[Formation Potential of Secondary Organic Aerosols and Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds During an Air Pollution Episode in Autumn, Langfang].

A typical particulate matter pollution process occurred from October 9 to 17,2018,in Langfang,and 99 types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored by using ZF-KU-1007. The characteristics of VOCs,formation potential of secondary organic aerosol (SOA),and source of VOCs were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the maximum concentration of PM2.5 was 198 µg·m-3 during the pollution process and was 2.64 times the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB 3095-2012). The average concentration of VOCs was 56.8×10-9,127.8×10-9,and 72.5×10-9 in the early,middle,and late stages of the pollution process,respectively,and the concentration of VOCs increased significantly in the middle stage. The formation potential of SOA was significantly positively correlated with PM2.5,and the contribution of aromatic hydrocarbon for SOA was larger and significantly correlated with the concentration of PM2.5. In the middle pollution stage,SOA increased,and the contribution ratio of aromatic hydrocarbon increased significantly. Conversely,the contribution of alkanes and olefin decreased significantly,which showed that aromatic hydrocarbons,namely benzene series,were the dominant species of SOA generation and had a great influence on the pollution process. Benzene,toluene,m-/p-xylene,o-xylene,and ethylbenzene and nonane,n-undecane,and methylcyclohexane were the priority control species in this pollution process. Solvent use source and motor vehicle emission source (gasoline and diesel vehicles) were the main sources affecting the concentration of VOCs during the autumn pollution process of Langfang,among which the contribution of gasoline vehicle emissions increased significantly in the middle pollution contribution and was the key control source.

SOX1 acts as a tumor hypnotist rendering nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells refractory to chemotherapy.

SOX1, a well-known tumor suppressor, delays malignant progression in most cancer types. However, high expression of SOX1 in late-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma leads to poor prognosis. In this study, we show that SOX1 induces nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells to enter a quiescent state. Using a model that mimics therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence, a subpopulation of SOX1-induced NPC cells is refractory to paclitaxel, a cell cycle-specific chemotherapy drug. These cells maintain a quiescent state with decreased translational activity and down-regulated cell growth potential. However, once SOX1 expression is decreased, the NPC cells recover and enter a proliferative state. The chemotherapy resistance induced by SOX1 can not pass to next generation, as the cells that undergo re-proliferation become sensitive to paclitaxel again. Moreover, SOX1 directly binds to the promoter region of the MYC gene, leading to transcriptional suppression. When switching to a paclitaxel-free culture environment, the cells with decreased levels of SOX1 re-express MYC, resulting in increased abundance of proliferative cancer cells. Our study presents an evolutionary trade-off between tumor growth and chemoresistance orchestrated by SOX1-MYC in NPC. Basing on the dynamic role of SOX1 in different stages of cancer development, SOX1 would be regarded as a "tumor hypnotist".

[Effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with cerebral infarction: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao (regaining consciousness and opening orifices) acupuncture on the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in patients with cerebral infarction. METHODS: A total number of 142 patients of cerebral infarction undergoing rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group (71 cases) and a western medication group (71 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the western medication group, rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis was given. In the acupuncture-medication group, besides the intervention as the control group, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture was provided at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiquan (HT 1), etc. once daily. One treatment session contained 6 treatments and 1 session was required. Before and after treatment, the score of the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), the levels of the relevant indexes of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) (platelet [PLT], D-dimer and fibrinogen), the incidences of sICH and adverse effect were compared between groups. The efficacy was assessed in two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, NIHSS scores and the levels of D-dimer were reduced compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture-medication group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05). The level of fibrinogen in the acupuncture-medication group was increased in comparison with that before treatment (P<0.05), and also higher than the western medication group (P<0.05). The incidence of sICH was 0% (0/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, lower than 8.6% (6/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 97.2% (69/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, higher than 87.1% (61/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse effect was 2.8% (2/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, lower than 12.9% (9/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture may improve the efficacy of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in the patients with cerebral infraction and decrease the incidences of sICH and adverse effect. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of fibrinogen and D-dimer levels.

[FU Li-xin's experience in treatment of vertigo with "regulating the middle jiao, opening gate and relaxing tendon" method of acupuncture].

The paper introduces professor FU Li-xin's theoretic ideas and experience in treatment of vertigo. Professor FU believes that this disease is closely related to the blockage of qi movement in the middle jiao, opening-closing disarrangement in the pivot, "gate" obstruction, malnutrition of brain orifice and decreased blood flow in the nape. Based on the holistic idea of qi movement in traditional Chinese medicine and the circulatory theory of western medicine, the characteristics of the specific acupuncture therapy for "regulating the middle jiao, opening gate and relaxing tendon" are summarized. Using the layered needling technique at Zhongwan (CV 12) and "gate points" in the neck region, the tendon-bone needling technique with modified "dark tortoise seeking hole" at local tendon blockage points, vertigo is cured through regulating qi in the middle jiao, opening gate and nourishing marrow, relaxing tendon and harmonizing the mind.

[Characteristics and Source of VOCs During O3 Pollution Between August to September, Langfang Development Zones].

A total of 99 volatile organic compound(VOC) species were detected the Langfang development zones based on continuous monitoring using a ZF-PKU-1007 between August 25 and September 30, 2018. The concentrations, reactivity, and sources of VOCs were studied under different O3 concentrations using compositional analysis. The results showed that the average VOCs concentration during the research period was(75.17±38.67)×10-9, and was(112.33±30.96)×10-9, (66.25±34.84)×10-9 on pollution days and cleaning days, respectively(VOCs concentrations were 69.6% higher on pollution days). The contribution of VOCs species to the ozone formation potential(OFP) were ranked in the order aldehydes > aromatics > alkenes > alkanes. In the case of L·OH, the main contributions were from aromatics(30.0%) and alkenes(25.8%) on pollution days, while the contribution from aromatic alkenes(29.8%) was a slightly higher than aromatics(28.0%) on cleaning days. By applying the positive matrix factorization(PMF) model, five major VOCs sources were extracted, namely vehicle emissions(34.4%), solvent usage and evaporation(31.7%), the petrochemical industry(15.7%), combustion(11.1%), and plant emissions(7.9%). The contributions of solvent usage and evaporation and plant emission sources on pollution days were 13.1% and 1.2% higher than on cleaning days, respectively, which was likely due to relatively higher temperatures on these days. Therefore, vehicle emissions and solvent usage and evaporation should be priorities in VOCs control strategies for the Langfang development zones between August to September.

[Effects of tillage alternation pattern with subsoiling on soil physical and chemical properties and spring maize yield in the Loess Plateau, China]. / 深松轮耕模式对黄土旱塬春玉米土壤理化性质和作物产量的影响.

Straw mulching and subsoiling can protect soil and improve soil structure. However, long-term continuous subsoiling cannot continuously gain yield increasing and soil improvement. To realize continuous soil improvement and yield enhancement, a long-term experiment on subsoiling alternation patterns was carried out with spring maize continuous cropping in the Loess Plateau in 2007-2016. The subsoiling alternation patterns were no-tillage/conventional tillage/subsoiling (NT/CT/ST) and subsoiling/conventional tillage (ST/CT), with continuous subsoiling (ST) as control. We analyzed the effects of the different patterns on soil physical and chemical properties and maize yield. The results showed that, compared with the ST, the mechanical-stable aggregates (DR0.25) and water-stable aggregates (WR0.25) in NT/CT/ST were significantly increased by 9.2% and 21.9%, with the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometrical mean diameter (GMD) being significantly increased. The WR0.25 in ST/CT was significantly increased by 11.9%. In 0-20 cm soil layer, soil bulk density in NT/CT/ST and ST/CT decreased by 7.0% and 11.5%, and soil porosity increased by 8.4% and 13.9%, respectively. In 20-40 cm soil layer, soil bulk density in ST/CT increased by 6.9%, and soil porosity decreased by 5.7%. In the NT/CT/ST, soil total nitrogen and organic matter contents significantly increased, but soil total phosphorus and total potassium contents reduced. The multi-year average grain yield of spring maize in NT/CT/ST was 10.2% higher than ST and 4.8% higher than ST/CT. The DR0.25, WR0.25, soil total nitrogen content and soil organic carbon content were all positively correlated with maize yield, indicating such changes faci-litated corn grain yield. Considering the effects on soil fertility and corn yield, the NT/CT/ST model was conducive to soil fertility, soil structural stability and higher maize yield.

[Efficacy and safety of gefitinib in maintenance therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gefitinib as maintenance therapy for patient with advanced non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: From Oct. 2002 to Apr. 2006, 173 patients with advanced NSCLC received oral gefitinib 250 mg per day after completion of induction chemotherapy (62 patients, maintenance therapy group) or recurrence after one or more regimens of chemotherapy (111 patients, recurrent group). Median survival (MS) and progress free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the difference between the sub-groups stratified by smoking, pathological type, liver metastasis and gefitinib treatment result. RESULTS: MS of maintenance therapy group and recurrent group were 25.0 months (95% CI: 19.3-30.7) and 12.5 months (95% CI: 9.3-15.7), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the above two groups (P = 0.0004). PFS of maintenance therapy group and recurrent group was 16.5 months (95% CI: 8.7-24.3) and 9.2 months (95% CI: 7.5-10.9), respectively. There was also a statistically significant difference between these two groups (P = 0. 0000). It was found that median MS in maintenance therapy group was significantly correlated with smoking status, pathology type, liver metastasis and objective response of gefitinib. CONCLUSION: Maintenance therapy with gefitinib after induction chemotherapy may improve overall survival in patient with non-small cell lung cancer.

[Evaluation of efficacy and safety of ZD1839 as monotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of gefitinib for Chinese patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer(NSCLC) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. METHODS: From Oct. 2002 to Apr. 2006, 204 patients with advanced NSCLC received oral ZD1839 (250 mg/d) treatment. The were 110 (59.9%) men and 94 (40.1%) women aged between 25 and 85 years. Thirty-two patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 125 adenocarcinoma, 30 bronchoalveolar carcinoma or adenocarcinoma with partial bronchoalveolar carcinoma, 6 adenosquamous carcinoma, and 11 unspecified. Twenty-six patients had no history of chemotherapy, 62 had no disease progression after chemotherapy, and 111 failed to prior one or more regimens. Median survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox regression analysis was used to detect differences in median survival between strata. RESULTS: The median survival of all patients and of patients failed to prior chemotherapy were 16.3 months (95% confidential interval CI, 14.5 - 18.2) and 12.5 months (95% CI 9.3 - 15.7). The rate of 1-year survival was 57%. The objective tumor response rate and stable disease rate were 31.4% and 41.7% respectively. The median survival were significantly related with ECOG scores, pathology types, disease progression after chemotherapy, objective efficacy of gefitinib and changes of short-breathing. Among 26 patients with no prior chemotherapy, the median survival was not statistically significant compared with that of other patients. Among the enrolled patients, 111 had disease progression and 62 had stable disease after prior chemotherapy, and their median survivals was statistically different. At the time of this analysis, 142 patients had disease progression, 58 of whom withdrew from taking gefitinib, and 84 continued gefitinib therapy until death. The median survivals for these subgroups were not significantly different. Among 142 patients with disease progression, 40 received other systemic treatment, the median survival was statistically significant compared with that of other patients. Objective response was significantly related with age, smoking status, pathological type, change of short-breathing and rashes induced by gefitinib. Adverse events were generally mild (grade 1 and 2) and reversible. The most frequent adverse events were rash 72.6% (138/190) and diarrhea 33.7% (64/190). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that treatment with gefitinib maybe well tolerate and beneficial for some Chinese patients after failure of prior chemotherapy.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Bathing with Chinese Medicine Taohong Siwu Decoction () for Treatment of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and safety of bathing therapy with Taohong Siwu Decoction (, TSD) in the treatment of early-stage, mild-moderate diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 148 men and women (18-60 years) with dcSSc (disease duration 12 months) and baseline modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS) 10. Patients were randomized into a TSD group (71 cases bathing with TSD plus oral prednisone) or control group (71 cases bathing with placebo plus oral prednisone). Bathing (40 °C, 30 min) of the upper and lower limbs was carried out once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was MRSS; secondary outcomes were Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) score, quality of life (QOL), physician visual analogue scale (VAS), patient VAS, percent predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level and overall treatment effect. RESULTS: The final analysis included 135 patients (control group, 68 cases; TSD group, 67 cases). Primary and secondary outcome measures after 2 weeks of treatment showed no improvement (versus baseline) in both groups, with no differences between groups. At 12 weeks, QOL, physician VAS, patient VAS, ESR and CRP were improved in both groups, but MRSS and RP score were improved only in the TSD group (all P<0.05). MRSS, RP score, QOL, physician VAS, patient VAS, ESR and CRP differed significantly between groups (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the overall treatment effect was significantly higher in the TSD group than in the control group (P<0.05). Adverse events in the two groups were similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bathing with TSD plus oral prednisone achieves better outcomes than oral prednisone alone in patients with dcSSc and is not associated with serious adverse events.

[PM2.5 Pollution Characterization and Cause Analysis of a Winter Heavy Pollution Event, Liaocheng City].

Heavy pollution events frequently occur during fall and winter seasons in northern areas. In order to understand the characteristics and chemical composition of PM2.5 during heavy pollution in winter in Liaocheng City, ambient PM2.5 samples were collected between January 7-11,2016. Mass concentration, water-soluble ions, carbonaceous species, and elements were analyzed, as well as the causes of pollution. Results showed that PM2.5 mass concentration was 238.3 µg·m-3 with the trend clearly that of an inverted V; this concentration represents exceedance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB 3095-2012) by more than 2.2 times. NO3-, SO42-, and NH4+(SNA)were the main water-soluble ions. As pollution increased or decreased, NH4+, SO42-, NO3-, and Cl- exhibited the same trend, which contrasted with that of Ca2+. During the peak of pollution, NH4+, NO3-, and SO42- concentrations were 48.96, 68.45, and 80.55 µg·m-3, with these representing levels 6.29, 7.31, and 7.84 times those of the initial stage, respectively. During the pollution event, OC and EC concentration variation ranges were 20.8-60.2 µg·m-3, and 3.0-7.5 µg·m-3, respectively. The concentration of OC was significantly higher than that of EC and the variation amplitude was significantly larger. During the event, the mass concentrations of 27 inorganic elements on each day were 10.2, 22.4, 16.0, 19.6, and 8.2 µg·m-3, respectively. Enrichment factors (EF) of all elements were less than 10, indicating lack of enrichment and showing that sources were mainly natural. PM2.5 mass concentration reconstruction results showed that organic matter (OM), SO42-, and NO3- were major components, followed by NH4+, crustal material, and other ions. EC and trace element content was relatively low. As PM2.5 pollution worsened, secondary inorganic salt (NH4+, SO42-, NO3-) concentrations and proportions increased, OM concentration increased but its proportion decreased, while crustal material concentration and proportion both decreased, showing that secondary inorganic conversion was the main cause of this pollution event, mainly driven by coal and motor vehicle emissions.

[Gefitinib in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: Brain metastasis is frequently found in patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Gefitinib is a inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor and can be used for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Gefitinib in advanced NSCLC patients with brain metastasis. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive NSCLC patients with brain metastases were treated with gefitinib, which was administered orally at daily dose of 250 mg. Of these patients, 30 had been treated with WBRT and 42 received chemotherapy one month before enrolled into the study. RESULTS: Partial response (PR) was observed in 14 patients (31.8%), stable disease (SD) in 21 (47.7%) with an overall disease control rate of 79.5%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9 months and median overall survival (OS) was 13.0 months. The difference in disease control rate between the patients who had previous WBRT and those without was not significant (P = 0.566). The toxicity is mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION: Our data shows that Gefitinib is safe and may be effective on brain metastasis, which may become an alternative treatment option for the patient with advanced NSCLC.

[Efficacy and safety of gefitinib monotherapy for Chinese elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of Chinese elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of treated with gefitinib at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. METHODS: From Oct. 2002 to Apr. 2006, 63 patients with advanced NSCLC received oral treatment with gefitinib (ZD1839) 250 mg/day. Median survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and a COX regression analysis was used to detect differences in median survival between strata. RESULTS: Adverse events (AEs) were generally mild (grade 1 and 2) and reversible. The most frequent AEs were rash 76.8% (43/56) and diarrhea 35.7% (20/56). The objective tumor response rate and stable disease rate were 25.4% and 55.6% respectively, and the median survival of all patients was 15.3 months (11.8 - 18.8 months). The rate of 1-year survival was 53%. The median survival was significantly related with ECOG scores, metastasis of liver, pleural effusion, disease progression after chemotherapy, and objective efficacy of gefitinib. Among 16 patients with no prior chemotherapy, the median survival was not significantly different as compared with that of other patients. Among the enrolled patients, 24 had disease progression and 23 had stable disease after prior chemotherapy, and their median survivals were statistically different. At the time of this analysis, 38 patients had disease progression, 15 of whom withdrew from taking gefitinib, and 23 continued gefitinib therapy until death. The median survivals for these subgroups were not significantly different. Objective responses were significantly related with rashes induced by gefitinib. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that treatment with gefitinib may be well tolerated and beneficial for Chinese elderly patients after failure of prior chemotherapy. Gefitinib could be administered as maintain therapy in patients after chemotherapy. Patients with disease progression should withdraw from taking gefitinib, and receive other systemic treatments.

[Effects of long-term straw mulching on soil organic carbon, nitrogen and moisture and spring maize yield on rain-fed croplands under different patterns of soil tillage practice.] / 不同耕作方式下长期秸秆还田对旱作春玉米田土壤碳、氮、水含量及产量的影响.

In 2007-2014, a position experiment was conducted in the Weibei Highlands Region to study effects of long-term straw mulching on spring maize planted on rain fed farmlands with diffe-rent conservative tillage practice patterns, no tillage plus sub-soiling (NT/ST), sub-soiling plus deep plowing (ST/CT), deep plowing plus no tillage (CT/NT), only no tillage (NT), only sub-soiling (ST) and only deep plowing (CT), by measuring and analyzing organic carbon and nitrogen storage in 0-60 cm soil and dynamic moistures in 0-200 cm soil at the maize harvesting time as well as the yields of maize. The results showed that the soil organic carbon storage and soil nitrogen storage increased most with the NT/ST among the six conservative tillage practice patterns. Compared with the experiment results before 2007, the organic carbon storage in 0-60 cm soil increased under the six conservative tillage practice patterns and their five-year averagely increase reached 12.3%-28.3%. Compared with the organic carbon and nitrogen storage with the CT, the five-year soil organic carbon storage under the other conservative tillage practice patterns increased by 7.1%-13.2%. The five-year nitrogen storage in 0-60 cm soil under NT/ST, ST/CT and CT/NT as well as NT increased by 2.5%-7.3% compared with the corresponding soil nitrogen storage before the start of experiment. The five-year average nitrogen storage under NT/ST, ST/CT, CT/NT, NT and ST increased by 3.6%-11.1% compared with that under CT. Compared with the soil moisture under CT, the soil moistures under the other five conservative tillage patterns separately increased by 5.7%, 2.3%, 2.0%, 5.5% and 4.4%, and the soil moisture under NT/ST was the highest. The average yields of spring maize ranked in order of NT/ST>ST/CT>ST>NT>CT/NT>CT and the yield of spring maize under NT/ST was the highest and separately increased by 4.2%,13.0%,11.3%,4.7% and 13.8% compared with those under the other five conservative tillage patterns, and the average economic returns were in order of NT/ST>ST/CT>ST>NT>CT/NT>CT. Among the six conservative tillage patterns, NT/ST performed better in improving soil environment quality, soil fertility and increasing maize yield and return, so it was a conservative tillage pattern more suitable for croplands for spring maize.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors among rural adults in Nantong, China.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) varies worldwide due to genetic and environmental factors. A population-based cross-sectional study, with 37,582 participants recruited in Nantong, China in 2007-2008 (stage I) and 2013 (stage II). Socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, disease history and fasting blood sample were collected. The prevalence of MS was much higher in 2013 (42.6%) than that in 2007-2008 (21.6%), which was significantly higher in older people in both stages. Participants with two or more familial history of diseases were associated with a higher MS prevalence compared to those who didn't have familial history of diseases. Total physical activity (PA) was associated with 24 and 19% decreased risk of MS in men and women. Occupational PA in moderate and vigorous intensity was associated with a 25%-45% decreased risk of MS. Female smokers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day or over 25 years were associated with 96 and 74% increased MS risk, respectively. The highest quartile of rice wine consumption was associated with a lower risk of MS with OR of 0.63 in women, compared with female non-drinkers. These findings indicated that PA and rice wine are two protective factors in MS prevention in rural areas of East China.

[Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with gefitinib].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antitumor effects and toxicity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The clinical data and quality of life of 66 patients with NSCLC treated with Iressa orally at the dose of 250 mg/d were reviewed, and the data were analyzed by using logistic analysis, chi(2) test and t test. The impact of treatment on disease-related symptoms and quality of life was evaluated with Chinese version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-LC13. RESULTS: Tumor response rate was 33%. Disease control rate, which included both tumor responses and stable disease, was 70%. The mean scores of each functioning scales and global quality of life in QLQ-C30 increased significantly. Response rates were 91% - 100%. Mean scores of disease-related symptoms decreased significantly. Response rates were 73% - 100%. Quality of life and symptom response were correlated with objective tumour response. The 250 mg/day dose of Iressa was well tolerated by patients. The majority of adverse events were grade I or grade II skin rash and diarrhea, which were manageable and reversible. CONCLUSION: Iressa offers a new treatment option providing meaningful tumor control and symptom relief for many patients with advanced NSCLC.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of gefitinib ('iressa', zd1839) as monotherapy in a series of Chinese patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: experience from a compassionate-use programme.

BACKGROUND: The gefitinib compassionate-use programme has enabled >39,000 patients worldwide to receive gefitinib ('Iressa', ZD1839) treatment. This paper reports the outcome of gefitinib treatment in Chinese patients who enrolled into the 'Iressa' Expanded Access Programme (EAP) at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that had progressed after prior systemic chemotherapy were eligible to receive oral gefitinib 250 mg/day as part of the EAP. Treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred. The impact of treatment on disease-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with the Chinese versions of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13). RESULTS: Gefitinib was well tolerated. Adverse events (AEs) were generally mild (grade 1 and 2) and reversible. The most frequent AEs were acneform rash and diarrhoea. Only one patient withdrew from the study due to a drug-related AE. The objective tumour response rate was 35.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.6-52.3); median progression-free survival was 5.5 months (95% CI, 1.6 to 9.4); median overall survival was 11.5 months (95% CI, 5.6 to 17.3). The QoL response rates for five functioning scales and global QoL varied from 56-88%. The main symptom response rates varied from 44-84%. QoL and symptom response were correlated with objective tumour response. CONCLUSION: Gefitinib demonstrated safety and efficacy as monotherapy in this series of Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC and was also associated with remarkable symptom relief and improvement in QoL. Although clinical trials are needed to confirm these positive findings, the data suggest that treatment with gefitinib may be beneficial for some Chinese patients who do not respond to chemotherapy and have poor prognosis.

[Gefitinib for advanced bronchioloalveolar carcinoma].

We described 3 cases of advanced bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), in whom once-daily treatment with 250 mg Gefitinib (Iressa) demonstrated remarkable antitumor effects. Gefitinib may produce dramatic clinical responses when administered to patients with poor performance status who had received heavy platinum/docetaxel-based prior chemotherapy.