Detection and quantification of T790M mutation in liquid biopsies by droplet digital PCR.

Background: Liquid biopsy allows the identification of targetable cancer mutations in a minimally invasive manner. In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is increasingly used to genotype the epidermal growth factor receptor () gene in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). However, the sensitivity of this method is still under debate.

Real-world data from the Portuguese Nivolumab Expanded Access Program (EAP) in previously treated Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Objective: The main aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Nivolumab, an immune-checkpoint-inhibitor antibody, in advanced, previously treated, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients, in a real world setting.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, multicentre data analysis of patients who were included in the Portuguese Nivolumab Expanded Access Program (EAP). Eligibility criteria included histologically or citologically confirmed NSCLC, stage IIIB and IV, evaluable disease, sufficient organ function and at least one prior line of chemotherapy.

Rare cause of lung atelectasis in a young woman.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma is an extremely rare intrathoracic malignancy, comprising less than 1% of all lung tumours. These are very slow growing and are classified into low grade and high grade based on histological features. Surgical resection is the primary treatment with excellent outcomes, while chemotherapy or radiotherapy effectiveness is not known.

Diffuse idiopathic neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia as a rare cause of chronic cough.

A 39-year-old Caucasian woman, who has never smoked, presented a 16-year-duration chronic dry cough. She was prescribed by her general physician with corticosteroid and long-acting β-agonist inhalers assuming it was asthma, with mild symptomatic improvement. When cough got more persistent and associated with exertional dyspnoea and wheezing, a chest CT scan was performed, which showed multiple bilateral micronodular formations and diffuse mosaic lung pattern with air trapping.