The majority of patients with resected stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are treated with platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in a one-size-fits-all approach. However, a... Show moreThe majority of patients with resected stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are treated with platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in a one-size-fits-all approach. However, a significant number of patients do not derive clinical benefit, and no predictive patient selection biomarker is currently available. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we have profiled tumour resection material of 2 independent, multi-centre cohorts of in total 67 patients with NSCLC who underwent ACT. Unsupervised cluster analysis of both cohorts revealed a poor response/survival sub-cluster composed of similar to 25% of the patients, that displayed a strong epithelial-mesenchymal transition signature and stromal phenotype. Beyond this stromal sub-population, we identified and validated platinum response prediction biomarker candidates involved in pathways relevant to the mechanism of action of platinum drugs, such as DNA damage repair, as well as less anticipated processes such as those related to the regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Integration with pre-clinical proteomics data supported a role for several of these candidate proteins in platinum response prediction. Validation of one of the candidates (HMGB1) in a third independent patient cohort using immunohistochemistry highlights the potential of translating these proteomics results to clinical practice. Show less
Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype. Non-disseminated NSCLC is mainly treated with surgical resection. The... Show moreLung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype. Non-disseminated NSCLC is mainly treated with surgical resection. The intraoperative detection of lung cancer can be challenging, since small and deeply located pulmonary nodules can be invisible under white light. Due to the increasing use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, tactile information is often reduced. Therefore, several intraoperative imaging techniques have been tested to localize pulmonary nodules, of which near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is an emerging modality. In this systematic review, the available literature on fluorescence imaging of lung cancers is presented, which shows that NIR fluorescence-guided lung surgery has the potential to identify the tumor during surgery, detect additional lesions and prevent tumor-positive resection margins. Show less
Objectives Several patient factors have been described to influence access to optimal cancer care like socioeconomic factors or place of residence. In this study, we investigate whether data... Show moreObjectives Several patient factors have been described to influence access to optimal cancer care like socioeconomic factors or place of residence. In this study, we investigate whether data routinely collected in a clinical cancer registry can be used to identify populations of lung cancer patients with increased risk of not receiving optimal cancer care.Methods We analysed data of 837 lung cancer patients extracted from the clinical cancer registry of a German university hospital. We compared patient populations by two indicators of optimal care, namely implementation of tumour board meeting recommendations as well as the timeliness of care.Results There was a high rate of implementation of tumour board meeting recommendations of 94.4%. Reasons for non-implementation were mainly a patient's own wish or a worsening of the health situation. Of all patient parameters, only tumour stage was associated with the two optimal care indicators.Conclusion Using routine data from a clinical cancer registry, we were not able to identify patient populations at risk of not getting optimal care and the implementation of guideline-conform care appeared to be very high in this setting. However, limitations were the ambiguity of optimal care indicators and availability of parameters predictive for patients' vulnerability. Show less
Godde, K.; Fugemann, H.; Muller-Nordhorn, J.; Grimberg, M.; Goerling, U.; Siegerink, B.; ... ; Holmberg, C. 2020
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate available offers of support for stroke and lung cancer patients and their caregivers in the Berlin region besides direct medical or therapeutic... Show moreObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate available offers of support for stroke and lung cancer patients and their caregivers in the Berlin region besides direct medical or therapeutic care and to identify barriers in the use of available support from the perspective of care experts. MethodsA structured search of different sources, including an internet search, print information as well as interviews with experts and a group discussion, was conducted on support services available to lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers in Berlin for managing their altered health and life situation. Target groups of identified offers were verified and further information was gathered by a questionnaire. Further, barriers for utilization of support services were analyzed from conducted interviews and the group discussion with health care experts. ResultsA total of 150 support services were identified for lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers in Berlin. There were many different forms of such offers, including, but not limited to, providing information and counseling, helping with the organization and coordination of the new life situation as well as giving psychosocial support. Missing information or information that was not adjusted to the patients' education level about care entitlements, lack of knowledge about as well as spatial distance to facilities were stated as barriers for utilization. ConclusionsA variety of support services is available in Berlin for lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers regarding different needs that might arise from their altered health and living situation. Providing information on existing offers more broadly to the target group and improving local availability may optimize utilization of such services by patients. Show less
Purpose: Examine illness perceptions, functional health and quality of life of lung cancer patients throughout chemotherapy treatment.Patients and Methods: Longitudinal design with baseline measure... Show morePurpose: Examine illness perceptions, functional health and quality of life of lung cancer patients throughout chemotherapy treatment.Patients and Methods: Longitudinal design with baseline measure 12 days after the first chemotherapy and follow-up measure 3 months later, where illness perceptions (BIPQ), functional health, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C-30) were measured. A total of 21 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer took part. Non-parametric testing was performed given the pilot nature of the study and the associated relatively small sample size.Results: Small to medium changes in illness perceptions and functional health between the two measurement points were detected, with both becoming more positive. More negative illness perceptions at the beginning of the treatment were associated with less functioning and lower quality of life at both beginning and end of treatment.Conclusion: Addressing illness perceptions seems a clinically relevant approach in improving functioning and quality of life of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Show less
Leiro-Fernandez, V.; Chiara, L. de; Rodriguez-Girondo, M.; Botana-Rial, M.; Valverde, D.; Nunez-Delgado, M.; Fernandez-Villar, A. 2019
Overview of the European randomized lung cancer CT screening trials (EUCT) is presented with regard to the implementation of CT screening in Europe; post NLST. All seven principal investigators... Show moreOverview of the European randomized lung cancer CT screening trials (EUCT) is presented with regard to the implementation of CT screening in Europe; post NLST. All seven principal investigators completed a questionnaire on the epidemiological, radiological, and nodule management aspects of their trials at August 2010, which included 32,000 people, inclusion of UKLS pilot trial will reach 36,000. An interim analysis is planned, but the final mortality data testing is scheduled for 2015. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:280-286. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Show less
Lemos, C.; Giovannetti, E.; Zucali, P.A.; Assaraf, Y.G.; Scheffer, G.L.; Straaten, T. van der; ... ; Peters, G.J. 2011
