Effect of BIM expression on the prognostic value of PD-L1 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with EGFR-TKIs.

The role of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in predicting epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) efficacy remains controversial. Recent studies have highlighted that tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling can be modulated by STAT3, AKT, MET oncogenic pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, or BIM expression. This study aimed to investigate whether these underlying mechanisms affect the prognostic role of PD-L1. We retrospectively enrolled patients with EGFR mutant advanced stage NSCLC who received first-line EGFR-TKI between January 2017 and June 2019, the treatment efficacy of EGFR-TKI was assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) revealed that patients with high BIM expression had shorter PFS, regardless of PD-L1 expression. This result was also supported by the COX proportional hazard regression analysis. In vitro, we further proved that the knockdown of BIM, instead of PDL1, induced more cell apoptosis following gefitinib treatment. Our data suggest that among the pathways affecting tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling, BIM is potentially the underlying mechanism that affects the role of PD-L1 expression in predicting response to EGFR TKI and mediates cell apoptosis under treatment with gefitinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Further prospective studies are required to validate these results.

The impact of driver mutation on the treatment outcome of early-stage lung cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy have improved the major pathological response (MPR) in patients with early-stage operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to assess whether the presence of targetable driver mutations affects the efficacy of the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We enrolled patients with early-stage operable NSCLC who received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy between January 1, 2017, and December 30, 2020. Neoadjuvant therapy was delivered with platinum-doublet chemotherapy; moreover, pembrolizumab was added at the attending physician's discretion based on patient's request. Pathological responses were assessed; moreover, disease-free survival was estimated. Next-generation sequencing was performed in case sufficient preoperative biopsy specimens were obtained. We included 23 patients; among them, 11 received a combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy while 12 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. The MPR and pathological complete response rates were 54.5% and 27.3%, respectively, in patients who received a combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy. These rates were significantly higher than those in patients who only received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Three patients in the combination group experienced disease recurrence during the follow-up period even though two of them showed an MPR. These three patients had targetable driver mutations, including an EGFR exon 20 insertion, EGFR exon 21 L858R substitution, and MET exon 14 skipping. Only one patient who remained disease-free had a targetable driver mutation. Among patients with early-stage operable NSCLC requiring neoadjuvant therapy, comprehensive genomic profiling is crucial before the administration of the combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Pure Red Cell Aplasia and Other Haematological Diseases Associated With Thymoma: A Case Series and Systematic Review.

Background: Thymoma-associated haematological diseases (HDs), such as pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and Good's syndrome, are extremely rare, and due to the paucity of large-scale studies, the characteristics, remission after thymectomy, and long-term evaluation remain undetermined. Methods: We retrospectively assessed patients with thymoma and associated HDs from Jan 2005 to Dec 2020. All patients received thymectomy and/or additional treatments for HDs. A comparison with thymoma-associated myasthenic gravis (MG), and a systematic review from PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were conducted. Results: In the median follow-up of 56 months, 130 patients were enrolled. Patients with thymoma-associated MG (n = 46) and HDs [n = 8; PRCA (n = 5), PRCA and Good's syndrome (n = 2) and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (n = 1)] were evaluated. Patients with MG had a significantly higher remission rate after thymectomy (50 vs. 17%; p = 0.0378) as compared to those with other autoimmune diseases. Two of seven patients with PRCA experienced remission with thymectomy alone, and an additional two patients achieved remission with thymectomy plus immunosuppressive therapy (IST). In the systematic review, 60 studies (case reports, n = 46; case series including the present study, n = 14) were evaluated. Forty-four percent of patients were diagnosed with PRCA after thymoma, and 61% achieved remission with thymectomy plus IST; however, Good's syndrome was unaffected. Conclusions: Our study indicates that patients with thymoma-associated autoimmune diseases other than MG have a lower remission rate than those with MG. Remission of thymoma-associated PRCA can be achieved by thymectomy and IST. This study provides insight into extremely rare but puzzling autoimmune manifestations.

Predict Early Recurrence of Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Multi-Dimensional Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Liver Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is thought to be associated with early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection. To recognize HCC patients with higher risk of early recurrence, we used a second harmonic generation and two-photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) microscopy to create a fully quantitative fibrosis score which is able to predict early recurrence. METHODS: The study included 81 HCC patients receiving curative intent hepatectomy. Detailed fibrotic features of resected hepatic tissues were obtained by SHG/TPEF microscopy, and we used multi-dimensional artificial intelligence analysis to create a recurrence prediction model "combined index" according to the morphological collagen features of each patient's non-tumor hepatic tissues. RESULTS: Our results showed that the "combined index" can better predict early recurrence (area under the curve = 0.917, sensitivity = 81.8%, specificity = 90.5%), compared to alpha fetoprotein level (area under the curve = 0.595, sensitivity = 68.2%, specificity = 47.6%). Using a Cox proportional hazards analysis, a higher "combined index" is also a poor prognostic factor of disease-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: By integrating multi-dimensional artificial intelligence and SHG/TPEF microscopy, we may locate patients with a higher risk of recurrence, follow these patients more carefully, and conduct further management if needed.

Small cell transformation in crizotinib-resistant ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer with retention of ROS1 fusion: A case report.

C-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) rearrangement has been detected in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide a survival benefit for patients with ROS1-rearranged advanced NSCLC, subsequent therapy remains limited. Small cell transformation is an important mechanism of drug resistance in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant NSCLC. However, its significance in mediating ROS1 resistance has not been determined yet. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old man with ROS1-rearranged advanced NSCLC who had disease progression with small cell transformation of the mediastinal lymph node after 8 months of treatment with crizotinib. More importantly, fluorescence in situ hybridization of post-progression tumor biopsy demonstrated retention of ROS1 rearrangement. Tissue biopsy remains indispensable for patients who acquire resistance to ROS1 TKIs.

Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy: Predictors for Diagnostic Failure and Tissue Adequacy for Molecular Testing.

Background: Adequate and representative tissue from lung tumor is important in the era of precision medicine. The aim of this study is to identify detailed procedure-related variables and factors influencing diagnostic success and tissue adequacy for molecular testing in CT-guided TTNB. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing CT-guided TTNB were retrospectively enrolled between January 2013 and May 2020. Multivariate analysis was performed for predictors for diagnostic accuracy and tissue adequacy for molecular testing. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for procedure-related complications. Results: A total of 2,556 patients undergoing CT-guided TTNB were enrolled and overall success rate was 91.5% (2,338/2,556). For lung nodules ≤3 cm, predictors for diagnostic success included coaxial needle use [OR = 0.34 (0.16-0.71), p = 0.004], CT scan slice thickness of 2.5 mm [OR = 0.42 (0.15-0.82), p = 0.011] and additional prefire imaging [OR = 0.31 (0.14-0.68), p = 0.004]. For lung tumor >3 cm, ground glass opacity part more than 50% [OR = 7.53 (2.81-20.23), p < 0.001] or presence of obstructive pneumonitis [OR = 2.31 (1.53-3.48), p < 0.001] had higher risk of diagnostic failure. For tissue adequacy, tissue submitted in two cassettes (98.9 vs. 94.9%, p = 0.027) was a positive predictor; while male (5.7 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.032), younger age (56.61 ± 11.64 vs. 65.82 ± 11.98, p < 0.001), and screening for clinical trial (18.5 vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001) were negative predictors. Conclusions: Using a coaxial needle, with thin CT slice thickness (2.5 mm), and obtaining additional prefire imaging improved diagnostic success, while obtaining more than two tissue cores and submitting in two cassettes improved tissue adequacy for molecular testing.

Extracellular volume fraction measurement correlates with lymphocyte abundance in thymic epithelial tumors.

BACKGROUND: Recent advance in tissue characterization with parametric mapping imaging has the potential to be a novel biomarker for histopathologic correlation with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). The purpose of our study is to evaluate MRI T1 mapping with the calculation of extracellular volume (ECV) fraction for histologic correlation with thymic epithelial tumor based on lymphocyte abundance. METHODS: A retrospective study including 31 consecutive patients (14 men and 17 women, median age, 56 years; interquartile range, 12 years) with TETs was performed. The T1 values and ECV were assessed by using quantitative MRI mapping techniques. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to assess discrimination between different types of TETs based on lymphocyte abundance. RESULTS: Extracellular volume was significantly higher in TETs with sparse lymphocyte, including type A, type B3, and thymic carcinoma, compared with those with abundant lymphocyte, including type B1, B2, and AB thymomas (42.5% vs 26.9%, respectively; p < 0.001). Extracellular volume was significantly higher in thymic carcinoma compared with low grade and high grade thymomas (48.6% vs 31.1% vs 27.6%, respectively; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: T1 mapping with the calculation of extracellular volume (ECV) fraction correlate with the WHO histologic classification of thymic epithelial tumor based on lymphocyte abundance.

Sequential therapy of neoadjuvant biochemotherapy with cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin followed by cetuximab-based concurrent bioradiotherapy in high-risk locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: Final analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma is poor. We investigated the effect of cetuximab-based sequential therapy as a primary treatment. METHODS: Forty-seven treatment-naive patients with advanced tumors originating from the oral cavity or oropharynx were enrolled. Neoadjuvant cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin were administered, followed by cetuximab-based radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to study the tissues. RESULTS: The best overall response rate was 70.2%, including 4 patients with a complete response and 29 with a partial response. The median progression-free and overall survival rates were 10.3 and 15.2 months, respectively. Patients with more than 50% tumor reduction with neoadjuvant therapy had better survival outcomes. Twenty-two patients had severe adverse events with mostly dermatological complications. Of the 16 patients who received operations, 9 had increased PD-L1 staining compared to pretreatment biopsy in the post hoc study. CONCLUSION: The regimen was effective in selected patients. Increased PD-L1 suggested altered tumor features.

Different pattern of PD-L1, IDO, and FOXP3 Tregs expression with survival in thymoma and thymic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The expression of immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1 has been reported in various tumors. The expression of IDO and FOXP3 Tregs are considered to be associated with tumor-induced tolerance and poor outcome. Their prognostic role in surgically treated thymoma and thymic carcinoma, however, has not been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue microarray (TMA) blocks comprised of 100 surgically treated thymomas and 69 surgically treated thymic carcinomas were conducted. Tissue sections were incubated with primary antibodies against PD-L1 (clone E1L3N, 1:100), IDO (clone 10.1, 1:50), and FOXP3 (clone 236 A/E7, 1:50). Comparisons for categorical variables were performed using χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis was established using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: High expression of PD-L1, IDO, and FOXP3 Tregs were identified in 36 (36%), 13 (13%), and 16 (16%) thymoma patients, respectively. High expression of PD-L1, IDO, and FOXP3 Tregs was associated with higher grade of tumor histology (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, and 0.014, respectively). High expression of PD-L1 was also associated with advanced Masaoka staging (P < 0.001). In patients with thymic carcinoma, high expression of PD-L1, IDO, and FOXP3 Tregs were identified in 25 (36%), 10 (14%), and 20 (29%) patients, respectively. Complete resection, low expression of IDO, and high expression of FOXP3 Tregs were associated with better overall survival (P = 0.001, 0.004, and 0.032, respectively), and progression-free survival (P < 0.001, P = 0.026, and 0.047, respectively) in multivariate analysis. In surgically treated thymoma, high PD-L1 expression was associated with advanced Masaoka staging. High PD-L1, IDO, and FOXP3 Tregs expression was associated with high grade histology. In surgically treated thymic carcinoma, significant survival benefit was noted in patients with complete resection, low IDO expression, and high FOXP3 Tregs expression.

Conjunctival geographic ulcer: an overlooked sign of herpes simplex virus infection.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) ocular infection causes significant visual burden worldwide. Despite the fact that dendritic or geographic corneal ulcers are typical findings in HSV epithelial keratitis, conjunctival ulcer as a sign of HSV infection has rarely been reported. Although easily overlooked, this important sign could be enhanced by fluorescein staining. We report two cases of conjunctival geographic ulcers proven to be HSV infection by viral isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One patient had bilateral disease and blepharitis, and the other had unilateral involvement without skin lesions. With timely diagnosis and proper management, excellent visual outcome can be expected.