Patients with neuregulin 1 (NRG1) rearranged cancer are suitable for the theranostic approach and targeted therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene fusion was detected in a wide range of carcinomas. It is most frequently present in lung adenocarcinomas, especially in KRAS and BRAF wild-type cases. PURPOSE: We present a newly described diverse group of NRG1 rearranged carcinomas. The paper explains basic molecular principles associated with this oncogenic driver. It consists of ERBB3 (HER3) and ERBB2 (HER2) receptor activation with downstream activation of PIK and MAPK canonical pathways. The experience with new therapeutic modalities is summarized. CONCLUSIONS: So far, the global results of cytotoxic, immune and targeted therapies were dis-appointing. Further research (including two studies in Europe) is underway, developing new therapeutic strategies and examining this cancer bio-logy. In the meantime, it is possible to dia-gnose NRG1 rearranged carcinomas in the Czech Republic since mRNA next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis is readily available.

NK cells not only in endometrium but also in ovulatory cervical mucus in patients with decreased fertility.

OBJECTIVE: An increased number of NK cells is associated with autoimmune disorder and is known to play a role in infertility. The aim of our research was to monitor the density of NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ in ovulatory cervical mucus (OCM) and in endometrium in infertile women as well as in connection with the actual status of antibodies against phospholipids, sperm and HHV-6 antibodies. TYPE OF STUDY: Original aticle. SETTING: Genetika - Plzeň. METHODS: Seventy-two randomly selected women aged 20-39 (mean age: 32.3) years old resulted in fifty-seven patients with repeated unexplained miscarriages, and fifteen fertile healthy women. The hormonal status was studied including ovulation, the humoral autoimmune responses to eight phospholipids, trombophilia, karyotyping, hysteroscopy, and endometrium immunohistology. Patients were without any clinical and laboratory symptoms of vaginitis at the time of OCM sampling and endometrium study. In one patient antiphospholipid syndrome was present, and in one woman diabetes mellitus was identified. Uterine NK cells CD56+ , CD16+ and NK cells in OCM were identified by immunocytochemistry, antiphospholipid antiboides by ELISA. We used indirect MAR-test for study of local spermagglutinating antibodies in OCM. Indirect immunofluorescent method was used for detection of serum and OCM IgM, IgG antibodies against HHV-6 levels at the time of ovulation. RESULTS: We found both high density of NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ in OCM and in endometrium in only two infertile women with repeated abortions. NK cells in OCM were missing in other samples of patients. The prevalence of high density of NK cells CD56+ in the endometrium was seen in twenty three (40%), NK cells CD16+ in eleven (19%), NK cells 56+ and NK cells 16+ together in eight (14%). Levels of serum and OCM IgG against HHV-6 in all examined patients were not elevated, no cervical sperm antibodies were found. CONCLUSION: We compared density of NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ in OCM and secretory endometrium in all infertile patients. Our results show that cell mucosal activity in the cervical area at the time of ovulation in two infertile patients was evident. We excluded the abnormal number of NK cells owing to local and general viral infection (HHV-6). But our question still remains - are cervical NK cells fixed or still migrating from endometrium into OCM? New research is planned.

[Results of the treatment in selected infertile patients with high density of endometrial NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ Second part]. / Výsledky lécby u vybraných infertilních pacientek s vysokou denzitou endometriálních NK bunek CD56+ a CD16+ Druhá cást.

INTRODUCTION: This statements follows the first part of our publication entitled Screening of endometrial NK cells in selected infertile patients (First part - Methods and current results), where we dealt with methodology and endometrial findings of the natural killer cells CD16+ and CD56+. These cells are among the most important in preimplantaion, and in implantation period, in early pregnancy too, but can also negatively influence above mentioned processes. OBJECTIVE: We focused on the immunomodulatory treatment with intramuscular immunoglobulins in 21 infertile patients with a high density of endometrial NK cells CD16+ and CD56+. DESIGN: Original work-prospective study. SETTING: Genetics-Pilsen. METHODS: From the originally investigated 57 women aged 25-41 (average 34) years with their history of 3-9 abortions, we target on a high selective subgroup of 21 infertile patients with pathological density of endometrial NK cells CD56+ and CD16+. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent immunomodulatory treatment with intramuscular immunoglobulin in time of positive HCG and went on the therapeutic scheme, nine infertile women continued with IVF-ET but did not achieve HCG positivity despite of initial treatment with immunoglobulins. Of the 12 treated patients, seven of them gave a birth to healthy babies, as to the next five pregnancies - one was extrauterine pregnancy, one genetically defective fetus, three pregnancies go on successfully.Nine women from the IVF program did not get pregnat. CONCLUSION: Immunomodulatory treatment with immunoglobulins also influences endometrial NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ associating with an overproduction of embryocytoxic cytokines. Treatment of our patients with the pathological endometrial density of NK cells must be solved strictly individually.

[Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer]. / Imunoterapie v lécbe karcinomu plic.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer occupies the leading position of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide, including in the Czech Republic. Despite significant advances in systemic oncology treatments, lung cancer still has the worst prognosis, which is driving the need for innovative therapies and methods to treat this disease. Immunotherapy is a developing area of systemic oncology treatment, which has recently begun to be significantly applied to patients with lung carcinoma. The most useful type of immunotherapy currently employs checkpoint inhibitors, including CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab). Except for monotherapy, different combinations of these inhibitors or combinations between one more of these inhibitors and chemotherapy or targeted treatment are being actively studied. Despite intensive investigations, anti-tumor vaccines and cytokines have not had an important impact on the treatment of lung cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors have yielded favorable results, especially for the treatment of advanced (i.e., stage IIIB and IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are being extensively investigated for the treatment of SCLC. AIM: The aim of this review was to summarize the most important achievements, possibilities, and perspectives of modern immunotherapy for the treatment of patients with lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Immunotherapy is an important tool in todays arsenal of oncology treatments, and for patients with lung cancer it offers the hope of prolonging life and img iprovints quality.Key words: immunotherapy - lung cancer - NSCLC - SCLC - checkpoint inhibitors This work was supported by National Sustainability Programme I No. LO1503 provided by Ministry of education, youth and sports and program No. 17-30748A devided by The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 31. 8. 2017Accepted: 7. 9. 2017.

[Screening of endometrial NK cells in selected infertile patients First part - Methods and current results]. / Screeningové vysetrení endometriálních NK bunek u vybraných infertilních pacientek 1. cást - metodika a prubezné výsledky.

INTRODUCTION: Generaly, natural killer cells (NK cells) are among the most important cells of our immune defense system. They are present in the blood, decidua but also in secretory endometrium. OBJECTIVE: We investigate an association between high density of NK cells CD56+ and NK cells CD16+ into blood and secretory endometrium in patients with up to now unexplained recurrent miscarriage. At the same time, we focused on diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, congenital trombophilic factors, stress factor, and lenght of hormonal contraception before conception. DESIGN: Original work-prospective study. SETTING: Genetics-Pilsen. METHODS: We investigated 59 patients aged 25-41 (average 34) years with their history of 3-9 abortions. We monitored their blood cells by flow cytometry and endometrium obtained by hysteroscopy performed on the 22nd-24th day of the menstrual cycle. We concentrated on the cellular immunity focused on the identification of lymphocytes CD56+ and CD16+. ELISA method was used for identification of antiphospholipid antibodies. RESULTS: Our study goes on, we are publishing our preliminary results. We found a high density of endometrial NK cells CD56+ in 41/57, NK cells CD16+ in 40/57, both NK cells CD56+ and CD16+ in 36/57 patients. In 13 women, we identified only sporadically these cells in the secretory endometrium. NK cells CD56+ and NK cells CD16+ in the blood were all normal number in all our patients. Three of them have a homozygot form of Leiden mutation, and 18/57 primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 12 women have university education, four of them, medical doctors, have regular night services in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Overproduction of endometrial NK cells is associated with increased local activity of embryocytotoxic cytokines that may negatively affect pregnancy. Treatment of patients with pathological immunological findings must be solved individually, as we will show soon in part two of our study.

[Radiotherapy of Lung Tumours in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis]. / Radioterapie nádoru s plicní lokalizací u idiopatické plicní fibrózy.

BACKGROUND: This article is a joint statement of the Czech Pneumological and Physiological Society and the Czech Society for Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, and reviews current opinions on radiotherapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In general, radiotherapy of lung tumours is associated with risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP); moreover, IPF may be complicated by acute exacerbations (AE-IPF). Both complications may immediately threaten patients lives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Assessment of individual radiotherapy modalities has shown that conventional radiotherapy is not appropriate, especially in large tumours. Up to 30% of patients are at risk of developing AE-IPF. As a result, as many as 83% of patients die within 3 months of initiation of lung cancer treatment. Fatal RP is most commonly observed within 2 months of radiotherapy. In IPF accompanied by early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be considered. NSCLC should be treated with chemotherapy. Several cases report severe exacerbations of subclinical IPF after SBRT even with minimal signs of previous interstitial involvement. Grade 2 RP has been reported in up to 50% of cases with any level of interstitial change detected by lung CT prior to radiotherapy. In palliative radiotherapy, external radiation may be considered as an exception if the main bronchi are involved. Similarly, brachytherapy may be indicated for certain cases of bronchial stenosis. RESULTS: The presence of any level of interstitial change suggests a risk for fatal RP and AE-IPF. This is also supported by the fact that, at the present time, there are no dose limitations for radiation therapy of lung cancer in IPF, irrespective of whether conventional fractionated radiotherapy or SBRT is used. Moreover, there are no reliable predictive factors for lung involvement. In some studies, RP was more frequently associated with high CRP and LDH levels, PS 2 and interstitial changes of 10% or more. Treatment depends on the severity of the involvement. In more severe forms, corticosteroids, antibiotics and oxygen therapy should be administered. Ventilation support is often needed. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy for patients with IPF and lung cancer or other chest tumours requires an individual approach depending on the local findings, the patients lung function and general condition, and the prognosis of the primary disease. Decision-making should take into consideration potential benefits and risks, and be carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising a pulmonologist and clinical and radiation oncologists. Treatment should always be thoroughly discussed with the patient signing an informed consent form.Key words: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - chest radiotherapy - indications - radiation pneumonitis - acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - treatment This work was supported by grant AZV 16-32-318 A. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 4. 5. 2017Accepted: 18. 5. 2017.

Prognostic role of serum C-reactive protein in patients with advanced-stage NSCLC treated with pemetrexed.

Pemetrexed is an intravenously administered antifolate cytostatic agent targeting several folate-dependent enzymatic pathways, widely used in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has been previously demonstrated that the superiority of pemetrexed is limited to patients with non-squamous histology. Aside from the non-squamous histology, there is still no available molecular biomarker predicting treatment efficacy of pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the association of baseline serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) with outcomes in a large cohort of patients with non-squamous NSCLC treated with pemetrexed. Clinical data of 325 patients were analysed. Serum samples were collected within one week before the initiation of treatment. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with high CRP was 2.1 and 9.5 compared to 4.2 and 20.5 months for those with normal CRP (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed that serum CRP (HR=1.46, p=0.002) was significantly associated with PFS and also with OS (HR=1.95, p<0.001). In conclusion, the study results suggest that pretreatment serum CRP is associated with poor outcome of non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed.

Serum albumin is a strong predictor of survival in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer treated with erlotinib.

Molecular targeted therapy based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), directed at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the novel effective agents in management of advanced-stage of Non Small Cell Lung cancer (NSCLC). However several candidate predictors have been extensively studied, apart from activating EGFR gene mutations, no reliable biochemical or molecular predictors of response to erlotinib have been validated. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the association of baseline serum albumin with outcomes in a large cohort of patients with advanced-stage NSCLC treated with erlotinib. Clinical data of 457 patients with locally-advanced (III B) or metastatic stage (IV) NSCLC treated with erlotinib were analysed. Serum samples were collected and the measurement was performed one day before the initiation of erlotinib treatment. Before the treatment initiation, low albumin was (<35 g/l) measured in 37 (8.1%) patients and normal albumin (≥ 35 g/l) was measured in 420 (91.9%). The median PFS and OS for patients with low serum albumin was 0.9 and 1.9 months compared to 1.9 and 11.4 months for patients with normal serum albumin (p=0.001 and p<0.001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that EGFR mutation status (HR=2.50; CI: 1.59-3.92; p<0.001) and pretreatment serum albumin (HR=1.73; CI: 1.21-2.47; p=0.003) were significant independent predictive factors for PFS, whereas EGFR mutation status (HR=3.14; CI: 1.70-5.81; p<0.001), stage (HR=1.48; CI: 1.09-2.02; p=0.013), ECOG PS (HR=1.77; CI: 1.37-2.29; p<0.001) and pretreatment serum albumin (HR=4.60; CI: 2.98-7.10; p<0.001) were significant independent predictive factors for OS. In conclusion, the results of present retrospective study indicate that pretreatment hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor outcome of NSCLC patients treated with erlotinib. Based on these results, measuement of serum albumin is an objective laboratory method feasible for estimation of prognosis of patients with advanced-stage NSCLC.

[Successful Therapy of Czech Patients with ROS1 Translocation by Crizotinib]. / Úspesná terapie ceské pacientky s ROS1 translokací crizotinibem.

Targeted therapy of lung cancer has brought significant improvement in prognosis for a lot of patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations and ALK translocations. Other clinical studies have shown ROS1 translocation as another potential target. Our case report brings probably the first successful use of crizotininib in a patient with ROS1 translocation in the Czech Republic. Treatment was well-tolerated and persists continually. During the control PET/ CT scans, partial regression of the disease was observed. ROS1 translocation becomes another promising target for our patients. Therefore, in our opinion, serious discussion about its inclusion among the basic genetic testing in lung adenocarcinomas should occur.

Current two EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma -  case report.

Nowadays, EGFR TKIs (epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors) targeted therapy is well established treatment for patients with the so-called EGFR common mutations with advanced or metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer. The efficacy for the so-called rare and especially for the very rare complex EGFR mutations is not clear. We describe a case of a 63- year-old female with metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer with complex EGFR mutation (G719X + S768I) who had been treated by gefitinib. She achieved progression free survival within eight months. Then, we discuss our case with other literature case reports. Together, it seems that described complex EGFR mutation has a relatively good sensitivity for EGFR TKIs treatment.Key words: nonsmall cell lung cancer -  EGFR gene -  EGFR protein -  complex mutations -  rare EGFR mutations -  EGFR TKIs.

[Non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva - lichen sclerosus]. / Nenádorové epiteliální zmeny vulvy - lichen sclerosus.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) belongs to frequent non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva. LS is a disease of unknown ethiology, affecting mainly postmenopausal women. LS has a typical macroscopic pattern, and it is characterized with an intensive pruritus and dyspareunia. Patients with LS have a risk of scarring of external genitalia and risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva (4-5%). Treatment of LS is usually long-term, repeated, and it is based on local potent corticosteroids. Frequent reccurences require repeated therapy. A close follow-up in a 6-months intervals and biopsy of all atypical lesions is required. Surgical treatment is rarely indicated in the management of LS. Follow-up at the specialized center is recommended.

[Combined procedure of pulmonary resection and radiofrequency ablation of lung tumours - case reports]. / Kombinovaný výkon plicní resekce a radiofrekvencní ablace nádoru plic - kazuistiky.

The authors present two case reports to describe the possibility of performing a combined procedure when dealing with lung cancer in patients who are not indicated for radical surgery. The combination of pulmonary resection and radiofrequency ablation thus opens a new possibility for a quality extension of active life.

Erlotinib in the treatment of advanced squamous cell NSCLC.

Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a large retrospective study based on clinical experience aiming to prove erlotinib's efficacy and safety in patients with advanced-stage squamous cell NSCLC. Totally 375 patients with advanced-stage (IIIB, IV) squamous cell NSCLC were treated with erlotinib. Erlotinib was continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. 1 (0.3%) complete response (CR), 28 (7.5%) partial responses (PR) and 198 (52.8%) stable diseases (SD) were achieved. Overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 7.8% and 60.5%, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.0 months and median overall survival (OS) was 7.6 months. PFS of patients with CR/PR, SD and PD were 7.6, 3.9 and 1.0 months, respectively (P<0.001). OS of patients with CR/PR, SD and PD were 13.3, 10.9 and 3.8 months, respectively (P<0.001).The most common adverse effects were rash and diarrhoea. In conclusion ertlotinib is effective and well-tolerated in patients with advanced-stage squamous cell NSCLC.

[Evaluation of p16 protein in the managementof cervical dysplasia]. / Význam stanovení proteinu p16 v managementu prekanceróz delozního hrdla.

OBJECTIVE: Protein p16 as an important cell-cycle inhibitor is a promising diagnostic and prognostic factor of cervical dysplasia. In our study we evaluate the impact of p16 protein evaluation on management of cervical dysplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Pilsen, Charles University Prague. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 122 consecutive patients with colposcopically-directed cervical biopsy (CDB) with following excisional procedure (LEEP or cold-knife conisation). P16 expression in the specimen from CDB was independently evaluated using immunohistochemistry in all patients. Relation among CDB histology, p16 expression, and final histology from excisional procedure was analysed. RESULTS: In our series, we identified 44 CIN 1 and 61 CIN 2/3 in CDB specimens. In the CIN 1 group, 15 cases (34.1%) were p16 negative and 29 (65.9%) cases were p16 positive. In CIN 1 p16 negative group, only 2 of 15 patients (13.3%) had CIN 2/3 in the final histology comparing to 19 of 29 patients (65.5%) in CIN 1 p16 positive group (statistically signifiant,p < 0,05; Wilcoxon test). In CIN 2/3 group, 60 (98.4%) specimen were p16 positive and 57 patients (93.4%) had also CIN 2/3 in the final histology. CONCLUSION: In our study of 122 patients with CDB we found that in group of CIN 1 patients, p16 evaluation had significant predictive value for final histology. In the group of patients with CIN 2/3, 98% specimens were p16 positive and therefore p16 evaluation had no prognostic impact on final histology. Prospective study is needed to confirm this data.

Comparison of EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

Molecular targeted therapy based on EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) is currently astate of the art option for management of advanced stage NSCLC. Activating EGFR mutations are preferable for a good treatment response to EGFR-TKI. The presented retrospective study evaluated a clinical observation of EGFR-TKI aiming at its efficacy and safety in comparison to a standard chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced stage NSCLC. Total number of patients with advanced stage (IIIB, IV) EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC was 54 of which 23 were treated with EGFR-TKI and 31 patients with various chemotherapy regimens in the first line. The treatment efficacy was characterized in terms of disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The comparison of DCR was performed using Fisher's exact test and the differences in survival were tested using log-rank test. DCR for EGFR-TKI treatment was 95.6% vs. 70.9% for chemotherapy (p=0.032). Median of PFS in patients treated with EGFR-TKI was 7.2 months vs. 2.5 months in patients treated with chemotherapy (p<0.001). Median of OS was 14.5 months vs. 21.4 months (p=0.729). EGFR-TKI was associated with higher incidence of skin rash and diarrhoea; chemotherapy was associated with higher incidence of haematologic adverse events and nausea or vomiting. The analysis results showed a favourable DCR and PFS in patients treated with EGFR-TKI in the first line. The non-significant difference in OS could be attributed to a cross-over during the patient follow-up as well as the differences in performance status and age between both groups. EGFR-TKI is the optimal choice for the first-line treatment of EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

Second line treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): comparison of efficacy of erlotinib and chemotherapy.

Molecular targeted therapy based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of novel options for management of NSCLC. Erlotinib is EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for treatment of the advanced NSCLC. This presented study is focused on comparison of erlotinib and chemotherapy efficacy in the second line treatment of the advanced NSCLC. DCR and PFS became the primary endpoints.Total number of patients was 290. A group treated with chemotherapy in the second line consisted of 150 patients and a group treated with erlotinib in the second line consisted of 140 patients. Comparison of DCR was performed using Fisher's exact test, visualization of PFS was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and differences were tested using the log-rank test. Genetic testing was performed using PCR direct sequencing. In the group treated with chemotherapy 2 CR, 23 PR and 51 SD were achieved vs. 5 CR, 10 PR and 55 SD in the group treated with erlotinib in the second line. DCR in patients treated with chemotherapy was 54.0% vs. 51.3% in patients without EGFR mutation treated with erlotinib (p=0.707); in patients harboring EGFR mutation, treated with erlotinib (n=9) outstanding results were achieved: 4 CR, 2 PR and 3 SD (not tested). Median of PFS in patients treated with chemotherapy was 2.1 months vs. 1.9 months in patients without EGFR mutation (p=0.879) vs. 8.4 months in patients harboring EGFR mutation treated with erlotinib (p=0.017). Results of analysis show that even patients without EGFR mutation are able to benefit from erlotinib treatment in the second line. The efficacy (DCR, PFS) of erlotinib in patients without EGFR mutation was comparable with chemotherapy. The treatment efficacy in a subgroup of patients harbouring EGFR mutation treated with erlotinib was significantly better than in patients without EGFR mutation.

Skin rash as useful marker of erlotinib efficacy in NSCLC and its impact on clinical practice.

Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in treatment of advanced NSCLC. Patients harboring EGFR or KRAS mutations represent minority of all patients in caucasian population and there is no available predictor for a predominant group of patients harboring the wild-type EGFR and wild-type KRAS genes. Skin rash is the most frequent manifestation of cutaneous toxicity of erlotinib. Rash is associated with a good therapeutic response. We aimed at the evaluation of rash as a predictor of therapeutic effect of erlotinib in patients harboring the wild-type EGFR and KRAS wild-type genes and to assess its possible usage in a clinical practice.Totally 184 patients with advanced stage NSCLC (IIIB, IV) harboring the wild-type EGFR and wild-type KRAS genes were analysed. Comparison of ORR, PFS and OS according to the occurrence of rash was performed. In order to assess the impact of rash in clinical practice it was conducted landmark analysis of the group of patients whose rash was observed during first month of treatment (n=124). Patients in whom progression was observed during the first month of treatment were excluded from the landmark analysis. The comparison of ORR was performed using Fisher's exact test, visualization of survival was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the differences in survival were tested using the log-rank test. Median PFS in patients who were observed with rash during the treatment was 3.0 vs. 1.2 months in patients with no rash (p<0.001), median of OS in patients who were observed with rash during the treatment was 13.9 vs. 5.8 months in patients with no rash (p<0.001). ORR in patients who were observed with rash during the treatment was 17.4% vs. 3.3% in patients with no rash (p=0.001). Median of PFS after 1 month of treatment in patients who were observed with rash during the first month was 2.9 vs. 1.1 months in patients with no rash (p=0.027). Median of OS after 1 month of treatment in patients who were observed with rash during the first month was 13.8 vs. 9.9 months in patients with no rash (p=0.082). Rash is strongly associated with better survival and ORR in patients harboring wild-type EGFR and wild-type KRAS genes. Occurrence of rash during the first month of treatment is a useful predictor of better effect of erlotinib after one month of treatment. Patients who were not observed with rash during the first month of treatment are in high risk of progression. Optimization of the treatment of these patients can contribute restaging after two months of treatment, assessment of plasma levels of erlotinib and eventually attempt to dose escalation.

[EGFR mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC]. / Mutace genu EGFR u pacientu s pokrocilým NSCLC.

BACKGROUND: Molecular targeted therapy based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of novel options for management of NSCLC. EGFR gene mutations, exon 19 deletions and exon 21 point mutations (L858R) are good predictors of response to EGFR-TKI treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of EGFR mutations in a large cohort of Europeans with advanced NSCLC and subsequently to evaluate their impact on the effect of EGFR-TKI treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 613 patients with advanced stage NSCLC (IIIB, IV) were genetically tested. The effect of treatment was evaluated in 410 patients treated with EGFR-TKI. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method, and statistical comparison was performed using log-rank test. RESULTS: EGFR mutations were detected in 73 (11.9%) patients. Exon 19 deletions were detected in 49 patients, exon 21 point mutations (L858R) were detected in 22 patients, and both mutation types were detected in 2 patients. An increased incidence of EGFR mutations among patients with adenocarcinoma (14.9% vs 7.8%, p = 0.008), women (20.2% vs 7.1%, p < 0.001) and nonsmokers (29.9% vs 7.0%, p < 0.001) was demonstrated. Sixty patients with EGFR mutation and 350 patients with wild-type EGFR were treated with EGFR-TKI. Median PFS in patients harboring EGFR mutation was 7.2 vs 2.0 months in patients harboring wild-type EGFR (p < 0.001), median OS in patients harboring EGFR mutation was 14.5 vs 7.5 months in patients harboring wild-type EGFR (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The incidence of EGFR mutations in the studied population, their increased incidence among patients with adenocarcinoma, women and non-smokers correlated with data previously published. Results of survival analysis in patients treated with EGFR-TKI confirmed high potential of EGFR mutations to predict good effect of the EGFR-TKI treatment. Genetic testing in patients with NSCLC should be a standard part of diagnostic procedures

Extraordinary response to erlotinib therapy in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma exhibiting KRAS mutation and EGFR amplification.

Case reports on the co-incidence of Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification in patients with NSCLC are very rare. This combination is usually considered a negative prognostic factor, despite EGFR amplification alone having positive predictive value. The whole course of treatment of a patient with both EGFR amplification and KRAS mutation present is decribed. The patient in question was a smoker for whom both first- and second-line chemotherapy had been unsuccessful. In stage IV disease biological therapy was administered and proved highly beneficial. Today, 38 months since commencing the treatment, the patient still has no signs of progression and the therapy is still in progress.