Characterisation of circulating tumor-associated and immune cells in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: Globally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor-associated circulating cells in NSCLC can have a wide variety of morphological and phenotypic characteristics, including epithelial, immunological or hybrid subtypes. The distinctive characteristics and potential clinical significance of these cells in patients with NSCLC are explored in this study.

Targeted Therapies for Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) G12C Mutant Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancers.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent and often fatal malignancy. Advancements in targeted therapies have improved outcomes for NSCLC patients in the last decade. Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) is a commonly mutated oncogene in NSCLC, contributing to tumorigenesis and proliferation.

Liquid Biopsy Snapshots of Key Phosphoproteomic Pathways in Lung Cancer Patients for Diagnosis and Therapy Monitoring.

Phosphorylation is a post-translational modification in proteins that changes protein conformation and activity for regulating signal transduction pathways. This mechanism is frequently impaired in lung cancer, resulting in permanently active constitutive phosphorylation to initiate tumor growth and/or reactivate pathways in response to therapy. We developed a multiplexed phosphoprotein analyzer chip (MPAC) that enables rapid (detection time: 5 min) and sensitive (LOD: 2 pg/μL) detection of protein phosphorylation and presents phosphoproteomic profiling of major phosphorylation pathways in lung cancer.

Prognostic value of integrating circulating tumour cells and cell-free DNA in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often presents at an incurable stage, and majority of patients will be considered for palliative treatment at some point in their disease. Despite recent advances, the prognosis remains poor, with a median overall survival of 12-18 months. Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers have emerged as potential candidates for predicting prognosis and response to therapy in NSCLC patients.

Pembrolizumab-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: case report.

A 63-year-old man with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma presented with biopsy confirmed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Symptoms commenced following 3 cycles of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab, with the first cycle given ~9.5 weeks prior to presentation.

The identification of circulating tumour DNA using MassARRAY technology in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Objectives: Attaining tumour material from lung cancer patients can be challenging with limited sample availability. Therefore, non-invasive means of assessing tumour material is becoming increasingly more important. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), extracted from a blood sample is appealing for the patient, and can be performed serially over the course of treatment.

Epigenetic Mechanisms in DNA Double Strand Break Repair: A Clinical Review.

Upon the induction of DNA damage, the chromatin structure unwinds to allow access to enzymes to catalyse the repair. The regulation of the winding and unwinding of chromatin occurs via epigenetic modifications, which can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation and DNA methylation are known to be reversible and have been indicated to play different roles in the repair of DNA.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer: evaluating maternal and foetal outcomes. A national study.

Purpose: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during the gestational period (gp-PABC) or in the first postpartum year (pp-PABC). Despite its infrequent occurrence, the incidence of PABC appears to be rising due to the increasing propensity for women to delay childbirth. We have established the first retrospective registry study of PABC in Ireland to examine specific clinicopathological characteristics, treatments, and maternal and foetal outcomes.

Identification of Proteins Deregulated by Platinum-Based Chemotherapy as Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for most people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), either as adjuvant therapy in combination with a second cytotoxic agent or in combination with immunotherapy. Resistance to therapy, either in the form of primary refractory disease or evolutionary resistance, remains a significant issue in the treatment of NSCLC. Hence, predictive biomarkers and novel combinational strategies are required to improve the effectiveness and durability of treatment response 6for people with NSCLC.

High-Plex and High-Throughput Digital Spatial Profiling of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Profiling the tumour microenvironment (TME) has been informative in understanding the underlying tumour-immune interactions. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) coupled with molecular barcoding technologies have revealed greater insights into the TME. In this study, we utilised the Nanostring GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) platform to profile a non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue microarray for protein markers across immune cell profiling, immuno-oncology (IO) drug targets, immune activation status, immune cell typing, and pan-tumour protein modules.

Unilateral autoimmune inner ear disease in a patient with lung cancer treated with nivolumab.

A 69-year-old male presented with early stage non-small cell lung cancer in 2016. The tumor was resected; however, the patient experienced recurrence 2 years later and subsequently received paclitaxel/carboplatin concurrently with radiotherapy. Within weeks of completing this treatment, he developed a symptomatic pancoast tumor secondary to disease progression and commenced second line nivolumab.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common oncogenic drivers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Significant developments have taken place which highlight the differences in tumor biology that exist between the mutant and wild-type subtypes of NSCLC. Patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC have a variety of EGFR-targeting agents available proven to treat their disease.

Challenges associated with systemic therapy for older patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. Data from several studies fall short to make appropriate conclusions on the management for elderly patients. The discovery of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has allowed these patients access to a wider array of options.

The Therapeutic Potential of DNA Damage Repair Pathways and Genomic Stability in Lung Cancer.

Despite advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of the disease and improved therapeutics, lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therefore, an unmet need remains for improved treatments, especially in advanced stage disease. Genomic instability is a universal hallmark of all cancers.

Computed tomography texture analysis of response to second-line nivolumab in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: Assess computed tomography texture analysis of patients likely to benefit from nivolumab.

Materials & Methods: Texture analysis was used to quantify heterogeneity within the largest tumor before immunotherapy. Histogram analysis was classified as hyperdense (positive skewness) or hypodense (negative skewness) and subclassified on median standard deviation value or entropy measurement.

Targeting BRAF mutations in non-small cell lung cancer.

The management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed significantly with the discovery of specific drug targets. These drugs have helped transform patient care and outcomes. BRAF mutated NSCLC is now recognised as a rare form of lung cancer.

Professional burnout, work patterns and career satisfaction in medical oncologists in Ireland.

Background: Burnout is an occupational syndrome frequently encountered within the healthcare profession. It is characterised by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and a low sense of personal accomplishment (PA). Its negative impact extends to the physician, patient and overall service provision.

Rearranged During Transfection Fusions in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Identifying and targeting specific oncogenic drivers has become standard of care in the routine management of patients with lung cancer. Research is ongoing to expand the number of drug targets that can offer clinically meaningful outcomes. Rearranged during transfection (RET) fusions are the latest oncogenic driver alterations that show potential as a drug target.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutated oligometastatic adeno-squamous lung cancer transformation to small cell lung cancer.

A 66-year-old non-smoker was diagnosed with stage IIIB, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated, squamous cell lung carcinoma. Treatment included chemotherapy, 35 fractions of radiotherapy and later Gefitinib for 3.5 years.

Extended adjuvant endocrine therapy in hormone-receptor-positive early breast cancer.

Purpose Of Review: The risk of relapse associated with oestrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer persists for at least 15 years after diagnosis. Several large clinical trials have examined extended adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Recent Findings: The MA.