Stromal markers of activated tumor associated fibroblasts predict poor survival and are associated with necrosis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are essential contributors of the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Most lung TAFs exhibit an activated phenotype characterized by the expression of α-SMA and fibrillar collagens. However, the prognostic value of these activation markers in NSCLC remains unclear.

Tumor-associated metabolic and inflammatory responses in early stage non-small cell lung cancer: Local patterns and prognostic significance.

Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed in early stage and surgically-treated have five-year mortality rate >20%. The identification of biomarkers able to predict progression and death may help to identify patients needing closer follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of early-stage surgically-treated NSCLC patients enrolled in the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Staging Project was created, and tissue Microarrays (TMAs) were constructed with tumor and non-tumor lung tissue.

Biological Marker Analysis as Part of the CIBERES-RTIC Cancer-SEPAR Strategic Project on Lung Cancer.

The aim of the Clinical and Molecular Staging of Stage I-IIp Lung Cancer Project is to identify molecular variables that improve the prognostic and predictive accuracy of TMN classification in stage I/IIp non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical data and lung tissue, tumor and blood samples will be collected from 3 patient cohorts created for this purpose. The prognostic protein signature will be validated from these samples, and micro-RNA, ALK, Ros1, Pdl-1, and TKT, TKTL1 y G6PD expression will be analyzed.

Effectiveness of three sleep apnea management alternatives.

Rationale: Home respiratory polygraphy (HRP) may be a cost-effective alternative to polysomnography (PSG) for diagnosis and treatment election in patients with high clinical probability of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but there is conflicting evidence on its use for a wider spectrum of patients.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and cost of OSA management (diagnosis and therapeutic decision making) using (1) PSG for all patients (PSG arm); (2) HRP for all patients (HRP arm); and (3) HRP for a subsample of patients with high clinical probability of being treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and PSG for the remainder (elective HRP arm).

Methods: Multicentric study of 366 patients with intermediate-high clinical probability of OSA, randomly subjected to HRP and PSG.

SEPAR guidelines for lung cancer staging.

The latest tumour, lymph node and metastasis (TNM) classification by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), based on the analysis of patients from all over the world, has incorporated changes in the descriptors, especially those regarding tumor size, while proposing new group staging. A new lymph node map has also been developed with the intention of facilitating the classification of the "N" component. SEPAR recommends using this new classification.

Non-small cell lung cancer and silent brain metastasis. Survival and prognostic factors.

The detection of silent brain metastasis is becoming increasingly common in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical course, prognostic significance, and treatment efficacy in patients with asymptomatic brain metastasis. A retrospective study of patients with cytologically and histologically diagnosed NSCLC and brain metastasis detected by cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed.

Lung cancer survival in Spain and prognostic factors: a prospective, multiregional study.

Lung cancer survival varies greatly from one European country to another. Differences in data collection may account for some of the variations observed. The aim of this work was to ascertain the survival rate in diverse Spanish regions and to analyse the influence of age and other prognostic factors.

Association between habitual naps and sleep apnea.

Study Objectives: Taking an afternoon nap (siesta) is a common habit. A number of studies have shown an increased cardiovascular mortality in habitual nappers. Afternoon nappers have anthropometric characteristics similar to those of patients with sleep apnea.