

Trial registration number

NCT01748981.

Recurrent air leak soon after pulmonary lobectomy: an analysis based on an electronic airflow evaluation†

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of recurrent air leak (RAL) occurring soon after pulmonary lobectomy based on electronic airflow measurements.

METHODS

A prospective observational analysis of 129 consecutive patients managed with a single chest tube connected with an electronic chest drainage system. The incidence and timing of RAL among patients who had an air leak sealed within the first 24 postoperative hours was recorded. Stepwise logistic regression and bootstrap analyses were used to test the association of several baseline and surgical variables with RAL.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients (68%) had their air leak stopped within 24 h after the operation. Twelve patients had RAL (13%) after the first stop. All RALs occurred within the first 24 h from operation. Logistic regression showed that the presence of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <80% and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7] was an independent risk factor associated with RAL (P = 0.02, bootstrap frequency 83%). Seven of 27 (26%) patients with COPD had RAL, a proportion significantly higher than in patients without COPD (5 of 68, 7.3%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of patients with COPD developed RAL. In this high-risk group, we advise against chest tube removal in the first 24 h after operation, even in the case of absence or cessation of air leak.

Heart Rate Recovery as a Preoperative Test of Perioperative Complication Risk

The autonomic nervous system plays important physiologic roles in a variety of organ systems. Autonomic dysfunction has been shown to be predictive of increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Its importance in patients with chronic respiratory disorders has been described in recent years. Here, we summarize the prognostic value of autonomic dysfunction, as reflected by impaired heart rate recovery (HRR), in patients with chronic respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, and lung cancer. We suggest that HRR may be clinically useful in the preoperative physiologic evaluation, specifically in lung cancer patients being considered for surgery.

Major morbidity after video-assisted thoracic surgery lung resections: a comparison between the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition and the Thoracic Morbidity and Mortality system

BACKGROUND

The thoracic morbidity and mortality (TM&M) classification system univocally encodes the postoperative adverse events by their management complexity. This study aims to compare the distribution of the severity of complications according to the TM&M system versus the distribution according to the classification proposed by European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) Database in a population of patients submitted to video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung resection.

METHODS

A total of 227 consecutive patients submitted to VATS lobectomy for lung cancer were analyzed. Any complication developed postoperatively was graded from I to V according to the TM&M system, reflecting the increasing severity of its management. We verified the distribution of the different grades of complications and analyzed their frequency among those defined as "major cardiopulmonary complications" by the ESTS Database.

RESULTS

Following the ESTS definitions, 20 were the major cardiopulmonary complications [atrial fibrillation (AF): 10, 50%; adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): 1, 5%; pulmonary embolism: 2, 10%; mechanical ventilation >24 h: 1, 5%; pneumonia: 3, 15%; myocardial infarct: 1, 5%; atelectasis requiring bronchoscopy: 2, 10%] of which 9 (45%) were reclassified as minor complications (grade II) by the TM&M classification system. According to the TM&M system, 10/34 (29.4%) of all complications were considered minor (grade I or II) while 21/34 (71.4%) as major (IIIa: 8, 23.5%; IIIb: 4, 11.7%; IVa: 8, 23.5%; IVb: 1, 2.9%; V: 3, 8.8%). Other 14 surgical complications occurred and were classified as major complications according to the TM&M system.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of postoperative complications differs between the two classification systems. The TM&M grading system questions the traditional classification of major complications following VATS lung resection and may be used as an additional endpoint for outcome analyses.

High-risk patients and postoperative complications following video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: a case-matched comparison with lower-risk counterparts†

OBJECTIVES

To assess the postoperative incidence of major complications in high-risk patients following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for lung cancer compared with their lower risk counterparts.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of 348 consecutive patients subjected to VATS lobectomy (August 2012-September 2014) was performed. Patients were defined as high risk if one or more of the following characteristics were present: age >75 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <50%, carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) <50%, history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Severity of complications was graded using the Thoracic Morbidity and Mortality (TM&M) score; major complications were defined if the TM&M score was greater than 2. The propensity score was used to match high-risk patients with their lower risk counterparts in order to minimize the influence of other confounders on outcome. The following variables were used to construct the propensity score: gender, side of operation, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, Charlson's Comorbidity Index, number of functioning segments resected.

RESULTS

The high-risk group consisted of 141 patients (age >75 years: 84 patients; FEV1 <50: 14 patients; DLCO <50: 25 patients; history of CAD: 37 patients). The propensity score yielded two groups of 135 patients (high-risk vs low-risk) well matched for several baseline characteristics except for a lower performance status in the higher-risk group. Compared with their low-risk counterparts, high-risk patients had a higher incidence of cardiopulmonary complications (28 cases, 21% vs 14 cases, 10%; P < 0.0001) and major cardiopulmonary complications (12 cases, 9% vs 3 cases, 2%; P < 0.0001). Postoperative stay was 3 days longer in high-risk patients (8.6 vs 5.5 days, P = 0.0031). The 30-day or in-hospital mortality rates were not different between the two groups (2 cases, 1.5% vs 3 cases, 2.2%, P = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of major complications after VATS lobectomy in high-risk patients is low, but not negligible. This information can be used when discussing surgical risk with the patient during preoperative counselling.

Maximal Oxygen Uptake--Risk Predictor of NSCLC Resection in Patients With Comorbid Emphysema: Lessons From NETT

We compared VO2 max values from ACCP Guidelines and from NETT's homogenous NULPD surrogate for predicting operative mortalities. Estimated mid and long-term non-cancer related survival in NETT's subset was also obtained. NETT and ACCP Guideline VO2 max values were similar in the "low" and "mid" risk operative mortality categories but NETT's "high" risk subset showed lower mortality (14% vs. 26%). Estimated non-cancer related survival in NETT "low", "mid" and "high" risk VO2 max categories at two and eight years were 100%, 74%, 59% and 48%, 26%, 14%, respectively. The lower predicted risk in NETT's "high- risk" subset raises the possibility of extending indications for potential curative resection in selected patients. The NETT surrogate also provides hitherto unavailable estimate on long-term non-cancer related survival after potential curative resection of NSCLC and suggests that the operation does not shorten eight-year longevity.

Preoperative exercise therapy in lung surgery patients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The impact of postoperative complications after lung surgery for cancer is substantial, with the increasing age of patients and the presence of comorbidities. This systematic review summarises the effects of Preoperative Exercise Therapy (PET) in patients scheduled for lung surgery on aerobic capacity, physical fitness, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, quality of life and recovery.

METHODS

A systematic search on PET prior to lung surgery was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The agreement between the reviewers was assessed with Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

A total of eleven studies were included with a methodological quality ranging from poor to good. The agreement between the reviewers, assessed with the Cohen's kappa, was 0.79. Due to substantial heterogeneity in the interventions across the included studies, it was impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. The most important finding of this systematic review was that PET based on moderate to intense exercise in patients scheduled for lung surgery has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity, physical fitness and quality of life. Also PET may reduce postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

PET may have beneficial effects on various physical fitness variables and postoperative complications in patients with lung cancer scheduled for surgery. Future research must focus on developing patient tailored exercise programs and investigate the influence of co-existing comorbidities on the outcome measures. Definitions of PET, including timing, (acceptable) duration, intensity and exercise training methods should be determined and compared.

Which field walking test should be used to assess functional exercise capacity in lung cancer? An observational study

BACKGROUND

There is emerging evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise training to improve exercise capacity for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard measure of exercise capacity; however this laboratory test has limitations for use in research and clinical practice. Alternative field walking tests are the six-minute walk test (6MWT), incremental-shuttle walk test (ISWT) and endurance-shuttle walk test (ESWT); however there is limited information about their clinimetric properties in NSCLC.

AIMS

In NSCLC to determine the 1) criterion validity of the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT against CPET; 2) construct validity of the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT against measures of function, strength, respiratory function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and 3) clinical applicability of the tests.

METHODS

Twenty participants (40 % male, mean ± SD age 66.1 ± 6.5 years) with stage I-IIIb NSCLC completed the 6MWT, ISWT, ESWT and CPET within six months of treatment. Testing order was randomised. Additional measures included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance-Status (ECOG-PS, function), respiratory function, hand-grip dynamometry and HRQoL. Correlations and regression analyses were used to assess relationships.

RESULTS

The ISWT demonstrated criterion validity with a moderate relationship between ISWT distance and CPET peak oxygen consumption (r = 0.61, p = 0.007). Relationships between CPET and six minute walk distance (6MWD) (r = 0.24, p = 0.329) or ESWT time (r = 0.02, p = 0.942) were poor. Moderate construct validity existed for the 6MWD and respiratory function (forced vital capacity % predicted r = 0.53, p = 0.019; forced expiratory volume in the first second % predicted r = 0.55, p = 0.015). There were no relationships between the walking tests and measures of function, strength or HRQoL. The ESWT had a ceiling effect with 18 % reaching maximum time. No floor effects were seen in the tests. The mean ± SD time required to perform the individual 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT was 12.8 ± 2.5, 14.7 ± 3.7 and 16.3 ± 5.0 min respectively; in comparison to CPET which was 51.2 ± 12.7 min. Only one assessor was required to perform all field walking tests and no adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The ISWT is a promising measure of functional exercise capacity in lung cancer. Findings need to be confirmed in a larger sample prior to translation into practice.

Preoperative predictive factors for intensive care unit admission after pulmonary resection

Objective:

To determine whether the use of a set of preoperative variables can predict the need for postoperative ICU admission.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational cohort study of 120 patients undergoing elective pulmonary resection between July of 2009 and April of 2012. Prediction of ICU admission was based on the presence of one or more of the following preoperative characteristics: predicted pneumonectomy; severe/very severe COPD; severe restrictive lung disease; FEV₁ or DLCO predicted to be < 40% postoperatively; SpO₂ on room air at rest < 90%; need for cardiac monitoring as a precautionary measure; or American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥ 3. The gold standard for mandatory admission to the ICU was based on the presence of one or more of the following postoperative characteristics: maintenance of mechanical ventilation or reintubation; acute respiratory failure or need for noninvasive ventilation; hemodynamic instability or shock; intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications (clinical or surgical); or a recommendation by the anesthesiologist or surgeon to continue treatment in the ICU.

Results:

Among the 120 patients evaluated, 24 (20.0%) were predicted to require ICU admission, and ICU admission was considered mandatory in 16 (66.6%) of those 24. In contrast, among the 96 patients for whom ICU admission was not predicted, it was required in 14 (14.5%). The use of the criteria for predicting ICU admission showed good accuracy (81.6%), sensitivity of 53.3%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 66.6%, and negative predictive value of 85.4%.

Conclusions:

The use of preoperative criteria for predicting the need for ICU admission after elective pulmonary resection is feasible and can reduce the number of patients staying in the ICU only for monitoring.

Critically Ill Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a clinical syndrome of various etiologies and histopathologic categorization that, when clinically significant, impair respiratory function. Patients with ILD may develop critical illness from respiratory failure, nonpulmonary organ failure, or after surgical procedures. Additionally, the intensivist must be adept at recognizing exacerbation syndromes, which can complicate the disease course of some forms of ILD. This article discusses mechanical ventilation, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, exacerbation syndromes, and surgical concerns for patients with ILD who are critically ill.

Angiogenesis Biomarkers May Be Useful in the Management of Patients With Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules

BACKGROUND

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening is known to have a high false positive rate. This study aims to survey biomarkers of angiogenesis for those capable of assigning clinical significance to indeterminate pulmonary nodules detected through CT imaging studies.

METHODS

An institutional database and specimen repository was used to identify 193 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (T1N0M0) and 110 patients with benign solitary pulmonary nodules detected by CT imaging studies. All specimens were evaluated in a blinded manner for 17 biomarkers of angiogenesis using multiplex immunoassays. Biomarker performance was calculated through the Mann-Whitney rank sum U test and a receiver operator characteristic analysis. These data were used to refine our previously reported multi-analyte classification panel, which was then externally validated against an independent patient cohort (n = 80).

RESULTS

A total of 303 patients were screened for 17 biomarkers of angiogenesis. Median nodule size was 1.2 cm for benign cases and 1.8 cm for non-small cell lung cancer, whereas median smoking histories were 25 and 40 pack-years, respectively. Differences in serum concentrations of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular (V)EGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D were strongly significant (p ≤ 0.001) while follistatin, placental growth factor (PLGF), and bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-9 were significant (p ≤ 0.05) between patients with benign and malignant nodules. Our previously reported multi-analyte classification panel was refined to include interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-5, IGFBP-4, IGF-2, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1(α+β), HB-EGF, and HGF resulting in improved accuracy and a validated negative predictive value of 96.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiogenesis biomarkers may be useful in discriminating stage I NSCLC from benign pulmonary nodules.

Prediction of postoperative dyspnea and chronic respiratory failure

BACKGROUND

Even among patients considered to be functionally eligible for major lung resection, some experience postoperative dyspnea. Based on our previous study with quantitative computed tomography (CT), we hypothesized that postoperative dyspnea is associated with the collapse of the remaining lung, and thus, prediction of the postoperative lung volume may contribute to risk assessment for postoperative dyspnea.

METHODS

We measured the emphysematous lung volume and functional lung volume (FLV) separately on whole lung CT using an image analysis software in 290 patients undergoing major lung resection for cancer between January 2006 and December 2012. The postoperative FLV was predicted by a stepwise multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients complained of postoperative dyspnea (complicated group), five of them presented with chronic respiratory failure. The postoperatively measured FLV was significantly lower in the complicated group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The postoperative FLV could be calculated using preoperative variables, including the forced vital capacity, number of resected segments, FLV, and emphysematous lung volume. The predicted postoperative FLV was significantly lower in the complicated group than in the control group (P < 0.01, area under the curve = 0.78; sensitivity 86%; specificity 73%). The predicted postoperative FLV was also useful in distinguishing complicated patients from matched-control patients who had similar preoperative pulmonary function (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative dyspnea is likely accompanied by a collapse of the remaining lung. Quantitative assessment of the lung morphology on preoperative CT is useful to screen for patients at risk of postoperative dyspnea.

Lung function predicts pulmonary complications regardless of the surgical approach

BACKGROUND

Although postoperative predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second and diffusing capacity of lung (ppoFEV1% and ppoDLCO%, respectively) have been identified as independent predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications after open lobectomy, it has been suggested that their predictive abilities may not extend to patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy.

METHODS

We evaluated outcomes in 805 patients undergoing isolated lobectomy through open (n = 585) or minimally invasive approaches (n = 220) using a prospective database. Demographic and physiologic data were extracted and compared with complications classified as pulmonary, cardiac, other, mortality, and any.

RESULTS

Patients included 428 women and 377 men; mean age was 65.0 years. Minimally invasive patients were older (66.6 versus 64.3 years, p = 0.006), had better ppoFEV1% (71.5% versus 65.6%, p < 0.001) and performance status (0,1 94.1% versus 88.4%, p = 0.017), and less often underwent induction therapy (0.5% versus 4.8%, p = 0.003). Pulmonary and other complications were less common after minimally invasive lobectomy (3.6% versus 10.4%, p = 0.0034; 8.6% versus 15.8%, p = 0.008). Operative mortality occurred in 1.4% of minimally invasive patients and 3.9% of open patients (p = 0.075). Pulmonary complication incidence was related to predicted postoperative lung function for both minimally invasive and open approaches. On multivariate analysis with stratification for stage, ppoFEV1% and ppoDLCO% were predictive of pulmonary complications for both minimally invasive and open approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the predictive abilities of ppoFEV1% and ppoDLCO% are retained for minimally invasive lobectomy and can be used to estimate the risk of pulmonary complications.

[Postoperative respiratory insufficiency and its treatment]

The development of a postoperative respiratory insufficiency is typically caused by several factors and include patient-related risks, the extent of the procedure and postoperative complications. Morbidity and mortality rates in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are high. It is important to have consistent strategies for prevention and preoperative conditioning is essential primarily for high-risk patients. Treatment of established postoperative lung failure requires early tracheotomy, protective ventilation (tidal volume 6 ml/kg body weight), elevated positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP, 10-20 mmH2O), recurrent bronchoscopy and early patient mobilization. In critical cases an extracorporeal lung assist is considered to be beneficial as a bridge to recovery and for realizing a protective ventilation protocol. Different systems with separate indications are available. The temporary application of a lung assist allows thoracic surgery to be performed safely in patients presenting with insufficient respiratory function.

Results of Lung Cancer Surgery for Octogenarians

PURPOSE

Growing number of elderly lung cancer patients reflecting a lengthening life span has become a serious problem. Purpose of this study was to elucidate the short and long-term outcome of the surgery for octogenarians, and to evaluate the role of lung cancer surgery for this high age group.

METHODS

The patients with lung cancer aged 80 years or more who underwent the surgery at our institute from January 1998 through December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed by chart review, and the operative mortality, morbidity and the long-term survival were assessed.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 1107 patients with primary lung cancer who received surgery during the study period, 94 were octogenarians (8.5%). Sixty-nine patients (73.4%) had preoperative co-morbidity including hypertension in 50 (53.2%), coincidence of other malignancy in 35 (37.2%), anti-coagulant therapy in 29 (30.9%). Twenty-six patients (27.7%) had major or minor postoperative morbidity, and one (1.1%) died due to bronchopleural fistula. Overall-5-year survival rate was 57.5%. Univariative and multivariative analysis using Cox proportional hazard model revealed that male gender and non-adenocarcinoma histology were significant risk factors for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Gender and histology should be taken into account in preoperative evaluation of indication for lung cancer in octogenarians.

Worse Prognosis for Stage IA Lung Cancer Patients with Smoking History and More Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PURPOSE

This retrospective study examined whether the severity of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) affects surgical outcomes.

METHODS

The subjects were 243 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for clinical stage IA lung cancer from 1999 to 2008 in our hospital. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grading system was used to classify the severity of COPD in smokers.

RESULTS

Among the 149 smokers, 62 were diagnosed with COPD (25 as GOLD 1, 33 as GOLD 2, and 4 as GOLD 3). In univariate analysis, postoperative pulmonary complications were associated with male sex and more severe COPD. The frequencies were 17.1% in non-COPD, 24.0% in GOLD 1-COPD, and 46.0% in GOLD 2/3-COPD smokers (p = 0.0006). In univariate analysis, older age, smoking history, higher smoking pack-years and more severe COPD were associated with poor relapse-free survival. Relapse-free survival at five years was 80.7%, 66.9%, and 61.3% in non-COPD, GOLD 1-COPD, and GOLD 2/3-COPD smokers, respectively (p = 0.0005). Multivariate analyses showed that only GOLD 2/3-COPD was associated with postoperative pulmonary complications and relapse-free survival. Inhaled bronchodilators were prescribed preoperatively to 24.3% of the GOLD 2/3-COPD group.

CONCLUSION

Smokers with GOLD 2/3-COPD are at high risk for pulmonary complications and have an unfavorable long-term prognosis.

Fixed-altitude stair-climbing test replacing the conventional symptom-limited test. A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a patient's maximum capacity is comparable in 2 different stair-climbing tests, allowing the simplest to be used in clinical practice.

METHOD

Prospective, observational study of repeated measures on 33 consecutive patients scheduled for lung resection. Stair-climbing tests were: the standard test (climb to 27 m) and the alternative fixed-altitude test (climb to 12 m). In both cases, heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored before and after the test. The power output of stair-climbing for each test (Watt1 for the standard and Watt2 for the fixed-altitude test) was calculated using the following equation: Power (watt)=weight (kg)*9.8*height (m)/time (sec). Concordance between tests was evaluated using a regression model and the residuals were plotted against Watt1. Finally, power output values were analyzed using a Bland-Altman plot.

RESULTS

Twenty-one male and 12 female patients (mean age 63.2±11.2) completed both tests. Only 12 patients finished the standard test, while all finished the fixed-altitude test. Mean power output values were Watt1: 184.1±65 and Watt2: 214.5±75.1. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) in the linear regression was 0.67. No fixed bias was detected after plotting the residuals. The Bland-Altman plot showed that 32 out of 33 values were within 2 standard deviations of the differences between methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show a reasonable level of concordance between both stair-climbing tests. The standard test can be replaced by the fixed-altitude test up to 12 m.

Lung resection in patients with marginal pulmonary function

The advent of MIS or VATS techniques, better perioperative anesthesia management, and better postoperative care enables thoracic surgeons to operate on marginal patients, with less risk than previously established. Careful preoperative decision making in a multidisciplinary setting should insure that all patients are given the best potential curative option.

Morbidity, mortality, and categorization of the risk of perioperative complications in lung cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine morbidity and mortality rates by risk category in accordance with the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, to determine what role pulmonary function tests play in this categorization process, and to identify risk factors for perioperative complications (PCs).

METHODS

This was a historical cohort study based on preoperative and postoperative data collected for cases of lung cancer diagnosed or suspected between 2001 and 2010.

RESULTS

Of the 239 patients evaluated, only 13 (5.4%) were classified as being at high risk of PCs. Predicted postoperative FEV1 (FEV1ppo) was sufficient to define the risk level in 156 patients (65.3%); however, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was necessary for identifying those at high risk. Lung resection was performed in 145 patients. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were similar to those reported in other studies. However, morbidity and mortality rates for patients at an acceptable risk of PCs were 31.6% and 4.3%, respectively, whereas those for patients at high risk were 83.3% and 33.3%. Advanced age, COPD, lobe resection, and lower FEV1ppo were correlated with PCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although spirometry was sufficient for risk assessment in the majority of the population studied, CPET played a key role in the identification of high-risk patients, among whom the mortality rate was seven times higher than was that observed for those at an acceptable risk of PCs. The risk factors related to PCs coincided with those reported in previous studies.

Lung cancer screening: advantages, controversies, and applications

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) have shown that low-dose computed tomography (CT) is capable of detecting lung neoplasms in individuals at high risk. However, whether it is advantageous to perform lung cancer screening on these patients is a significant concern, as are the potential adverse outcomes from screening.

METHODS

A review of several randomized clinical trials, focusing on the NLST, was undertaken. Adverse outcomes and costs related to lung cancer screening were also examined.

RESULTS

Lung cancer screening using low-dose CT in high-risk individuals reduced lung cancer deaths by more than 20% when compared with those screened by chest radiography. False-positive results were seen in both groups, but the number of adverse events from the screening test and subsequent diagnostic procedures was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer screening is controversial, but the NLST has demonstrated that such testing may reduce lung cancer deaths in high-risk individuals when performed with low-dose CT rather than chest radiography. Guidelines should be established to not only help identify an appropriate screening population, but also develop standards for radiological testing.

Preoperative evaluation for lung cancer resection

During the last decades lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide for both sexes. Even though cigarette smoking has been proved to be the main causative factor, many other agents (e.g., occupational exposure to asbestos or heavy metals, indoor exposure to radon gas radiation, particulate air pollution) have been associated with its development. Recently screening programs proved to reduce mortality among heavy-smokers although establishment of such strategies in everyday clinical practice is much more difficult and unknown if it is cost effective compared to other neoplasms (e.g., breast or prostate cancer). Adding severe comorbidities (coronary heart disease, COPD) to the above reasons as cigarette smoking is a common causative factor, we could explain the low surgical resection rates (approximately 20-30%) for lung cancer patients. Three clinical guidelines reports of different associations have been published (American College of Chest Physisians, British Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society/European Society of Thoracic Surgery) providing detailed algorithms for preoperative assessment. In the current mini review, we will comment on the preoperative evaluation of lung cancer patients.

Managing lung cancer in high-risk patients: what to consider

Lung cancer patients with medical comorbidity are a challenge for care providers. As with other solid tumors, treatment is stage dependent; but a critical difference is the invasive nature of lung resections and the resulting importance of surgical risk stratification for treatment of early stage disease. External beam radiation was considered the only treatment option for early stage disease in non-operative candidates 10-15 years ago. With recent advances in image-guided technologies, robotics, and the resurgence in interest of sublobar resection there are now numerous treatment options which offer excellent local control and reasonable short and long term survival. Extensive work has been done to clarify interventional risk, and accurately describe anticipated outcomes of these varied treatments in the high risk population. The aim of this article is to review recent literature and provide a better understanding of the considerations used in the management of these patients in the current era.