Comparing modalities for risk assessment in patients with pulmonary lesions and nondiagnostic bronchoscopy for suspected lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopy is commonly utilized for non-surgical sampling of indeterminant pulmonary lesions, but nondiagnostic procedures are common. Accurate assessment of the risk of malignancy is essential for decision making in these patients, yet we lack tools that perform well across this heterogeneous group of patients. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of three previously validated risk models and physician-assessed risk (PAR) in patients with a newly identified lung lesion undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected lung cancer where the result is nondiagnostic. METHODS: We performed an analysis of prospective data collected for the Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier Multicenter Registry. PAR and three previously validated risk models (Mayo Clinic, Veteran's Affairs, and Brock) were used to determine the probability of lung cancer (low, intermediate, or high) in 375 patients with pulmonary lesions who underwent bronchoscopy for possible lung cancer with nondiagnostic pathology. Results were compared to the actual adjudicated prevalence of malignancy in each pre-test risk group, determined with a minimum of 12 months follow up after bronchoscopy. RESULTS: PAR and the risk models performed poorly overall in the assessment of risk in this patient population. PAR most closely matched the observed prevalence of malignancy in patients at 12 months after bronchoscopy, but all modalities had a low area under the curve, and in all clinical models more than half of all the lesions labeled as high risk were truly or likely benign. The studied risk model calculators overestimate the risk of malignancy compared to PAR, particularly in the subset in older patients, irregularly bordered nodules, and masses > 3 cm. Overall, the risk models perform only slightly better when confined to lung nodules < 3 cm in this population. CONCLUSION: The currently available tools for the assessment of risk of malignancy perform suboptimally in patients with nondiagnostic findings following a bronchoscopic evaluation for lung cancer. More accurate and objective tools for risk assessment are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not applicable.

Pulmonary nodules and the psychological harm they can cause: A scoping review.

More than 1.6 million pulmonary nodules are diagnosed in the United States each year. Although the majority of nodules are found to be benign, nodule detection and the process of ruling out malignancy can cause patients psychological harm to varying degrees. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the literature investigating pulmonary nodule-related psychological harm as a primary or secondary outcome. Online databases were systematically searched to identify papers published through June 30, 2023, from which 19 publications were reviewed. We examined prevalence by type, measurement, associated factors, and behavioral or clinical consequences. Of the 19 studies reviewed, 11 studies investigated distress, anxiety (n = 6), and anxiety and depression (n = 4). Prevalence of distress was 24.0 %-56.7 %; anxiety 9.9 %-42.1 %, and 14.6 %-27.0 % for depression. A wide range of demographic and social characteristics and clinical factors were associated with nodule-related psychological harm. Outcomes of nodule-related harms included experiencing conflict when deciding about treatment or surveillance, decreased adherence to surveillance, adoption of more aggressive treatment, and lower health-related quality of life. Our scoping review demonstrates that nodule-related psychological harm is common. Findings provide evidence that nodule-related psychological harm can influence clinical decisions and adherence to treatment recommendations. Future research should focus on discerning between nodule-related distress and anxiety; identifying patients at risk; ascertaining the extent of psychological harm on patient behavior and clinical decisions; and developing interventions to assist patients in managing psychological harm for better health-related quality of life and treatment outcomes.

A Nasal Swab Classifier to Evaluate the Probability of Lung Cancer in Patients With Pulmonary Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of the probability of lung cancer (pCA) is critical in patients with pulmonary nodules (PNs) to help guide decision-making. We sought to validate a clinical-genomic classifier developed using whole-transcriptome sequencing of nasal epithelial cells from patients with a PN ≤ 30 mm who smoke or have previously smoked. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can the pCA in individuals with a PN and a history of smoking be predicted by a classifier that uses clinical factors and genomic data from nasal epithelial cells obtained by cytologic brushing? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Machine learning was used to train a classifier using genomic and clinical features on 1,120 patients with PNs labeled as benign or malignant established by a final diagnosis or a minimum of 12 months of radiographic surveillance. The classifier was designed to yield low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories. The classifier was validated in an independent set of 312 patients, including 63 patients with a prior history of cancer (other than lung cancer), comparing the classifier prediction with the known clinical outcome. RESULTS: In the primary validation set, sensitivity and specificity for low-risk classification were 96% and 42%, whereas sensitivity and specificity for high-risk classification was 58% and 90%, respectively. Sensitivity was similar across stages of non-small cell lung cancer, independent of subtype. Performance compared favorably with clinical-only risk models. Analysis of 63 patients with prior cancer showed similar performance as did subanalyses of patients with light vs heavy smoking burden and those eligible for lung cancer screening vs those who were not. INTERPRETATION: The nasal classifier provides an accurate assessment of pCA in individuals with a PN ≤ 30 mm who smoke or have previously smoked. Classifier-guided decision-making could lead to fewer diagnostic procedures in patients without cancer and more timely treatment in patients with lung cancer.

The Effects of Endotracheal Tube Size During Bronchoscopy in Simulated Models of Intubated Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to use a simulation lung model to assess the possibility of performing bronchoscopy through endotracheal tubes (ETT) less than 8.0-mm while appropriately ventilating patients with normal and ARDS lungs in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Five SHERIDAN® ETTs were used to ventilate SimMan® 3G under respiratory compliance levels representing normal and severe ARDS lungs. Baseline measurements of peak pressure, plateau pressure, and auto-positive end expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) were recorded at four different inspiratory times (Ti). Three different-sized disposable bronchoscopes were inserted, and all measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Normal lung model: Slim bronchoscopes in 6.0-mm ETTs resulted in plateau pressures <30 cm H2 O, and increasing Ti to minimize peak pressure resulted in low auto-PEEP. Regular bronchoscopes in 7.0-mm ETTs had similar results. Large bronchoscopes in 7.5-mm ETTs generated plateau pressures ranging from 28 to 35 cm H2 O with modest auto-PEEP. Severe ARDS lung model: Slim bronchoscopes in 6.0-mm ETTs resulted in plateau pressures of 46 and an auto-PEEP of 5 cm H2 O. Regular bronchoscopes in 7.0-mm ETTs generated similar results. Large bronchoscopes in 8.0-mm ETTs displayed plateau pressures of 44 and an auto-PEEP of 2 cm H2 O. CONCLUSION: To mitigate risk of laryngeal injury, larger ETTs during bronchoscopy should be avoided. Our data show bronchoscopy with any ETT causes auto-PEEP and high plateau pressures, especially in lungs with poor compliance; however, ETT less than 7.5 mm can be used when considering several factors. Our data also suggest similar studies in patients with varying degrees of ARDS would be informative. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:147-153, 2023.

Reclassification of risk of malignancy with Percepta Genomic Sequencing Classifier following nondiagnostic bronchoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchoscopic sampling of pulmonary lesions suspicious for lung cancer is frequently nondiagnostic. A genomic sequencing classifier utilizing bronchial brushings obtained at the time of the bronchoscopy has been shown to provide an accurate reclassification of the risk of malignancy (ROM) based on pre-procedure risk. Our objectives for this study were to determine the frequency with which the classifier up- or down-classifies risk in regular clinical practice and to model the potential clinical utility of that reclassification. METHODS: This observational study retrospectively assessed data from four clinical sites that regularly use the genomic classifier in the bronchoscopic evaluation of indeterminate lesions. Demographics and pre-bronchoscopy ROM were recorded. The frequency of up- and down-classification was calculated. Modeling based on reclassification rates and the performance characteristics of the classifier was performed to demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the result. RESULTS: 86 patients who underwent classifier testing following a nondiagnostic bronchoscopy were included. 45% of patients with high ROM prior to bronchoscopy were reclassified very high-risk. 38% of patients with intermediate ROM were up-or down-classified. 56% of patients with low ROM were reclassified to very low-risk. Overall, 42% of patients had a change in classification. 35% of the study cohort could potentially have avoided additional unnecessary procedures with subsequent guideline-adherent management. CONCLUSIONS: The classifier can guide decision-making following a nondiagnostic bronchoscopy, reclassifying risk in a significant percentage of cases. Use of the classifier should allow more patients with early-stage cancer to proceed directly to curative therapy while helping more patients with benign disease avoid further unnecessary procedures.

In COVID-19 Patients Who Suffer In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes May Be Impacted by Arrest Etiology and Local Pandemic Conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The utility and risks to providers of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation after in-hospital cardiac arrest in COVID-19 patients have been questioned. Additionally, there are discrepancies in reported COVID-19 in-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates. We describe outcomes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest in two COVID-19 patient cohorts. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, NY. PATIENTS: Those admitted with COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, as well as between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021, who received resuscitation after in-hospital cardiac arrest. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 103 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who were resuscitated after in-hospital cardiac arrest in spring 2020, most self-identified as Hispanic/Latino or African American, 35 (34.0%) had return of spontaneous circulation for at least 20 minutes, and 15 (14.6%) survived to 30 days post-arrest. Compared with nonsurvivors, 30-day survivors experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest later (day 22 vs day 7; p = 0.008) and were more likely to have had an acute respiratory event preceding in-hospital cardiac arrest (93.3% vs 27.3%; p < 0.001). Among 30-day survivors, 11 (73.3%) survived to hospital discharge, at which point 8 (72.7%) had Cerebral Performance Category scores of 1 or 2. Among 26 COVID-19 patients resuscitated after in-hospital cardiac arrest in spring 2021, 15 (57.7%) had return of spontaneous circulation for at least 20 minutes, 3 (11.5%) survived to 30 days post in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 2 (7.7%) survived to hospital discharge, both with Cerebral Performance Category scores of 2 or less. Those who survived to 30 days post in-hospital cardiac arrest were younger (46.3 vs 67.8; p = 0.03), but otherwise there were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation after in-hospital cardiac arrest had low survival rates. Our findings additionally show return of spontaneous circulation rates in these patients may be impacted by hospital strain and that patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest preceded by acute respiratory events might be more likely to survive to 30 days, suggesting Advanced Cardiac Life Support efforts may be more successful in this subpopulation.

Lung cancer cytology and small biopsy specimens: diagnosis, predictive biomarker testing, acquisition, triage, and management.

In the 21st century, there has been a dramatic shift in the management of advanced-stage lung carcinoma, and this has coincided with an increasing use of minimally invasive tissue acquisition methods. Both have had significant downstream effects on cytology and small biopsy specimens. Current treatments require morphologic, immunohistochemical, and/or genotypical subtyping of non-small cell lung carcinoma. To meet these objectives, standardized classification of cytology and small specimen diagnoses, immunohistochemical algorithms, and predictive biomarker testing guidelines have been developed. This review provides an overview of current classification, biomarker testing, methods of small specimen acquisition and triage, clinical management strategies, and emerging technologies.

Attitudes toward tobacco cessation and lung cancer screening in two South African communities.

Among men in South Africa, the prevalence of tobacco smoking is as high as 33%. Although smoking is responsible for most lung cancer in South Africa, occupational and environmental exposures contribute greatly to risk. We conducted a tobacco and lung cancer screening needs assessment and administered surveys to adults who smoked >100 cigarettes in their lifetime in Johannesburg (urban) and Kimberley (rural). We compared tobacco use, risk exposure, attitudes toward and knowledge of, and receptivity to cessation and screening, by site. Of 324 smokers, nearly 85% of current smokers had a <30 pack-year history of smoking; 58.7% had tried to stop smoking ≥1 time, and 78.9% wanted to quit. Kimberley smokers more often reported being advised by a healthcare provider to stop smoking (56.5% vs. 37.3%, p=0.001) than smokers in Johannesburg but smokers in Johannesburg were more willing to stop smoking if advised by their doctor (72.9% vs. 41.7%, p<0.001). Findings indicate that tobacco smokers in two geographic areas of South Africa are motivated to stop smoking but receive no healthcare support to do so. Developing high risk criteria for lung cancer screening and creating tobacco cessation infrastructure may reduce tobacco use and decrease lung cancer mortality in South Africa.

Characteristics and outcomes of lung cancer in solid organ transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the third most common malignancy that develops in patients following solid organ transplantation and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the general population. The aims of this study are to examine the characteristics of patients who developed lung cancer following solid organ transplantation at our institution and to compare their outcomes to those of lung cancer patients without a history of transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective study of 44 solid organ transplant recipients who developed lung cancer and compared their characteristics to a cohort of 74 lung cancer patients without a history of transplant. We performed propensity score weighted analyses to compare outcomes between the two groups, including a cox proportional hazards model of overall survival. RESULTS: 52 % of post-transplant patients who developed lung cancer were diagnosed with stage III or IV disease. In the propensity score weighted analysis that accounted for age at diagnosis, sex, lung cancer stage at diagnosis, Charlson comorbidity index score, and ECOG performance score, post-transplant patients were more likely to have squamous cell histology (p < 0.01) and had worse overall survival compared to the non-transplant cohort (HR = 1.88, 95 % CI 1.13-3.12, p = 0.02). The difference in survival remained significant after accounting for differences in lung cancer histology and treatment (HR = 2.40, 95 % CI 1.27-3.78, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to non-transplant patients with lung cancer, post-transplant patients have worse overall survival after accounting for differences in age, sex, lung cancer stage, comorbidities, and performance status. This survival difference is not solely attributable to differences in tumor histology and treatments received. This may suggest that post-transplant malignancies are more aggressive and difficult to treat.

Molecular testing on endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) fine needle aspirates (FNA): Impact of triage.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is performed to diagnose and stage lung cancer. Multiple studies have described the value of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE), but often the emphasis is upon diagnosis than adequacy for molecular testing (MT). The aim was to identify variable(s), especially cytology-related, that can improve MT. METHODS: A search for EBUS-FNAs with ROSE was conducted for lung adenocarcinomas or when this diagnosis could not be excluded. All such cases underwent reflex MT on cell blocks. The impact of cytology-related variables [i.e., number of pass(es), dedicated pass(es) directly into media, cytotechnologist (CT), laboratory technician (LT) and triage with 1 or >1 cytologist] was evaluated. The latter category was divided into Group A [ROSE, triage and slide preparation by cytopathologist (CP) and CT at start of the procedure] and Group B (ROSE only by CT or by CT/CP after start of procedure; triage and slide preparation by CT or clinical staff). The impact of all these variables on MT was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 100 cases were identified, and 79 had sufficient tissue for MT. Of all variables evaluated, MT was positively affected by performing a direct dedicated pass (P = 0.013) and ROSE by Group A (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: ROSE with appropriate triage, including performing a dedicated pass and proper slide preparation, improves MT, and this is enhanced by having >1 cytologist at the start of the procedure. In the era of personalized medicine, "adequate" should denote sufficient tissue for diagnosis and MT.

Next-generation sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer using a customized, targeted sequencing panel: Emphasis on small biopsy and cytology.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a multi-gene panel is now available for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, but the performance characteristics and clinical utility of this testing are not well-described. We present the results of an extended 467 gene panel in a series of advanced, highly selected nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using a range of specimens, including predominantly small biopsy and cytology specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 22 NSCLC biopsies sent for NGS using an extended gene panel from January 2014 to July 2015. The customized NGS panel sequences 467 cancer-associated genes with exonic and intronic sequences obtained from purified tumor DNA. Genomic alterations, patient characteristics, and success of testing were determined. RESULTS: The majority of samples tested were metastatic lung adenocarcinoma on final pathology. Of the 22 specimens tested, 5 (22.7%) were surgical resections and 17 (77.3%) were small biopsy and cytology specimens. Twenty-one (95%) of the specimens were adequate for full sequencing and yielded a total of 204 genomic alterations (average 8.9 per tumor), of which 17 (average 0.81 per tumor) were actionable and/or clinically relevant. Genomic alterations were found most commonly in the TP53, EGFR, EPHB1, MLL3, APC, SETD2, KRAS, DNMT3A, RB1, CDKN2A, ARID1A, EP300, KDM6B, RAD50, STK11, and BRCA2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: NGS using a comprehensive gene panel was performed successfully in 95% of all NSCLC cases in this series, including 94% small biopsy and cytology specimens and 100% surgical resections. This custom assay was performed on a range of tumor specimens and demonstrates that small specimens are able to provide a similar depth of information as larger ones. As many patients present at an advanced stage and only small specimens are obtained, the information these provide has the potential for guiding treatment in highly selected patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

PD-L1 expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma: Comparison among cytology, small biopsy, and surgical resection specimens.

BACKGROUND: One immunotherapeutic agent for patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma, pembrolizumab, has a companion immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based assay that predicts response by quantifying programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. The current study assessed the feasibility of quantifying PD-L1 expression using cytologic non-small cell lung carcinoma specimens and compared the results with those from small biopsy and surgical resection specimens. METHODS: PD-L1 expression was quantified using the IHC-based 22C3 pharmDx assay, with "positivity" defined as staining in ≥50% viable tumor cells; ≥ 100 tumor cells were required for test adequacy. For cytology specimens, IHC was performed on cell block sections. RESULTS: A total of 214 specimens were collected from 188 patients, 206 of which (96%) were found to be adequately cellular, including 36 of 40 cytology (90%) and 69 of 72 small biopsy (96%) specimens. There was no significant difference noted with regard to the feasibility of PD-L1 IHC on small biopsy specimens compared with surgical resection specimens (P = .99), or between the percentage of PD-L1-positive cytology and histology (including surgical resection and histologic small biopsy) specimens (P = .083). PD-L1 expression was found to be concordant among samples from 21 of 23 patients from whom > 1 specimen was collected (91%). There also was no significant difference observed with regard to rates of PD-L1 positivity when comparing age, sex, diagnosis, and specimen site. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of PD-L1 expression is feasible on cytology specimens, and the results are comparable to those obtained from surgical resection and small biopsy specimens, including in matched specimens and using a single predictive IHC marker. Future studies will be necessary to determine the comparative value of other antibodies and their ability to predict response to immunotherapy. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:896-907. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

The safety, efficacy, and durability of lung-volume reduction surgery: A 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVES: The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) validated the efficacy of lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in selected patients with emphysema; however, concerns about the safety and durability of the operation have limited its clinical application. We evaluated our experience with LVRS, for the time period since approval was given by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with respect to surgical morbidity and mortality, early and late functional outcomes, and long-term survival. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 91 patients for whom consent was obtained for bilateral LVRS at our institution between January 2004 and June 2014. Primary outcomes analyzed were 6-month surgical mortality and overall survival at 1, 2, and 5 years. Secondary outcomes (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], residual volume, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, a 6-minute walk test, exercise capacity, and a shortness-of-breath questionnaire) were analyzed for mean change from baseline at 1, 2, and 5 years after LVRS. RESULTS: The 6-month surgical mortality rate was 0%. At the 1- and 5-year follow-up, 69% and 36% of the patients had an improvement in FEV1. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year FEV1 change in % predicted of the FEV1, compared with baseline after LVRS, respectively, was 11.1% (95% CI: 8.6%, 13.6%); 8.7% (95% CI: 6.1%, 11.4%); and 11.1% (95% CI: 7.1%, 15.0%); and the maximal workload (in watts [W]) had an average increase of: 10.7 W (95% CI: 6.9, 14.6); 7.6 W (95% CI: 2.8, 12.4); and 10.24 W (95% CI: 4.4, 16.1). Overall survival (95% CI) for the group was: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.00) at 1 year; 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.00) at 2 years; and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.89) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Given proper patient selection, LVRS is a safe operation. Early functional measurements are consistent with significant clinical benefit. Long-term results demonstrate that improvements can be durable. Surgical LVRS continues to represent the standard for lung-volume reduction therapy.

Yield and Clinical Utility of Next-Generation Sequencing in Selected Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing is available for assessing genomic alterations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although the performance characteristics and clinical utility has not been well characterized. This technique can be used to sequence hundreds of known cancer-associated genes. Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic success and clinically relevant results of extensive sequencing in NSCLC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case series of 49 NSCLC patients was used to determine the success of extended next-generation sequencing, record genomic alterations, and evaluate clinical utility. Data were collected in a retrospective review. Sequencing was performed using a hybridization capture of 3320 exons from 236 cancer-related genes and 47 introns of 19 genes applied to ≥50 ng of DNA and sequenced to high, uniform coverage of 622 times. RESULTS: Sequencing was successful in 29 of 32 (91%) surgical/excisional specimens, and 12 of 17 (71%) nonsurgical specimens including an endoscopic forceps biopsy, core needle biopsies, fine-needle aspirates, and effusion cytologies. All 5 transthoracic core needle biopsies failed. A total of 179 genomic alterations (average 4.37 per tumor) were found. A total of 63 were clinically relevant (average 1.54 per tumor). The most frequently mutated genes were tumor protein p53, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1, rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin, epithelial growth factor receptor, SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator Of Chromatin, Subfamily A, Member 4, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit α, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2, Serine/Threonine Kinase 11, and NK2 Homeobox 1. Sequencing results led to a change in management in 7 of 49 cases (14.3%). CONCLUSION: Extended next-generation sequencing was performed successfully in 41 (83.7%) cases of NSCLC using a range of pathology specimens. Testing had the potential to affect treatment decisions in selected patients.

Cytomorphological features of ALK-positive lung adenocarcinomas: psammoma bodies and signet ring cells.

BACKGROUND: Correlation between histology and genotype has been described in lung adenocarcinomas. For example, studies have demonstrated that adenocarcinomas with an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement may have mucinous features. The objective of the current study was to determine whether a similar association can be identified in cytological specimens. METHODS: A retrospective search for ALK-rearranged cytopathology (CP) and surgical pathology (SP) lung carcinomas was conducted. Additional ALK-negative (-) lung adenocarcinomas served as controls. For CP and SP cases, the clinical data (i.e., age, sex, and smoking history), architecture, nuclear features, presence of mucin-containing cells (including signet ring cells), and any additional salient characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: The search yielded 20 ALK-positive (+) adenocarcinomas. Compared with patients with ALK(-) lung adenocarcinomas (33 patients; 12 with epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]-mutation, 11 with Kristen rat sarcoma [KRAS]-mutation, and 10 wild-type adenocarcinomas), patients with ALK(+) adenocarcinoma presented at a younger age; and there was no correlation noted with sex or smoking status. The most common histological pattern in SP was papillary/micropapillary. Mucinous features were associated with ALK rearrangement in SP specimens. Signet ring cells and psammoma bodies were evident in and significantly associated with ALK(+) SP and CP specimens. However, psammoma bodies were observed in rare adenocarcinomas with an EGFR mutation. Both the ALK(+) and ALK(-) groups had mostly high nuclear grade. CONCLUSIONS: Salient features, including signet ring cells and psammoma bodies, were found to be significantly associated with ALK(+) lung adenocarcinomas and are identifiable on CP specimens. Recognizing these may be especially helpful in the molecular triage of scant CP samples.

Molecular testing guidelines for lung adenocarcinoma: Utility of cell blocks and concordance between fine-needle aspiration cytology and histology samples.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality, and patients often present at a late stage. More recently, advances in screening, diagnosing, and treating lung cancer have been made. For instance, greater numbers of minimally invasive procedures are being performed, and identification of lung adenocarcinoma driver mutations has led to the implementation of targeted therapies. Advances in molecular techniques enable use of scant tissue, including cytology specimens. In addition, per recently published consensus guidelines, cytology-derived cell blocks (CBs) are preferred over direct smears. Yet, limited comparison of molecular testing of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) CBs and corresponding histology specimens has been performed. This study aimed to establish concordance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) virus homolog testing between FNA CBs and histology samples from the same patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients for whom molecular testing for EGFR or KRAS was performed on both FNA CBs and histology samples containing lung adenocarcinoma were identified retrospectively. Following microdissection, when necessary, concordance of EGFR and KRAS molecular testing results between FNA CBs and histology samples was evaluated. RESULTS: EGFR and/or KRAS testing was performed on samples obtained from 26 patients. Concordant results were obtained for all EGFR (22/22) and KRAS (17/17) mutation analyses performed. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of mutations in lung adenocarcinomas affects clinical decision-making, and it is important that results from small samples be accurate. This study demonstrates that molecular testing on cytology CBs is as sensitive and specific as that on histology.

Lung volume reduction surgery using the NETT selection criteria.

BACKGROUND: The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) proved that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) was safe and effective in patients with certain clinical characteristics and using defined inclusion-exclusion criteria. Based on the selection criteria developed in that trial, we performed bilateral LVRS on 49 patients during the period of February 2004 until May 2009. METHODS: Forty-nine patients underwent lung volume reduction by either median sternotomy (10) or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (39) selected according to NETT described parameters. Preoperative characteristics were the following: mean (±SD) age 62.5±6.6 years, preoperative FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration) 691 cc (±159), % of predicted FEV1 25.3 (±6.2), preoperative Dlco (diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide) 7.6 (±2.7), and % of predicted DLCO 27% (±7.3). All patients had upper lobe predominant disease and either low exercise capacity (n=23) or high exercise capacity (n=26) as defined by the NETT. RESULTS: There was no operative or 90-day mortality. Median length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range=6 to 10). Two patients required reintubation and tracheostomy but were decannulated prior to discharge. The BODE index (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity), a multidimensional predictor of survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improved -2.3 (±1.5, p<0.0001) (missing data: 5 of 42, 11.9%) and the FEV1 improved 286 cc (±221, p<0.0001), both 1 year after surgery. Probability of survival was 0.98 (95% CI [confidence interval]=0.94 to 1) at 1 year, and 0.95 (95% CI=0.88 to 1) at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical lung volume reduction for emphysema can be performed in patients using selection criteria developed by the NETT with very low surgical risk and excellent midterm results. Surgical LVRS is the standard against which other nonsurgical treatments for advanced emphysema should be judged.