[EGFR gene copy number, ERCC1 and BRCA1 protein expression and their relationship in non-small cell lung cancer].

Objective: To evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene copy number and the expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 proteins in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the correlation between them.

Methods: The status of EGFR gene copy number was determined by in situ hybridization (FISH), and the expression of ERCC1 and BRCC1 proteins was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship of EGFR gene copy number with the expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 and the clinical pathologic features were analyzed.

Prognostic impact of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in pathologic stage IA non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to assess the value of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression and other potential prognostic factors in predicting the clinical outcome of patients after definitive surgery for pathologic stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: One hundred and forty-six consecutive and non-selected patients who underwent definitive surgery for stage IA NSCLC were included in this study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens were stained for MMP-2 and MMP-9, which were statistically evaluated for their prognostic value and other clinicopathological parameters.

Long-term outcome and cost-effectiveness of complete versus assisted video-assisted thoracic surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: To compare the outcomes and costs of two methods of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) major pulmonary resection in patients with clinically resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2007, 1,058 patients with proven stages I-IIIA NSCLC underwent complete VATS (c-VATS) or assisted VATS (a-VATS) major pulmonary resection together with a systematic nodal dissection.

Results: The study cohort consisted of 736 men and 322 women.

[Treatment and timing of re-operation for postoperative recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax].

Objective: To investigate the treatment for postoperative recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax, the feasibility of re-operation, indications and the results.

Method: The clinical and follow-up data of 28 cases of postoperative recurrence from 485 patients who underwent operations for spontaneous pneumothorax from Jan, 1994 to Jan, 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: One case was observed without any invasive therapy, 12 cases underwent closed pleural drainage and 15 cases received reoperation.