Pseudoprogression and Immunotherapy Phenomena.

Traditionally, treatment responses to chemotherapy had been based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria evaluating tumor shrinkage, stabilization of disease, growth, or development of new metastatic lesions. Using the same criteria to determine response in patients on immunotherapy has proven difficult, as some patients have initial growth of disease or develop new small metastatic lesions. The phenomenon of pseudoprogression is the initial growth of a primary lesion followed by latent or delayed response. Advanced practitioners need to be aware of the possibility of pseudoprogression in order to educate patients and help them stay on effective treatment.

Biomarkers/Molecular Targets, Immunotherapy, and Treatments for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

For decades, the prognosis for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was bleak, with chemotherapy offering limited benefit and much toxicity. Now, with mutational testing, new generations of targeted therapies, and emerging immunotherapies, the treatment horizon for these patients has greatly expanded. In this article, the authors review molecular targets, biomarkers, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are having a major impact on the management of this patient population.

Current treatment options for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a difficult-to-treat malignancy, and durable long-term survival is elusive for patients with advanced-stage disease. Chemotherapy, especially with platinum-based combinations, is the mainstay of treatment, yet these regimens yield only modest response and survival rates. Outcomes of recent clinical trials have shown that histology, mutation analyses, and biomarkers have an impact on the selection and combination of chemotherapeutic agents. Oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies are now part of the treatment schema. Other changes to the treatment paradigm include the duration of treatment and the use of maintenance therapy. Additionally, chemotherapy is now employed in earlier-stage disease in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and combined-modality treatments. The aim of this article is to review the current systemic treatments for NSCLC.

A methodology to establish a database to study gene environment interactions for childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: Gene-environment interactions are likely to explain some of the heterogeneity in childhood asthma. Here, we describe the methodology and experiences in establishing a database for childhood asthma designed to study gene-environment interactions (PAGES--Paediatric Asthma Gene Environment Study). METHODS: Children with asthma and under the care of a respiratory paediatrician are being recruited from 15 hospitals between 2008 and 2011. An asthma questionnaire is completed and returned by post. At a routine clinic visit saliva is collected for DNA extraction. Detailed phenotyping in a proportion of children includes spirometry, bronchodilator response (BDR), skin prick reactivity, exhaled nitric oxide and salivary cotinine. Dietary and quality of life questionnaires are completed. Data are entered onto a purpose-built database. RESULTS: To date 1045 children have been invited to participate and data collected in 501 (48%). The mean age (SD) of participants is 8.6 (3.9) years, 57% male. DNA has been collected in 436 children. Spirometry has been obtained in 172 children, mean % predicted (SD) FEV1 97% (15) and median (IQR) BDR is 5% (2, 9). There were differences in age, socioeconomic status, severity and %FEV1 between the different centres (p≤0.024). Reasons for non-participation included parents not having time to take part, children not attending clinics and, in a small proportion, refusal to take part. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to establish a national database to study gene-environment interactions within an asthmatic paediatric population; there are barriers to participation and some different characteristics in individuals recruited from different centres. Recruitment to our study continues and is anticipated to extend current understanding of asthma heterogeneity.

Advances in chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the use of chemotherapy and targeted therapy for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DATA SOURCES: Published articles, book chapters, and research papers. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy has improved both response and survival rates incrementally in patients with advanced NSCLC. Targeted therapy agents are now included in the treatment schema and are impacting overall survival in combination with chemotherapy for first-line therapy and as monotherapy for second- or third-line treatment. In recent years, chemotherapy has also shown efficacy in earlier stages of treatment, especially as adjuvant therapy after surgery. Additionally, elderly patients can tolerate platinum-based chemotherapy without significant toxicities; therefore, age should not be the only determining factor when deciding on treatment for an older person. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: It is important for nurses to know and understand the background and rationale for many of the current treatments for NSCLC given today.

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To review the implications of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade and become familiar with the clinical experience in colorectal carcinoma to date. DATA SOURCES: Research articles and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Blockade of the EGFR results in clinically significant antitumor activities in a variety of tumors, including colorectal carcinoma. There are a variety of mechanisms by which to block the EGFR pathway. Those that have undergone extensive clinical testing include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. In addition, biological agents have shown promise when combined with traditional cytotoxic approaches. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: With many targeted biological agents undergoing evaluation, it is important that nurses become familiar with early clinical experience to understand their role in the treatment of cancer.