The pituitary gland is an uncommon site of tumor metastasis and is predominantly associated with malignancies of the lung and breast. Metastatic involvement of the pituitary gland in lung cancer (LC) typically indicates advanced disease and is associated with poor prognosis and pituitary insufficiency, which often remains underdiagnosed and significantly affects quality of life and survival. We present four cases of pituitary metastasis (PM) originating from LC, characterized by distinct histological subtypes, variable timing from initial diagnosis, and diverse clinical manifestations. Clinical presentation was heterogeneous: two patients had involvement of both pituitary lobes with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, one had anterior lobe involvement with anterior pituitary deficiency following immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated hypophysitis, and one remained asymptomatic. Therapeutic approaches included partial surgical resection followed by radiotherapy in two patients and radiotherapy alone in the other two; all patients continued systemic antineoplastic therapy and received hormone replacement as indicated. Mean overall survival was 7.5 months. PM can occur across all histological subtypes of LC and typically signifies advanced disease with poor prognosis. Early identification and appropriate management of hypopituitarism may improve quality of life and clinical outcomes.
OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening (LCS) employing volume-based low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in contrast to the absence of screening, targeting an asymptomatic high-risk population in Greece, leveraging the outcomes derived from the NELSON study, the largest European randomized control trial dedicated to LCS. METHODS:A validated model incorporating a decision tree and an integrated state-transition Markov model was used to simulate the identification, diagnosis, and treatments for a population at high risk of developing lung cancer, from a healthcare payer perspective. Screen-detected lung cancers, costs, life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were predicted. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess the robustness and reliability of the model's outcomes under varying parameters and hypothetical situations. RESULTS:Annual LCS with volume-based LDCT detected 17,104 more lung cancer patients at early-stage among 207,885 screening population, leading to 8,761 premature lung cancer deaths averted. In addition, in contrast to no screening, LCS yielded 86,207 LYs gained and 50,207 incremental QALYs at an additional cost of €278,971,940, resulting in an ICER of €3,236 per LY and €5,505 per QALY, over a lifetime horizon. These estimates were robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS:LCS with volume-based LDCT, targeting an asymptomatic high-risk population, is highly cost-effective in Greece. Implementing LCS ensures efficient allocation of public healthcare resources while delivering substantial clinical benefits to lung cancer patients.
INTRODUCTION:Lung cancer screening (LCS) is an evolving field with variations in its implementation worldwide. National LCS programmes are limited and preliminary data from national implementation are scarce. AIM:An up-to-date overview of the available literature about 12 LCS-related topics that were identified as priorities by a multidisciplinary task force (TF) panel and patient representatives as well as synthesis of published evidence to inform clinical practice and health decision-making about LCS implementation. In specific areas where the scientific evidence is limited or mixed, the limitations are discussed and best practices based on available evidence are concluded. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A multidisciplinary TF expert panel collaborated with patient representatives, identified 12 areas of interest and incorporated patient priorities. A systematic literature search was conducted, followed by screening, review and synthesis of available evidence. RESULTS:There is a lack of national LCS programmes in most countries worldwide. LCS benefits and potential risks are well established. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) combined with smoking cessation should be offered as part of a LCS strategy to ensure optimal clinical outcomes. Age and smoking status cut-offs as well as other inclusion criteria vary and should be based on national epidemiological data. Available LCS risk predictor models and biomarkers require further clinical validation prior to implementation across the entire spectrum of LCS candidates. LCS frequency remains controversial with biennial LDCT being supported by current evidence. Technical standards, quality assurance and LCS management protocols are essential in LCS implementation. CONCLUSIONS:LCS benefits override potential risks. There is slim evidence for specific cut-off values for inclusion criteria, the optimal duration of LCS programmes and the application of LCS biomarkers in clinical practice. Smoking cessation should be integrated within LCS programmes. Ongoing scientific activity in the area is expected to provide answers in the near future.
Background: Lung cancer (LC) is a complex-to-treat disease and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Methods: Our aim was to investigate the prognostic role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in patients with LC. In this retrospective study, examining the period between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2024, we recorded consecutive patients who presented to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece, and received a first diagnosis of LC. The primary outcome was mortality risk analysis based on NLR, PLR, and MLR at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included associations of tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging, and smoking with NLR, PLR, and MLR at diagnosis. Results: We identified 353 patients with a first diagnosis of LC. The mean age ± SD at the time of diagnosis was 68.1 ± 9.1 years. Most patients were male (77.9%, n = 275) and current or ex-smokers (58.1%, n = 205, and 39.1%, n = 138, respectively). Histological diagnosis was non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and not otherwise specified (NOS) in 67.1% (n = 237), 29.8% (n = 105), and 3.1% (n = 11) of patients, respectively. Adenocarcinoma NSCLC was more common (40.2%, n = 142) compared to squamous NSCLC (25.5%, n = 90). In 12.9% of patients, we identified EGFR, KRAS, ALK, or BRAF molecular driver mutations, while PD-L1 expression was positive in 20.7% of patients. The majority of enrolled patients presented with advanced stage IV LC at diagnosis (63.2%, n = 223). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with higher than the median NLR and PLR at diagnosis were associated with significantly higher mortality risk compared to those with lower than the median [HR: 0.58, (95% CI: 0.42 to 0.81) p = 0.0009 and HR: 0.71, (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.95) p = 0.02, respectively], while no differences in mortality risk were observed between patients with higher versus lower than the median MLR [HR: 0.84, (95% CI: 0.63 to 1.12) p = 0.22]. With regard to secondary outcomes, no associations between higher versus lower than the median NLR, PLR, or MLR values and TNM staging [4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0) vs. 4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0), p = 0.95, 4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0) vs. 4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0), p = 0.09, 4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0) vs. 4.0 (95% CI: 4.0–4.0), p = 0.4, respectively], as well as smoking status [70 (95% CI: 60–80) vs. 80 (95% CI: 60–80), p = 0.10, 70 (95% CI: 60–80) vs. 80 (95% CI: 60–80), p = 0.46, 80 (95% CI: 60–80) vs. 70 (95% CI: 60–80), p = 0.96, respectively] were reported. Conclusions: NLR and PLR could serve as reliable and clinician-friendly prognosticators of clinical outcomes in patients with LC. Further validation cohorts are sorely needed to prove this notion.
Background: Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an evolving field with variations in its implementation in various countries. There are only scarce data from National LCS programs. Aim: We aim to provide an up-to-date overview of the current evidence regarding the use of biomarkers in LCS. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary Task Force experts’ panel collaborated and conducted a systematic literature search, followed by screening, review and synthesis of available evidence. Results: Biomarkers in LCS could be used to improve risk stratification in high-risk participants, improve clarification regarding indeterminate lung nodules and avoid overdiagnosis in suspicious lung findings. Currently, there seem to be promising biomarkers (blood/serum/breath) that have been studied in various trials; however, there is still a lack of solid evidence in clinical validation that would pave the way for their integration into LCS programs. Conclusions: Biomarkers are the next logical step in improving the LCS pathway and its efficiency by playing an adjuvant role in a minimally invasive way. National LCS programs and pilot studies should integrate biomarkers to validate their accuracy in real-life LCS participants.
Conventional cancer clinical trials can be time-consuming and expensive, often yielding results with limited applicability to real-world scenarios and presenting challenges for patient participation. Real-world data (RWD) studies offer a promising solution to address evidence gaps and provide essential information about the effects of cancer treatments in real-world settings. The distinction between RWD and data derived from randomized clinical trials lies in the method of data collection, as RWD by definition are obtained at the point of care. Experimental designs resembling those used in traditional clinical trials can be utilized to generate RWD, thus offering multiple benefits including increased efficiency and a more equitable balance between internal and external validity. Real-world data can be utilized in the field of pharmacovigilance to facilitate the understanding of disease progression and to formulate external control groups. By utilizing prospectively collected RWD, it is feasible to conduct pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) that can provide evidence to support randomized study designs and extend clinical research to the patient’s point of care. To ensure the quality of real-world studies, it is crucial to implement auditable data abstraction methods and develop new incentives to capture clinically relevant data electronically at the point of care. The treatment landscape is constantly evolving, with the integration of front-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, affecting subsequent treatment lines. Real-world effectiveness and safety in underrepresented populations, such as the elderly and patients with poor performance status (PS), hepatitis, or human immunodeficiency virus, are still largely unexplored. Similarly, the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of these innovative agents are important considerations in the real world.
INTRODUCTION Real-world data on programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) testing and biomarker-guided treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) are lacking. METHODS This non-interventional, retrospective study used patient data from the lung cancer registry of the Sotiria Hospital in Greece. Included patients had mNSCLC and initiated first line (L) treatment from August 2016 (when pembrolizumab gained reimbursement) to August 2019; patient follow-up ended in August 2020. The study mainly assessed the PD-L1 testing rates and the treatment(s) prescribed by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) status, and PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS). Data were descriptively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimates of time- to-event outcomes were generated. RESULTS Of 705 patients, 304 (43.1%) were tested for PD-L1 expression during observation. PD-L1 testing rates reached 73.8% across quarters Q1- Q3 of 2019; most patients were tested at 1L. At 1L, 59.3% of patients with EGFR/ALK negative or unknown status and PD-L1 TPS >_50% received PD-1/ PD-L1 inhibitors; 90.6% of these patients received pembrolizumab. Regardless of PD-L1 expression levels, most patients with EGFR/ALK negative or unknown status received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at 2L. The numerically highest 1L median overall survival for patients with EGFR/ALK negative or unknown status was attained with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, with overall survival (OS) of 26.7 months. CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 testing rates increased rapidly following the reimbursement of pembrolizumab in the 1L treatment of patients with mNSCLC. Patients with EGFR/ALK negative or unknown status and PD-L1 TPS >_50% most frequently received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at 1L, and attained longer OS compared with other therapies.
Background: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma presents significant treatment challenges owing to its rarity and limited therapeutic options. The LANCE study was designed to explore the survival benefits of incorporating atezolizumab in chemotherapy for metastatic LCNEC. Methods: In this non-randomized study, patients with metastatic LCNEC were treated with ei-ther standard chemotherapy plus atezolizumab or standard chemotherapy alone. The primary outcomes measured were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with an ex-ploratory analysis of miR375 in plasma as a potential biomarker. Results: Of the 22 screened patients, 17 met the inclusion criteria and were stratified into the atezolizumab and chemotherapy (n=10) or chemotherapy alone(n=7) groups. After a median follow-up of 23.3 months, the 12-month survival rate for the atezolizumab group was 57.1% (95% CI: 32.6%-100%) and 45.7% at 24 months (95% CI: 22.4%-93.2%). In contrast, the chemotherapy group had a 14.3% survival rate at both 12 and 24 months (95% CI: 2.33%-87.7%). The log-rank test for survival showed a statistically significant difference in the atezolizumab-treated group (chi-squared = 4, df = 1, p = 0.04). A non-significant correlation was found between disease pro-gression and elevated levels of miR375. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy may be effective in treating metastatic LCNEC. The non-significant correlation between plasma miR375 levels and disease progression suggests its biomarker potential, warranting further validation research.
Background: Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) presents significant treatment challenges due to its rarity and limited therapeutic options. The LANCE study was designed to explore the survival benefits of incorporating atezolizumab in chemotherapy for metastatic LCNEC. Methods: In this non-randomized study, patients with metastatic LCNEC were prospectively enrolled and assigned to receive either standard chemotherapy plus atezolizumab followed by maintenance with atezolizumab or standard chemotherapy alone. The primary outcomes measured were 12- and 24-month survival rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) between the two groups. Results: Of the 22 patients screened, 17 met the inclusion criteria and received either atezolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 10) or chemotherapy alone (n = 7). After a median follow-up of 23.3 months, the 12-month survival rate was 57.1% (95% CI: 32.6–100%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 2.33–87.7%) for the atezolizumab and the chemotherapy-only groups, respectively. The survival benefit for the atezolizumab group was sustained at 24 months (45.7% vs. 14.3%). Overall survival was significantly higher for the atezolizumab group, and PFS was non-significantly associated with the addition of atezolizumab (log-rank p = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that the addition of atezolizumab to standard platinum-based chemotherapy may provide a substantial survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of metastatic LCNEC.
Background: Lung cancer is associated with a high incidence of mortality worldwide. Molecular mechanisms governing the disease have been explored by genomic studies; however, several aspects remain elusive. The integration of genomic profiling with in-depth proteomic profiling has introduced a new dimension to lung cancer research, termed proteogenomics. The aim of this review article was to investigate proteogenomic approaches in lung cancer, focusing on how elucidation of proteogenomic features can evoke tangible clinical outcomes. Methods: A strict methodological approach was adopted for study selection and key article features included molecular attributes, tumor biomarkers, and major hallmarks involved in oncogenesis. Results: As a consensus, in all studies it becomes evident that proteogenomics is anticipated to fill significant knowledge gaps and assist in the discovery of novel treatment options. Genomic profiling unravels patient driver mutations, and exploration of downstream effects uncovers great variability in transcript and protein correlation. Also, emphasis is placed on defining proteogenomic traits of tumors of major histological classes, generating a diverse portrait of predictive markers and druggable targets. Conclusions: An up-to-date synthesis of landmark lung cancer proteogenomic studies is herein provided, underpinning the importance of proteogenomics in the landscape of personalized medicine for combating lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women and men, in developed countries, despite the public health interventions including tobacco-free campaigns, screening and early detection methods, recent therapeutic advances, and ongoing intense research on novel antineoplastic modalities. Targeting oncogenic driver mutations and immune checkpoint inhibition has indeed revolutionized NSCLC treatment, yet there still remains the unmet need for robust and standardized predictive biomarkers to accurately inform clinical decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents the computer-based science concerned with large datasets for complex problem-solving. Its concept has brought a paradigm shift in oncology considering its immense potential for improved diagnosis, treatment guidance, and prognosis. In this review, we present the current state of AI-driven applications on NSCLC management, with a particular focus on radiomics and pathomics, and critically discuss both the existing limitations and future directions in this field. The thoracic oncology community should not be discouraged by the likely long road of AI implementation into daily clinical practice, as its transformative impact on personalized treatment approaches is undeniable.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) redefined the therapeutics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), leading to significant survival benefits and unprecedented durable responses. However, the majority of the patients develop resistance to ICIs, either primary or acquired. Establishing a definition of primary resistance to ICIs in different clinical scenarios is challenging and remains a work in progress due to the changing landscape of ICI-based regimens, mainly in the setting of early-stage NSCLC. The mechanisms of primary resistance to ICIs in patients with NSCLC include a plethora of pathways involving a cross-talk of the tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment and the host, leading to the development of an immunosuppressive phenotype. The optimal management of patients with NSCLC following primary resistance to ICIs represents a significant challenge in current thoracic oncology. Research in this field includes exploring other immunotherapeutic approaches, such as cancer vaccines, and investigating novel antibody–drug conjugates in patients with NSCLC.
Background: The widespread use of chest CT has increased the number of detected pulmonary nodules. Nodules with intermediate risk of malignancy warrant further evaluation with PET-CT or sampling. Although sampling with conventional bronchoscopy presents lower complication rates compared to transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB), it is limited by the inability to reach distal airways. To overcome this shortcoming, a new bronchoscopic technique named robotic bronchoscopy (RB) has emerged. Methods: A literature review was used to clarify the rationale behind RB emergence, describe RB procedure, and summarize data regarding its efficacy and safety. Results: The FDA has approved three RB platforms for clinical use. RB is safe, presenting a mortality and complication rate of 0% and 0–8.1%, respectively. Common complications include pneumothorax (0–5.7%) and minor bleeding (0–3.2%). However, its diagnostic yield remains lower than that of TTNB. Conclusions: RB is a promising bronchoscopic technique that aims to overcome the limitations of conventional bronchoscopy and improve upon the current techniques of guided bronchoscopy for the investigation of pulmonary nodules. Despite the lower complication rate, current evidence suggests a lower diagnostic yield compared to TTNB. Additional studies are required to adequately evaluate the role of RB in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.
Radiation-induced brain necrosis (RIBN) is a common adverse event from radiation therapy. We present a case of a 56-year-old man, diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer with brain metastases 2 years prior, for which he had received whole brain radiotherapy and brain stereotactic radiosurgery, who presented to the oncology unit with headache, dizziness and abnormal gait. MRI of the brain revealed radiological worsening of a cerebellar mass, including edema and mass effect. After a multidisciplinary tumor board meeting, the patient was diagnosed with RIBN and received 4 cycles of high-dose bevacizumab, with complete symptom resolution and significant radiological response. We report the successful use of a high-dose, shorter-duration treatment protocol of bevacizumab for RIBN.
Background: Screening for lung cancer has resulted in significant improvement in disease-specific and overall survival in large prospective studies. Aims and objectives: To assess the coverage of lung cancer screening programs in the Greek population. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with lung cancer diagnosed at Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece, between January 2016 and May 2019. Descriptive statistics were utilized to calculate the proportion of patients that would be eligible for lung cancer screening and chi-squared test to assess for associations between baseline patient characteristics and lung cancer screening criteria. All hypothesis testing was conducted at a two-sided significance level of α=0.05. Results: 878 patients were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (range 34-93). 72.4%, 21.6%, and 5.9% of patients were current, former, and never smokers, respectively. The proportion of patients eligible for lung cancer screening at the time of diagnosis ranged according to the screening criteria applied (NLST: 59.5%, USPSTF: 77.9%, NELSON: 63.7%). Baseline characteristics associated with the NLST eligibility criteria were squamous (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.48-2.83; p=0.00001) and small cell (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.42-3.25; p=0.002) histology as well as lack of targetable driver alterations (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.39-5.96; p=0.004). Conclusions: The majority of patients with lung cancer qualify for screening at the time of diagnosis. Baseline characteristics directly linked with smoking are associated with screening eligibility; more personalized screening approaches are needed for light- or never-smokers.
Background: PD-(L)1 inhibitors were EMA approved as first and second line (1L, 2L) therapy in advanced NSCLC in 2017 and 2016, respectively. We investigated real-world (RW) treatment outcomes for patients (pts) with confirmed advanced NSCLC from the Sotiria Lung Cancer Registry, a hospital-based registry in Athens, Greece. Methods: This is a non-interventional, retrospective study of pts who started 1L treatment between Aug-2016-Aug-2019, with follow-up ending in Aug-2020. Baseline/treatment characteristics, responses (R), PFS and OS were analyzed. Results: A total of 705 pts (66.8% >65 years, 78.9% male, 70.0% ECOG PS 0/1) were included. At 1L, 415 (58.9%) pts received platinum-based chemo, 66 (9.4%) PD-(L)1 inhibitors (5.1% pembrolizumab), 63 (8.9%) anti-VEGF-based therapies, 40 (5.7%) tyrosine kinase inhibitors and 121 (17.2%) other regimens. PD-L1 testing rate was 34.0% (43.1% overall) and increased from 4.8% (2016) to 64% (2019). Of pts with PD-1/PD-L1-based therapies at 1L, 68.2% were tested for PD-L1, and 50.0% had PD-L1 expression ≥50.0%. In EGRF/ALK (-) or unknown pts at 1L (n=662), the median PFS and OS were 3.4 and 8.8 months, respectively, and R was 23.4% (for platinum- based chemo: 3.3, 10.3 and 24.7%; for PD-1/PD-L1: 12.0, 26.7, and 34.9%). In EGFR (+) or ALK (+) pts (n=43) the median PFS and OS were 5.3 and 17.7 months and R was 34.9%. At 2L, pts (n=280, 39.7%) received mostly PD-(L)1 inhibitors (50.4%). Conclusions: Most widely used 1L therapies were platinum-based chemo, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors at 2L, with PD-L1 testing being increased during the study period reaching nearly two-thirds of pts. RW outcomes suggest replacing chemo with anti-PD-(L)1-based regimens at 1L will be beneficial for EGFR/ALK (-) pts.
Introduction: LC trends show a strong divergence by sex&age over the years and marked differences in smoking habit and histological subtyping. Aim: To review available epidemiological data on LC incidence in Central Greece, identify age trends and interpret potential changes based on evolving societal circumstances. Materials and methods: Retrospective registry review in 3 tertiary hospitals(2 in Athens metropolitan area,1 in Central Greece)(regional hubs). Review of LC age trends during the period 2015-2020. Results: There is no unified LC registry in Greece;data is limited and is optionally collected. Mean annual LC diagnosis among the 3 hubs is 2216 cases with 90% cases diagnosed in Athens&male predominance. Annual LC incidence in Athens has increased by 20% between 2015-2020 & by 10% in central Greece. At the beginning of COVID19 pandemic LC diagnosis has significantly decreased in central Greece (-30%)versus Athens(-12%)which was attributed to the restructure of healthcare services. Until COVID19, there was an increasing trend in LC diagnosis in 46-50y(5% increase)which has ceased during the pandemic probably due to underreporting and under-presentation in LC services. There is an overall trend of increased LC diagnosis in the elderly population(10%)attributed to investigations for other comorbidities that result in incidental LC diagnosis while younger ages diagnosis remains stable. Conclusions: Greece is lacking a national LC registry and attempts are limited to institutional initiative however based on regional hub registries there is an increasing trend in LC cases diagnosis over the last 5y with a minor drop at the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. LC diagnosis involves more elderly population while younger ages are stable.
e13531 Background: It is known that malignancies exaggerate the risk of thrombosis up to 20%, while for Lung Cancer (LC) is articulated up to 14%. Likewise, thrombosis amplifies the LC progression, thrombosis-associated lung cancer (TALC). The pathophysiology promoting LCAT & TALC is multifactorial depending on the characteristics of LC, specific anti-cancer modalities, patient features, and biomarkers such as tissue factor, neutrophil extracellular traps released in response to cancer, cancer procoagulant, and cytokines. Low-molecular-weight heparins are used in prophylaxis and treatment for high-burden for thrombosis (HTB) patients, allowing specialists to focus on the cancer disease. Methods: iCaLT is a prospective observational study conducted in Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria (Athens, Greece) assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis with tinzaparin 10.000 Anti-Xa IU, OD with the systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). LC patients with active disease that are currently under treatment are enrolled after signing informed consent and monitored up to six months or until anticoagulation terminates. Results: Results from 106 patients reported, 29 (27%) are still ongoing: 79% were males. Histological results involve: adenocarcinomas 54%, squamous 25%, small cell 15%and others. LC patients received SACT: 55%, 23%, 10%, 6% in 1st, 2nd, 3rdand 4th line. HTB patients with active LC related to 4 factors: disease, treatment, biomarker and patient features are presented in table. On average patients accumulated 3.7±1.1risk factors, 91% of patients accumulated ≥3 risk factors. Median thromboprophylaxis duration was: 4.8 months (1st-3rd quartile: 2.8-6.0 months). One patient experienced thrombotic event in lower extremes and consequently pulmonary embolism (efficacy 99.1%, 95%CI: 94.6-99.8%), five patients experienced minor bleeding adverse events (haemoptysis) (4.7%, 95%CI: 2.0-10.6%), and two patients allergic reactions. Patients with haemoptysis had lower age (60 vs. 67, p=0.1357). Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis with tinzaparin intermediate dose in high thrombotic burden patients with active lung cancer is effective and safe. Further research is needed.[Table: see text]
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and elucidation of its complicated pathobiology has been traditionally targeted by studies incorporating genomic as well other high-throughput approaches. Recently, a collection of methods used for cancer imaging, supplemented by quantitative aspects leading towards imaging biomarker assessment termed “radiomics”, has introduced a novel dimension in cancer research. Integration of genomics and radiomics approaches, where identifying the biological basis of imaging phenotypes is feasible due to the establishment of associations between molecular features at the genomic–transcriptomic–proteomic level and radiological features, has recently emerged termed radiogenomics. This review article aims to briefly describe the main aspects of radiogenomics, while discussing its basic limitations related to lung cancer clinical applications for clinicians, researchers and patients.