Predictive value of a series of inflammatory markers in COPD for lung cancer diagnosis: a case-control study.

Background: There is a relationship between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the development of lung cancer (LC). The aim of this study is to analyse several blood markers and compare their concentrations in patients with only COPD and LC + COPD.

Methods: Case-control study with cases presenting combined LC and COPD and two control groups (patients presenting only COPD and patients presenting only LC).

Predicting delays in lung cancer diagnosis and staging.

Background: Despite growing interest in increasing the efficiency and speed of the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer (LC), the interval from signs and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment remains longer than recommended. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that cause delays in the LC diagnosis/staging process and, consequently, delays in making therapeutic decisions.

Methods: We analyzed audit data from a prospective dataset of 1330 patients assessed at The Lung Cancer Rapid Diagnostic Unit from 26 June 2013 to 26 March 2016.

Changes in clinical presentation and staging of lung cancer over two decades.

Introduction: Important clinical and epidemiological changes have been observed in lung cancer (LC) in our healthcare area compared to the previous decade. In the last 10 years, specific LC care circuits have been implemented and the active search for cases has been stepped up. The aim of this study was to analyze the progress of these changes over the last 20 years.