Characteristics of and reasons for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to continue smoking, quit smoking, and switch to heated tobacco products.

Introduction: Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking cessation is the most effective treatment for patients with COPD. However, few studies have investigated the continuation/cessation of smoking and heated tobacco products (HTP) in patients with COPD. The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients with COPD, those who are current smokers and those who switched from cigarettes to HTP, and to examine the reason for the continuation or cessation of smoking.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapeutic Regimens with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for Previously Untreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Improving therapeutic strategies for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) remains a challenge. To date, no reports have directly compared the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus platinum-etoposide (ICIs+EP) with platinum-irinotecan (IP) or directly compared different ICIs+EP for previously untreated ES-SCLC. This study used a Bayesian approach for network meta-analysis to compare efficacy and safety between ICIs+EP and IP and between each pair of three ICIs+EP.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Refractory or Relapsed Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer-A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

The efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in refractory or relapsed advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not yet been compared with those of ramucirumab (Ram) plus docetaxel (Doc). Furthermore, comprehensive comparisons between ICIs have not been conducted to date. In the current study, a Bayesian network meta-analysis of related phase III clinical trials was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of Ram+Doc, Niv, Atz, and Doc treatments in patient groups lacking the PD-L1 constraint.

Investigating Patient and Family Satisfaction with the Respiratory Status in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management aims to improve the patients' quality of life and healthy life expectancy; however, few studies have evaluated the level of satisfaction with the patients' current respiratory status in COPD patients and their families. This study aimed to examine the level of patient and family satisfaction with the patients' current respiratory status and to identify the clinical factors closely linked to dissatisfaction.This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 454 outpatients with COPD and 296 family members.

Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab versus Existing Immunotherapies in Patients with PD-L1-Positive Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

No head-to-head trials have compared the efficacy and safety of nivolumab (Niv) plus ipilimumab (Ipi) combination therapy (Niv+Ipi) and existing regimens with immunotherapies approved as first-line treatment in patients with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a network meta-analysis of four relevant Phase Ⅲ trials to compare the efficacy and safety of Niv+Ipi, pembrolizumab (Pem) plus platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) (Pem+PBC), Pem, Niv, or PBC using Bayesian analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 expression ≥1%.

Beneficial Effect of Early Intervention with Garenoxacin for Bacterial Infection-Induced Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma have similar clinical features and are both exacerbated by airway infection.

Objective: To determine whether garenoxacin mesylate hydrate (GRNX) added to the standard care for bacterial infection-induced acute exacerbation of asthma or COPD in adults has clinical benefits.

Method: This single-arm clinical trial was conducted from January 2015 to March 2016.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis induced by pertussis: the first case report.

Background: Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is a severe condition with limited treatment strategies. Although respiratory infection is a major cause of AE-IPF, no reports have indicated pertussis infection as a cause. Here we report two cases of pertussis infection-induced AE-IPF.

Improvement in Frailty in a Patient With Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Ninjin'yoeito Therapy: A Case Report.

Frailty is a poor prognostic factor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although various studies have assessed the effects of conventional treatment with bronchodilators, nutritional support, and pulmonary rehabilitation for frailty in patients with COPD, none have addressed the effects of traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine). Herein, we report the successful management of frailty using Ninjin'yoeito therapy in a 76-year-old patient with COPD.

High burden of Aspergillus fumigatus infection among chronic respiratory diseases.

Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) is a ubiquitous fungus in our environment and causes severe airway disorders. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are a series of chronic airway and lung diseases. Although both are chronic disorders, however, the relationships between AF and CRDs are still unclear.

Association between respiratory impedance measured by forced oscillation technique and exacerbations in patients with COPD.

Background: It is well known that increased airflow limitation as measured by spirometry is associated with the risk of exacerbation in patients with COPD. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a noninvasive method used to assess respiratory impedance (resistance and reactance) with minimal patient cooperation required. The clinical utility of the FOT in assessing the risk of exacerbations of COPD is yet to be determined.

[AN ADULT CASE OF ANAPHYLAXIS CAUSED BY ALLERGY TO JELLYFISH].

A 35-year-old female, professional diver, reported nausea, vomiting, and systemic hives 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion of antipasto made with jellyfish. Patient reported prior episodes of swelling after stings from several different creatures, including jelly fish. She also developed a systemic allergic reaction after sting from an unknown creature while diving.

Distinct Afatinib Resistance Mechanisms Identified in Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring an EGFR Mutation.

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are associated with significant responses in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring -activating mutations. However, acquired resistance to reversible EGFR-TKIs remains a major obstacle. In particular, although the second-generation irreversible EGFR-TKI afatinib is currently used for treating NSCLC patients, the mechanisms underlying acquired afatinib resistance remain poorly understood.

Acquired Resistance Mechanisms to Combination Met-TKI/EGFR-TKI Exposure in Met-Amplified EGFR-TKI-Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring an Activating EGFR Mutation.

Met-amplified EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an activating EGFR mutation is responsive to concurrent EGFR-TKI and Met-TKI treatment in a preclinical model. Here, we determined that Met-amplified gefitinib-resistant cells acquire dual resistance to inhibition of EGFR and Met tyrosine kinase activities. PC-9 lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring 15-bp deletions (Del E746_A750) in EGFR exon 19 were treated with increasing concentrations of the Met-TKI PHA665752 and 1 μmol/L gefitinib for 1 year; three resistant clones were established via Met amplification.

[Successful Treatment of Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) infection-related Hemophagocytic Lymphocytosis in an Elderly Man].

A 79-year-old man experienced severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was receiving treatment for ischemic heart disease. Starting from dizziness and chilliness, he lost consciousness after few days. He was taken to our emergency department.

Phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin and vinorelbine for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have locally advanced disease with poor prognosis. Although concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment, more effective regimens are required. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a divided schedule of carboplatin and vinorelbine in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of combination chemotherapy with vinorelbine and platinum agents for patients with non-small cell lung cancer with interstitial lung disease.

Background: Acute chemotherapy-associated exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) can occur in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The safety and efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy has not yet been established for NSCLC with ILD. Thus, patients with advanced NSCLC with ILD usually receive only best supportive care.

Relationship of circulating tumor cells to the effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with the effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We prospectively evaluated CTCs in the peripheral blood of patients with previously untreated metastatic NSCLC. From May 2008 through August 2010, 33 patients (23 men and 10 women; median age, 64 years; range, 46-74 years) were enrolled.

[Three cases of Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary diseases in previously healthy young women].

Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary diseases account for 20% of cases of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Most patients are male. However, a recent study has found that radiological examinations in female patients often reveal nodular, bronchiectatic opacities.

[A case of pulmonary aspergilloma concomitant with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis].

A 69-year-old man with pulmonary aspergilloma was admitted to the hospital because of persistent cough and slight fever. Antifungal agents were administered on a diagnosis of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis or symptomatic aspergilloma. Despite the antifungal treatment, wheezing developed, suggesting a complication of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

Phase II trial of amrubicin and carboplatin in patients with sensitive or refractory relapsed small-cell lung cancer.

Amrubicin is a novel, totally synthesized anthracycline derivative, and has antitumor activity against several human tumor xenografts. The combination of amrubicin with platinum derivative showed additive effect against a human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line. Until now, the combination of amrubicin plus carboplatin has not been studied in patients with previously treated SCLC.

Cooperative activation of CCL5 expression by TLR3 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha or interferon-gamma through nuclear factor-kappaB or STAT-1 in airway epithelial cells.

Background: CCL5/RANTES contributes to prolonged eosinophilic inflammation and asthma exacerbation after a viral infection. We studied the mechanism of CCL5 expression using viral product double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a ligand of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), and inflammatory cytokines in airway epithelial cells.

Methods: The airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was used in our in vitro study, and the levels of CCL5 mRNA and CCL5 protein expression were determined using real-time PCR and ELISA.

The UGT1A1*28 genotype and the toxicity of low-dose irinotecan in patients with advanced lung cancer.

The association between the UGT1A1*28 genotype and the severe toxicity of low-dose irinotecan has been controversial, and few studies have examined this association in patients with lung cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the UGT1A1*28 genotype and the severe toxicity of low-dose irinotecan in Japanese patients with lung cancer. From December 2005 through July 2008, 53 Japanese patients with advanced lung cancer who underwent chemotherapy that included low-dose irinotecan (50 or 60 mg/m2) as a single agent or in combination chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.

[Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and treatment efficacy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer].

We examined the association between chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and prognosis in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ED SCLC). We retrospectively analysed 91 patients with ED SCLC who received a combination of cisplatin or carboplatin, etoposide or irinotecan between November 1995 and December 2007. Patients were categorized into two groups (grade 0 to 2 or grade 3 to 4) according to the worst neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia during first-line chemotherapy and were analysed for overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP).

Induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

We examined the efficacy and toxicity of a divided schedule of cisplatin and vinorelbine with concurrent radiotherapy followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with clinical stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC were eligible if they had a performance status of 0 or 1, were 75 years or younger, and had adequate organ function. Patients were treated with cisplatin (40 mg/m2) and vinorelbine (20 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks.