[Evolution of the incidence and survival of bronchogenic carcinoma in the province of Castellón (Spain) from 2004 to 2017.] / Evolución de la incidencia y supervivencia del carcinoma broncogénico en la provincia de Castellón en el periodo de tiempo 2004-2017.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchogenic carcinoma (BC) is the second most frequent worldwide and the most lethal tumour in both sexes. Its incidence varies not only among countries but also among different areas of the same country. So, the aim of this work was to analyse the evolution of its incidence and survival in the province of Castellón from 2004 to 2017 and to compare them with those of de rest of the country. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out from patients diagnosed with BC and registered in the Castellón Tumour Register from 2004 to 2017. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method whereas to estimate the relationship among different variables both the chi-square and ANOVA test were used. RESULTS: 4,346 cases were diagnosed, whose mean age was 67.5±11.3 years, 85.2% men, the most frequent histological types were adenocarcinoma (28.3%) and epidermoid carcinoma (25.1%). The gross global incidence was 53.4 cases/105 inhabitants, 90.9 cases/105 men and 15.7 cases/105 women. Median global survival at five years was 12.7%, 12% in men and 18.4% in women. CONCLUSIONS: The global incidence of BC in Castellón is lower than the national one, having remained stable in men while it is double in women. Global survival at five years is less than 15%, being higher in women than in men, nevertheless it increases compared to that of previous studies.

OBJETIVO: El carcinoma broncogénico (CB) es el segundo tumor más frecuente a nivel mundial y el más letal en ambos sexos. Su incidencia varía, no sólo entre países, sino también entre diferentes zonas de un mismo país. Por tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la evolución de su incidencia y la supervivencia en la provincia de Castellón desde 2004 hasta 2017, y compararlas con las del resto del país. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes diagnosticados de CB e inscritos en el Registro de Tumores de Castellón desde 2004 hasta 2017. La supervivencia se estimó mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier, mientras que para estimar la relación entre distintas variables se utilizaron los test Chi-cuadrado y ANOVA. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 4.346 casos, con una edad media de 67,5±11,3 años, el 85,2% eran hombres, los tipos histológicos más frecuentes fueron adenocarcinoma (28,3%) y carcinoma epidermoide (25,1%). La incidencia global bruta fue de 53,4 casos/105 habitantes, con 90,9 casos/105 de hombres y 15,7 casos/105 de mujeres. La mediana de supervivencia global a los cinco años fue del 12,7%, siendo del 12% en hombres y del 18,4% en mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia global de CB en Castellón es inferior a la nacional, habiéndose mantenido estable en hombres mientras que se duplica en mujeres. La supervivencia global a los cinco años es inferior al 15%, siendo mayor en mujeres que en hombres; no obstante, aumenta respecto a la reportada en estudios previos.

Community-acquired round Pneumonia in a 63-year-old Female.

Round pneumonia is a radiological manifestation of pulmonary lesion. This is found as spherical or oval-shaped radio-opacity on chest X-ray. Round pneumonia has been reported in literature uncommonly. Round pneumonia was first time reported in the radiology literature in 1954 (Wagner et al., 1998). It was first recognized in children. In 1973, Rose and Ward reviewed 21 cases of round pneumonia in children. Radiological findings resembled pulmonary and mediastinal masses. Since then, time and again, round pneumonia has been reported in children; but, this is also found rarely in adults. There are many causes of round pneumonia in adults, for example, infectious and noninfectious. It may mimic pulmonary neoplasms due to its radiological appearance. Hence, the usual diagnostic challenge of round pneumonia is to differentiate pneumonia from bronchogenic carcinoma. Here we present an interesting case of round pneumonia in an adult female.

Metástasis infrecuentes en el carcinoma broncogénico / Uncommon metastases in bronchogenic carcinoma

Introducción: El pulmón es el órgano con mayor localización de enfermedad y mortalidad tumoral. En el momento del diagnóstico 55 por ciento de los casos presentan metástasis a distancia lo que implica un estadio avanzado de la enfermedad. Las metástasis cutáneas y en huesos distales de neoplasias internas son infrecuentes comparadas con las producidas en otras vísceras. La invasión cutánea puede presentarse por extensión directa de estructuras subyacentes y suelen asentar en la pared torácica anterior, por implantación accidental en maniobras diagnósticas, embolización vía linfática y por vía hematógena con posibles lesiones en zonas muy distantes y cuya aparición suele ser más precoz. Histológicamente, es el cáncer de pulmón indiferenciado el que con mayor frecuencia metastiza en la piel. Objetivo: Presentar dos casos con diagnóstico de carcinoma de pulmón células no pequeñas que desarrollaron metástasis en localizaciones infrecuentes. Presentación de los casos: Se presentan dos casos con metástasis infrecuentes de un carcinoma broncogénico. El primero a nivel nasal y el segundo en los metacarpianos y zonas blandas de la mano izquierda, ambas lesiones tumorales aparecieron en el curso del tratamiento oncológico para el cáncer del pulmón. El segundo caso fue tratado como una tendinitis y flebitis. Ambos casos evolucionaron hacia las metástasis múltiples y la muerte. Conclusiones: Se presentaron dos casos con metástasis infrecuente de un carcinoma de pulmón células no pequeñas, y aunque una vez diagnosticadas el pronóstico es malo a corto plazo, se deben de tener en cuenta para evitar diagnósticos y conductas erróneas(AU)

Introduction: The lung is the organ with the greatest location of disease and tumor mortality. At the time of diagnosis, 55 percent of the cases present distant metastases, which implies an advanced stage of the disease. Cutaneous and distal bone metastases from internal neoplasms are rare compared to those produced in other viscera. Cutaneous invasion can occur by direct extension of underlying structures and usually settle in the anterior chest wall, by accidental implantation in diagnostic maneuvers, lymphatic and hematogenous embolization with possible lesions in very distant areas and whose appearance is usually earlier. Histologically, it is undifferentiated lung cancer that most frequently metastasizes to the skin. Objective: To report two cases with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma that developed metastases in infrequent locations. Case report: Two cases are reported with rare metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma. The first at the nasal level and the second in the metacarpals and soft areas of the left hand, both tumor lesions appeared in the course of oncological treatment for lung cancer. The second case was treated as tendinitis and phlebitis. Both cases progressed to multiple metastases and death. Conclusions: There were two cases with infrequent metastases of non-small cell lung carcinoma, and although once diagnosed the prognosis is poor in the short term, they should be taken into account to avoid misdiagnosis and misconduct(AU)

Screening of latent TB infection in patients with recently diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis are major global health concerns and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The association between active tuberculosis and subsequent cancer development has been investigated for many years. This study was planned to determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with recently diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma. METHODS: Sixty-four newly diagnosed primary lung cancer patients were enrolled. Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection was performed with QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube tests, with exclusion of active tuberculosis. RESULTS: Latent tuberculosis infection was detected in 16 (25%) patients, and 8 (12.5%) had indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test. Being a current smoker was associated with a higher prevalence of latent tuberculosis (p = 0.001). Comorbidities, tumor site, and histopathology were not associated with latent tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable risk of concurrent latent tuberculosis in newly diagnosed primary bronchogenic carcinoma. The need for treatment of latent tuberculosis in these patients and its influence on the outcome and prognosis are issues for further investigations.

PD-1/PD-L1 negative schwannoma mimicking obstructive bronchial malignancy: A case report.

Schwannomas are homogeneous tumors of schwann cells and occur at peripheral and cranial nerves on the upper limbs, the head and neck area. Rarely, a bronchial schwannoma may appear in the lung and be misdiagnosed as lung neoplasms. Here, we report a 56-year old woman with a 5.8 × 7.0 × 2.8 cm lesion in her right upper lobe bronchus. The lesion had a maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax ) of 8.5 by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Bronchoscopy showed a mass obstructing the bronchus that bled easily. Despite repeated biopsies, a lung malignancy could not be excluded, and surgical resection was subsequently performed. Pathological examination demonstrated a primary bronchial schwannoma that was positive for molecular markers S-100 and SOX-10, negative for immune checkpoint marker PD-1/PD-L1 but also demonstrated certain uncommon pathological features. This case highlights the heterogeneity of bronchial masses and the diagnostic challenge for differentiating benign and malignant tumors in the thorax. KEY POINTS: Rare bronchial schwannoma mimics lung malignancy and poses a diagnostic challenge. This case of bronchial schwannoma, unlike peripheral schwannoma, lacks PD-L1. Pathological features indicate autonomic nerve origin for pulmonary schwannomas.

Rosai-Dorfman disease with pulmonary involvement mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a histiocytic lesion that affects lung rarely. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 52-year-old female diagnosed with right intrabronchial mass invading the bronchial wall and the extrabronchial tissues with lymphadenopathy. Multiple bronchoscopic biopsies were not diagnostic. Pneumonectomy was performed and postoperative histology revealed marked mucin impaction and bronchial dilatation. The pulmonary tissue showed areas of hemorrhage and chronic inflammation. The mass exhibited an excessive number of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and numerous histiocytes engulfing them (lymphocytophagocytosis). These histiocytes were S100 protein and CD68 positive. These features are consistent with Rosai-Dorfman disease. CONCLUSION: Rosai-Dorfman Disease with pulmonary affection can be misdiagnosed as malignancy. Careful histological examination of the specimen for emperipolesis or lymphocytophagocytosis together with S100 protein and CD68 positivity are the clue for proper diagnosis.

[Predictive factors for skeletal-related events in lung cancer]. / Facteurs prédictifs de survenue d'évènements osseux dans le cancer bronchique.

INTRODUCTION: Skeletal-related events (SRE) are common in patients with bone metastatic lung cancer and have a negative impact on quality of life and survival. The objective of this study is to identify predictive factors for SRE occurrence among this population. METHODS: We conducted a 3-year retrospective study including 100 lung cancer patients with bone metastasis. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients presented at least one SRE (69.5% at baseline). The median occurrence for SRE was 4.5 months and severe bone pain was the most common SRE (56%). The alkaline phosphatase serum level>120IU/L (hazard ratio [sHR]=2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.5-5.4]; P=0.002) and calcemia>2.6mmol/L ([sHR]=9.7; 95% CI [5.1-18.4]; P<0.001) were identified as risk factors for SRE occurrence while the presence of an initial SRE was associated with a decrease of this risk ([sHR]=0.2; 95% CI [0.1-0.4]; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The elevated alkaline phosphatase serum level and hypercalcemia are risk factors for SRE occurrence in bone metastatic lung cancer patients and should be used as biomarkers to adapt current medical practice for these patients.

Malignant bronchial ulcer with coexistent pulmonary tuberculosis.

Ulceration in the bronchial mucosa is noted rarely in bronchoscopy. In the past, it was frequently encountered in endobronchial tuberculosis. Deep necrotic bronchial ulcers are seen very rarely in clinical practice. Here we are reporting a first-ever case report of malignant bronchial ulcer presenting as necrotic deep bronchial ulcer, in a 70-year-old male, chronic smoker, who complained of breathlessness for 3 months, cough for 3 months, loss of weight and of appetite for 1 month. Bronchoscopy showed a large necrotic ulcer with dense anthracotic pigmentation which bleeds in touch with forceps. Bronchial washings, brushings, endobronchial biopsy were taken from the ulcer which was suggestive of poorly differentiated bronchogenic carcinoma. TBNA from the mediastinal nodes showed the features of caseous necrosis with granulomatous inflammation. Consequently, with the diagnosis of poorly differentiated carcinoma with pulmonary tuberculosis and COPD, the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis drugs, inhaled bronchodilators and referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy.

Sore throat turned to be a bronchogenic carcinoma with superior vena cava syndrome.

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by complete or partial obstruction of the flow of blood through the SVC. The obstruction is, in most cases, caused by the formation of thrombus or infiltration of a tumour through the vessel wall. The result is venous congestion that creates a clinical situation relating to increase in the venous pressure in the upper part of the body. Symptoms commonly associated with vena cava syndrome include cough, dyspnoea, swelling of the neck, face and the upper extremities and dilation of the chest vein collaterals. In this paper, we examine the case of a 50-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with 'sore throat' which can be easily misdiagnosed as a case of uncomplicated acute pharyngitis. It was a real challenge to diagnose our patient as SVC syndrome caused by bronchogenic carcinoma.

Primary bronchial myeloid sarcoma mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) rarely involves the bronchus, and primary bronchial MS has almost never been reported in mainland China. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female patient was admitted with a 3-month history of cough. She was initially diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma according to chest computed tomography (CT). However, after a biopsy was taken from the endobronchial lesion by bronchoscopy and further immunohistochemical analysis was performed, the diagnosis of MS was made. Because her bone marrow was normal and she had no history of haematologic diseases, we further considered the diagnosis of primary bronchial MS. The patient received chemotherapy with HAG regimens, and the original mass completely resolved, as confirmed by chest CT scan after 3 cycles of treatment. Meanwhile, no abnormalities were found on re-examination via bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: MS should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of a suspicious pulmonary mass. Immunohistochemical analysis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Chemotherapy can lengthen the survival time for patients.

Multi-objective ensemble deep learning using electronic health records to predict outcomes after lung cancer radiotherapy.

Accurately predicting treatment outcome is crucial for creating personalized treatment plans and follow-up schedules. Electronic health records (EHRs) contain valuable patient-specific information that can be leveraged to improve outcome prediction. We propose a reliable multi-objective ensemble deep learning (MoEDL) method that uses features extracted from EHRs to predict high risk of treatment failure after radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer. The dataset used in this study contains EHRs of 814 patients who had not achieved disease-free status and 193 patients who were disease-free with at least one year follow-up time after lung cancer radiation therapy. The proposed MoEDL consists of three phases: (1) training with dynamic ensemble deep learning; (2) model selection with adaptive multi-objective optimization; and (3) testing with evidential reasoning (ER) fusion. Specifically, in the training phase, we employ deep perceptron networks as base learners to handle various issues with EHR data. The architecture and key hyper-parameters of each base learner are dynamically adjusted to increase the diversity of learners while reducing the time spent tuning hyper-parameters. Furthermore, we integrate the snapshot ensembles (SE) restarting strategy, multi-objective optimization, and ER fusion to improve the prediction robustness and accuracy of individual networks. The SE restarting strategy can yield multiple candidate models at no additional training cost in the training stage. The multi-objective model simultaneously considers sensitivity, specificity, and AUC as objective functions, overcoming the limitations of single-objective-based model selection. For the testing stage, we utilized an analytic ER rule to fuse the output scores from each optimal model to obtain reliable and robust predictive results. Our experimental results demonstrate that MoEDL can perform better than other conventional methods.

[Screening of occupational exposure to asbestos and silica by job-exposure matrix among patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma]. / Dépistage des expositions professionnelles à l'amiante et à la silice par matrice emplois-expositions auprès de patients atteints de cancer bronchopulmonaire et de mésothéliome.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of underreporting of occupational diseases, the aim was to study the validity of silica and asbestos job-exposure matrices in screening occupational exposure in the field of thoracic oncology. METHODS: Fifty patients hospitalized with primitive lung cancer or mesothelioma in a university hospital center in the Hauts-de-Seine department of France were included between November 2016 and September 2017. For each patient 1/the job history was collected, from which data was entered single-blindly into the job-exposure matrices by a resident in occupational medicine, 2/a questionnaire (Q-SPLF) was completed similarly, and 3/the patients also had a consultation with a chief resident in occupational medicine, considered the gold standard. The main outcome was the diagnostic performance of the matrices. The Q-SPLF diagnostic performance was also studied. RESULTS: The asbestos and silica matrices had sensitivities of 100%, specificities of respectively 76.1% and 87.8%, the positive likelihood ratios were at 4.19 [2.5-6] and 8.17 [3.8-10], and the negative likelihood ratios were at 0. The Q-SPLF diagnostic performance was comparable to that of the matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The matrices and the questionnaire have a great diagnostic performance which seems interesting for a use as a screening tool for occupational exposures. These results have yet to be confirmed by large-scale studies.

Clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with lung cancer: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is correlated with increased mortality among patients with lung cancer (LC). The characteristics of patients with LC presenting with PE have not been fully established, and our meta-analysis aims to comprehensively investigate the clinical characteristics associated with PE in patients with LC to help physicians identify PE earlier in these patients. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang. Odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as effect measures for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. Moreover, Egger's test, Begg's test and a sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the publication bias and reliability of the articles. RESULTS: In total, 16 studies were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.09, 6.15; P = 0.03), adenocarcinoma (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.88, 2.77; P < 0.01), advanced tumour stage (TNM III-IV vs. I-II, OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.99, 2.86; P < 0.01), history of central venous catheter (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.78; P < 0.01), history of chemotherapy (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.80, 2.99, P < 0.01), high levels of D-dimer (WMD = 4.31, 95% CI: 2.53, 6.10; P < 0.01) and carcinoembryonic antigen (WMD = 10.30, 95% CI: 9.95, 10.64; P < 0.01) and a low level of partial pressure of oxygen (WMD = -25.97, 95% CI: -31.31, -20.62; P < 0.01) were clinical features of LC patients with PE compared to those without PE. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal that LC patients with PE have specific clinical features, including but not limited to several cancer- and treatment-related factors, that may help their early identification.

Abordaje quirúrgico del carcinoma broncogénico de células no pequeñas con metástasis extrapulmonar / Surgical approach of non-small cell lung cancer with extrapulmonary metastasis

El carcinoma broncogénico es la causa más frecuente de muerte por cáncer en el mundo. Cerca del 75% de los pacientes presentan enfermedad diseminada en el momento del diagnóstico. Hasta un 50% de los pacientes con enfermedad localizada al inicio desarrollarán metástasis. Sin embargo, la evidencia científica actual ha demostrado que, cuando la enfermedad metastásica es limitada y sobre todo en determinadas localizaciones como la cerebral y la suprarrenal, su abordaje multidisciplinar con intención radical puede prolongar la supervivencia. El presente artículo revisa la evidencia clínica bibliográfica existente que apoya el tratamiento, no solo de la enfermedad primaria sino de la metastásica, además del estudio preoperatorio y las indicaciones más aceptadas

Bronchogenic carcinoma is the leading cause of death due to cancer worldwide. Nearly 75% of patients have a disseminated carcinoma at diagnosis. Up to 50% of patients with a localized disease will develop metastasis. Nevertheless, the current scientific evidence has demonstrated that when the metastatic disease is limited, particularly in specific locations such as the brain and the adrenal glands, a multidisciplinary approach with radical intent could achieve a longer survival. This review analyses the clinical evidence available in the literature that supports the treatment of both the primary and the metastatic disease, as well as the preoperative study and the most widely accepted indications

Diagnosing a solitary pulmonary nodule using multiple bronchoscopic guided technologies: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The rate of detection of pulmonary nodules on computed radiography (CR) is approximately 0.09-0.2%, so rapid identification of the nature of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) with a likelihood of malignancy is a critical challenge in the early diagnosis of lung cancer. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to compare the diagnostic yield and safety of endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS), and the combination of EBUS-GS and virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN). METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, multi-arm, randomized controlled trial involving a total of 1010 subjects. All the patients recruited underwent a chest CT scan which found SPNs that needed to be diagnosed. The subjects were randomly divided into one of three groups: a traditional, non-guided, bronchoscopy biopsy group (NGB group), an EBUS-GS guided bronchoscopy biopsy group (EBUS group), and a guided bronchoscopy biopsy group that combined EBUS-GS with VBN (combined group). The primary endpoint was to investigate the differences between the diagnostic yields of the three groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the EBUS group (72.3%) and the combined group (74.3%), but the diagnostic yield for the NGB group was 41.2%. The time required to reach biopsy position was significantly less in the combined group (7.96 ± 1.18 min in the combined group versus 11.92 ± 5.37 min in the EBUS group, p < 0.05). However, the bronchoscope operation time was the same in the EBUS-GS and combined groups. The diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) >20 mm in diameter was significantly higher than for those <20 mm in diameter. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that guided bronchoscopy could increase the diagnostic yield in the context of peripheral lesions. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the EBUS and combined groups, but use of EBUS-GS with VBN could significantly shorten the bronchoscope arrival time.

Feasibility of lung cancer RNA acquisition from a single transbronchial or transthoracic needle pass (FASTT trial).

INTRODUCTION: RNA isolation from tumor tissue is used for biomarker analyses and validation. Limited diagnostic material from small volume biopsies combined with an increasing demand for standard histologic, molecular characterization, and next generation sequencing applications often leads to limited material for research. We sought to evaluate small volume sampling of lung cancer tissue collected from a single needle pass during a diagnostic procedure and determine if it can provide RNA of acceptable quantity and quality. METHODS: We enrolled 140 patients with probable primary bronchogenic carcinoma and collected RNA from a dedicated FNA aspiration. Total RNA (ηg), RNA integrity number (RIN), and %Mass in base pairs were evaluated from each patient sample. A customized nanoString nCounter® 95-gene panel was used to profile the expression patterns of feature NSCLC genes. We compared gene expression patterns that distinguish lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) in our cohort with a corresponding Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) NSCLC datasets. RESULTS: Of the 149 patients consented. RNA-extraction was performed in 101 eligible patients. A satisfactory total RNA mass and RIN was quantified for all samples with a similar distribution among cellular subtypes. Mean %-Mass over 300 base pairs was noted for all specimens and 96% of samples met criteria to perform genetic evaluation with our commercialized gene expression assay. The FNA-derived transcriptomic results showed excellent consistency with the TCGA counterparts, and the differential expression pattern of LUAD vs LUSC subtypes were highly similar. DISCUSSION: In this study, RNA retrieval from a single-pass FNA regardless of procedural approach showed equivalence and suitability for gene expression assessments. RNA extraction from small volume samples has the potential to provide valuable material for genetic profiling.

Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 in lung cancer.

Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 (sTREM-1) can be found in the sera of patients with infectious, autoimmune and malignant diseases. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of sTREM-1 in lung cancer patients. We analyzed the sera of 164 patients with lung cancer of all histologies and all stages at the time of diagnosis. We employed an ELISA using the anti-TREM-1 clone 6B1.1G12 mAb and recombinant human TREM-1. Patient data was collected retrospectively by chart review. In ROC-analysis, a sTREM-1 serum level of 163.1 pg/ml showed the highest Youden-Index. At this cut-off value sTREM-1 was a marker of short survival in patients with NSCLC (median survival 8.5 vs. 13.3 months, p = 0.04). A Cox regression model showed stage (p < 0.001) and sTREM-1 (p = 0.011) to indicate short survival. There were no differences in sTREM-1 serum values among patients with or without infection, pleural effusion or COPD. sTREM-1 was not associated with metastasis at the time of diagnosis and was not a predictor of subsequent metastasis. In SCLC patients sTREM-1 levels were lower than in NSCLC patients (p = 0.001) and did not predict survival. sTREM-1 did not correlate with CRP or the number of neutrophils. In non-small cell lung cancer patients, sTREM-1 in serum has prognostic significance.