Efficacy of durvalumab plus chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare disease but is often associated with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). We discuss the case of a 65-year-old man diagnosed with SCLC-LEMS and treated with carboplatin, etoposide, and durvalumab. Lower extremity weakness and high anti-P/Q voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibody levels were diagnostic and helpful. The patient showed a reduction in neurological symptoms with treatment for SCLC, including an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), without standard treatment for LEMS. This treatment may be a treatment option, although the recurrence of LEMS as an immune-related adverse events (irAEs) should be noted.

First case report of erlotinib plus ramucirumab treatment for lung carcinosarcoma with EGFR L858R mutation.

Lung carcinosarcoma is acknowledged as a rare form of lung cancer. Due to its rarity, the inability to conduct large-scale clinical trials and interventions is currently carried out based on empirical evidence. In this study, we report the case of a 73-year-old female patient diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of lung carcinosarcoma. The resected tumor was diagnosed as lung carcinosarcoma, and genetic testing revealed the presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon21 L858R. Approximately 2 years postoperatively, the tumor recurred and the patient was treated with erlotinib plus ramucirumab, which were effective in controlling metastatic disease. Erlotinib plus ramucirumab is therefore a treatment option for EGFR mutation-positive lung carcinosarcoma.

Prediction of Postoperative Respiratory Complications after Lobectomy in Lung Cancer Patients with COPD by Quantitative Image Analysis: A Historical Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: We examined whether preoperative assessment of percentage of low attenuation area (LAA%) on the non-resected side can predict postoperative respiratory complications (PRC) after lobectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study of 217 smokers (175 males and 42 females) who underwent lobectomy for primary lung cancer at our hospital between January 2014 and March 2021. First, the relationship between LAA% and respiratory function parameters (RFPs) calculated for both the bilateral and non-resected sides was used to estimate the most effective patient group. Next, multivariate analyses of the relationship between LAA% of the non-resected side and PRC were performed using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for basic patient attributes and respiratory function. RESULTS: A correlation was found between LAA% and RFP in smoking males. Multivariate analysis showed a strong relationship between model 3, adjusted for basic patient attributes and lung function factors, and PRC (odds ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-5.63). CONCLUSION: LAA% of the non-resected side suggested that it may be able to predict the occurrence of PRC after lung cancer lobectomy.

Coexistence of carcinoid tumor and adenocarcinoma of the lung; morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses, a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary carcinoid tumors rarely coexist with non-small cell lung carcinoma, and only nine cases have been reported previously. The pathogenesis and origin of these combined tumors remain unclear because of its rarity. CASE PRESENTATION: We examined two cases of adenocarcinoma coexisting with a typical or atypical carcinoid tumor: Case 1 was a 77-year-old woman and Case 2 was an 83-year-old woman. Both of these cases had no respiratory symptoms, and underwent pulmonary lobectomies due to incidentally detected lung nodules. Recurrence and metastases were not detected after the surgery. Histologically, carcinoid and adenocarcinoma components were present in both cases. The two components coexisted without mixing with each other. Next-generation sequencing was performed on the two components in these cases. In each case, no common genetic variants were detected. CONCLUSION: We considered that our cases could histologically and genetically represent collision tumors that did not share common progenitor cells. Comprehensive analyses such as whole genome sequencing could provide important information for elucidating the pathogenesis of adenocarcinoma and carcinoid components.

[Clinical Efficacy of Monotherapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess data on immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)in an actual clinical setting, examine the factors that contribute to response and survival using real-world data, and compare the effectiveness of the 3 types of ICIs for patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 127 patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs at our hospital was conducted. RESULTS: Nivolumab(56 patients)showed a 3-year survival rate of 21.6% and a disease control rate of 57.1%. These results are consistent with the clinical trials of Nivolumab. Pembrolizumab(36 patients) showed a 2-year survival rate of 60.3%, a response rate of 50.0%, and a disease control rate of 63.9%. Atezolizumab(35 patients)displayed a particularly low response rate with a 1-year survival rate of 58.4%, response rate of 8.6%, and disease control rate of 25.7%. The treatment results for recurrence after surgery for lung cancer were comparable to those for unresectable lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Anti-PD-1 antibody displayed better therapeutic results than anti-PD-L1 antibody. The efficacy of ICI administration for postoperative recurrent lung cancer was also shown in this study.

[Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia Developed after the Surgical Treatment of Mediastinal Malignant Germ Cell Tumor].

A 26-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for an examination of a mediastinal tumor. Chest computed tomography(CT) showed a giant anterior mediastinal tumor narrowing the trachea and right main bronchus. Although needle biopsy could not be done because of patient respiratory condition, non-seminomatous mediastinal germ cell malignant tumor was strongly suspected by high level of serum AFP without no abnormal finding in his testis. After 1 cycle of chemotherapy by cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin, the mediastinal tumor decreased in size. Percutaneous biopsy was challenged, however, definite diagnosis could not be established and the surgical resection was performed. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as mature teratoma with elements of a yolk-sac tumor and some sort of sarcoma. Sudden onset of back pain and thrombocytopenia were encountered 5 months after the operation. Hematologic examination confirmed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, and remission-induction therapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were performed. Twelve months after the operation, the patient is well without recurrence of either disease.

[Pericardial Fenestration and Multidisciplinary Treatment to Improve the Prognosis of the Malignant Pericarditis Due to Lung Cancer].

We experienced 3 cases in whom multidisciplinary treatment with pericardial fenestration was effective for malignant pericardial effusion associated with lung cancer. Case 1:Right upper lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma, EGFR (-) and ALK (-) had been performed. After 34 months, malignant pericarditis occurred and left pericardial fenestration was performed. After fenestration, anticancer drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitor( ICI) were administered. He died of lung cancer in 53 months after fenestration. Case 2:Thirty-three months after left upper lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma [EGFR (+) and ALK (-)], malignant pleuritis and pericarditis occurred and right pericardial fenestration was performed. After fenestration, anticancer drugs, EGFR-TKI and ICI were administered. He died of lung cancer in 35 months after fenestration. Case 3:Pericardial fenestration was performed for malignant pericarditis due to lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR (-), ALK (-) and PD-L1 [tumor propotion score (TPS) 0%]. After fenestration, anticancer drugs and ICI were administered. The patient died of lung cancer in 15 months after fenestration. Pericardial fenestration for malignant pericarditis is possibly useful for the management of patients, which in turns is also useful in continuing the medical treatment to prolong the prognosis.

[Bronchial Artery Aneurysm with Hoarseness;Report of a Case].

The patient was a 72-year-old man with a history of bronchiectasis. He was admitted to our hospital for an examination of hoarseness. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bronchiectasis in the bilateral lungs and bronchial artery aneurysm in the mediastinum. To prevent rupture of the aneurysm, we imaged the bronchial artery aneurysm by selective bronchial artery angiography and performed bronchial artery embolization (BAE) with 19 platinum coils. Three months after successful BAE, his hoarseness had improved, and the bronchial artery aneurysm was reduced in size after 12 months. To our knowledge, this is the 1st report of BAE improving hoarseness due to bronchial artery aneurysm.

[Idiopathic Bilateral Chylothorax which Presented Difficulty in Treatment].

A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of bilateral chylothorax. She was previously treated with dietary restriction and pleurodesis resulting in failure. She did not have diseases causing chylothorax, and was diagnosed as having idiopathic chylothorax. To control chylothorax, 2 surgical operations to ligate bilateral thoracic ducts, right pleurodesis, and 2 times of left pleurodeses was necessary.

[Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor Associated with Loss of Consciousness by Hypoglycemic Attack].

We herein report a rare case of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) producing high-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ(big IGF-Ⅱ). A 51-year-old woman with a large mass in the right thorax suffered from repeated loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemic attack. A hematological examination revealed low values of serum insulin and C-peptide despite her hypoglycemia. We therefore regarded her giant thoracic tumor as the cause of the hypoglycemic attack. She underwent resection of the tumor and was diagnosed with SFT pathologically. After the surgery, her blood sugar level stabilized immediately, and she has had no hypoglycemic attacks since. Although we identified big IGF-Ⅱ in a preoperative serum sample by a Western immunoblot analysis, it was not detected after surgical resection. Positivity for big IGF-Ⅱ was observed in the tumor cells by immunohistochemical staining. We therefore concluded that big IGF-Ⅱ produced by the SFT caused the hypoglycemic attack in this patient.

The Prefectural Participation Rates of Lung Cancer Screening Had a Negative Correlation with the Lung Cancer Mortality Rates

Background: The participation rate is one of the most important indexes in the cancer screening. Historically in Japan, each local government has developed their own equations to calculate the subjects for population-based screening, which were different from each other, and therefore the participation rates of screening were not comparable. Recently, local governments were ordered to use the standardized equation in reporting data, which made it possible to compare the participation rates of cancer screening nationwide for the first time. We therefore investigated the correlation between the prefectural lung cancer mortality and several indicators of lung cancer screening. Methods: The prefectural participation rates of lung, gastric and colonic cancer screening, test positive rates, attendance rates for further examination, lung cancer detection rates and positive predictive values of lung cancer screening were collected from "Cancer Registration and Statistics" of the National Cancer Research Center website. The age-adjusted lung, gastric and colonic cancer mortality rates, smoking rates were also collected. The EZR software program was used for statistical analyses. Results: The participation rates of lung cancer screening had a strong positive correlation with the participation rates of gastric/colonic cancer screening (P<0.001). The prefectural lung cancer mortality rates had a moderate to weak negative correlation with the participation rates of lung cancer screening (P=0.009). A little correlation was noted between other quality assurance indicators of lung cancer screening and lung cancer mortality rates. Conclusion: These results suggested that participating in lung cancer screening might help reduce lung cancer mortality rates in some extent.

[Clinical Assessment of Fourteen Cases of Thoracic Endometriosis].

We retrospectively assessed the clinical and pathological features of 14 patients with thoracic endometriosis who were treated at our hospital from 2007 to 2017. Thirteen patients presented pneumothorax and 1 patient presented bloody sputum. All were treated surgically. Pneumothorax occurs on the right side in all 13 cases and bloody sputum was from left side lesion. Ten patients presented symptoms closely related with their menstrual cycle (days -2 to 5). At surgery, dark red or dark brown spots, small hiatus and scar-like findings on the surface of the visceral pleura or diaphragm were identified in all cases. Pathological or immunohistochemical examinations of diaphragm or lung tissue specimens revealed endometrial tissue in 6 cases of pneumothorax and a case of bloody sputum. Nine patients received hormonal therapy(8:pneumothorax, 1:bloody sputum). Pleurodesis was performed for 1 pneumothorax patient with recurrent pneumothorax after hormonal therapy. In case of young female with repeated pneumothorax, catamenial pneumothorax must be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis and appropriate timing for surgical treatment should be considered to establish pathologically correct diagnosis.

Bronchial angiolipoma successfully treated by sleeve resection of the right bronchus intermedius: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Angiolipoma is a rare, benign tumor that primarily develops in the limbs and trunk. The occurrence of angiolipoma in the lungs is extremely rare; to date, only two cases of primary bronchial angiolipoma have been reported. Here, we report a case of angiolipoma of the right bronchus intermedius that was successfully treated with sleeve resection and reconstructive surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents a case of angiolipoma that developed in the right bronchus intermedius of a 68-year-old man. A chest CT revealed a 10-mm endobronchial mass that was clearly visible as a high-attenuation area of contrast enhancement. Bronchoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor on the anterior wall of the entrance to the right bronchus intermedius that was constricting the airway lumen. The tumor surface was covered with numerous engorged blood vessels, and the middle and inferior pulmonary lobes were intact. Bronchial sleeve resection of the right bronchus intermedius was performed. Histologically, a mixture of proliferating blood vessels and adipocytes were observed within the bronchus wall. Therefore, the pathological diagnosis was angiolipoma. Lung function was preserved, and complete resection of the tumor was achieved. At present (2 years and 7 months after surgery), the patient is recurrence-free. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, using bronchial sleeve resection and end-to-end anastomosis techniques, we accomplished complete tumor excision and avoided the need to resect additional lung parenchyma. Our procedure preserved pulmonary function and yielded a curative result. Bronchoscopic intervention or minimal parenchymal resection should be considered as treatments for bronchial angiolipoma. Given the small number of reports of bronchial angiolipoma, the collection of additional data is important to elucidate the clinical characteristics of this rare tumor.

Efficacy of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer: the current state of evidence of mortality reduction.

The interim and final results of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of lung cancer computed tomography (CT) screening have been reported recently from Western countries. The outcome of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated the efficacy of low-dose thoracic CT screening for heavy smokers; however, other studies have found no apparent reduction in the mortality rate, and the outcome of the NELSON study is awaited. To date, a few studies have reported on the efficacy of lung cancer CT screening for non-/light smokers. A report from the Hitachi district, which is an ecological/time series study where non-/light smokers account for approximately half of the CT screening examinees, was published in 2012, with an outcome suggesting efficacy. Currently, a randomized controlled trial (JECS Study) is underway in Japan with non-/light smokers as the subjects, and this trial is very important in terms of cancer prevention.

[The Use of Octreotide Acetate in the Management of Refractory Chylothorax Following Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer].

A 78-year-old man underwent right upper lobectomy with systemic lymph node dissection for lung cancer. On the 1st operative day, chylothorax was suspected by a large amount of yellowish-white fluid through the chest tubes. In spite of stopping the oral intake as a conservative therapy, a lot of chylous drainage was continued, and we chose surgical treatment at day 7 after operation, however, chylous discharge did not decrease significantly. Finally we decided to try octreotide administration subcutaneously. After continuous subcutaneous infusion of octreotide, the amount of chylous discharge was reduced dramatically. Then we have done 2 times of pleurodesis with OK-432. The chest tubes were removed at day 17 after the 2nd operation, and the chylothorax was improved. It was suggested that octreotide administration was a highly effective therapy against postoperative refractory chylothorax.

[Evaluation of Antibiotics for the Treatment of Bacteremia Due to Extended-spectrum ß-Lactamase-producing Escherichia coli].

Recently, extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli has been more frequently isolated from blood specimens than in the past. In this study we investigated a panel of therapeutic agents used to treat 37 patients with ESBL-producing E. coli bacteremia. Antimicrobial agents administered as definitive therapy displayed higher efficacy rates than when empiric therapy was administered (efficacy rates, 95.7% vs. 62.5%). The success rate of carbapenem was 95.8% (23/24) in patients with ESBL-producing E. coli bacteremia. In addition, the success rate of cefmetazole against ESBL-producing E. coli sensitive to this drug was 87.5% (7/8). In conclusion, patients at high risk of infection due to ESBL-producing E. coli should be empirically treated with carbapenem antibiotics. In addition, cefmetazole may be a treatment option for patients with ESBL-producing E. coli bacteremia.

[Thymoma Associated with Pure Red Cell Aplasia Treated with Ciclosporin as Remission-induction Therapy before Thymectomy].

A thymoma with pure red cell aplasia( PRCA) is relatively rare, and the treatment of the disease has not established yet. We describe a case of a thymoma associated with PRCA treated with a surgery and remission-induction therapy by ciclosporin. An 80-year-old man complained of dizziness and his blood cell count showed a severe anemia. He was diagnosed as PRCA by bone-marrow aspiration biopsy, which showed abatement of erythroblasts. In addition, the chest computed tomography revealed a solid tumor in the anterior mediastinum, strongly suggesting a thymoma. Oral administration of ciclosporin as remission-induction therapy for PRCA was started at 1st. The treatment contributed to partial remission for PRCA without blood transfusion. Consecutively thymectomy through median sternotomy was performed at 6 weeks after initiation of the treatment without any transfusions or complications. Histology of the solid tumor showed the thymoma of type B2 in World Health Organization (WHO) category. We continued to treat PRCA with ciclosporin after the surgery. The patient has been surviving for 2 years after surgery without any recurrence of thymoma or relapse of anemia. Combined therapy of surgery and remission-induction therapy with ciclosporin assumed to be a good strategy of the treatment for the patient with a thymoma associated with PRCA.

[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia developed during the acute phase after left upper lobectomy for lung cancer].

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious adverse effect of heparin administration. This must not be rarely encountered but is not often reported in Japan compared to Western countries. A 68-year-old woman underwent left upper lobectomy for lung cancer. Low-dose unfractionated heparin was administrated to prevent thromboembolism after the operation. Two days later, sudden dyspnea appeared and ultracardiosonography showing an extensive thromboembolus from the main trunk to both main branches of pulmonary artery indicated pulmonary embolization. After the establishment of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) support, the embolus was removed by emergent open heart surgery. However, despite further unfractionated heparin administration following embolization surgery, other thrombus was identified in both the bi-lateral internal jagular veins and inferior vena cava by ultrasonography and contrast computed tomography( CT). Her platelet count was decreased gradually despite platelet transfusion. Plate factor 4( PF4) antibody against heparin in her blood examination was found, and HIT II was diagnosed. Discontinuation of unfractionated heparin and administration of antithrombin agent improved platelet count, and no additional embolization was identified.

[Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the lung; report of a case].

We report a patient with primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the lung. A 84-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. The computed tomography( CT) of the chest revealed a 6 cm tumor close to the posterior chest wall in the left thorax. He was followed-up because a benign tumor from posterior mediastinum was suspected. But the CT after 17 months showed the tumor enlargement. We performed complete resection under video-assisted thoracic surgery. It arose from the left lower lobe and was diagnosed as primary MPNST of the lung by immuno-histopathological examination. MPNSTs have a poor prognosis with tendency to recur. Although there is no sign of recurrence a year after surgery, we should follow-up carefully.

[Empyema that was diagnosed as primary ciliary dyskinesia by electron microscopical image of nasal mucosa].

A patient was 17-year-old. She had a history of repeated pneumonia and sinusitis. She was admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of pneumonia. Although she was prescribed a course of antibiotics, chest roentgenogram and computed tomography showed increased and capselized pleural effusion, suggesting the development of acute empyema. Capsulized effusion and pus in thorax were removed by surgery. A part of lingular segment was raptured necessitating the partial resection of lingular segment. Her postoperative course was well. Her history of repeated pneumonia and sinusitis indicated the existence of primary ciliary dyskinesia, and the biopsy of nasal mucosa was done. The electron microscopical image of nasal mucosa showed defect of inner dynein arm. We made a diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia based on her previous history and electron microscopical image.