Second primary cancers related to smoking and treatment of small-cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer Working Cadre

The pathogenic germline ETV4 P433L mutation identified in multiple primary lung cancer affect tumor stem-like property by Wnt/β-catenin pathway

The occurrence of multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) has witnessed a significant surge in recent years within the Chinese population. MPLC is distinguished by its potential genetic susceptibility and notable genetic heterogeneity. Investigating the etiology of MPLC holds substantial clinical importance.The whole genome sequencing (WGS) and genome-wide linkage analysis were performed in a family affected by a dominant form of lung abnormalities. Specifically, five family members were diagnosed with MPLC, while nine members had pulmonary nodules and one normal member. To confirm the potential pathogenic germline mutations sites, Sanger sequencing was performed in an additional 162 MPLC family patients. Furthermore, molecular biology experiments were conducted to investigate the function and the mechanism of the identified pathogenic mutation site in lung cancer A549 and H322, both in vitro and in vivo. Linkage analysis revealed the presence of shared genomic regions among affected family members. Subsequent exome sequencing identified a deleterious variant within these linkage intervals, specifically a heterozygous mutation in ETS-oncogene transcription factors 4 (ETV4). This particular variant was found in affected family members at a rate of 13 out of 15 individuals. Furthermore, ETV4 P433L mutation could be detected in an additional MPLC family patients and mutation frequency was 3.7% (6 out of 162). The ETV4 P433L mutations site was introduced into lung cancer cell lines, resulting in altered migration and stem-like properties of the cancer cells. Further investigation revealed that the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is associated with stemness, could be attributed to the presence of the ETV4 P433L mutation, suggesting its involvement in tumor promotion. A novel pathogenic germline mutation, ETV4 P433L, was identified in a dominant MPLC family, with a mutation rate of 3.7% among MPLC family patients. The ETV4 P433L mutation was found to impact the stem-like properties and migration of tumors through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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.

Multiple primary lung cancer: Updates and perspectives

Management of multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) remains challenging, partly due to its increasing incidence, especially with the significant rise in cases of multiple lung nodules caused by low-dose computed tomography screening. Moreover, the indefinite pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment selection add to the complexity. In recent years, there have been continuous efforts to dissect the molecular characteristics of MPLC and explore new diagnostic approaches as well as treatment modalities, which will be reviewed here, with a focus on newly emerging evidence and future perspectives, hope to provide new insights into the management of MPLC and serve as inspiration for future research related to MPLC.

Bilateral synchronous double primary lung cancer: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Bilateral synchronous double primary lung cancer (sDPLC) is a rare disease in clinics. This study analyzed the clinical data of a patient with bilateral sDPLC, aiming to improve medical workers' understanding of the disease and avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Abstract

A 68-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with "intermittent cough and expectoration for two months." Enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) showed that the upper lobe of the left lung had a mass of high-density shadow, bronchial opening of the left lobe was thickened, lumen was narrow, and middle lobe of the right lung had a mass of high-density shadow. Bronchoscopy was performed to observe the microscopic characteristics of the lesions in the upper lobe of the left lung, and abnormal mucosa was biopsied. The pathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed that it was small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the upper lobe of the left lung. Considering the occupation of the middle lobe of the right lung, CT-guided lung biopsy was performed, and the pathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed that it was moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the middle lobe of the right lung. Clinicians should strengthen their understanding of sDPLC and focus on the imaging characteristics of chest CT and performance under bronchoscopy. Additionally, it is necessary to perform both CT-guided lung biopsy and bronchoscopy to obtain histopathological findings for the diagnosis.

Smoking status among cancer patients by specialty: A U.S. nationwide representative analysis

BACKGROUND

Persistence in tobacco use among cancer survivors has been associated with a multitude of clinicodemographic factors. However, there is a paucity of understanding regarding the role the healthcare professional's specialty plays in tobacco cessation in tobacco-related cancer survivors.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from cancer survivors with a smoking history using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database to examine differences in the proportion of patients continuing tobacco use among patients with a diagnosis of cancer segregated by cancer site specialty over the 2016-2020 period. We accounted for complex survey design and used sampling weights to obtain a nationwide representative sample. We employed modified Poisson regression adjusting for age, gender, education, income, race, marital status, and medical specialty.

RESULTS

We analyzed 19,855 cancer survivors with a current or past history of tobacco use, of whom 5222 (26,3%) self-reported to be current smokers. Patients with urological and gynecological tobacco-related malignancies had a higher relative risk (RR) of being current smokers with a RR of 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.51) and 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.39) respectively. Malignant Hematology had the lowest RR of smoking status among all other specialties RR 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuing smoking rates among tobacco-related cancer survivors were different between specialties. One in four cancer survivors were current smokers; this emphasizes health professionals' paramount role in tobacco cessation counseling.

Multiple primary lung cancer: Updates of clinical management and genomic features

In recent decades, multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) has been increasingly prevalent in clinical practice. However, many details about MPLC have not been completely settled, such as understanding the driving force, clinical management, pathological mechanisms, and genomic architectures of this disease. From the perspective of diagnosis and treatment, distinguishing MPLC from lung cancer intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) has been a clinical hotpot for years. Besides, compared to patients with single lung lesion, the treatment for MPLC patients is more individualized, and non-operative therapies, such as ablation and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), are prevailing. The emergence of next-generation sequencing has fueled a wave of research about the molecular features of MPLC and advanced the NCCN guidelines. In this review, we generalized the latest updates on MPLC from definition, etiology and epidemiology, clinical management, and genomic updates. We summarized the different perspectives and aimed to offer novel insights into the management of MPLC.

Treating with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) Accompanying Lower Incidence of Second Primary Cancers

Lung cancer survivors are at risk of developing second primary cancers (SPCs). Although some risk factors for the development of SPCs have been addressed, their impacts have not been clarified. This study, based on Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), a nationwide database, was designed to investigate the risk factors for SPCs in patients with initial lung cancer and identify the impacts of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment on the development of SPCs. In this study, 37,954 individuals were included, of whom 2819 had SPCs. These patients were further divided into the second primary lung cancers (SPLC) and second primary extrapulmonary cancer (SPEC) groups. Among the patients with lung cancer without SPCs, those aged <65 years accounted for 53.15%. Patients aged ≥65 years accounted for 40.18% and 53.24% in the SPLC and SPEC groups, respectively. Females accounted for 50.3% of patients without SPC, 54% of the SPLC group, and 44.3% of the SPEC group. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models showed increased hazard ratios for smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, and lower HRs for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and TKIs. Patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were associated with a lower risk of SPCs. Treatment with EGFR TKIs was a significant and independent factor associated with lower incidence of SPCs. This study may encourage researchers to establish predictive models based on our results to assess the risk factors for SPCs, and therefore, early screening and intervention could be applied, and the SPCs-related mortality and relevant medical costs could be reduced.

Study protocol for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial testing virtual tobacco treatment in oncology practices [Smokefree Support Study 2.0]

BACKGROUND

Persistent smoking among patients diagnosed with cancer is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, yet an evidence-based tobacco use intervention has not been well-integrated into cancer care in community oncology settings. This paper describes the protocol of a nation-wide clinical trial conducted by the ECOG-ACRIN National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base to assess the effectiveness of a virtual tobacco treatment intervention and the process of implementing tobacco treatment in NCORP community oncology settings.

METHODS/DESIGN

This two-arm, multisite (n: 49 NCORP sites) hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of a Virtual Intervention Treatment (VIT) versus an Enhanced Usual Control (EUC) among English and Spanish speaking patients recently diagnosed with cancer, reporting current smoking and receiving care at a participating NCORP Community or Minority/Underserved Site. The VIT includes up to 11 virtual counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment specialist and up to 12 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The EUC arm receives a referral to the NCI Quitline. The primary study outcome is biochemically confirmed 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence. Moderators of treatment effect will be assessed. The study evaluates implementation processes from participating NCORP site staff via survey, administrative, and focus group data, including reach, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, feasibility, adoption, cost and sustainability outcomes.

DISCUSSION

This trial will generate findings about the effectiveness of an evidence-based virtual tobacco treatment intervention targeting patients diagnosed with cancer and illuminate barriers and facilitators that influence implementing tobacco treatment into community oncology settings nationally. In the era of COVID-19, virtual care solutions are vital for maximizing access and utilization of tobacco treatment delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03808818) on January 18th, 2019; Last update posted: May 21st, 2020.

Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced DNA Damage via nAChR-Mediated Redox Reprograming-A New Mechanism for SCLC Chemoresistance Boosted by Nicotine

Up to 60% of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) continue to smoke, which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Platinum-based chemotherapies, in combination with topoisomerase inhibitors, are first-line therapies for SCLC, with rapid chemoresistance as a major barrier. We provided evidence in this study that nicotine and its major metabolite, cotinine, at physiologically relevant concentrations, reduced the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapies and facilitated chemoresistance in SCLC cells. Mechanistically, nicotine or cotinine reduced chemotherapy-induced DNA damage by modulating cellular redox processes, with nAChRs as the upstream targets. Surprisingly, cisplatin treatment alone also increased the levels of nAChRs in SCLC cells, which served as a self-defense mechanism against platinum-based therapies. These discoveries were confirmed in long-term in vitro and in vivo studies. Collectively, our results depicted a novel and clinically important mechanism of chemoresistance in SCLC treatment: nicotine exposure significantly compromises the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapies in SCLC treatment by reducing therapy-induced DNA damage and accelerating chemoresistance acquisition. The results also emphasized the urgent need for tobacco cessation and the control of NRT use for SCLC management.

Impact of Tobacco Smoking on Outcomes of Radiotherapy: A Narrative Review

The carcinogenic role of tobacco smoking is well recognized, but the detrimental effects of continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis have been underestimated. Radiotherapy is among the main treatment modalities for cancer. We reviewed the literature data concerning the impact of tobacco smoking on treatment outcomes in radiotherapy-managed patients with various malignancies. Most of the analyzed studies demonstrated the detrimental effect of smoking on overall survival, tumor control, quality of life, treatment toxicity, and the incidence of second primary malignancies. Healthcare professionals should use the cancer diagnosis and treatment as a teachable moment and recommend their patients to immediately cease smoking. Wherever possible, cancer patients should undergo an intensive smoking-cessation program, including behavioral and pharmacologic therapy.

Does irradiation for initial primary lung cancer affect the risk of metachronous second primary lung cancer?

Several studies have reported inconsistent results about second primary lung cancer (SPLC) after irradiation for initial primary lung cancer (IPLC). The present study aims to assess the effect of ionising radiation on the risk of SPLC. The study population came from SEER database, and included a population-based cohort of 21,397 individuals diagnosed with IPLC between 2004 and 2009 who survived more than 7 years after the initial diagnosis. The first aim was to estimate the risk of SPLC in different periods and the cumulative risk of SPLC. Subsequently, a generalized additive model with Poisson regression analysis and a proportional sub-distribution hazard model was used to determine whether radiation affected the risk of SPLC. Until Dec 2016, there were 488 individuals who developed SPLC, 5368 individuals who died, and there were 15,541 alive individuals, respectively. The risk of SPLC was found to gradually decline with the extent of follow-up time. Age and histology were the two main risk factors of developing SPLC in Poisson regression and competing risk analyses. In Poisson regression analysis, radiation had no significant effect on the risk of developing SPLC (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.54, 1.19, P = 0.28). When considered competing risk of all-cause death, the risk of SPLC in the radiation group was similar to that in the non-radiation group (adjusted sHR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.56, 1.13, P = 0.21). The risk of SPLC was different during different follow-up time. Irradiation for IPLC seemingly did not affect the risk of developing SPLC.

Clinical and surgical approaches for malignant pulmonary lesions after a previous extrapulmonary malignancy

BACKGROUND

In our study, since the operative histopathological distinction of new malignant pulmonary lesions as either a primary lung cancer or a pulmonary metastasis is difficult, we aimed to identify the clinical variables which might allow distinction between a new lung cancer and a pulmonary metastasis, and the appropriate surgical management.

METHODS

We divided 55 cases into two groups: patients with new lung cancer (NLC, n = 32) and patients with pulmonary metastases (PM, n = 23). Based on the primary organ, the previous malignancy was classified into four categories: head and neck, colorectal, genitourinary, and breast cancer. The parameters included in the study were age, sex, smoking history, a family history of cancer, disease-free interval, primary organ, treatments for previous malignancies, size, and SUV max of the lung lesion on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan and high-resolution computed tomography findings of the lung lesion.

RESULTS

A predisposition for larger lesions was found in the NLC group. In addition, in the NLC group, disease-free interval was noted to be longer, patients were significantly older and SUV-max values of solitary pulmonary lesions were significantly higher than in the PM group. Pulmonary lesions in patients with prior head and neck cancers were more likely to develop NLC. No significant difference in statistical analysis was observed between the groups in terms of sex, smoking, a family history of cancer, a history of adjuvant therapy, radiological pulmonary lesions signs, and localization.

CONCLUSION

PL monitoring on CT surveillance is essential, particularly in patients with previous head and neck cancers, who appear to have a higher risk for NLC. If pathological MLN accompanies PL in a patient with previous extrapulmonary malignancy, cervical mediastinoscopy may help acquire a possible PL diagnosis besides mediastinal staging. Intraoperative frozen section may have difficulty in distinguishing between PM and NLC when the lesion is of the same histological type as the previous malignancy. When precise distinction cannot be achieved by frozen section, we speculate that DFI, age, and radiological findings of the PL may help thoracic surgeons take initiative peroperatively while designating the subsequent surgical intervention. Lastly, pulmonary segmentectomy is also better be considered along with lobectomy in NLC cases.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with stage I multiple primary lung cancers

The number of patients with multiple primary lung cancers (MPLC) is rising. We studied the clinical features and factors related to outcomes of MPLC patients using the database of surgically resected lung cancer (LC) cases compiled by the Japanese Joint Committee of Lung Cancer Registry. From the 18 978 registered cases, 9689 patients with clinical stage I non‐small‐cell lung cancer who achieved complete resection were extracted. Tumors were defined as synchronous MPLC when multiple LC was simultaneously resected or treatment was carried out within 2 years after the initial surgery; metachronous MPLC was defined as second LC treated more than 2 years after the initial surgery. Of these cases, 579 (6.0%) were synchronous MPLC and 477 (5.0%) metachronous MPLC, with 51 overlapping cases. Female sex, nonsmoker, low consolidation‐tumor ratio (CTR), and adenocarcinoma were significantly more frequent in the synchronous MPLC group, whereas patients with metachronous MPLC had higher frequencies of male sex, smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and nonadenocarcinoma. There was no significant difference in survival rate between patients with and without synchronous or metachronous MPLC. Age, gender, CTR for second LC, and histological combination of primary and second LC were prognostic indicators for both types of MPLC. Logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, history of malignant disease other than LC, and COPD were risk factors for MPLC incidence. The present findings could have major implications regarding MPLC diagnosis and identification of independent prognostic factors, and provide valuable information for postoperative management of patients with MPLC.

Development of the health behaviour scale for cancer patients (HBSCP), analysis of its factorial structure and evaluation of its psychometric properties

OBJECTIVE

The development and validation of a health behaviour scale for cancer patients (HBSCP).

METHODS

An 11-item scale was developed based on existing literature on health behaviour and cancer prevention and care. Identified dimensions include the following: nutrition and weight, physical activity, nicotine and alcohol use, stress, and adherence to medical health services. Experts rated the items in regard to content and wording. The scale was tested in two cross-sectional datasets of n = 4626 and n = 4558 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Psychometric properties were assessed (internal consistency, item discrimination, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis). Correlations with physical functioning (EORTC QLQ-C30) and personality traits (Big Five Inventory) were computed (full assessment of construct validity was not possible).

RESULTS

A two-factor structure (1. adherence to medical health services; 2. Individual protective health behaviour) with nine items (item reduction due to findings in the factor analyses) with good item properties and reliability was identified. The scale showed significant associations with physical functioning and the personality traits of conscientiousness.

CONCLUSION

The HBSCP is an instrument with good psychometric properties that measures cancer patients' health behaviour. Healthcare providers and researchers can use the HBSCP in the context of health promotion and prevention.

Three metachronous primary lung cancers in a chronic smoker: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Smoking is major risk factor for initial and subsequent lung cancer especially in active smokers. Treatment of subsequent lung cancer depends on whether it is synchronous or metachronous. We report a rare case of triple metachronous lung cancer and review of literature of patients with triple metachronous cancers. This will be the second case reported of triple metachronous lung cancer.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 60-year-old male, active smoker with diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral arterial disease presented with cough and hemoptysis. Initial computed tomography (CT) scan showed right upper lobe spiculated mass.

DIAGNOSIS

He underwent transthoracic needle biopsy for right upper lobe mass, showing primary lung adenocarcinoma (ADC)-Stage-IIIA. He continued to smoke and 9-years later had new left upper lobe spiculated nodule, which on surgical resection showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-Stage-IA1. Despite counselling on smoking cessation, he was unable to quit. Six months later, he presented with shortness of breath and CT chest showing right hilar adenopathy in right upper and lower lobes. He underwent transbronchial biopsies of lesion which showed small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).

INTERVENTIONS

His initial lung ADC-Stage-IIIA, was treated with chemotherapy, weekly thoracic radiation and additional chemotherapy cycles. Nine years later, his left upper lobe mass showing SCC-Stage-IA1 was deemed curative after apical resection and he was kept on surveillance. Six months later, after diagnosis of SCLC in right upper and lower lobe, patient was not a candidate for systemic chemotherapy due to poor performance status and opted for hospice care.

OUTCOMES

His initial lung ADC-Stage-IIIA showed complete radiological response with chemotherapy and radiation. Subsequent SCC-Stage-IA1 was deemed curative after resection. Due to his poor performance status, he was not a candidate for chemotherapy for SCLC and patient opted for hospice care.

LESSONS

Smoking is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer and with continued smoking, patients are at higher risk for developing subsequent primary lung cancers. We recommend, patients with lung cancer must quit smoking, and those who do not, should remain on long-term surveillance.

A comprehensive algorithm to distinguish between MPLC and IPM in multiple lung tumors patients

Background

Diagnosis of multiple lung nodules has become convenient and frequent due to the improvement of computed tomography (CT) scans. However, to distinguish intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) from multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) remains challenging. Herein, for the accurate optimization of therapeutic options, we propose a comprehensive algorithm for multiple lung carcinomas based on a multidisciplinary approach, and investigate the prognosis of patients who underwent surgical resection.

Methods

Patients with multiple lung carcinomas who were treated at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April, 2009 to December, 2017, were retrospectively identified. A comprehensive algorithm combining histologic assessment, molecular analysis, and imaging information was used to classify nodules as IPM or MPLC. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival rates, and the relevant factors were evaluated using the log-rank test or Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The study included 576 patients with 1,295 lung tumors in total. Significant differences were observed between the clinical features of 171 patients with IPM and 405 patients with MPLC. The final classification consistency was 0.65 and 0.72 compared with the criteria of Martini and Melamed (MM) and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), respectively. Patients with independent primary tumors had better overall survival (OS) than patients with intra-pulmonary metastasis (HR =3.99, 95% CI: 2.86–5.57; P<0.001). Nodal involvement and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

The comprehensive algorithm was a relevant tool for classifying multifocal lung tumors as MPLC or IPM, and could help doctors with precise decision-making in routine clinical practice. Patients with multiple lesions without lymph node metastasis or without radiotherapy tended to have a better prognosis.

Life-long follow-up of second primary lung and extra-pulmonary cancer in lung cancer patients is needed

Background: Lung cancer (LC) patients are at high risk of developing second primary cancer (SPC). This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with SPC and provide an individualized risk prediction model for LC patients. Methods: Initial primary lung cancer (IPLC) patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2011 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. A Fine-Gray multivariate competing-risk model was used to estimate the risk of SPC, and the model was assessed regarding discrimination and calibration. A nomogram was designed for clinical convenience to predict the 3-, 5-, and 10- year probabilities of developing SPCs. Results: A total of 142,491 IPLC patients were considered in this study and 14,374(10.01%) developed SPC within a maximum study period of approximately 19 years. Seven independent prognostic factors were identified according to the competing-risk model, and the SEER summary stage and surgery were the strongest predictors. The model was well calibrated and had good discrimination ability(C-index = 0.746). Conclusions: LC survivors had an increased risk of SPC and factors associated with good prognosis often predicted SPC. Consideration should be given to increasing the duration of routine follow-up even after 10 years of initial diagnosis for those at the highest risk and site-specific follow-up strategy is also required.

Comprehensive genomic profiling aids in understanding the lesion origins of a patient with six synchronous invasive lung adenocarcinomas: a case study

BACKGROUND

Synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (sMPLC) are rare forms of lung cancer, and their diagnosis remains as a significant challenge. Distinguishing sMPLC from advanced disease is important as their prognoses and therapeutic management vary dramatically.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 56-year-old Chinese male who exhibited six synchronous invasive adenocarcinomas at diagnosis [T2(6)N0M0], and who achieved durable clinical benefit under adjuvant chemotherapy for 41 months following wedge resection and lobectomy. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that two lesions (L4 and L6) in the left upper lobe of the patient's lung shared 28 nonsynonymous mutations; thus, suggesting that the lesions may have arisen from a common ancestor at the early stages of tumorigenesis, and spread into distinct histologic subtypes. Moreover, while L5 was in the same lobe as L4 and L6, it represented a distinct lineage as it did not share any mutations with other lesions. Notably, the BRAF V600E oncogenic mutation was exclusive to L5. In addition, the KRAS G12C mutation was identified in three lesions (L1-L3) located in the right lung, which may have resulted from convergent evolution.

CONCLUSION

We report a patient with six synchronous invasive adenocarcinomas who demonstrated durable clinical benefits under adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical treatment. While cancer staging is one of the many challenges associated with sMPLC, the data generated through next-generation sequencing can provide information on lesion origins, and thus, advance the era of precision medicine.

Smoking Status and Survival Among a National Cohort of Lung and Colorectal Cancer Patients

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of smoking status and clinically relevant duration of smoking cessation with long-term survival after lung cancer (LC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. We compared survival of patients with LC and CRC who were never-smokers, long-term, medium-term, and short-term quitters, and current smokers around diagnosis.

METHODS

We studied 5575 patients in Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance (CanCORS), a national, prospective observational cohort study, who provided smoking status information approximately 5 months after LC or CRC diagnosis. Smoking status was categorized as: never-smoker, quit >5 years prior to diagnosis, quit between 1-5 years prior to diagnosis, quit less than 1 year before diagnosis, and current smoker. We examined the relationship between smoking status around diagnosis with mortality using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Among participants with LC, never-smokers had lower mortality risk compared with current smokers (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.89). Among participants with CRC, never-smokers had a lower mortality risk as compared to current smokers (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Among both LC and CRC patients, current smokers at diagnosis have higher mortality than never-smokers. This effect should be further studied in the context of tumor biology. However, smoking cessation around the time of diagnosis did not affect survival in this sample.

IMPLICATIONS

The results from our analysis of patients in the CanCORS consortium, a large, geographically diverse cohort, show that both LC and CRC patients who were actively smoking at diagnosis have worse survival as compared to never-smokers. While current smoking is detrimental to survival, cessation upon diagnosis may not mitigate this risk.

Radiotherapy was associated with the lower incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer

Our study aims to estimate the incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer(SPLC) in initial primary lung cancer(IPLC) survivors and to determine whether radiotherapy affects the risk of metachronous SPLC in the first five years after the diagnosis of lung cancer. Incidence data of IPLC individuals who survived ≥2 years were obtained from SEER-18 database in 2004–2007. Joinpoint regression analysis and competing risk analysis were used to calculate the incidence of metachronous SPLC. Propensity score matching and decision analysis were available to estimate the effect of radiotherapy on metachronous SPLC. 264 of 11657 IPLC survivors with radiotherapy and 1090 of 24499 IPLC survivors without radiotherapy developed metachronous SPLC during 5-year follow-up, respectively. In joinpoint regression analysis, the 5-year incidence of metachronous SPLC in the radiotherapy group was lower than that in the nonradiotherapy group(2385 per 100,000 vs 4748 per 100,000, HR = 0.43,95% CI:0.39–0.47). Competing risk analysis showed that the survivors with radiotherapy were associated with the lower 5 year incidence of metachronous SPLC compared with those without radiotherapy(2.28% vs 4.47%, HR = 0.49,95% CI:0.43–0.57). Through propensity score matching, 4077 pairs of survivors were available to further study that radiotherapy potentially decreased the risk of developing metachronous SPLC with the adjustment of various factors(2.5% vs 3.3%, HR = 0.72, 95% CI:0.55–0.96). Decision analysis suggested that radiotherapy was a negative independent risk factor of metachronous SPLC with clinical net benefit in a range of risk thresholds (2% to 5%). Survivors of IPLC with radiotherapy likely had a low risk of metachronous SPLC during the first five years follow-up, especially non-small cell lung cancer.

Comprehensive Next-Generation Sequencing Unambiguously Distinguishes Separate Primary Lung Carcinomas From Intrapulmonary Metastases: Comparison with Standard Histopathologic Approach

PURPOSE

In patients with >1 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), the distinction between separate primary lung carcinomas (SPLCs) and intrapulmonary metastases (IPMs) is a common diagnostic dilemma with critical staging implications. Here, we compared the performance of comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) with standard histopathologic approaches for distinguishing NSCLC clonal relationships in clinical practice.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We queried 4,119 NSCLCs analyzed by 341-468 gene MSK-IMPACT NGS assay for patients with >1 surgically resected tumor profiled by NGS. Tumor relatedness predicted by prospective histopathologic assessment was contrasted with comparative genomic profiling by subsequent NGS.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with NGS performed on >1 NSCLCs were identified, yielding 76 tumor pairs. NGS classified tumor pairs into 51 definite SPLCs (median, 14; up to 72 unique somatic mutations per pair), and 25 IPMs (24 definite, one high probability; median, 5; up to 16 shared somatic mutations per pair). Prospective histologic prediction was discordant with NGS in 17 cases (22%), particularly in the prediction of IPMs (44% discordant). Retrospective review highlighted several histologic challenges, including morphologic progression in some IPMs. We subsampled MSK-IMPACT data to model the performance of less comprehensive assays, and identified several clinicopathologic differences between NGS-defined tumor pairs, including increased risk of subsequent recurrence for IPMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive NGS allows unambiguous delineation of clonal relationship among NSCLCs. In comparison, standard histopathologic approach is adequate in most cases, but has notable limitations in the recognition of IPMs. Our results support the adoption of broad panel NGS to supplement histology for robust discrimination of NSCLC clonal relationships in clinical practice.

Smoking and gastrointestinal cancer patients-is smoking cessation an attainable goal?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Negative consequences of tobacco use during cancer treatment are well-documented but more in-depth, patient-level data are needed to understand patient beliefs about continued smoking (vs cessation) during gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients who were active smokers being treated for GI cancers and 5 caregivers of such patients. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and uploaded to NVivo. We consensus coded data inductively using conventional content analysis and iteratively developed our codebook. We developed data matrices to categorize the themes regarding patient perspectives on smoking as well as presumed barriers to smoking cessation during active therapy.

RESULTS

Our interviews revealed three consistent themes: (a) Smoking cessation is not necessarily desired by many patients who have received a cancer diagnosis; (b) Failure in past quit attempts may lead to feelings of hopeless about future attempts, especially during cancer treatment; (c) Patients perceived little to no access to smoking cessation treatment at the time of their cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-designed systemic changes that promote the positive and efficacious effects of quitting smoking during cancer treatment, and that provide barrier-free access to such treatments may be helpful in promoting tobacco-free behavior during cancer treatment.

The Conundrum of Dual Primary Malignancies: Four Years’ Experience of a Single Tertiary Care Institute in India

Background: Encountering more than one malignancy in a cancer patient is no longer uncommon; this increasing incidence is mostly attributable to the improvements in life expectancy, awareness, and diagnostic facilities. This article aims to highlight this institute’s experience in diagnosis and treatment of patients of multiple primary malignancies and a comprehensive review of literature. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study of retrospectively collected data of a single institution over 4 years from 2013 to 2016. Known cases of cancer who were diagnosed with a second primary malignancy were included in the study. Various details such as age, sex, site of disease, temporal relation of two cancers (synchronous or metachronous), family history, tobacco use, treatment given, and survival at 1 year were recorded, organized in a tabular form, analyzed, and described. Results: A total of 29 cases of dual malignancies comprising 0.74% of a total of 3879 patients of cancer were encountered. Seventy-two percent of the cases were metachronous and 5 years was the mean time interval between tumors. There was a female preponderance, and the average age was 56 years. Breast was the most common site of malignancy. At 1 year from diagnosis of second primary, 69% of the patients were alive and 27% were disease-free. Conclusion: Second primary in a patient of cancer is becoming increasingly common and the suspicion of the same should always be borne in mind during follow-up. Prognosis as well as intent of treatment depends on respective stages of the two malignancies.

Lung Cancer Screening, Version 3.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and worldwide. Early detection of lung cancer is an important opportunity for decreasing mortality. Data support using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the chest to screen select patients who are at high risk for lung cancer. Lung screening is covered under the Affordable Care Act for individuals with high-risk factors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) covers annual screening LDCT for appropriate Medicare beneficiaries at high risk for lung cancer if they also receive counseling and participate in shared decision-making before screening. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening provides recommendations for initial and subsequent LDCT screening and provides more detail about LDCT screening. This manuscript focuses on identifying patients at high risk for lung cancer who are candidates for LDCT of the chest and on evaluating initial screening findings.

Smoking and Smoking Cessation Among Persons with Tobacco- and Non-tobacco-Associated Cancers

PURPOSE

To examine smoking and use of smoking cessation aids among tobacco-associated cancer (TAC) or non-tobacco-associated cancer (nTAC) survivors. Understanding when and if specific types of cessation resources are used can help with planning interventions to more effectively decrease smoking among all cancer survivors, but there is a lack of research on smoking cessation modalities used among cancer survivors.

METHODS

Kentucky Cancer Registry data on incident lung, colorectal, pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer cases diagnosed 2007-2011, were linked with health administrative claims data (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurers) to examine the prevalence of smoking and use of smoking cessation aids 1 year prior and 1 year following the cancer diagnosis. TACs included colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers; nTAC included breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

RESULTS

There were 10,033 TAC and 13,670 nTAC survivors. Smoking before diagnosis was significantly higher among TAC survivors (p < 0.0001). Among TAC survivors, smoking before diagnosis was significantly higher among persons who: were males (83%), aged 45-64 (83%), of unknown marital status (84%), had very low education (78%), had public insurance (89%), Medicaid (85%) or were uninsured (84%). Smoking cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy were more common among TAC than nTAC survivors (p < 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively).

DISCUSSION

While smoking cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy were higher among TAC survivors, reducing smoking among all cancer survivors remains a priority, given cancer survivors are at increased risk for subsequent chronic diseases, including cancer. Tobacco cessation among all cancer survivors (not just those with TAC) can help improve prognosis, quality of life and reduce the risk of further disease. Health care providers can recommend for individual, group and telephone counseling and/or pharmacotherapy recommendations. These could also be included in survivorship care plans.

A review of the effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment: smoking cessation intervention should be integrated into the cancer care continuum

Background:

The adverse health effects associated with smoking tobacco have been well investigated, and its detrimental effects on cancer treatment outcomes, efficacy and quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients have also been well documented. Tobacco smoke contains many thousands of chemicals, including a plethora of carcinogens, and the exposure of human cells to these carcinogens, and their metabolic activation, is the main mechanism by which smoking-related cancer is initiated.

Materials and Methods:

This paper reports on a narrative review of recent studies in the field of effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, including the effects of carcinogens in smoke on carcinogenesis, cell mutations and the immune system. The health effects of smokeless tobacco, effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, and its impact on surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are reported. The potential risks of second primary cancers or recurrence from tobacco use, the effects of second-hand smoking and cancer treatment, the impact of smoking on the QOL after cancer treatment and the need to integrate smoking cessation programs into the cancer care continuum are also reported.

Conclusions:

Tobacco use has a direct impact on cellular function by inhibiting apoptosis, stimulating proliferation and decreasing the efficacy of cancer treatment; therefore, quitting its use has the potential to improve treatment response rates and survival, as well as reduces the risk of developing second cancers and potentially improves the QOL after treatment. Smoking cessation is one of the most important interventions to prevent cancer and is also essential after the diagnosis of cancer to improve clinical outcomes. Due to the numerous benefits of smoking cessation, it should become a critical component of the cancer care continuum in all oncology programs – from prevention of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Evidence-based smoking cessation intervention should be sustainably integrated into any comprehensive cancer program, and the information should be targeted to the specific benefits of cessation in cancer patients.

Identifying Smoking Status and Smoking Cessation Using a Data Linkage Between the Kentucky Cancer Registry and Health Claims Data

PURPOSE

Linkage of cancer registry data with complementary data sources can be an informative way to expand what is known about patients and their treatment and improve delivery of care. The purpose of this study was to explore whether patient smoking status and smoking-cessation modalities data in the Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) could be augmented by linkage with health claims data.

METHODS

The KCR conducted a data linkage with health claims data from Medicare, Medicaid, state employee insurance, Humana, and Anthem. Smoking status was defined as documentation of personal history of tobacco use (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] code V15.82) or tobacco use disorder (ICD-9 305.1) before and after a cancer diagnosis. Use of smoking-cessation treatments before and after the cancer diagnosis was defined as documentation of smoking-cessation counseling (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes 99406, 99407, G0375, and G0376) or pharmacotherapy (eg, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, varenicline).

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2011, among 23,703 patients in the KCR, we discerned a valid prediagnosis smoking status for 78%. KCR data only (72%), claims data only (6%), and a combination of both data sources (22%) were used to determine valid smoking status. Approximately 4% of patients with cancer identified as smokers (n = 11,968) and were provided smoking-cessation counseling, and 3% were prescribed pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.

CONCLUSION

Augmenting KCR data with medical claims data increased capture of smoking status and use of smoking-cessation modalities. Cancer registries interested in exploring smoking status to influence treatment and research activities could consider a similar approach, particularly if their registry does not capture smoking status for a majority of patients.

Impact of current versus former smoking status on the outcomes of non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with upfront surgery; findings from the National Lung Screening Trial

Objective: To evaluate the impact of current versus former smoking status on the outcomes of non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with upfront surgery. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of patients diagnosed with NSCLC, stage I-III within the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to delineate the impact of smoking status on overall survival. Moreover, Cox regression analyses were utilized to assess factors predicting overall and lung cancer-specific survival. Results: A total of 773 patients were included in the current study. Former smokers (at the time of randomization of the NLST study) were 338 patients while current smokers were 435 patients. For overall survival, former smokers have better outcomes compared to current smokers (P = 0.023). Within multivariate Cox regression analysis, the following factors were predictive of worse overall survival: older age (P = 0.037), male gender (P = 0.022), current smoking (P = 0.022), advanced stage (P < 0.001) and preexisting stroke (P = 0.015). Likewise, the following factors were predictive of worse lung cancer-specific survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis: current smoking (P = 0.009) and advanced stage (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Among patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with upfront surgery, current smokers have worse overall and lung cancer-specific survival compared to former smokers. Expert opinion: Among patients with non-metastatic NSCLC treated with upfront surgical resection, current smokers have worse overall, lung cancer-specific and progression-free survival compared to former smokers. Smoking cessation counseling should be incorporated into management strategies of early stage NSCLC.

Dual cigarette and e-cigarette use in cancer survivors: an analysis using Population Assessment of Tobacco Health (PATH) data

PURPOSE

Cancer survivors who smoke cigarettes face health risks from continued smoking. Some smokers use e-cigarettes to reduce combustible cigarette use, but research on whether cancer survivors do the same is limited. Research is needed to understand whether smokers who are cancer survivors use e-cigarettes at higher rates than smokers never diagnosed with cancer, to inform provider-patient discussions about e-cigarettes.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from current cigarette smokers in Wave 1 (2013-2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco Health (PATH) study, we compared cancer survivors (n = 433) and those without a prior cancer diagnosis (n = 10,872) on e-cigarette use and reasons for use.

RESULTS

Among smokers, 59.4% of cancer survivors and 63.2% of those without a cancer diagnosis had ever used e-cigarettes, and nearly one-quarter of both groups (23.1% and 22.3%, respectively) reported being current users. Multivariate results, however, suggest that cancer survivors might be more likely to be ever (OR = 1.28; p = .05) or current (OR = 1.25; p = .06) e-cigarette users compared to those never diagnosed, although results were marginally significant. The majority of both groups (> 71%) reported using e-cigarettes for perceived health-related reasons-including smoking reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that among smokers, cancer survivors were using e-cigarettes at similar rates as never-diagnosed smokers and both groups used e-cigarettes largely for perceived health-related reasons.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Clinicians who treat cancer survivors may need to routinely ask their patients who smoke about e-cigarette use and address the limited research on the efficacy of e-cigarettes as a cessation aid as compared to other evidence-based options.

Incidence trends and risk prediction nomogram of metachronous second primary lung cancer in lung cancer survivors

Background

This study was designed to estimate the trends in 5-year incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer(SPLC) and to establish a risk prediction model to identify candidates who were at high risk of developing metachronous SPLC.

Methods

Incidence data between 2004 and 2007 were obtained from SEER database, including 42453 participants who survived ≥ 2 years after the initial diagnosis of lung cancer. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the 5-year incidence rates of metachronous SPLC per 100 000 population. Related risk factors of the survivors who developed MSPLC during five years were identified through logistic regression analysis, followed by establishment of risk prediction nomogram. Discrimination (C-index), calibration and decision analysis were further performed to assess the validation and clinical net benefit of risk prediction nomogram.

Results

A total of 1412 survivors with lung cancer developed MSPLC during five years, with 3546 per 100 000 population of age-adjusted 5-year incidence. Age, histology, tumor stage, and radiation were recognized as risk factors of metachronous SPLC, as indicated by logistic regression analysis. The risk prediction nomogram of metachronous SPLC harbored moderate discrimination(C-index = 0.67) and good calibration, with the risk of 0.01 to 0.11.The decision curve analysis showed that clinical net benefit of this risk prediction nomogram in a range of risk thresholds (0.01 to 0.06) was higher compared to all-screening or no-screening strategies.

Conclusions

Collectively, the cumulative risk of metachronous SPLC of the survivors increased over time. The risk prediction nomogram was available to select high-risk survivors who should regularly undergo computed tomography screening.

Smoking cessation among men following cancer diagnosis: a matched cohort study

PURPOSE

Cigarette smoking among cancer survivors increases the risk of recurrence and secondary cancers. We sought to investigate smoking cessation following diagnosis of cancer compared to those not diagnosed with cancer. We also investigated cessation following diagnosis of a smoking-related and non-smoking-related cancer separately.

METHODS

We conducted a matched cohort study within the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). We identified 566 men diagnosed with cancer who were current cigarette smokers at the time of diagnosis between 1986 and 2010 (exposed). Men diagnosed with cancer were age-matched 1:4 to men without a diagnosis of cancer who were also current cigarette smokers (unexposed). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the association between a cancer diagnosis and smoking cessation within 2 and 4 years post diagnosis adjusted for potential confounders, overall and for smoking-related and non-smoking-related cancers.

RESULTS

Of the men with cancer, 38% quit within 2 years and 42% within 4 years of diagnosis. Men diagnosed with cancer were more likely to quit smoking within 2 (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 2.0-3.0) and 4 years (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0) post diagnosis, compared to matched men without cancer. The association was similar for smoking-related (OR = 3.4, 95%: 1.6-7.2) and non-smoking-related cancers (OR = 3.8, 95%: 2.8-5.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Men diagnosed with cancer were more likely to quit smoking compared to men not diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis may be a "teachable moment" in which strategies to promote smoking cessation for individuals diagnosed with smoking-related and non-smoking-related cancers should be investigated.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

There is a continued need for the widespread implementation of cessation interventions for cancer survivors.

The importance of incorporating smoking cessation into lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (U.S.) and is the second most common non-skin cancer among men and women, accounting for about 30% of cancer-related deaths. There is clear and accumulating evidence that continued tobacco use has multiple adverse effects on cancer treatment outcomes, including greater probability of recurrence, second primary malignancies, reduced survival, greater symptom burden, and poorer quality of life (QOL). Recent findings suggest an avenue to significantly mitigate the impact of smoking on lung cancer mortality rates through the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Based on the reviewed evidence (type B), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines of 2015 recommend screening combined with smoking cessation interventions for high-risk heavy smokers and recent quitters. These practice changes offer opportunities to develop novel smoking cessation strategies tailored to highly specific settings that aim to amplify the survivorship gains expected from screening alone. However, there is a paucity of research and data that speaks to the feasibility and efficacy of providing smoking cessation treatment specifically within the context of the LDCT lung cancer screening environment. While some studies have attempted to characterize the parameters within which smoking cessation interventions should be implemented in this context, further research is needed to explore relevant factors such as the format, components, and timing of interventions, as well as the influence of risk perceptions and results of the screening itself on motivation and ability to quit smoking.

Smoking Cessation Treatment Programs Offered at Hospitals Providing Oncology Services

Background

Many people with cancer continue smoking despite evidence that it negatively effects cancer treatment, worsens chemotherapy toxicity, and increases risk for a second cancer.

Aims

We examined tobacco treatment services offered to cancer patients at hospitals providing oncology services, including National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers (NDCCs).

Methods

We examined survey data of 6,400 U.S. hospitals from 2008 to 2015 to determine the manner in which tobacco treatment/cessation program services were provided among NDCCs and non-NDCC hospitals providing oncology services (HPOs).

Results

From 2008 to 2015, 784 responses from NDCCs and 18,281 responses from HPOs were received. NDCCs (86%) reported significantly higher tobacco treatment/cessation programs owned by the hospital compared to HPOs (68%) (p < 0.001). Among NDCCs, there was a significant increasing trend of tobacco treatment/cessation programs reported owned by the hospital, the health system, or other contractual mechanism from 2008 to 2015 (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

More than 80% of oncology providing hospitals report providing tobacco cessation programs, with higher percentages reported in NDCCs. As hospitals implement smoking cessation programs, partnerships between hospitals and cancer coalitions could help bring tobacco cessation activities to communities they both serve, and link discharged patients to these cessation resources so they can continue quit attempts that they initialised while hospitalised.

Risk of Second Primary Malignancies in Lung Cancer Survivors - The Influence of Different Treatments

BACKGROUND

Currently, no large study addressing the relationship between lung cancer patients with different therapies and second primary malignancies (SPMs) is available.

METHODS

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a population-based cohort study. Patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer between 1997 and 2005 were enrolled and followed up until Dec. 31, 2011. The endpoint of the study was SPM occurrence. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of cancers were calculated to compare the cancer incidence of the study cohort to that of the general population.

RESULTS

We identified 52,639 patients with lung cancer and excluded 34,267 patients who had expired within one year after diagnosis. The study included 18,372 subjects with a median follow-up period of 2.24 years. 590 patients developed an SPM. The overall cancer risk was significantly increased (SIR 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.44, p < 0.001), and there was a significant increase in the incidences of head and neck (SIR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21-2.07, p = 0.001), bone and soft tissue (SIR 2.65, 95% CI 1.27-4.87, p = 0.011), genitourinary (SIR 1.50, 95% CI 1.27-1.76, p < 0.001), and thyroid (SIR 3.85, 95% CI 2.28-6.08, p < 0.001) cancers. Importantly, after multivariate adjustment, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) statistically significantly reduced SPM incidence (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.79; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that lung cancer may be a risk factor for SPM. TKI use was associated with a significantly lower risk of SPM development. However, because patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutant lung adenocarcinoma (associated with non-smokers) tend to receive TKI treatment, they might have fewer smoking-related SPMs.

[Clinical and Prognosic Anylasis of 30 Cases with Double Primary Lung Cancer]

背景与目的

多原发肺癌（multiple primary lung cancer, MPLC）是一种临床中较为少见的肺癌类型，双原发肺癌（double primary lung cancer, DPLC）是其中最常见的一种，近年来由于诊疗手段的进步检出率逐渐升高。本研究总结分析了30例DPLC患者的临床资料，以期为DPLC的诊疗提供理论依据。

方法

回顾郑州大学附属肿瘤医院2010年1月-2015年12月收治的30例DPLC患者的临床资料，对临床特征及预后相关因素进行分析。

结果

30例中，同时性双原发癌（synchronous DPLC, sDPLC）占3例（3/30, 10%），异时性双原发癌（metachronous DPLC, mDPLC）占27例（27/30, 90.0%）。病灶好发于右肺上叶（20/60, 33.3%），病理类型以腺癌（25/60, 41.7%）为主，病理类型相同者（17/30, 56.7%）多于不同者（13/30, 43.3%），病理类型相同者以腺-腺（10/16, 62.5%）最常见。生存分析显示淋巴结转移（HR=4.349, 95%CI: 1.435-13.178, P=0.009）和重度吸烟史（HR=2.996, 95%CI: 1.089-8.240, P=0.034）是DPLC的不良预后因素。

结论

DPLC好发于右肺上叶，病理类型以腺癌为主，早期诊断、积极的治疗和严格的戒烟策略有望改善其预后。

Triple synchronous primary lung cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Multiple primary lung cancer may present in synchronous or metachronous form. Synchronous multiple primary lung cancer is defined as multiple lung lesions that develop at the same time, whereas metachronous multiple primary lung cancer describes multiple lung lesions that develop at different times, typically following treatment of the primary lung cancer. Patients with previously treated lung cancer are at risk for developing metachronous lung cancer, but with the success of computed tomography and positron emission tomography, the ability to detect both synchronous and metachronous lung cancer has increased.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 63-year-old Hispanic man who came to our hospital for evaluation of chest pain, dry cough, and weight loss. He had recently been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in the right upper lobe, with a poorly differentiated carcinoma favoring squamous cell cancer based on bronchoalveolar lavage of the right lower lobe for which treatment was started. Later, bronchoscopy incidentally revealed the patient to have an endobronchial lesion that turned out to be mixed small and large cell neuroendocrine lung cancer. Our patient had triple synchronous primary lung cancers that histologically were variant primary cancers.

Conclusions

Triple synchronous primary lung cancer management continues to be a challenge. Our patient’s case suggests that multiple primary lung cancers may still occur at a greater rate than can be detected by high-resolution computed tomography.

Incidence of Second Malignancy after Successful Treatment of Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Effects on Survival

INTRODUCTION

Extended survival outcomes from improved treatments for patients with cancer come with an increased risk for development of a metachronous second malignancy (MSM). We evaluated the incidence of MSM after successful treatment of SCLC and compared survival between patients with SCLC in whom MSM developed and those in whom it did not.

METHODS

Selection criteria were a diagnosis of limited-stage SCLC and receipt of at least 45 Gy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a single institution in 1985-2012. MSM was defined as a tumor of a different histologic type than the primary that appeared more than 2 years after the diagnosis of SCLC.

RESULTS

Of 704 patients identified, 32 were excluded for lack of follow-up, 48 for having SCLC as MSM after treatment of another type of cancer, 37 for nonmelanoma skin cancer as MSM, and 46 for MSM within 2 years after SCLC diagnosis. Of the remaining 541 patients, 346 had recurrent SCLC, 180 had no second malignancy and no recurrence, and 15 (2.8%) had MSM (13 in a lung [eight adenocarcinomas and five squamous cell carcinomas], one sarcoma, and one acute myeloid leukemia). All 15 patients with MSM achieved complete response to the SCLC treatment. Overall survival was longer for patients with MSM than for patients with no other malignancies and no recurrence, with 10-year rates of 61.9% (95% confidence interval: 30.0%-82.6%) and 29.9% (95% confidence interval: 21.5%-38.6%), respectively (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survivors after treatment for SCLC should be made aware of the risk for MSM and the necessity of follow-up.

Socioeconomic status and lifestyle behaviours in cancer survivors: smoking and physical activity

PURPOSE

Smoking cessation and increased physical activity (pa) have been linked to better outcomes in cancer survivors. We assessed whether socioeconomic factors influence changes in those behaviours after a cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

As part of a cross-sectional study, a diverse group of cancer survivors at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, ON), completed a questionnaire about past and current lifestyle behaviours and perceptions about the importance of those behaviours with respect to their health. The influence of socioeconomic indicators on smoking status and physical inactivity at 1 year before and after diagnosis were assessed using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for clinico-demographic factors.

RESULTS

Of 1222 participants, 1192 completed the smoking component. Of those respondents, 15% smoked before diagnosis, and 43% of those smokers continued to smoke after. The proportion of survivors who continued to smoke increased with lower education level (p = 0.03). Of the 1106 participants answering pa questions, 39% reported being physically inactive before diagnosis, of whom 82% remained inactive afterward. Survivors with a lower education level were most likely to remain inactive after diagnosis (p = 0.003). Lower education level, household income, and occupation were associated with the perception that pa had no effect or could worsen fatigue and quality of life (p ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In cancer survivors, education level was a major modifier of smoking and pa behaviours. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with incorrect perceptions about pa. Targeting at-risk survivors by education level should be evaluated as a strategy in cancer survivorship programs.

Integrating tobacco treatment into thoracic oncology settings: Lessons learned

Clinical practice guidelines recommend tobacco treatment for all cancer patients. However, little is known about how to integrate tobacco treatment into cancer care. The results of our pilot study of an evidence-based tobacco treatment integrated into a thoracic oncology clinic demonstrated good feasibility and efficacy, providing an opportunity to inform future tobacco treatment integration efforts. Here, we describe the process of intervention development, clinic integration, patient identification, and patient enrollment. We report on the intervention content and delivery, patterns of quitting for participants in the tobacco treatment group, and changes in smoking-related psychosocial variables. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Integrating tobacco treatment into cancer care: Study protocol for a randomized controlled comparative effectiveness trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-established risks of persistent smoking, 10-30% of cancer patients continue to smoke after diagnosis. Evidence-based tobacco treatment has yet to be integrated into routine oncology care. This paper describes the protocol, manualized treatment, evaluation plan, and overall study design of comparing the effectiveness and cost of two treatments across two major cancer centers.

METHODS/DESIGN

A two-arm, two-site randomized controlled comparative effectiveness trial is testing the hypothesis that an Intensive Treatment (IT) intervention is more effective than a Standard Treatment (ST) intervention in helping recently diagnosed cancer patients quit smoking. Both interventions include 4 weekly counseling sessions and FDA-approved smoking cessation medication advice. The IT includes an additional 4 biweekly and 3 monthly booster sessions as well as dispensal of the recommended FDA-approved smoking cessation medication at no cost. The trial is enrolling patients with suspected or newly diagnosed cancer who have smoked a cigarette in the past 30days. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the ST or IT condition. Tobacco cessation outcomes are assessed at 3 and 6months. The primary study outcome is 7-day point prevalence biochemically-validated tobacco abstinence. Secondary study outcomes include the incremental cost-effectiveness of the IT vs. ST.

DISCUSSION

This trial will answer key questions about delivering tobacco treatment interventions to newly diagnosed cancer patients. If found to be efficacious and cost-effective, this treatment will serve as a model to be integrated into oncology care settings nation-wide, as we strive to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

Psychological interventions to improve the quality of life in Indian lung cancer patients: A neglected area

The incidence of lung cancer is very high and evidence suggests that patients experience imbalanced emotional capabilities due to less survival rate compared to other cancers. Direct and indirect psychological interventions are mandatory to improve the outcome of lung cancer treatment. Although such interventions are being practiced in developed nations, the effects of psychological interventions on the treatment outcome in the Indian context are lacking. Since there is a definite correlation between treatment outcome and psychological issues, it is high time that clinicians in developing countries including India adopt practices to enhance the quality of life of lung cancer patients.

[Systematizing support in cessation smoking to improve care for cancer patients]

Approximately 20% of cancer patients smoke at diagnosis (all localizations included), and over two thirds continue despite the therapeutic management of their cancer, especially when cancer is not associated with tobacco. The impact of smoking on quality of care for patients is actually not enough considered. A literature review conducted by the French National Cancer Institute emphasizes the importance of tobacco cessation to improve the prognosis (decreased mortality from all causes and specific); to reduce the risk of second primary cancers; to reduce per- and post-surgical risks as long as some toxicities related to treatments and to improve the quality of physical and mental life of patients. It is important that a communication with the patient takes place at the beginning of the treatment to impact the smoking behavior. All oncology health professionals should deliver a clearly and personalized cessation advice in the light of scientific data and ensure that smoking cessation help will be offered to the patient.

Cognitive testing of tobacco use items for administration to patients with cancer and cancer survivors in clinical research

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, there are currently no standardized measures of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure in patients diagnosed with cancer, and this gap hinders the conduct of studies examining the impact of tobacco on cancer treatment outcomes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate and refine questionnaire items proposed by an expert task force to assess tobacco use.

METHODS

Trained interviewers conducted cognitive testing with cancer patients aged ≥21 years with a history of tobacco use and a cancer diagnosis of any stage and organ site who were recruited at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Iterative rounds of testing and item modification were conducted to identify and resolve cognitive issues (comprehension, memory retrieval, decision/judgment, and response mapping) and instrument navigation issues until no items warranted further significant modification.

RESULTS

Thirty participants (6 current cigarette smokers, 1 current cigar smoker, and 23 former cigarette smokers) were enrolled from September 2014 to February 2015. The majority of items functioned well. However, qualitative testing identified wording ambiguities related to cancer diagnosis and treatment trajectory, such as "treatment" and "surgery"; difficulties with lifetime recall; errors in estimating quantities; and difficulties with instrument navigation. Revisions to item wording, format, order, response options, and instructions resulted in a questionnaire that demonstrated navigational ease as well as good question comprehension and response accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C-TUQ) can be used as a standardized item set to accelerate the investigation of tobacco use in the cancer setting. Cancer 2016;122:1728-34. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Exploring Issues of Comorbid Conditions in People Who Smoke

Smoking affects comorbid disease outcomes, and patients with comorbid conditions may have unique characteristics that are important to consider when treating tobacco use. However, addressing tobacco in patients being treated for comorbid conditions is not a consistent practice. Recognizing the need for a "call-to-action" to address tobacco use in people with comorbid conditions, the Tobacco Treatment Network within the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) convened a Comorbidities Workgroup to explore the relationship between smoking and comorbid disease to identify common themes including: the harms associated with continued tobacco use, the frequency of comorbid disease and tobacco use, the potential effect of comorbid disease on the ability to quit tobacco use, the association between tobacco use and suboptimal disease-specific treatment response, and evidence regarding potential approaches to improve addressing tobacco use in patients with comorbid disease. Five candidate conditions (psychiatric, cancer, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and human immunodeficiency virus infected patients) were explored. Across comorbid conditions, smoking adversely affects treatment efficacy and promotes other adverse health conditions. People with comorbid conditions who smoke are motivated to quit and respond to evidence-based smoking cessation treatments. However, tobacco cessation is not regularly incorporated into the clinical care of many individuals with comorbidities. Optimal strategies for addressing tobacco use within each comorbid disease are also not well defined. Further work is needed to disseminate evidence-based care into clinical practice for smokers with comorbid disease and addiction research should consider comorbid conditions as an important construct to explore.

IMPLICATIONS

This article explores how physical and psychiatric conditions may interact in the treatment of tobacco dependence, and discusses the need for smoking cessation as a critical component of comorbid condition management. Five common comorbid domains-psychiatric, cancer, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-are highlighted to illustrate how these different conditions might interact with smoking with respect to prevalence and harm, motivation to quit, and cessation treatment utilization and success.

[Cancer and life style: What really helps?]

The continuously growing number of patients who survive cancer (long-term survivors) and their special life situations necessitate an increasing need for consultation on the topics of quality of life and recurrence prophylaxis. This consultation is often associated with aspects of complementary medicine and also social medicine, which are becoming increasingly more important in the long-term care of patients. This article presents the scientifically proven knowledge on the aspects of nutrition, sport, nicotine abuse and professional rehabilitation and their importance for the course of cancer diseases.