The Role of Adjuvant Therapy Following Surgical Resection of Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multi-Center Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This multi-center, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the long-term survival in patients who underwent surgical resection for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and to identify the benefit of adjuvant therapy following surgery. @*Materials and Methods@#The data of 213 patients who underwent surgical resection for SCLC at four institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy or an incomplete resection were excluded. @*Results@#The mean patient age was 65.29±8.93 years, and 184 patients (86.4%) were male. Lobectomies and pneumonectomies were performed in 173 patients (81.2%), and 198 (93%) underwent systematic mediastinal lymph node dissections. Overall, 170 patients (79.8%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, 42 (19.7%) underwent radiotherapy to the mediastinum, and 23 (10.8%) underwent prophylactic cranial irradiation. The median follow-up period was 31.08 months (interquartile range, 13.79 to 64.52 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 53.4% and 46.9%, respectively. The 5-year OS significantly improved after adjuvant chemotherapy in all patients (57.4% vs. 40.3%, p=0.007), and the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was significant in patients with negative node pathology (70.8% vs. 39.7%, p=0.004). Adjuvant radiotherapy did not affect the 5-year OS (54.6% vs. 48.5%, p=0.458). Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.032; p=0.017), node metastasis (HR, 2.190; p < 0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.558; p=0.019) were associated with OS. @*Conclusion@#Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection in patients with SCLC improved the OS, though adjuvant radiotherapy to the mediastinum did not improve the survival or decrease the locoregional recurrence rate.

Comparative analysis on intaglio surface trueness, wear volume loss of antagonist, and fracture resistance of full-contour monolithic zirconia crown for single-visit dentistry under simulated mastication

PURPOSE@#This analysis aimed to evaluate the intaglio surface trueness, antagonist’s wear volume loss, and fracture resistance of full-contour crowns of (Y, Nb)-stabilized fully-sintered zirconia (FSZ), 4 mol% or 5 mol% yttria-stabilized partially sintered zirconia (4YZ or 5YZ) with high-speed sintering. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A total of 42 zirconia crowns were separated into three groups: FSZ, 4YZ, and 5YZ (n = 14). The intaglio surface trueness of the crowns was evaluated at the inner surface, occlusal, margin, and axial areas and reported as root-mean-square, positive and negative average deviation. Half of the specimens were aged for 120,000 cycles in the chewing simulator, and the wear volume loss of antagonist was measured. Before and after chewing, the fracture load was measured for each group. The trueness values were analyzed with Welch's ANOVA, and the wear volume loss with the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Effect of the zirconia type and aging on fracture resistance of crowns was tested using two-way ANOVA. @*RESULTS@#The intaglio surface trueness measured at four different areas of the crown was less than 50 µm, regardless of the type of zirconia. No significant P in wear volume loss of antagonists were detected among the groups (P > .05). Both the type of zirconia and aging showed statistically significant effects on fracture resistance (P < .05). @*CONCLUSION@#The full-contour crowns of FSZ as well as 4YZ or 5YZ with high-speed sintering were clinically acceptable, in terms of intaglio surface trueness, antagonist’s wear volume loss, and fracture resistance after simulated mastication.

Chyle Leakage after Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Surgeons recommend dissecting lymph nodes in the thorax, abdomen, and neck duringsurgery for esophageal cancer because of the possibility of metastasis to the lymph nodesin those areas through the lymphatic plexus of the esophageal submucosal layer. Extensivelymph node dissection is essential for accurate staging and is thought to improve survival.However, it can result in several complications, including chyle leakage, which refersto continuous lymphatic fluid leakage and can occur in the thorax, abdomen, and neck.Malnutrition, fluid imbalance, and immune compromise may result from chyle leakage,which can be potentially life-threatening if it persists. Therefore, various treatment methods,including conservative treatment, pharmacological treatment such as octreotide infusion,and interventions such as thoracic duct embolization and surgical thoracic duct ligation,have been applied. In this article, the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment methodsof chyle leakage after esophagectomy are reviewed.

Factors Affecting the Number of Stapler Cartridges in Complete Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lobectomy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background@#Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has become the major surgical option for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Endoscopic instruments such as stapler cartridges are essential for VATS procedures. In this study, we investigated the factors that affect the number of stapler cartridges used in VATS lobectomy. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent complete VATS lobectomy for NSCLC from January 2013 to December 2015. @*Results@#In total, 596 patients underwent complete VATS lobectomy. The average number of stapler cartridges used for VATS lobectomy was 5.3±1.9. The number of stapler cartridges used for VATS lobectomy was higher in men (5.5±1.9 vs. 5.0±18, p=0.006), those aged older than 70 years (5.5±2.1 vs. 5.1±1.7, p=0.038), those who underwent upper or middle lobectomy procedures (5.7±1.9 vs. 4.1±1.2, p<0.001), those with a higher fissure sum average (p<0.001), and those in whom surgery was performed by a surgeon with a preference for staplers (5.6±2.0 vs. 4.9±1.6, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The number of stapler cartridges required to perform VATS lobectomy in NSCLC patients appears to be influenced by sex, age, the location of the tumor, the degree of fissure development, and the surgeon’s preference.

Analysis of osteogenic potential on 3mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals and two different niobium oxide containing zirconia ceramics

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of 3mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) and niobium oxide containing Y-TZPs with specific ratios, new (Y,Nb)-TZPs, namely YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3Y-TZP, YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 discs (15 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness) were prepared and their average surface roughness (Ra) and surface topography were analyzed using 3-D confocal laser microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mouse pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto all zirconia discs and evaluated with regard to cell attachment and morphology by (CLSM), cell proliferation by PicoGreen assay, and cell differentiation by Reverse-Transcription PCR and Quantitative Real-Time PCR, and alkaline phosphatase (Alp) staining. RESULTS: The cellular morphology of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts was more stretched on a smooth surface than on a rough surface, regardless of the material. Cellular proliferation was higher on smooth surfaces, but there were no significant differences between 3Y-TZP, YN4533, and YN4533/Al20. Osteoblast differentiation patterns on YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 were similar to or slightly higher than seen in 3Y-TZP. Although there were no significant differences in bone marker gene expression (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin), Alp staining indicated better osteoblast differentiation on YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 compared to 3Y-TZP. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, niobium oxide containing Y-TZPs have comparable osteogenic potential to 3Y-TZP and are expected to be suitable alternative ceramics dental implant materials to titanium for aesthetically important areas.

Successful Surgical Treatment of a Recurrent Esophageal Malignant Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is a very rare disease entity, especially in the esophagus. The diagnosis of GNET is based on histologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic findings. The choice of treatment is complete resection, and further treatment options can be considered. Herein, we describe a case of successful surgical treatment of a 23-year-old man with recurrent malignant esophageal GNET.

Optimal Adjuvant Treatment for Curatively Resected Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Radiotherapy Perspective / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of adjuvant treatment for curatively resected thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and determine the optimal adjuvant treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-five patients who underwent a curative resection for thoracic ESCC between 1994 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperatively, the patients received no adjuvant treatment (no-adjuvant group, n=68), adjuvant chemotherapy (AC group, n=62), radiotherapy (RT group, n=41), or chemoradiotherapy (CRT group, n=24). Chemotherapy comprised cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil administration every 3 weeks. The median RT dose was 45.0 Gy (range, 34.8 to 59.4 Gy). The overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM) rates were estimated. RESULTS: At a median follow-up duration of 42.2 months (range, 6.3 to 215.2 months), the 5-year OS and DFS were 37.6% and 31.4%, respectively. After adjusting for other clinicopathologic variables, the AC and CRT groups had a significantly better OS and DFS compared to the no-adjuvant group (p < 0.05). The LRR rate was significantly lower in the RT and CRT groups than in the no-adjuvant group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the AC group. In the no-adjuvant and AC groups, 25% of patients received high-dose salvage RT due to LRR. The DM rates were similar. The anastomotic stenosis and leakage were similar in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant treatment might prolong survival after an ESCC resection, and RT contributes to a reduction of the LRR. Overall, the risks and benefits should be weighed properly when selecting the optimal adjuvant treatment.

Three-Dimensional Ground Glass Opacity Ratio in CT Images Can Predict Tumor Invasiveness of Stage IA Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: We investigated the relationship between various parameters, including volumetric parameters, and tumor invasiveness according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 99 patients with completely resected stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. The correlation between several parameters [one-dimensional ground glass opacity (1D GGO) ratio, two-dimensional (2D) GGO ratio, three-dimensional (3D) GGO ratio, 1D solid size, 2D solid size, and 3D solid size] and tumor invasiveness according to IASLC/ATS/ERS classification was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Adenocarcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma were referred to as noninvasive adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The areas under the curve (AUC) to predict invasive adenocarcinoma for the 1D, 2D, and 3D GGO ratios were 0.962, 0.967, and 0.971, respectively. The optimal cut-off values for the 1D, 2D, and 3D GGO ratios were 38%, 62%, and 74%, respectively. The AUC values for 1D, 2D, and 3D solid sizes to predict invasive adenocarcinoma were 0.933, 0.944, and 0.903, respectively. The optimal cut-off values for 1D, 2D, and 3D solid sizes were 1.2 cm, 1.5 cm2, and 0.7 cm3, respectively. The difference in the ROC curves for 3D GGO ratio and 3D solid size was significant (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Computed tomography image-related parameters based on GGO were well correlated with and predictive of invasiveness according to IASLC/ATS/ERS classification. 3D GGO ratio was more strongly correlated with pathologic invasiveness than 3D solid size.

Aggressive surgical resection for concomitant liver and lung metastasis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Aggressive surgical resection for hepatic metastasis is validated, however, concomitant liver and lung metastasis in colorectal cancer patients is equivocal. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data from January 2008 through December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed in 234 patients with colorectal cancer with concomitant liver and lung metastasis. Clinicopathologic factors and survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 234 patients, 129 (55.1%) had synchronous concomitant liver and lung metastasis from colorectal cancer and 36 (15.4%) had metachronous metastasis. Surgical resection was performed in 33 patients (25.6%) with synchronous and 6 (16.7%) with metachronous metastasis. Surgical resection showed better overall survival in both groups (synchronous, p=0.001; metachronous, p=0.028). In the synchronous metastatic group, complete resection of both liver and lung metastatic lesions had better survival outcomes than incomplete resection of two metastatic lesions (p=0.037). The primary site of colorectal cancer and complete resection were significant prognostic factors (p=0.06 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection for hepatic and pulmonary metastasis in colorectal cancer can improve complete remission and survival rate in resectable cases. Colorectal cancer with concomitant liver and lung metastasis is not a poor prognostic factor or a contraindication for surgical treatments, hence, an aggressive surgical approach may be recommended in well-selected resectable cases.

DSSylation, a novel protein modification targets proteins induced by oxidative stress, and facilitates their degradation in cells

Timely removal of oxidatively damaged proteins is critical for cells exposed to oxidative stresses; however, cellular mechanism for clearing oxidized proteins is not clear. Our study reveals a novel type of protein modification that may play a role in targeting oxidized proteins and remove them. In this process, DSS1 (deleted in split hand/split foot 1), an evolutionally conserved small protein, is conjugated to proteins induced by oxidative stresses in vitro and in vivo, implying oxidized proteins are DSS1 clients. A subsequent ubiquitination targeting DSS1-protein adducts has been observed, suggesting the client proteins are degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The DSS1 attachment to its clients is evidenced to be an enzymatic process modulated by an unidentified ATPase. We name this novel protein modification as DSSylation, in which DSS1 plays as a modifier, whose attachment may render target proteins a signature leading to their subsequent ubiquitination, thereby recruits proteasome to degrade them.

Autophagy Activity in Pulmonary Metastatic Tumor Tissues from Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: Autophagy has been reported to be involved in treatment failure in tumor. We aimed to evaluate autophagy activity in tumor tissue and compare them between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed expressions of autophagy-related proteins in tumor tissues which were obtained from pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancer patients by Western blot. We also analyzed autophagosomes by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Tumor tissues from recurrence group showed increased levels of LC3B-II, decreased levels of p62/SQSTM1, and also a marked accumulation of autophagosomes compared with tissues from non-recurrence group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that autophagy may be associated with treatment failure of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Association Rules to Identify Complications of Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to find risk factors that are associated with complications of cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to discover useful association rules among these factors. METHODS: The risk factors with respect to cerebral infarction were selected using logistic regression analysis with the Wald's forward selection approach. The rules to identify the complications of cerebral infarction were obtained by using the association rule mining (ARM) approach. RESULTS: We observed that 4 independent factors, namely, age, hypertension, initial electrocardiographic rhythm, and initial echocardiographic left atrial dimension (LAD), were strong predictors of cerebral infarction in patients with AF. After the application of ARM, we obtained 4 useful rules to identify complications of cerebral infarction: age (>63 years) and hypertension (Yes) and initial ECG rhythm (AF) and initial Echo LAD (>4.06 cm); age (>63 years) and hypertension (Yes) and initial Echo LAD (>4.06 cm); hypertension (Yes) and initial ECG rhythm (AF) and initial Echo LAD (>4.06 cm); age (>63 years) and hypertension (Yes) and initial ECG rhythm (AF). CONCLUSIONS: Among the induced rules, 3 factors (the initial ECG rhythm [i.e., AF], initial Echo LAD, and age) were strongly associated with each other.

Pathologic Correlation of Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Cytokeratin 19 Fragment in Resected Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: This study focused on the association between preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra 21-1) levels and pathologic parameters in patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 527 patients who underwent pulmonary resection of NSCLC were reviewed. The association between preoperative serum CEA and Cyfra 21-1 levels and variables that had p-values of less than 0.05 in a t-test or one-way analyses of variance was analyzed by multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean serum CEA and Cyfra 21-1 levels prior to surgery were 6.8+/-23.1 mg/dL (range, 0.01 to 390.8 mg/dL) and 5.4+/-12.3 mg/dL (range, 0.65 to 140.2 mg/dL). The serum CEA levels were associated with tumor (T) and lymph node (N) stage and histology. The serum Cyfra 21-1 levels were associated with T stage, tumor size, and histology. Multiple linear regression indicated that serum CEA levels were associated with T (T3/4 vs. T1: beta=8.463, p=0.010) and N stage (N2/3 vs. N0: beta=9.208, p<0.001) and histology (adenocarcinoma vs. squamous cell: beta=6.838, p=0.001), and serum Cyfra 21-1 levels were associated with tumor size (beta=2.579, p<0.001) and histology (squamous cell vs. adenocarcinoma: beta=4.420, p=0.020). CONCLUSION: Serum CEA level was correlated with T and N stage, and Cyfra 21-1 with tumor size. CEA and Cyfra 21-1 showed histologic correlation. CEA is mainly elevated in adenocarcinoma and Cyfra 21-1 in squamous cell carcinoma. These results might be helpful for predicting pathologic status in preoperative NSCLC.

Pathologic Correlation of Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Cytokeratin 19 Fragment in Resected Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: This study focused on the association between preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra 21-1) levels and pathologic parameters in patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 527 patients who underwent pulmonary resection of NSCLC were reviewed. The association between preoperative serum CEA and Cyfra 21-1 levels and variables that had p-values of less than 0.05 in a t-test or one-way analyses of variance was analyzed by multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean serum CEA and Cyfra 21-1 levels prior to surgery were 6.8+/-23.1 mg/dL (range, 0.01 to 390.8 mg/dL) and 5.4+/-12.3 mg/dL (range, 0.65 to 140.2 mg/dL). The serum CEA levels were associated with tumor (T) and lymph node (N) stage and histology. The serum Cyfra 21-1 levels were associated with T stage, tumor size, and histology. Multiple linear regression indicated that serum CEA levels were associated with T (T3/4 vs. T1: beta=8.463, p=0.010) and N stage (N2/3 vs. N0: beta=9.208, p<0.001) and histology (adenocarcinoma vs. squamous cell: beta=6.838, p=0.001), and serum Cyfra 21-1 levels were associated with tumor size (beta=2.579, p<0.001) and histology (squamous cell vs. adenocarcinoma: beta=4.420, p=0.020). CONCLUSION: Serum CEA level was correlated with T and N stage, and Cyfra 21-1 with tumor size. CEA and Cyfra 21-1 showed histologic correlation. CEA is mainly elevated in adenocarcinoma and Cyfra 21-1 in squamous cell carcinoma. These results might be helpful for predicting pathologic status in preoperative NSCLC.

Pharmacogenomic Assessment of Outcomes of Pemetrexed-Treated Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of the target genes of pemetrexed and clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with pemetrexed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed polymorphisms at 8 sites in 4 genes [thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR; 1610, 680, 317, intron 1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; 677, 1298), glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase (GARFT; 2255)] associated with pemetrexed metabolism using polymerase chain reaction, gene scanning, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 90 patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. RESULTS: Survival was significantly longer with pemetrexed in patients with TS 3RGCC/3RGCC or 3RGGC/3RGGC compared with the other groups (PFS; 5.2 months vs. 3.7 months, p=0.03: OS; 31.8 months vs. 18.5 months, p=0.001). Patients with DHFR 680CC experienced fatigue more frequently (50% vs. 8.6%, p=0.008). Polymorphisms of MTHFR and GARFT were not significantly associated with clinical outcomes of pemetrexed. CONCLUSION: The TS genotype was associated with survival and one DHFR polymorphism was associated with fatigue in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed. Further large prospective studies are required to identify other biomarkers that affect patients being treated with pemetrexed for adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Predictors of Recurrence after Thymoma Resection

PURPOSE: Recurrence rate is considered a better measure of clinical outcomes after thymoma resection than overall survival due to the indolent behavior of thymomas. This study was designed to determine predictors of recurrence after thymoma resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective study was performed, including 305 patients who had undergone thymoma resection between 1986 and 2009. RESULTS: Among 305 patients, recurrence was observed in 41 patients (13.4%). The recurrence rates were 0% (0/19), 6.3% (4/63), 4.2% (2/48), 18.6% (11/59) and 20.7% (24/116) for type A, AB, B1, B2 and B3 tumors, respectively. The recurrence rate according to Masaoka stage was 6.1% (8/132), 11.4% (13/114), 26.8% (11/41) and 50.0% (9/18) for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. After univariate analysis, completeness of resection (R0 versus R1), World Health Organization (WHO) histologic type (A, AB, B1 versus B2, B3), Masaoka stage, and size of tumor ( or =8 cm) demonstrated significant differences with freedom from recurrence. Upon multivariate analysis, Masaoka stage was the only independent predictor of recurrence. CONCLUSION: WHO histologic type, Masaoka stage, and size of tumor were associated with recurrence. Particularly, Masaoka stage was the only independent predictor of recurrence after thymoma resection.

Retraction: Prognostic and Predictive Value of Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Cytokeratin-19 Fragments Levels in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Gefitinib or Erlotinib. Yonsei Med J 2012;53:931-9

No abstract available.

Prognostic and Predictive Value of Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Cytokeratin-19 Fragments Levels in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Gefitinib or Erlotinib

PURPOSE: The prognostic and predictive value of pretreatment serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin-19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1) were assessed in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with gefitinib or erlotinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment CEA and CYFRA 21-1 were measured in 123 advanced NSCLC patients receiving gefitinib or erlotinib. High CEA levels (h-CEA) were significantly associated with females, patients with adenocarcinoma, and non-smokers. RESULTS: Low CYFRA 21-1 levels (l-CYFRA) were significantly associated with a good performance status (ECOG PS 0-1). The overall response rate (RR) was 27.6%, and higher RR was associated with adenocarcinoma, h-CEA, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Patients with h-CEA had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.021). Patients with l-CYFRA had significantly longer PFS and overall survival (p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively). Of note, h-CEA and l-CYFRA had good prognosis in patients with unknown EGFR mutation status or patients with squamous cell carcinoma (p=0.021 and p=0.015, respectively). A good ECOG PS (HR=0.45, p=0.017), h-CEA (HR=0.41, p=0.007), l-CYFRA 21-1 (HR=0.52, p=0.025), and an EGFR mutation (HR=0.22, p<0.001) were independently predictive of a longer PFS. CONCLUSION: h-CEA and l-CYFRA 21-1 may be prognostic and predictive serum markers for higher response and longer survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving gefitinib or erlotinib, especially in patients with unknown EGFR mutation status or patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

Changes in the Demographics and Prognoses of Patients with Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A 20-Year Experience at a Single Institution in Korea

The demographics and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients have changed during the last few decades. We conducted this study to assess the change in demographics and prognosis in resected non-small cell lung cancer patients during a 20-yr single-institution study in Korea. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,076 non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent pulmonary resection between 1990 and 2009. Their clinical characteristics and survival were analyzed over a five-year period. With time, the proportions of female, adenocarcinoma, stage IA, and lobectomy patients increased, whereas the proportions of male, squamous cell carcinoma, stage IIIA, and pneumonectomy patients decreased. These demographic changes caused improved prognosis. The five-year survival rate of all patients was 53.9%. The five-year survival rate increased from 31.9% in 1990-1994, to 43.6% in 1995-1999, 51.3% in 2000-2004, and 69.7% in 2005-2009 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, among patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer, the proportions of female, adenocarcinoma, stage IA, and lobectomy patients have increased, and the five-year survival rate has gradually improved during the last 20 yr in Korea.

Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein as a Prognostic Marker in Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with poor prognosis in several tumor types. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum CRP as a prognostic marker in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pretreatment serum CRP level was measured in 157 newly diagnosed SCLC patients, and correlation between serum CRP level and other clinical parameters was analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to find prognostic markers using Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The initial CRP concentration was within the normal range in 72 (45.9%) patients and elevated in 85 (54.1%) patients. There was a significant correlation between serum CRP level and the extent of disease (p<0.001), weight loss (p=0.029) and chest radiation (p=0.001). Median overall survival (OS) in the normal CRp group was significantly longer than with the high CRp group (22.5 months vs. 11.2 months, p<0.001). Extent of disease (p<0.001), age (p=0.025), and performance status (p<0.001) were additional prognostic factors on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, elevated serum CRp level was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival (HR=1.8; p=0.014), regardless of the extent of disease (HR=3.7; p<0.001) and performance status (HR=2.2; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: High level of CRP was an independent poor prognostic serum marker in addition to previously well-known prognosticators in patients with SCLC.