Association of RANKL and EGFR gene expression with bone metastases in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: Bone metastases are frequent in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The receptor activator of Nuclear Factor κB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway is important in bone metastases development. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling promotes osteoclast formation and stimulation.

Long-term survival of stage T4N0-1 and single station IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients treated with definitive chemo-radiotherapy using individualised isotoxic accelerated radiotherapy (INDAR).

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage T4N0-1 or single nodal station IIIA-N2 are two stage III sub-groups for which the outcome of non-surgical therapy is not well known. We investigated the results of individualised isotoxic accelerated radiotherapy (INDAR) and chemotherapy in this setting.

Methods: Analysis of NSCLC patients included in 2 prospective trials (NCT00573040 and NCT00572325) stage T4N0-1 or IIIA-N2 with 1 pathologic nodal station, treated with chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) using INDAR with concurrent or sequential platinum-based chemotherapy.

Total gross tumor volume is an independent prognostic factor in patients treated with selective nodal irradiation for stage I to III small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: In non-small cell lung cancer, gross tumor volume (GTV) influences survival more than other risk factors. This could also apply to small cell lung cancer.

Methods And Materials: Analysis of our prospective database with stage I to III SCLC patients referred for concurrent chemo radiation therapy.

Mature results of a phase II trial on individualised accelerated radiotherapy based on normal tissue constraints in concurrent chemo-radiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Sequential chemotherapy and individualised accelerated radiotherapy (INDAR) has been shown to be effective in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), allowing delivering of high biological doses. We therefore performed a phase II trial (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00572325) investigating the same strategy in concurrent chemo-radiation in stage III NSCLC.

Individualised isotoxic accelerated radiotherapy and chemotherapy are associated with improved long-term survival of patients with stage III NSCLC: a prospective population-based study.

Background: Individualised, isotoxic, accelerated radiotherapy (INDAR) allows the delivery of high biological radiation doses, but the long-term survival associated with this approach is unknown.

Methods: Patients with stage III NSCLC in the Netherlands Cancer Registry/Limburg from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2008 were included.

Results: Patients (1002) with stage III NSCLC were diagnosed, of which 938 had T4 and/or N2-N3 disease.

Treatment with curative intent of stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients of 75 years: a prospective population-based study.

Background: There is little data on the survival of elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Patients with stage III NSCLC in the Netherlands Cancer Registry/Limburg from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2008 were included.

Findings: One thousand and two patients with stage III were diagnosed, of which 237 were 75 years or older.

Mature results of an individualized radiation dose prescription study based on normal tissue constraints in stages I to III non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose: We previously showed that individualized radiation dose escalation based on normal tissue constraints would allow safe administration of high radiation doses with low complication rate. Here, we report the mature results of a prospective, single-arm study that used this individualized tolerable dose approach.

Patients And Methods: In total, 166 patients with stage III or medically inoperable stage I to II non-small-cell lung cancer, WHO performance status 0 to 2, a forced expiratory volume at 1 second and diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide >or= 30% were included.

Correlates of osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An underestimated systemic component.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is under diagnosed and under treated in these patients and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To date, screening recommendations for osteoporosis in COPD patients are not available.