Functional analysis of polymorphisms in the COX-2 gene and risk of lung cancer.

The enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is known to be involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis in certain types of cancer. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of COX-2 overexpression and its polymorphisms in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the three most commonly studied COX-2 gene polymorphisms (-1195 G/A, -765 G/C and 8473 T/C) with COX-2 expression and lung cancer risk in a Brazilian cohort.

Transthoracic biopsy with core cutting needle (Trucut) for the diagnosis of mediastinal tumors.

Aim: To determine the contribution of percutaneous biopsy with core cutting needle (Trucut) in the diagnosis of mediastinal tumours.

Method: Retrospective review of 56 patients with mediastinal lesions who underwent percutaneous core cutting needle biopsy, oriented but not guided by computer assisted tomography of the thorax, 1999 - 2008.

Results: Percutaneous biopsy with core cutting needle provided adequate material in 49/56, with a total positive sample rate of 88%.

[Transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes].

Background: Besides clarifying the etiology of unidentified lymphadenomegaly, puncturing hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes by a flexible bronchoscopic needle is an aid in diagnosing and staging broncho- genic cancer or other metastatic cancers.

Objective: Our study had the principal objective to evaluate the positivity of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA).

Method: We evaluated retrospectively the effectiveness of all TBNA done in 74 consecutive patients.

[Pulmonary blastoma].

Pulmonary blastoma is a rare primary lung tumor with poor prognosis that commonly presents at a younger age than the non-small cell lung cancer. Classically they are large, symptomatic tumors with lymph nodal metastasis and carry poor prognosis. Pathological examination revealed features suggesting a biphasic tumor with mesenchymal and epithelial components.

Phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using alternating doublets in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose: Lung cancer is an epidemic disease in developing countries. Incorporation of new active drugs in the neoadjuvant treatment of operable patients might lead to improved outcomes. Postchemotherapy mediastinal-based treatment decisions allow for in vivo testing of activity and could help to determine the ideal local treatment.

[Risk predictive factors for the appearing of a second primary lung neoplasms in 104 patients].

Objectives: The objective of our study was to identify the risks factors for the de development of a second pulmonary primary cancer.

Methods: It was a primary, observational, multicentric and retrospective study with 104 patients from the Cancer National Institute and the Antonio Pedro Universitary Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Results: The sites of primary tumors were: head and neck (56.