Pleomorphic adenomas occur primarily in the salivary glands, while the primary of the trachea is relatively rare. Depending on their location and size, they may elicit symptoms reminiscent of asthma and asphyxia. We performed a rigid bronchoscopic resection with a radiofrequency snare of a primary pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea with severe airway narrowing. In this case, the positive resection margins raised concerns about malignant transformation and local recurrence, but no recurrence has been observed seven years postoperatively. The low expression of Ki-67 on immunohistological examination may be one of the reasons for the absence of recurrence.

Objective:The extended outcomes of the KEYNOTE-024 study demonstrated a favorable 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 31.9%. The present study investigated the outcomes of pembrolizumab monotherapy for advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at our institution. Patient:The long-term outcomes of 102 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy between March 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively assessed. Results:This study included a total of 102 patients [mean age: 72 ± 9.6 years (range: 41-91 years), male/female=77/25; performance status (PS; 0, 1, 2, 3, 4)=49/38/15/0/0; smokers=91 (89%), non-squamous cell carcinoma/squamous cell carcinoma=66/36, PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%/1-49%=80/22, positive for EGFR mutation=5, advanced/postoperative recurrence=51/51, treatment line: first/second or later=81/21, treatment courses: median 8 (range: 1-39), objective response rate/disease control rate=44%/55%, immune-related adverse events (irAEs): 47, 5-year OS=34%]. On univariate analysis, PS, PD-L1 TPS, and irAEs were significant prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis, histology, PD-L1 TPS, and irAEs were significant prognostic factors. Conclusion:Pembrolizumab monotherapy demonstrated promising treatment outcomes for advanced or recurrent NSCLC, as evidenced by the significant association of PD-L1 TPS with irAEs and prognosis, suggesting its potential as a beneficial therapeutic option.

We report two rare cases of cardiac tamponade after left upper lobectomy. Case 1:A 76-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy and lymph node dissection for lung cancer. The patient suddenly developed cardiac tamponade the day after surgery. Emergency surgery was performed to stop bleeding and confirm the source of bleeding, and dark red pericardial fluid and hematoma were observed in the pericardial sac. There was no postoperative recurrence of cardiac tamponade. He died 1 year and 2 months after the operation. Case 2:A 77-year-old woman underwent thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy and lymph node dissection for lung cancer. The patient did well until the 6th postoperative day. On the 7th postoperative day, she complained of sudden severe back pain, immediately after which she lost consciousness and went into cardiopulmonary arrest. The echocardiography revealed cardiac tamponade, and emergency pericardiocentesis was performed. The patient died without circulatory improvement despite drainage of approximately 200 ml of bloody pericardial fluid. The pathological findings of autopsy revealed penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer at the descending aorta. We speculated that severe back pain caused the afterload of left ventricle and the increase in left atrial pressure through mitral regurgitation, which might result in a bleeding from the staple-line of superior pulmonary vein in the pericardium.

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.

Abstract 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.

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.

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.

日本肺癌学会肺がん検診委員会は，2022年に「肺がん検診ガイドライン」の改訂を行った．本稿では改訂に至った経過とその概要について解説する．「現行検診」に対する「推奨」は2010年ガイドラインから変化はなかった．全国的な精度管理の徹底や，国全体の死亡率減少効果への寄与度や感度・特異度の測定などに関する評価が必要である．「重喫煙者に対する低線量CT検診」は，欧米において肺癌死亡率減少効果のエビデンスが得られたが，過剰診断，偽陽性，放射線被ばくなどの不利益は無視できない．安易な導入を行って混乱する事態を避けるためには，まずは適切な「実装研究」を行うことにより，日本の社会にどのように導入することが望ましいのかを検討することが重要である．一方，「非/軽喫煙者に対する低線量CT検診」は，現在のところ有効性のエビデンスは十分でないため，それを集積することが第一に重要である．

━━ Based on a questionnaire survey, the Lung Cancer Screening Committee considers that the aging of doctors involved in lung cancer screening and the high coverage rate of non-specialist doctors are problems; thus, the acquisition of new reading doctors and maintaining and improving the reading ability for doctors who currently perform reading, are considered very important. In 2012, we published Chest X-ray Interpretation Text-book for Lung Cancer Screening with the aim of solving these problems; however, we needed a method to apply the knowledge learned there. In 2018, screening image data were collected from facilities related to the Lung Cancer Screening Committee members, and the image data were evaluated by central judgment. Based on the data and results, we have developed a system that enables interpretation exercises similar to the examination interpretation environment. In May 2019, it started operation as a system that members can practice anytime and any-where via the internet. It is now stably operated at more than one year after the start of operation. This paper ex-plains the progress of the development of this system and how it is used. It also reports the usage status. ( JJLC. 2021;61:69-76)

Background and Aims: CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs), TLR9 ligands, have immunostimulatory effects and are expected to synergize when combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), but the optimal CpG ODNs are unknown.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various CpG ODNs on the expression of PD-L1, a target of ICI, and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), a component of MHC class I required for tumor antigen presentation, in human lung cancer cells.Methods: CpG ODNs were added to human lung cancer cell lines, and the expression of PD-L1 and β2-MG was examined by western blotting and flow cytometry.The upstream signals involved in the expression of PD-L1 and β2-MG were also investigated by the same method.Results: Type A and Type B CpG ODNs did not affect the expression of PD-L1 and β2-MG.In co-culture with IFN-γ and ODNs, Type A CpG ODNs suppressed the enhancement of PD-L1 and β2-MG expression by IFN-γ.The same experiment was performed with poly-G ODNs consisting only of multiple guanosine sequences that Type A CpG ODNs possess, and the enhanced expression of PD-L1 and β2-MG by IFN-γ was suppressed.These effects were not observed in Type B CpG ODNs or poly-A ODNs, which do not contain a poly-G sequence.Conclusions: Type A CpG ODNs with poly-G sequences may competitively inhibit IFN-γ receptors in lung cancer cells, suggesting that immunotherapy with CpG ODNs should pay attention to the effects of poly-G sequences.

A mediastinal mass was incidentally detected by chest X-ray in a 44-year-old man. Computed tomography findings revealed that the mass was a possible malignancy in the right and middle mediastinum and was removed by surgical resection. Macroscopically, the resected specimen was a well-demarcated yellowish, brownish, and whitish mass. Microscopically, a solid lesion with cords of epithelioid cells in the extra-adrenal myelolipoma-like lesion was observed. Immunohistochemically, the solid lesion was positive for typical vascular markers and CAMTA1, the expression of which is highly specific for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). The endothelial cells and bone marrow elements of myelolipoma-like lesion were also positive for CAMTA1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization examination detected the CAMTA1-WWTR1 fusion gene not only in the solid lesion but also in the endothelial cells and bone marrow elements of myelolipoma-like lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting common genetic abnormality, CAMTA1-WWTR1 fusion, in cases of EHE and extra-adrenal myelolipoma.

OBJECTIVETo 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).METHODSA retrospective analysis of 127 patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs at our hospital was conducted.RESULTSNivolumab(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.CONCLUSIONAnti-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.

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.

━━ The practical guidelines for lung cancer screening have been revised in 2020. In this article, we will explain the background and aims concerning the revision to the requirements for doctors engaging in the interpretation of chest roentgenograms in lung cancer screening and the implementation of case review meetings, two topics that seem very important. The requirements in the 2017 version have been assessed as difficult to understand by many local government officials, necessitating a revision of the requirements. In the 2020 version, all doctors are required to participate in a case review meeting once a year, and senior doctors are also required to have a prescribed experience in the interpretation of chest roentgenograms. The important points to bear in mind when holding a case review meeting are also described. We hope that this paper will help improve the quality assurance in lung cancer screening in the future. (JJLC. 2020;60:929-935)

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 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.

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.

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.

We assessed the relation between smoking and pneumothorax in patients aged <40. Of 526 patients who underwent surgery for pneumothorax in 2011~2015, 311 were under the age of 40 and they were included in this study. Of 311, 54 cases( 17.4%) were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax associated with emphysematous change by pathological assessment. By the multivariate analysis, 2 parameters exhibited significance for the risk of these spontaneous pneumothorax:a Brinkmann index of ≥165 and a smoking period of ≥9.5 years. It was suggested that smoking is strongly related to the onset of spontaneous pneumothorax even in the younger population less than 40 years of age.

Background: The participation rate is one of the most important indexes in the cancer screening. Historicallyin Japan, each local government has developed their own equations to calculate the subjects for population-basedscreening, 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 possibleto compare the participation rates of cancer screening nationwide for the first time. We therefore investigated thecorrelation 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 ratesfor further examination, lung cancer detection rates and positive predictive values of lung cancer screening werecollected from “Cancer Registration and Statistics” of the National Cancer Research Center website. The age-adjustedlung, gastric and colonic cancer mortality rates, smoking rates were also collected. The EZR software program wasused for statistical analyses. Results: The participation rates of lung cancer screening had a strong positive correlationwith the participation rates of gastric/colonic cancer screening (P<0.001). The prefectural lung cancer mortality rateshad a moderate to weak negative correlation with the participation rates of lung cancer screening (P=0.009). A littlecorrelation was noted between other quality assurance indicators of lung cancer screening and lung cancer mortalityrates. Conclusion: These results suggested that participating in lung cancer screening might help reduce lung cancermortality rates in some extent.