Lung cancer : journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
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Trimodality therapy seems to be the best treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). A large experience served to evaluate the efficacy of surgery followed by adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Trimodality therapy results have led us to test induction chemotherapy followed by EPP and adjuvant radiotherapy in stages I-III of MPM. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of this protocol and to estimate survival. ⋯ In MPM, the combined modality approach using the Carboplatin/Gemcitabine combination as induction chemotherapy is feasible, with good results in terms of survival and morbidity. Our results are similar to those of other studies using a heavier modality treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Phase II prospective study of the efficacy of gefitinib for the treatment of stage III/IV non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations, irrespective of previous chemotherapy.
Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are associated with increased sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib in patients with stage III/IV NSCLC whose tumors carried EGFR mutations, irrespective of previous chemotherapy. ⋯ Analysis of tumor EGFR mutations in patients with NSCLC could be used to identify patients suitable for treatment with gefitinib to obtain optimum response and disease control rates.
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To evaluate quality of life (QoL) evolution after thoracic surgery for lung cancer with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL Questionnaire-C30 and the lung cancer specific module LC13. ⋯ The present study documented QoL evolution profiles comparing pre-operative status with deficits and changes at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after pulmonary surgery. Lung cancer surgery is well tolerated by the majority of patients. Lobectomy patients have a more favorable physical functioning and less thoracic pain, compared to pneumonectomy. Antero- and posterolateral thoracotomy are comparable for QoL evolution. After posterolateral thoracotomy more post-operative pain and dyspnea was seen. Post-operative physical functioning, pain and QoL are in favor of VATS.
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This study reports the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with vessel invasion (Vi). We sub-divided 322 patients with surgically resected pathological stage IA NSCLC into two groups according to Vi [non-Vi (n=237) and Vi (n=85)]. Both groups were compared with regard to age, gender, performance status, smoking habits, serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, extent of surgery, tumour size, histopathology, recurrence sites, and survival. ⋯ In conclusion, vessel invasion is a poor prognostic factor in patients with stage IA NSCLC. Prognosis of patients with Vi-stage IA NSCLC is similar to that of patients with stage IB NSCLC and is improved significantly by postoperative oral uracil-tegafur chemotherapy. Our preliminary study suggests that stage IA Vi group benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Phase II study of 3 cycles of triplet induction chemotherapy (response, toxicity) followed by radiotherapy in locally advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Three cycles of the novel triplet combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin and gemcitabine (PACCAGE) is an active and feasible induction regimen for patients with locally advanced inoperable NSCLC. Neutropenia and to a lesser extent thrombocytopenia represent the main haematological toxicity. Whether this triplet regimen can improve outcome when compared to specific cisplatin doublet regimens should be evaluated in a phase III study.