Incidence of local recurrence and second primary tumors in resected stage I lung cancer

Long-term outcomes of 5-year survivors without recurrence after the complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer after lobectomy: a landmark analysis in consideration of competing risks

PURPOSE

Among non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), 5 years is a benchmark in cancer control and treatment, but a certain percentage of cases recur after 5 years. The long-term post-recurrence outcomes remain controversial. To examine the accurate prognostic factors associated with survival and cancer recurrence among 5-year survivors, a landmark analysis that considered competing risks was performed.

METHODS

Complete resection of NSCLC was performed in 2482 patients between January 2003 and December 2015. A total of 1431 patients were 5-year survivors without recurrence. A landmark time analysis was applied to the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) from 5 years after surgery, and the findings were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative incidence of cause-specific death and recurrence was estimated using the cumulative incidence function, while carefully considering the competing risks.

RESULTS

Postoperative recurrence was detected in 732 patients, of whom 68 (9.3%) had recurrence after 5 years. The median follow-up period was 8.2 years. In the competing risk analysis, the independent poor prognostic factors associated with cause-specific death were age ≥ 75 years, lymph node metastasis and pleural invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients requiring a follow-up for > 5 years were aged ≥ 75 years and had either lymph node metastasis or pleural invasion.

Second Primary Lung Cancer - An Emerging Issue in Lung Cancer Survivors

As a result of an increased focus on early detection including lung cancer screening, combined with more curative treatment options, the 5-year survival rates for lung cancer are improving. Welcome though this is, it brings new, hitherto unseen challenges. As more patients are cured and survive longer, they are at risk of developing second primary cancers, particularly lung cancer. In this review, we examine the challenges that surveillance, diagnosis, and management of second primary lung cancer (SPLC) bring and how these can be addressed. Recent data from prospective follow-up studies suggests that the incidence of SPLC may be higher than previously appreciated, partly due to an increase in multi-focal adenocarcinoma spectrum disease. Over 5 years, up to 1 in 6 long-term lung cancer survivors may develop a SPLC. Although not routinely used in clinical practice at present, genomic approaches for differentiating SPLC from intrapulmonary metastases of the first primary are emerging, and we highlight how this could be used to help differentiate lesions. An accurate distinction between SPLC and the recurrence of the first primary is of paramount importance due to the very different management strategies that may be required. Wrongly classifying an SPLC as a recurrence of the first primary may have significant consequences for patient management and overall survival. Updated approaches to the classification of SPLC combining clinical history, histopathological assessment, and genomic profiling are needed. Finally, we review the potential role of early detection biomarkers in the identification of SPLC, focusing in particular on blood-based biomarkers that are being examined in a multi-center prospective study recruiting lung cancer survivors.

Effectiveness and safety of segmentectomy vs. wedge resection for the treatment of patients with operable non‑small cell lung cancer: A meta‑analysis and systematic review

The present study compared the differences in effectiveness and safety between segmentectomy (ST) and wedge resection (WR) in patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for papers published from inception until July 2023. The inclusion criteria were based on the population, intervention, comparator, outcomes and study designs. ROBINS-I was selected to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence in the included non-randomised studies. Appropriate effect sizes were selected, and subgroup analyses, heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were applied. A total of 18 retrospective studies were included, involving 19,381 patients with operable NSCLC. The 5-year overall survival rate [hazard ratio (HR), 0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04, 0.34; P=0.014; I2=76.3%], lung cancer-specific survival rate (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.38; P<0.01; I2=13.8%) and metastasis rate [odds ratio (OR), 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03, 2.38; P=0.037] in patients with operable NSCLC treated with WR were worse than those in patients treated with ST. The incidence of postoperative complications (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23, 0.82) in the WR group was lower than in the ST treatment group. There was no difference in postoperative recurrence (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.97, 4.74; P=0.058) and mortality (risk difference, 0.04; 95% CI, -0.03, 0.11; P=0.287) between groups. Based on current evidence, patients with NSCLC treated with ST surgery have better postoperative survival but more complications than those patients treated with WT, while the effect of WR and ST on the recurrence rate and distant metastasis rate remains controversial.

Late recurrence of completely resected stage I to IIIA lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Research into the risk factors associated with late recurrence (>2 years after surgery) of lung adenocarcinoma is limited. We investigated the incidence of and clinicopathologic and genomic features associated with late recurrence of resected stage I-IIIA lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with completely resected pathologic stage I-IIIA lung adenocarcinoma (2010-2019). Patients with a history of lung cancer, neoadjuvant therapy, or mucinous or noninvasive lung adenocarcinoma, or with follow-up of less than 2 years were excluded. Cox and logistic regression modeling were used to compare clinicopathologic variables among patients with no, early (≤2 years), and late recurrence. Comparisons of genomic mutations were corrected for multiple testing.

RESULTS

Of the 2349 patients included, 537 developed a recurrence during follow-up. Most recurrences (55% [297/537]) occurred early; 45% (240/537) occurred late. A larger proportion of late recurrences than early recurrences were locoregional (37% vs 29%; P = .047). Patients with late recurrence had more aggressive pathologic features (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer grade 2 and 3, lymphovascular invasion, visceral pleural invasion) and higher stage than patients without recurrence. Pathologic features were similar between patients with early and late recurrence, except stage IIIA disease was more common in the early cohort. No genomic mutations were associated with late recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Late recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma after resection is more common than previously reported. Patients without disease more than 2 years after surgery who had aggressive pathologic features at the time of resection have an elevated risk of recurrence and may benefit from more aggressive follow-up.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Lung Cancer: A Pilot Study for the Detection of Micrometastases in Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lymphadenectomy represents a fundamental step in the staging and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, the extension of lymphadenectomy in early-stage NSCLC is a debated topic due to its possible complications. The detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is a strategy that can improve the selection of patients in which a more extended lymphadenectomy is necessary. This pilot study aimed to refine lymph nodal staging in early-stage NSCLC patients who underwent robotic lung resection through the application of innovative intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification and the pathological evaluation using one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA). Clinical N0 NSCLC patients planning to undergo robotic lung resection were selected. The day before surgery, all patients underwent radionuclide computed tomography (CT)-guided marking of the primary lung lesion and subsequently Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) to identify tracer migration and, consequently, the area with higher radioactivity. On the day of surgery, the lymph nodal radioactivity was detected intraoperatively using a gamma camera. SLN was defined as the lymph node with the highest numerical value of radioactivity. The OSNA amplification, detecting the mRNA of CK19, was used for the detection of nodal metastases in the lymph nodes, including SLN. From March to July 2021, a total of 8 patients (3 female; 5 male), with a mean age of 66 years (range 48-77), were enrolled in the study. No complications relating to the CT-guided marking or preoperative SPECT were found. An average of 5.3 lymph nodal stations were examined (range 2-8). N2 positivity was found in 3 out of 8 patients (37.5%). Consequently, pathological examination of lymph nodes with OSNA resulted in three upstages from the clinical IB stage to pathological IIIA stage. Moreover, in 1 patient (18%) with nodal upstaging, a positive node was intraoperatively identified as SLN. Comparing this protocol to the usual practice, no difference was found in terms of the operating time, conversion rate, and complication rate. Our preliminary experience suggests that sentinel lymph node detection, in association with the accurate pathological staging of cN0 patients achieved using OSNA, is safe and effective in the identification of metastasis, which is usually undetected by standard diagnostic methods.

Postoperative CT surveillance in the evaluation of local recurrence after sub-lobar resection of neoplastic lesions of the lung

OBJECTIVE

As indications for sub-lobar resections increase, it will become more important to identify risk factors for postsurgical recurrence. We investigated retrospectively the association between local recurrence after sub-lobar resection of neoplastic lung lesions and pre- and post-operative CT imaging and pathologic features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively neoplastic lung lesions with postoperative chest CT surveillance of sub-lobar resections in 2006-2016. We defined "suspicious" findings as nodularity ≥3 mm or soft tissue thickening ≥4 mm along the suture line and/or progression and explored their association with local recurrence. Primary lung cancer stage, tumoral invasion of lymphatics, visceral pleura or large vessels, bronchial and vascular margin distance were also assessed.

RESULTS

Our study group included 45 cases of sub-lobar resection took for either primary (n = 37) or metastatic (n = 8) lung tumors. Local recurrence was observed in 16 of those patients. New nodularity ≥3 mm or soft tissue thickening ≥4 mm along the suture line on surveillance CT was significantly associated with local recurrence (p = 0.037). Additionally, solid nodule (p = 0.005), age at surgery ≤60 years (p = 0.006), two or more sites of invasion (p < 0.0001) and poor histologic differentiation (p = 0.0001) were also significantly associated with local tumor recurrence. Of 16 patients with surveillance post-surgical PET-CT, 15 had elevated FDG uptake.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative changes along the suture line should follow a predictable time course demonstrating a pattern of stability, thinning or resolution on CT surveillance. New or increasing postoperative nodularity ≥3 mm or soft tissue thickening ≥4 mm along the suture line requires close diagnostic work-up. Surgical pathology characteristics added prognostic value on postoperative recurrence surveillance.

Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of stage IB non-small cell lung cancer with visceral pleural invasion

With the increasing implementation of early lung cancer screening and the increasing emphasis on physical examinations, the early-stage lung cancer detection rate continues to rise. Visceral pleural invasion (VPI), which denotes the tumor's breach of the elastic layer or reaching the surface of the visceral pleura, stands as a pivotal factor that impacts the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and directly influences the pathological staging of early-stage cases. According to the latest 9th edition of the TNM staging system for NSCLC, even when the tumor diameter is less than 3 cm, the final T stage remains T2a if VPI is present. There is considerable controversy within the guidelines regarding treatment options for stage IB NSCLC, especially among patients exhibiting VPI. Moreover, the precise determination of VPI is important in guiding treatment selection and prognostic evaluation in individuals with NSCLC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current status and advancements in studies pertaining to stage IB NSCLC accompanied by VPI.

Sublobar resection for metachronous stage I second primary non-small cell lung cancer: A single-centre experience

INTRODUCTION

More patients are developing second primary lung cancer (SPLC). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the extent of SPLC resection on outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 1,895 patients with lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection from 2011 to 2018. SPLC was diagnosed using the criteria of Martini and Melamed. Patients with pathological stage I SPLC who underwent lobectomy for first primary lung cancer (FPLC) were included in the study. Outcomes and clinical factors that could affect survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were eligible for the study. Lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection was performed for 10, 32, and 12 patients, respectively. Neither overall nor relapse-free survival was significantly different based on the extent of resection for stage I SPLC. Multivariate analysis revealed that interval between FPLC and SPLC of less than 5 years was an independent risk factors for worse relapse-free survival after SPLC resection (interval: hazard ratio, 0.28; P = 0.048). The median interval from prior resection to secondary resection was 68 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sublobar resection might be a realistic option for stage I SPLC. To realize early detection of SPLC that can undergo radical sublobar resection, the surveillance period after prior resection of FPLC is worth reconsidering.

MicroRNA biosensors in lung cancer

Lung cancer has been one of the leading causes of death over the past century. Unfortunately, the reliance on conventional methods to diagnose the phenotypic properties of tumors hinders early-stage cancer diagnosis. However, recent advancements in identifying disease-specific nucleotide biomarkers, particularly microRNAs, have brought us closer to early-stage detection. The roles of miR-155, miR-197, and miR-182 have been established in stage I lung cancer. Recent progress in synthesizing nanomaterials with higher conductivity has enhanced the diagnostic sensitivity of electrochemical biosensors, which can detect low concentrations of targeted biomarkers. Therefore, this review article focuses on exploring electrochemical biosensors based on microRNA in lung cancer.

Neoadjuvant therapy in non-small cell lung cancer: basis, promise, and challenges

Introduction

Survival rates for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poor despite the decade-long established standard of surgical resection and systemic adjuvant therapy. Realizing this, researchers are exploring novel therapeutic targets and deploying neoadjuvant therapies to predict and improve clinical and pathological outcomes in lung cancer patients. Neoadjuvant therapy is also increasingly being used to downstage disease to allow for resection with a curative intent. In this review, we aim to summarize the current and developing landscape of using neoadjuvant therapy in the management of NSCLC.

Methods

The PubMed.gov and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched on 15 January 2023, to identify published research studies and trials relevant to this review. One hundred and seven published articles and seventeen ongoing clinical trials were selected, and relevant findings and information was reviewed.

Results & Discussion

Neoadjuvant therapy, proven through clinical trials and meta-analyses, exhibits safety and efficacy comparable to or sometimes surpassing adjuvant therapy. By attacking micro-metastases early and reducing tumor burden, it allows for effective downstaging of disease, allowing for curative surgical resection attempts. Research into neoadjuvant therapy has necessitated the development of surrogate endpoints such as major pathologic response (MPR) and pathologic complete response (pCR) allowing for shorter duration clinical trials. Novel chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy agents are being tested at a furious rate, paving the way for a future of personalized systemic therapy in NSCLC. However, challenges remain that prevent further mainstream adoption of preoperative (Neoadjuvant) therapy. These include the risk of delaying curative surgical resection in scenarios of adverse events or treatment resistance. Also, the predictive value of surrogate markers of disease cure still needs robust verification. Finally, the body of published data is still limited compared to adjuvant therapy. Addressing these concerns with more large scale randomized controlled trials is needed.

Association Between ALK Rearrangement and Ultra-Late Recurrence in Lung Cancer: Case Report and Pooled Analysis

Ultra-late recurrence, defined as recurrence occurring 10 years or longer after curative treatment, is uncommon for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, factors associated with ultra-late recurrence remain unknown. We report a case with ultra-late recurrence and reviewed the literature published during 2010-2023. This is a case of a 66-year-old woman, with a significant smoking history and a previous history of lung adenocarcinoma, who underwent surgery for a brain metastasis detected on imaging. The pathology confirmed lung adenocarcinoma with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion, a finding consistent with the initial lung surgery a decade ago. With receiving intrathecal topotecan, the patient has maintained stable disease 10 months post-surgery. Given the rarity of ultra-late recurrence of NSCLC, we also conducted a pooled analysis with the outcome of interest being a time to recurrence. Data from this case report was analyzed along with previously published 26 cases of ultra-late recurrence. Multivariable analysis indicated that the only factor significantly predicting time to recurrence was anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement.

Place of robotic surgery in completion lobectomy after anatomical segmentectomy

OBJECTIVES

Although segmentectomy is steadily increasing in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, recurrence in the ipsilateral lobe is also increasing. Completion lobectomy (CL) is a challenging procedure that has already been described in a few studies using video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy. In this study, we aimed to show the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted thoracic surgery in cases of CL.

METHODS

Among 2073 major resections performed between January 2018 and september 2022 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Nancy University Regional Hospital, we retrospectively included patients who underwent CL by robot-assisted thoracic surgery after previous segmentectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Data and perioperative results were described and analysed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent CL with a median recurrence time after previous segmentectomy of 18 months [interquartile range (IQR): 12]. Four patients (23.5%) had a pulmonary artery injury that was controlled, and no conversion to open thoracotomy was needed. The operative time was 150 min (IQR: 20), and blood loss was 300 ml (IQR: 150). The median postoperative chest tube duration was 2 days (IQR: 1), and the length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR: 3), with no postoperative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Completion lobectomy is a challenging procedure due to severe adhesions surrounding vessels, which potentially could cause higher rate of PA bleeding than conventional surgeries. With experienced team and surgeons, CL with robotic surgery may be reported as a safe and feasible procedure.

Comparison of lobectomy and sublobar resection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the prognostic between lobectomy and sublobar resection in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a detailed search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the prognosis of lobectomy and sublobar resection for stage I NSCLC, with the primary outcomes being overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

A total of 2222 patients were included in the 5 RCTs. The results showed no statistical difference in OS (HR=0.87, p=0.445) and DFS (HR=0.99, p=0.918) between patients who underwent lobectomy and sublobar resection during the total follow-up period. In terms of dichotomous variables, there were no statistical differences in OS (relative ratio [RR]=1.05, p=0.848) and DFS (RR=1.21, p=0.075) between the two groups during the total follow-up period, as well as 5-year OS (RR=0.96, p=0.409) and 5-year DFS (RR=0.95, p=0.270). In addition, subgroup analysis showed a better prognosis for non-adenocarcinoma patients with sublobar resection than lobectomy (HR=0.53, p=0.037), but also an increased cause of cancer death (not limited to lung cancer) (RR=1.56, p=0.004).

Conclusion

Our results showed that for stage I NSCLC, lobectomy is usually not a justified operation.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023407301, identifier CRD42023407301.

[Prevention, Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-up of Lung Cancer - Interdisciplinary Guideline of the German Respiratory Society and the German Cancer Society - Abridged Version]

The current S3 Lung Cancer Guidelines are edited with fundamental changes to the previous edition based on the dynamic influx of information to this field:The recommendations include de novo a mandatory case presentation for all patients with lung cancer in a multidisciplinary tumor board before initiation of treatment, furthermore CT-Screening for asymptomatic patients at risk (after federal approval), recommendations for incidental lung nodule management , molecular testing of all NSCLC independent of subtypes, EGFR-mutations in resectable early stage lung cancer in relapsed or recurrent disease, adjuvant TKI-therapy in the presence of common EGFR-mutations, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in resected lung cancer with PD-L1 ≥ 50%, obligatory evaluation of PD-L1-status, consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition after radiochemotherapy in patients with PD-L1-pos. tumor, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition in patients withPD-L1 ≥ 50% stage IIIA and treatment options in PD-L1 ≥ 50% tumors independent of PD-L1status and targeted therapy and treatment option immune chemotherapy in first line SCLC patients.Based on the current dynamic status of information in this field and the turnaround time required to implement new options, a transformation to a "living guideline" was proposed.

Examining the Effect of ALK and EGFR Mutations on Survival Outcomes in Surgical Lung Brain Metastasis Patients

In the context of the post-genomic era, where targeted oncological therapies like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are gaining prominence, this study investigates whether these therapies can enhance survival for lung carcinoma patients with specific genetic mutations-EGFR-amplified and ALK-rearranged mutations. Prior to this study, no research series had explored how these mutations influence patient survival in cases of surgical lung brain metastases (BMs). Through a multi-site retrospective analysis, the study examined patients who underwent surgical resection for BM arising from primary lung cancer at Emory University Hospital from January 2012 to May 2022. The mutational statuses were determined from brain tissue biopsies, and survival analyses were conducted. Results from 95 patients (average age: 65.8 ± 10.6) showed that while 6.3% had anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged mutations and 20.0% had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-amplified mutations-with 9.5% receiving second-line therapies-these mutations did not significantly correlate with overall survival. Although the sample size of patients receiving targeted therapies was limited, the study highlighted improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to earlier trials, suggesting advancements in systemic lung metastasis treatment. The study suggests that as more targeted therapies emerge, the prospects for increased overall survival and progression-free survival in lung brain metastasis patients will likely improve.

Residual middle lobectomy after right upper or lower lobectomy: indications and outcome

OBJECTIVES

Residual middle lobectomy after upper lobectomy and lower lobectomy differs in their indications and perioperative outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the indications and perioperative outcomes of residual middle lobectomy after upper and lower lobectomy.

METHODS

The data of 14 patients who underwent residual middle lobectomy after upper or lower lobectomy between January 1997 and December 2021 were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, six patients underwent residual middle lobectomy after upper lobectomy. The indication was second primary lung cancer in five patients and local recurrence in the hilar lymph node between the middle and lower lobar bronchi in one patient. However, one patient was treated with the R2 operation. The remaining eight patients underwent residual middle lobectomy after lower lobectomy. The indication was second primary lung cancer and bronchopleural fistula or stenosis in two and six patients, respectively. No postoperative 90-day mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Residual middle lobectomy for second lung cancer after upper lobectomy is difficult because of severe hilar adhesions. Simultaneous resection of hilar structures or pulmonary artery and parenchyma might be an option. Residual middle lobectomy could be a treatment option for bronchopleural fistula or stenosis after lower lobectomy.

Radio-Guided Lung Surgery: A Feasible Approach for a Cancer Precision Medicine

BACKGROUND

Radio-guided surgery is a reliable approach used for localizing ground-glass opacities, lung nodules, and metastatic lymph nodes. Lung nodules, lymph node metastatic involvement, and ground-glass opacities often represent a challenge for surgical management and clinical work-up.

METHODS

PubMed research was conducted from January 1997 to June 2023 using the keywords "radioguided surgery and lung cancer".

RESULTS

Different studies were conducted with different tracers: technetium-99m-albumin macroaggregates, cyanoacrylate combined to technetium-99m-sulfur colloid, indium-111-pentetreotide, and fluorine-18-deoxyglucose. A study proposed naphthalocyanine radio-labeled with copper-64. Radio-guided surgery has been demonstrated to be a reliable approach in localizing a lesion, and has a low radiological burden for personnel exposure and low morbidity. The lack of necessity to conduct radio-guided surgery under fluoroscopy or echography makes this radio-guided surgery an easy way of performing precise surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Radio-guided surgery is a feasible approach useful for the intraoperative localization of ground-glass opacities, lung nodules, and metastatic lymph nodes. It is a valid alternative to the existing approaches due to its low cost, associated low morbidity, the possibility to perform the procedure after several hours, the low radiation dose applied, and the small amount of time that is required to perform it.

Real-world relationship of early end points to survival end points in patients with resectable non-small-cell lung cancer

Aim: Pathologic response has been shown to be a promising surrogate for survival in non-small-cell lung cancer. We examined the real-world relationship between these end  points in patients with resectable stage IB-IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (CT/CRT). Methods: Electronic health records/medical charts were analyzed. Overall and event-free survival (OS/EFS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier stratified by pathologic response. Associations between the end  points were assessed by Cox analyses. Results: A total of 425 patients were selected for the study; 147 and 278 received CT and CRT, respectively. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was associated with longer OS (adjusted HR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29-0.85) and EFS (adjusted HR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28-0.68) versus no pCR, and EFS was associated with OS (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.69). Conclusion: In patients receiving neoadjuvant CT/CRT, pCR and EFS were associated with improved survival in this real-world dataset.

Recurrence Patterns and Patient Outcomes in Resected Lung Adenocarcinoma Differ according to Ground-Glass Opacity at CT

Background Although lung adenocarcinoma with ground-glass opacity (GGO) is known to have distinct characteristics, limited data exist on whether the recurrence pattern and outcomes in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma differ according to GGO presence at CT. Purpose To examine recurrence patterns and associations with outcomes in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma according to GGO at CT. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent CT followed by lobectomy or pneumonectomy for lung adenocarcinoma between July 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of GGO: GGO adenocarcinoma and solid adenocarcinoma. Recurrence patterns at follow-up CT examinations were investigated and compared between the two groups. The effects of patient grouping on time to recurrence, postrecurrence survival (PRS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox regression. Results Of 1019 patients (mean age, 62 years ± 9 [SD]; 520 women), 487 had GGO adenocarcinoma and 532 had solid adenocarcinoma. Recurrences occurred more frequently in patients with solid adenocarcinoma (36.1% [192 of 532 patients]) than in those with GGO adenocarcinoma (16.2% [79 of 487 patients]). Distant metastasis was the most common mode of recurrence in the group with solid adenocarcinoma and all clinical stages. In clinical stage I GGO adenocarcinoma, all regional recurrences appeared as ipsilateral lung metastasis (39.2% [20 of 51]) without regional lymph node metastasis. Brain metastasis was more frequent in patients with clinical stage I solid adenocarcinoma (16.5% [16 of 97 patients]). The presence of GGO was associated with time to recurrence and OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.6 [P < .001] for both). Recurrence pattern was an independent risk factor for PRS (adjusted HR, 2.1 for distant metastasis [P < .001] and 3.9 for brain metastasis [P < .001], with local-regional recurrence as the reference). Conclusion Recurrence patterns, time to recurrence, and overall survival differed between patients with and without ground-glass opacity at CT, and recurrence patterns were associated with postrecurrence survival. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Prognostic role of baseline 18F-FDG pet/CT in stage I and stage ii non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

investigate the prognostic role of baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in stage I-II NSCLC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

296 patients were included. Clinicopathological features and PET/CT semiquantitative parameters [standardized uptake value (SUV) body weight max (SUVmax), SUV body weight mean (SUVmean), SUV lean body mass (SUVlbm), SUV body surface area (SUVbsa), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), ratio SUVmax/liver (S-L) and ratio SUVmax/blood-pool (S-BP) were extracted]. Anova and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to assess the relationship between these parameters. Kaplan-Meier, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to search independent prognostic factors for progression free (PFS), overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS).

RESULTS

Correlation between PET/CT semiquantitative parameters and histology, stage, size, grading and presence of nodal metastasis were reported. Mean PFS was 28.1 months, relapse/progression of disease occurred in 85 patients (28.7%). Mean OS was 33.3 months, death occurred in 43 patients (14.5%); specific death by NSCLC occurred in 26 subjects (8.8%). Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed most of semiquantitative parameters as predictive for PFS, OS and DSS. For DSS, this was confirmed when dividing between patients with surgery and surgery with other therapies. SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVlbm, SUVbsa and S-L revealed to be independent prognosticators for OS and DSS. S-BP was an independent prognosticator for DSS. SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVlbm, S-L and S-BP were confirmed as independent prognosticators for DSS in the group of patients treated with surgery and subsequent adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

Baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters are confirmed as prognostic tools for stage I-II NSCLC, in particular for DSS.

Matrix Metallopeptidase-Gene Signature Predicts Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma Survival Outcomes

Tumor recurrence poses a significant challenge to the clinical management of stage I lung adenocarcinoma after curative surgical resection. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) increase expression and correlate with recurrence and metastasis in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer. However, the impact of MMPs on survival outcome varies, and their roles in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. In two discovery cohorts, we first analyzed 226 stage I-II lung adenocarcinoma cases in the GSE31210 cohort using a clustering-based method and identified a 150-gene MMP cluster with increased expression in tumors associated with worse survival outcomes. A similar analysis was performed on 517 lung adenocarcinoma cases in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. A 185-gene MMP cluster was identified, which also showed increased expression in tumors and correlated with poor survival outcomes. We further streamlined from the discovery cohorts a 36-gene MMP signature significantly associated with recurrence and worse overall survival in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma after surgical resection. After adjusting for covariates, the high MMP-gene signature expression remained an independent risk factor. In addition, the MMP-gene signature showed enrichment in epidermal growth factor receptor wild-type lung tumors, especially for those with Kirsten rat sarcoma virus mutations. Using an independent validation cohort, we further validated the MMP-gene signature in 70 stage I lung adenocarcinoma cases. In conclusion, MMP-gene signature is a potential predictive and prognostic biomarker to stratify patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma into subgroups based on their risk of recurrence for aiding physicians in deciding the personalized adjuvant therapeutics.

Single-cell spatial landscapes of the lung tumour immune microenvironment

Single-cell technologies have revealed the complexity of the tumour immune microenvironment with unparalleled resolution^1-9. Most clinical strategies rely on histopathological stratification of tumour subtypes, yet the spatial context of single-cell phenotypes within these stratified subgroups is poorly understood. Here we apply imaging mass cytometry to characterize the tumour and immunological landscape of samples from 416 patients with lung adenocarcinoma across five histological patterns. We resolve more than 1.6 million cells, enabling spatial analysis of immune lineages and activation states with distinct clinical correlates, including survival. Using deep learning, we can predict with high accuracy those patients who will progress after surgery using a single 1-mm² tumour core, which could be informative for clinical management following surgical resection. Our dataset represents a valuable resource for the non-small cell lung cancer research community and exemplifies the utility of spatial resolution within single-cell analyses. This study also highlights how artificial intelligence can improve our understanding of microenvironmental features that underlie cancer progression and may influence future clinical practice.

Role of Radiomics Features and Machine Learning for the Histological Classification of Stage I and Stage II NSCLC at [18F]FDG PET/CT: A Comparison between Two PET/CT Scanners

The aim of this study was to compare two different PET/CT tomographs for the evaluation of the role of radiomics features (RaF) and machine learning (ML) in the prediction of the histological classification of stage I and II non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT. A total of 227 patients were retrospectively included and, after volumetric segmentation, RaF were extracted. All of the features were tested for significant differences between the two scanners and considering both the scanners together, and their performances in predicting the histology of NSCLC were analyzed by testing of different ML approaches: Logistic Regressor (LR), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Decision Tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF). In general, the models with best performances for all the scanners were kNN and LR and moreover the kNN model had better performances compared to the other. The impact of the PET/CT scanner used for the acquisition of the scans on the performances of RaF was evident: mean area under the curve (AUC) values for scanner 2 were lower compared to scanner 1 and both the scanner considered together. In conclusion, our study enabled the selection of some [18F]FDG PET/CT RaF and ML models that are able to predict with good performances the histological subtype of NSCLC. Furthermore, the type of PET/CT scanner may influence these performances.

Postoperative surveillance using low-dose computed tomography for non-small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively analysed the surgical prognosis of patients with pathological stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who after complete resection underwent low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) or conventional CT as postoperative surveillance.

METHODS

We investigated 416 patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy between January 2013 and December 2016. We compared the prognosis between the LDCT and conventional CT groups using the propensity score-matched analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 57 months. Cancer recurrence occurred in 47 patients (11.3%). In the entire cohort (n = 416), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were better in the LDCT group (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Both intrathoracic recurrence and distant metastasis were higher in the conventional group (P = 0.015 and 0.009, respectively). However, there was no statistical difference in the factors leading to recurrence detection (routine radiological examination, symptoms and elevated tumour markers: all P > 0.05). Both groups were matched using a ratio of 1:1. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.788. A total of 226 patients were successfully matched. After matching, there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for RFS and OS (P = 0.263 and 0.226). There were also no statistical differences in recurrence rate, the factors leading to recurrence detection or recurrence site (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After using propensity score matched, RFS and OS did not differ significantly between LDCT and conventional CT groups. Retrospective comparisons suggest no disadvantages of using LDCT for postoperative surveillance of pathological stage I NSCLC. Further validation will be needed in the future.

Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the postoperative follow-up in patients with stage I-III NSCLC: A retrospective single-institution study

BACKGROUND

The optimal surveillance strategy in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. Early detection of recurrences by follow-up imaging might improve survival and whole-body 18F-FDG-PET/CT might be the optimal imaging modality given its high accuracy in preoperative staging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from a single-center cohort of 205 patients with resected stage I-III NSCLC and FDG-PET/CT surveillance was retrospectively collected. Patients had preoperative FDG-positive tumors and FDG-PET/CT at 6, 12, 24 months, chest CT at 18 months. Thereafter, annual chest CT was performed for stage I-II, annual FDG-PET/CT for stage III.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 26.3 months (range, 4.1-60.6), the rate for recurrence and secondary primary lung cancer (SPLC) was 22 % and 8 %, respectively. Associated symptoms were present in 48 % (recurrence) and 18 % (SPLC) of patients. Overall, 83 % of recurrences, and 65 % of SPLC were detected on FDG-PET/CT. 82 % of recurrences were detected in one of the first two follow-up PET/CT scans. Second curatively intended treatment (SCIT) was possible in 37 % of patients with recurrence and 100 % with SPLC. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate after SCIT for recurrence was 53 % [95 %CI; 31-91 %]. Non-malignant FDG-positive findings occurred in 25 % of patients (71 % possible infections).

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of patients, more than 80% of all recurrences were identified in one of the three FDG-PET/CTs performed as part of our imaging protocol during the first two years after resection. Nearly all patients with non-distant recurrence qualified for a SCIT. Further studies are needed to identify patients who might benefit from an even more intensive surveillance strategy.

Radiomics Signature to Predict Prognosis in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma (≤3 cm) Patients with No Lymph Node Metastasis

Objectives: To investigate the predictive ability of radiomics signature to predict the prognosis of early-stage primary lung adenocarcinoma (≤3 cm) with no lymph node metastasis (pathological stage I). Materials and Methods: This study included consecutive patients with lung adenocarcinoma (≤3 cm) with no lymph node metastasis (pathological stage I) and divided them into two groups: good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. The association between the radiomics signature and prognosis was explored. An integrative radiomics model was constructed to demonstrate the value of the radiomics signature for individualized prognostic prediction. Results: Six radiomics features were significantly different between the two prognosis groups and were used to construct a radiomics model. On the training and test sets, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of the radiomics model in discriminating between the two groups were 0.946 and 0.888, respectively, and those of the pathological model were 0.761 and 0.798, respectively. A radiomics nomogram combining sex, tumor size and rad-score was built. Conclusion: The radiomics signature has potential utility in estimating the prognosis of patients with pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma (≤3 cm), potentially enabling a step forward in precision medicine.

Chemo-radiotherapy plus durvalumab for loco-regional relapse of resected NSCLC

BACKGROUND

tumor recurrence after NSCLC surgical resection is the most common cause of treatment failure that sharply reduces the patient's life expectancy. The optimal treatment strategy for loco-regional recurrences developing after surgical resection in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not established yet. This report aims to describe the pattern of relapse, PFS, and OS in patients treated with radio-chemotherapy and durvalumab for loco-regional relapse after surgery.

METHODS

 We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study including subjects who underwent surgical resection for NSCLC and were treated with Pacific protocol after loco-regional relapse.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. At the time of diagnosis mean age was 65 years (range 47-78), the majority being male (58.3%). The 12-month progression-free survival rate was 68.7%, the 18-month progression-free survival rate was 45.8%, and the 24-month progression-free survival rate was 34.3%. There were three deaths: the 12-month survival rate was 91%, and the 18-month survival rate was 82.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we propose a treatment strategy that might prolong post recurrence survival in patients with good performance status experiencing loco-regional relapse after surgery.

Applying PET-CT for predicting the efficacy of SBRT to inoperable early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: A Brazilian case-series

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a treatment option for early-stage inoperable primary lung cancer. Here we report a thorough description of the prognostic value of pre-SBRT SUVmax for predicting the efficacy of SBRT in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of consecutive cases of early-stage inoperable lung adenocarcinoma, staged with PET-CT, treated with SBRT between 2007 and 17. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were used to assess overall survival and compare time to event between those with PET-CT SUVmax values ≤ 5.0 and those > 5. Fisher's Exact tests and the Mann-Whitney U were used to compare the patient and clinical data of those with SUVmax≤5.0 and >5.0, and those with and without any failure.

FINDINGS

Amongst 50 lung carcinoma lesions, from 47 patients (34 (68%)-T1a or <T1b), estimated median overall survival from the KM was 44.9 months (95% confidence interval 35.5-54.3). Five experienced a local failure, which was inadequate for detecting differences between those with PET-CT SUVmax ≤5.0 and those >5 (p = 0.112). In addition, 5 experienced a regional failure and 4 a distant failure. Higher PET-CT SUVmax values before SBRT were associated with an increased risk of any failure (36% versus 0%, p = 0.0040 on Fisher's Exact test) and faster time to event (p = 0.010, log rank test). Both acute and late toxicities profile were acceptable.

INTERPRETATION

Patients with early-stage inoperable lung adenocarcinoma present good clinical outcomes when treated with SBRT. We raised the hypothesis that the value of PET-CT SUVmax before SBRT may be an important predictive factor in disease control.

FUNDING

None.

Surgical strategies for patients with second primary non-small cell lung cancer lesions 2 cm or less in diameter

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The wide application of low-dose computed tomography (CT) has led to an increase in the detection of small lung cancer lesions. Moreover, surgical recommendations for second primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lesions ≤ 2 cm are obscure. This study compares the efficacy of wedge resection, lobectomy, and segmentectomy for small second primary NSCLC lesions.

METHODS

The cohort was established based on the SEER database. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and restricted mean survival time (RMST) values were applied to identify prognostic factors. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to plot the survival curves of the different subgroups according to propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to then compare the therapeutic efficacy of the surgical procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 568 patients were enrolled in this study. Age, sex, grade, and lymph node ratio were selected as independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in survival probabilities among the groups of patients who underwent segmentectomy, wedge resection, or lobectomy (p > 0.05). We also established a nomogram model based on the four prognostic factors to guide clinical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of our study, segmentectomy was more appropriate than lobectomy for patients with a second primary NSCLC lesion ≤ 2 cm in diameter. The evidence to support other recommendations is insufficient.

The miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster promotes postoperative progression of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

Even with optimal surgery, many early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients die of recurrence. Unfortunately, there are no precise predictors for postoperative recurrence in early-stage NSCLC, and the recurrence mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we found that simultaneous overexpression of all miRNAs in the miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster was closely associated with postoperative recurrence, β-catenin upregulation and promoter methylation of p16 and CDH13 in early-stage NSCLC patients. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments show that overexpression or inhibition of all miRNAs in the miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster significantly stimulated or inhibited NSCLC cell stemness, tumorigenicity and metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster miRNAs activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting their suppressors and stimulated promoter methylation-induced silencing of p16 and CDH13 by affecting DNA methylation-related genes expression. Our findings suggest that simultaneous high expression of all miRNAs in the miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster represents a new biomarker for predicting postoperative recurrence in early-stage NSCLC. The miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster miRNAs stimulate early-stage NSCLC progression through simultaneously stimulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and promoter methylation-induced tumor suppressor genes silencing. In addition, simultaneous inhibition of all miRNAs in the miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster may be a useful strategy for treatment of early-stage NSCLC recurrence.

Comparison Between Wedge Resection and Lobectomy/Segmentectomy for Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Bayesian Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surgery has become an accepted method for the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this Bayesian meta-analysis was to compare the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) between wedge resection and lobectomy/segmentectomy for treatment of early-stage NSCLC.

METHODS

Eligible studies were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and WanFang up to July 2021 and screened based on established selection criteria. The Bayesian meta-analysis was performed with the combination of the reported survival outcomes of the individual studies using a random-effect model. The OS, DFS, and RFS of the wedge resection group was compared with the lobectomy/segmentectomy group. The hazard ratio (HR) and standard error were extracted or calculated for each study using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

This study was registered with PROSPERO (INPLASY202080090).The pooled OS hazard ratio between segmentectomy and lobectomy was 1.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92-1.4], the pooled HR between lobectomy and wedge resection was 0.71 [95% CI 0.52-0.96], and the pooled HR between segmentectomy and wedge was 0.80 [95% CI 0.56-1.10]. The pooled HR of DFS or RFS was not statistically significant among the three surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early-stage NSCLC received lobectomy had the lowest hazard ratio of OS than patients received wedge resection, indicating that the overall survival of patients received lobectomy was higher than patients received wedge resection. However, regarding DFS and RFS, the three surgical approaches showed no significant difference.

Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients’ Perceptions of Presurgical Discussions

Background

Patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have high survival rates, but patients often say they did not anticipate the effect of the surgery on their postsurgical quality of life (QoL). This study adds to the literature regarding patient and surgeon interactions and highlights the areas where the current approach is not providing good communication.

Design

Since its start in 2016, the Initiative for Early Lung Cancer Research on Treatment (IELCART), a prospective cohort study, has enrolled 543 patients who underwent surgery for stage I NSCLC within the Mount Sinai Health System. Presurgical patient and surgeon surveys were available for 314 patients, postsurgical surveys for 420, and both pre- and postsurgical surveys for 285.

Results

Of patients with presurgical surveys, 31.2% said that their surgeon recommended multiple types of treatment. Of patients with postsurgical surveys, 85.0% felt very well prepared and 11.4% moderately well prepared for their postsurgical recovery. The median Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung Cancer score and social support score of the patients who felt very well prepared was significantly higher than those moderately or not well prepared (24.0 v. 22.0, P < 0.001) and (5.0 [interquartile range: 4.7–5.0] v. 5.0 [IQR: 4.2–5.0], p = 0.015).

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the areas where surgeons are communicating well with their patients as well as the areas where patients still feel uninformed. Most surgeons feel that they prepare their patients well or very well for surgical recovery, whereas some patients still feel that their surgeons did not prepare them well for postsurgical recovery. Surgeons may want to spend additional time emphasizing postsurgical recovery and QoL with their patients or provide their patients with additional avenues to get their questions and concerns addressed.

Highlights

Completion lobectomy after anatomical segmentectomy

OBJECTIVES

Completion lobectomy (CL) after anatomical segmentectomy in the same lobe can be complicated by severe adhesions around the hilar structures and may lead to fatal bleeding and lung injury. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the perioperative outcomes of CL after anatomical segmentectomy.

METHODS

Among 461 patients who underwent anatomical segmentectomy (thoracotomy, 62 patients; thoracoscopic surgery, 399 patients) between January 2005 and December 2019, data of patients who underwent CL after segmentectomy were extracted and analysed in this study.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent CL after segmentectomy. CL was performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery in 3 patients and thoracotomy in 5 patients. In each case, there were moderate to severe adhesions. Four patients required simultaneous resection of the pulmonary parenchyma and pulmonary artery. Thoracotomy was not required after thoracoscopic surgery in any patient. Two patients experienced complications (air leakage and arrhythmia). The median duration of hospitalization after CL was 6 (range, 5-7) days. No postoperative mortality or recurrence of lung cancer was observed. All the patients with lung cancer were alive and recurrence-free at the time of publication.

CONCLUSIONS

Although individual adhesions render surgery difficult, CL after anatomical segmentectomy shows acceptable perioperative outcomes. However, CL by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the initial surgery.

New Insights into the Importance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: Future Clinical Approaches

In mammals, a large part of the gene expression products come from the non-coding ribonucleotide sequences of the protein. These short and long sequences are within the range of tens to hundreds of nucleotides, encompassing more than 200 RNA molecules, and their function is known as the molecular structure of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). LncRNA molecules are unique nucleotides that have a substantial role in epigenetic regulation, transcription, and post-transcriptional modifications in different ways. According to the results of recent studies, lncRNAs have been shown to assume various roles, including tumor suppression or oncogenic functions in common types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer. These non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a pivotal role in activating transcription factors, managing the ribonucleoproteins, the framework for collecting co-proteins, intermittent processing regulations, chromatin status alterations, and maintaining the control within the cell. Cutting-edge technologies have been introduced to disclose several types of lncRNAs within the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which have accomplished important achievements that are applicable in medicine. Due to these efforts, various data centers have been created to facilitate and modify scientific information related to these molecules, including detection, classification, biological evolution, gene status, spatial structure, status, and location of these small molecules. In the present study, we attempt to present the impacts of these ncRNAs on lung cancer with an emphasis on their mechanisms and functions.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis and Treatment Strategies of Tumor Recurrence-Associated Hub Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Despite the recent progress of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) therapy, tumor recurrence remained to be a challenging factor that impedes the effectiveness of treatment. The objective of the present study was to predict the hub genes affecting LUAD recurrence via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Microarray samples from LUAD dataset of GSE32863 were analyzed, and the modules with the highest correlation to tumor recurrence were selected. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted, followed by establishment of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Subsequently, hub genes were identified by overall survival analyses and further validated by evaluation of expression in both myeloid populations and tissue samples of LUAD. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then carried out, and construction of transcription factors (TF)-hub gene and drug-hub gene interaction network was also achieved. A total of eight hub genes (ACTR3, ARPC5, RAB13, HNRNPK, PA2G4, WDR12, SRSF1, and NOP58) were finally identified to be closely correlated with LUAD recurrence. In addition, TFs that regulate hub genes have been predicted, including MYC, PML, and YY1. Finally, drugs including arsenic trioxide, cisplatin, Jinfukang, and sunitinib were mined for the treatment of the eight hub genes. In conclusion, our study may facilitate the invention of targeted therapeutic drugs and shed light on the understanding of the mechanism for LUAD recurrence.

Long-term assessment of efficacy with a novel thoracic survivorship program for patients with lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

We developed a novel, nurse practitioner-run Thoracic Survivorship Program to aid in long-term follow-up. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer who were disease-free at least 1 year after resection could be referred to the Thoracic Survivorship Program by their surgeon. Our objectives were to summarize follow-up compliance and assess long-term outcomes between Thoracic Survivorship Program enrollment and non-Thoracic Survivorship Program.

METHODS

Patients who underwent R0 resection for stages I to IIIA between 2006 and 2016 were stratified by enrollment in Thoracic Survivorship Program versus surgeon only follow-up (non-Thoracic Survivorship Program). Follow-up included 6-month chest computed tomography scans for 2 years and then annually. Lack of follow-up compliance was defined by 2 or more consecutive delayed annual computed tomography scans/visits ± 90 days. Relationships between Thoracic Survivorship Program and second primary non--small cell lung cancers, extrathoracic cancers, and survival were quantified using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariate reflecting timing of enrollment.

RESULTS

A total of 1162 of 3940 patients (29.5%) were enrolled in the Thoracic Survivorship Program. The median time to enrollment was 2.3 years; 3279 of 3940 (83%) had complete computed tomography scan data, and 60 of 3279 (1.8%) had 2 or more delayed scans; 323 of 9082 (3.6%) non-Thoracic Survivorship Program visits were noncompliant versus 132 of 4823 (2.7%) of Thoracic Survivorship Program visits (P = .009); 136 of 1146 Thoracic Survivorship Program patients developed second primary non-small cell lung cancer, and 69 of 1123 developed extrathoracic cancer, whereas 322 of 2794 of non-Thoracic Survivorship Program patients developed second primary non-small cell lung cancer and 225 of 2817 patients developed extrathoracic cancer. In multivariable analyses, Thoracic Survivorship Program enrollment was associated with improved disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.67; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel nurse practitioner-run Thoracic Survivorship Program is associated with high patient compliance and outcomes not different from those seen with physician-based follow-up. These results have important implications for health care resource allocation and costs.

Prognostic Difference of Pleural versus Distant Metastasis after Surgery for Lung Cancer

Background: Pleural metastasis in lung cancer found at diagnosis has a poor prognosis, with 5–11 months’ survival. We hypothesized that prognosis might be different for patients who have had curative-intent surgery and subsequent pleural recurrence and that survival might differ based on the location of the first metastasis (distant versus pleural). This may clarify if pleural recurrence is a local event or due to systemic disease. Methods: A database of 5089 patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for lung cancer was queried, and 85 patients were found who had biopsy-proven pleural metastasis during surveillance. We examined survival based on pattern of metastasis (pleural first versus distant first/simultaneously). Results: Median survival was 34 months (range: 1–171) from the time of surgery and 13 months (range: 0–153) from the time of recurrence. The shortest median survival after recurrence was in patients with adenocarcinoma and pleural metastasis as the first site (6 months). For patients with pleural metastasis as the first site, those with adenocarcinoma had a significantly shorter post-recurrence survival when compared with squamous cell carcinoma (6 vs. 12 months; HR = 0.34) and a significantly shorter survival from the time of surgery when compared with distant metastases first/simultaneously (25 vs. 52 months; HR = 0.49). Conclusions: Patients who undergo curative-intent surgery for lung adenocarcinoma that have pleural recurrence as the first site have poor survival. This may indicate that pleural recurrence after lung surgery is not likely due to a localized event but rather indicates systemic disease; however, this would require further study.

Salvage radiation therapy for postoperative locoregionally recurrent non-small cell lung cancer: a single-center experience

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of salvage radiation therapy (RT) in patients with locoregional recurrence (LRR) following initial curative resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and identify the prognostic factors affecting survival.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2019, 54 patients with LRR after NSCLC surgery were treated with salvage RT (83.3%) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (16.7%). Twenty-three (42.6%), 21 (38.9%), and 10 (18.5%) patients had local, regional, and both recurrences, respectively. The median RT dose was 66 Gy (range, 37.5 to 70 Gy). The radiation target volume included recurrent lesions with or without regional lymphatics depending on the location and recurrence type.

Results

The median follow-up time from the start of RT was 28.3 months (range, 2.4 to 112.4 months) and disease-free interval (DFI) from surgery to recurrence was 21.0 months (range, 0.5 to 92.3 months). Tumor response after RT was complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease in 17, 29, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. The rates of freedom from local progression at 1 and 2 years were 77.2% and 66.0%, respectively. The median survival duration after RT was 24.8 months, and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 51.1%. On univariate analysis, initial stage, recurrence site, DFI, and tumor response after RT were significant prognostic factors for OS. DFI ≥12 months and tumor response after RT were statistically significant factors on multivariate Cox analysis for OS.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of salvage RT for LRR of NSCLC following curative surgery.

A risk classification system predicting the cancer-specific survival for postoperative stage IB non-small-cell lung cancer patients without lymphovascular and visceral pleural invasion

BACKGROUND

This study aims to formulate a risk classification system predicting the cancer-specific survival (CSS) for postoperative stage IB NSCLC patients without lymphovascular (LVI) and visceral pleural (VPI) invasion to guide treatment decision making and assist patient counseling.

METHOD

A total of 4,238 patients were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts (7:3). The risk factors were identified by Cox regression. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and Decision Curve Analyses (DCAs) were used to evaluate the performance of nomogram. We applied X-tile to calculate the optimal cut-off points and develop a risk classification system. The Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to evaluate CSS in different risk groups, and the significance was evaluated by log-rank test.

RESULT

Among the 4,238 patients, 1,014(23.9%) suffered cancer-specific death. In the training cohort, univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that age, gender, pathological subtype, grade, tumor size, the number of removed lymph nodes and surgical type were significantly associated with CSS. According to these results, the nomogram was formulated. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.755 in the training cohort (95%CI: 0.733-0.777) and 0.726 (95%CI: 0.695-0.757) in the validation cohort. The calibration curves in training and validation cohort exhibited good agreement between the predictions and actual observations. The Decision Curve Analyses (DCAs) showed net benefit can be achieved for nomogram. A risk classification system was further constructed that could perfectly classify patients into three risk groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we constructed a nomogram to support individualized evaluation of CSS and a risk classification system to identify patients in the different risk groups in stage IB NSCLC patients without LVI and VPI. These tools could be useful in guiding treatment decision making and assisting patient counseling.

Signature identification of relapse-related overall survival of early lung adenocarcinoma after radical surgery

Background

The widespread use of low-dose chest CT screening has improved the detection of early lung adenocarcinoma. Radical surgery is the best treatment strategy for patients with early lung adenocarcinoma; however, some patients present with postoperative recurrence and poor prognosis. Through this study, we hope to establish a model that can identify patients that are prone to recurrence and have poor prognosis after surgery for early lung adenocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods

We screened prognostic and relapse-related genes using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the GSE50081 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE30219 dataset was used to further screen target genes and construct a risk prognosis signature. Time-dependent ROC analysis, calibration degree analysis, and DCA were used to evaluate the reliability of the model. We validated the TCGA dataset, GSE50081, and GSE30219 internally. External validation was conducted in the GSE31210 dataset.

Results

A novel four-gene signature (INPP5B, FOSL2, CDCA3, RASAL2) was established to predict relapse-related survival outcomes in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma after surgery. The discovery of these genes may reveal the molecular mechanism of recurrence and poor prognosis of early lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, ROC analysis, calibration analysis and DCA were used to verify the genetic signature internally and externally. Our results showed that our gene signature had a good predictive ability for recurrence and prognosis.

Conclusions

We established a four-gene signature and predictive model to predict the recurrence and corresponding survival rates in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma after surgery. These may be helpful for reforumulating post-operative consolidation treatment strategies.

Guiding Principles in the Management of Synchronous and Metachronous Primary Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Multiple lung cancers can be found simultaneously, with incidence ranging from 1% to 8%. Documentation of more than 1 pulmonary lesion can be challenging, because these solid, ground-glass, or mixed-density tumors may represent multicentric malignant disease or intrapulmonary metastases. If mediastinal nodal and distant deposits are excluded, surgery should be contemplated. After surgical treatment of lung cancer, patients should be followed closely for an undetermined period of time. Good clinical judgment is of outmost importance in deciding which individuals will benefit from those surgical interventions and which are candidates for alternate therapies. Every case should be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting.

Modification of Pathologic T Classification for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Visceral Pleural Invasion: Data From 1,055 Cases of Cancers ≤ 3 cm

BACKGROUND

Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) with PL1 or PL2 increases the T classification from T1 to T2 in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) ≤ 3 cm. We proposed a modified T classification based on VPI to guide adjuvant therapy.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is it reasonable to upstage PL1-positive cases from T1 to T2 for NSCLCs ≤ 3 cm?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In total, 1,055 patients with resected NSCLC were retrospectively included. Tumor sections were restained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and Victoria blue elastic stain for the elastic layer. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Subgroup analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to further determine the impact of VPI on survival.

RESULTS

The extent of VPI was diagnosed as PL0 in 824 patients, PL1 in 133 patients, and PL2 in 98 patients. The 5-year DFS rates of patients with PL0, PL1, and PL2 were 62.6%, 60.2%, and 28.8% (P < .01), whereas the corresponding 5-year OS rates were 78.6%, 74.4%, and 50.0% (P < .01), respectively. As predicted, the DFS and OS of patients with PL2 were much worse than those of patients with PL0 (P < .01) and PL1 (P < .01). However, both the DFS and OS of patients with PL0 and PL1 were comparable (DFS: P = .198; OS: P = .150). For node-negative cases, the DFS and OS of patients with PL0 and PL1 were also comparable (DFS: P = .468; OS: P = .388), but patients with PL2 had much worse DFS and OS than patients with PL0 (P < .01) and PL1 (P < .01). Multivariable analyses suggested that PL2, together with node positivity and poor cell differentiation, was an independent adverse prognostic factor.

INTERPRETATION

In NSCLCs ≤ 3 cm, tumors with PL1 should remain defined as T1, not T2. Overtreatment by adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative NSCLCs ≤ 3 cm might be avoided in PL1 cases.

Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis Predicts the Recurrence in Resected Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring EGFR Mutations

Targeted NGS, widely applied to identify driver oncogenes in advanced lung adenocarcinoma, may also be applied to resected early stage cancers. We investigated resected EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma mutation profiles to evaluate prognostic impacts. Tissues from 131 patients who had complete resection of stage I-IIIA EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed by targeted NGS for 207 cancer-related genes. Recurrence free survival (RFS) was estimated according to genetic alterations using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional regression analysis. The relapse rate was 25.2% (33/131). Five-year RFS of stages IA, IB, II, and IIIA were 82%, 75%, 35%, and 0%, respectively (p < 0.001). RFS decreased with the number of co-mutations (p = 0.025). Among co-mutations, the CTNNB1 mutation was associated with short RFS in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.1-14.4; p = 0.001). TP53 mutations were associated with short RFS in stage IB-IIIA (p = 0.01). RFS was shorter with EGFR exon 19 deletion (19-del) than with mutation 21-L858R in stage IB-IIIA tumors (p = 0.008). Among 19-del subtypes, pL747_P753delinS (6/56, 8.9%) had shorter RFS than pE746_A750del (39/56, 69.6%), the most frequent subtype (p = 0.004).

Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis for Recurrence in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Despite surgical resection, early lung adenocarcinoma has a recurrence rate of 20-50%. No clear predictive markers for recurrence of early lung adenocarcinoma are available. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) is rarely used to identify recurrence-related genes. We aimed to identify genetic alterations that can predict recurrence, by comparing the molecular profiles of patient groups with and without recurrence.

METHODS

Tissues from 230 patients with resected stage I-II lung adenocarcinoma (median follow-up: 49 months) were analyzed via targeted NGS for 207 cancer-related genes. The recurrence-free survival according to the number and type of mutation was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Independent predictive biomarkers related to recurrence were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Recurrence was observed in 64 patients (27.8%). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, smoking history, stage, surgical mode, and visceral pleural invasion, the CTNNB1 mutation and fusion genes (ALK, ROS1, RET) were negative prognostic factors for recurrence in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (HR 4.47, p = 0.001; HR 2.73, p = 0.009). EGFR mutation was a favorable factor (HR 0.51, p = 0.016), but the CTNNB1/EGFR co-mutations were negative predictors (HR 19.2, p < 0.001). TP53 mutation was a negative predictor compared with EGFR mutation for recurrence (HR 5.24, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted NGS can provide valuable information to predict recurrence and identify patients at high recurrence risk, facilitating selection of the treatment strategy among close monitoring and adjuvant-targeted therapy. Larger datasets are required to validate these findings.