Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Intratumoral administration of chemotherapeutic agents is a treatment modality that has proven efficacious in reducing the recurrence of tumours and increases specificity of treatment while minimizing systemic side effects. Direct intratumoral injection of malignant airway obstruction has potential therapeutic benefits but tissue drug concentrations and side-effect profiles are poorly understood. ⋯ Results of these studies confirm the administration of PTX directly into the bronchial wall is safe and feasible. PTX was detectable in plasma for <7 days but tissue concentrations remained therapeutic throughout the follow-up period.
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Malignant airway obstruction (MAO), a common complication of patients with advanced lung cancer, causes debilitating dyspnoea and poor quality of life. Two common interventions used in the treatment of MAO include bronchoscopy with airway stenting and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Data are limited regarding their clinical effectiveness and overall effect on survival. ⋯ In this retrospective analysis, combination therapy with stenting and EBRT led to better survival in comparison to stenting or EBRT alone. Prospective cohort trials are needed to confirm these results.
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This study investigated the duration of immediate respiratory effects of e-cigarette smoking (ECS) and tested the hypothesis that ECS has more prominent effects in asthmatics compared with healthy smokers (HS). ⋯ A single session of ECS had respiratory mechanical and inflammatory effects, which were more prominent in smokers with asthma.
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The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) reflects the host systemic inflammatory response and is a validated independent prognostic factor in lung cancer. We investigated GPS as a potential predictive factor of clinical outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients with acute exacerbation (AE). ⋯ GPS can be helpful in predicting mortality in IPF patients with AE.
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An effort-independent breath sound analysis is expected to be a safe and simple method for clinical assessment of changes in airway function. The effects of bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation on novel breath sound parameters in asthmatic children were investigated. ⋯ Spectrum curve indices indicate bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation. These parameters may play a role in the assessment of airway narrowing in asthmatic children.