Phenotyping asthma with airflow obstruction in middle-aged and older adults: a CADSET clinical research collaboration.

Background: The prevalence and clinical profile of asthma with airflow obstruction (AO) remain uncertain. We aimed to phenotype AO in population- and clinic-based cohorts.

Methods: This cross-sectional multicohort study included adults ≥50 years from nine CADSET cohorts with spirometry data (N=69 789).

Induction of dynamic hyperinflation by expiratory resistance breathing in healthy subjects - an efficacy and safety study.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? The study aimed to establish a novel model to study the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related cardiopulmonary effects of dynamic hyperinflation in healthy subjects. What is the main finding and its importance? A model of expiratory resistance breathing (ERB) was established in which dynamic hyperinflation was induced in healthy subjects, expressed both by lung volumes and intrathoracic pressures. ERB outperformed existing methods and represents an efficacious model to study cardiopulmonary mechanics of dynamic hyperinflation without potentially confounding factors as present in COPD.

Results of the Austrian National Lung Cancer Audit.

Objectives: The Austrian Lung Cancer Audit (ALCA) is a pilot study to evaluate clinical and organizational factors related to lung cancer care across Austria.

Materials And Methods: The ALCA is a prospective, observational, noninterventional cohort study conducted in 17 departments in Austria between September 2013 and March 2015. Participating departments were selected based on an annual case load of >50 patients with lung cancer.

Effects of roflumilast on arterial stiffness in COPD (ELASTIC): A randomized trial.

Background And Objective: Cardiovascular risk is substantially increased in patients with COPD and can be quantified via arterial stiffness. The PDE-IV inhibitor roflumilast revealed a potential reduction of COPD-related cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the effects of roflumilast on arterial stiffness by quantification of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in stable COPD.

Reference charts for body composition parameters by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in European children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years-Results from the Austrian LEAD (Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy) cohort.

Background: DXA is a widely used technique to assess body composition. Reference values based on a large general population cohort of European children and adolescents were missing. The aim of this study was to provide age- and sex-specific reference percentiles of body composition parameters for European children and adolescents and to compare them to the American NHANES cohort.

Reference values of body composition parameters and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by DXA in adults aged 18-81 years-results from the LEAD cohort.

Background: Increasing attention has been drawn on the assessment of body composition phenotypes, since the distribution of soft tissue influences cardio-metabolic risk. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a validated technique to assess body composition. European reference values from population-based cohorts are rare.

Blood eosinophil count in the general population: typical values and potential confounders.

There is growing interest in blood eosinophil counts in the management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite this, typical blood eosinophil levels in the general population, and the impact of potential confounders on these levels have not been clearly defined.We measured blood eosinophil counts in a random sample of 11 042 subjects recruited from the general population in Austria.

Patient-reported outcomes following pembrolizumab or placebo plus pemetrexed and platinum in patients with previously untreated, metastatic, non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (KEYNOTE-189): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

Background: Pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed-platinum led to superior overall survival and progression-free survival, and a higher proportion of patients with a confirmed complete or partial response over placebo plus pemetrexed-platinum in the KEYNOTE-189 study. We aimed to evaluate prespecified exploratory patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients in KEYNOTE-189.

Methods: In the multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 study done at 126 cancer centres in 16 countries, eligible patients aged 18 years or older with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer without sensitising EGFR or ALK alterations, measurable disease as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.

Marked differences in prediabetes- and diabetes-associated comorbidities between men and women-Epidemiological results from a general population-based cohort aged 6-80 years-The LEAD (Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy) study.

Background: Based on biological and behavioural diversity sex and gender may affect comorbidities associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Besides evaluating the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes (using fasting plasma glucose and HbA1 levels), the primary aim of the study is to investigate sex and gender differences in the prevalence of comorbidities in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes and to identify possible risk factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes.

Design: This observational, population-based cohort study included 11.

PET/MRI versus PET/CT in oncology: a prospective single-center study of 330 examinations focusing on implications for patient management and cost considerations.

Purpose: PET/MRI has recently been introduced into clinical practice. We prospectively investigated the clinical impact of PET/MRI compared with PET/CT, in a mixed population of cancer patients, and performed an economic evaluation of PET/MRI.

Methods: Cancer patients referred for routine staging or follow-up by PET/CT underwent consecutive PET/CT and PET/MRI, using single applications of [F]FDG, [Ga]Ga-DOTANOC, or [F]FDOPA, depending on tumor histology.

Safety and Dose Study of Targeted Lung Denervation in Moderate/Severe COPD Patients.

Rationale: Targeted lung denervation (TLD) is a novel bronchoscopic treatment for the disruption of parasympathetic innervation of the lungs.

Objectives: To assess safety, feasibility, and dosing of TLD in patients with moderate to severe COPD using a novel device design.

Methods: Thirty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s 30-60%) were 1:1 randomized in a double-blinded fashion to receive TLD with either 29 or 32 W.

Determinants of CAT (COPD Assessment Test) scores in a population of patients with COPD in central and Eastern Europe: The POPE study.

Background: The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) has been proposed to help guide therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is important to understand the distribution of scores in different COPD populations and their determinants.

Methods: The POPE study is an international, observational cross-sectional study of COPD subjects in 11 Central and Eastern European countries aimed at characterizing COPD phenotypes.

Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: An Expert Panel Recommendation - Update 2019.

Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) therapies are gaining prominence as a treatment option with guideline recommendations by COPD GOLD and NICE and the recent FDA approval for endobronchial valves. The transition from an experiment-based therapy only to clinical care comes with new challenges. A significant volume of evidence-based data has been published; all data demonstrate consistent improvements in several aspects of patient outcomes.

The European COPD audit : Adherence to guidelines, readmission risk and hospital care for acute exacerbations in Austria.

Objective: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are the major reason for COPD hospitalization and increased risk for readmissions. The organizational structure of Austrian hospitals provides the opportunity to investigate the impact of specialized respiratory care compared to general care on adherence to guidelines and readmission in AECOPD.

Methods: The data from the European COPD audit, a prospective observational non-interventional cohort trial were analyzed.

Liquid-Biopsy-Based Identification of EGFR T790M Mutation-Mediated Resistance to Afatinib Treatment in Patients with Advanced EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC, and Subsequent Response to Osimertinib.

Background: Acquired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation is the primary resistance mechanism to first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in advanced, EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Available data, predominantly in Asian patients, suggest that this mutation is also the major cause of resistance to the irreversible ErbB family blocker, afatinib. For EGFR T790M-positive patients who progress on EGFR TKI therapy, osimertinib is an effective treatment option.

The LEAD (Lung, Heart, Social, Body) Study: Objectives, Methodology, and External Validity of the Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: The Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy (LEAD) Study (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01727518; http://clinicaltrials.gov) is a longitudinal, observational, population-based Austrian cohort that aims to investigate the relationship between genetic, environmental, social, developmental and ageing factors influencing respiratory health and comorbidities through life.

Brigatinib versus Crizotinib in ALK-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Brigatinib, a next-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, has robust efficacy in patients with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is refractory to crizotinib. The efficacy of brigatinib, as compared with crizotinib, in patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC who have not previously received an ALK inhibitor is unclear.

Methods: In an open-label, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC who had not previously received ALK inhibitors to receive brigatinib at a dose of 180 mg once daily (with a 7-day lead-in period at 90 mg) or crizotinib at a dose of 250 mg twice daily.

First-Line Atezolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Enhancing tumor-specific T-cell immunity by inhibiting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-programmed death 1 (PD-1) signaling has shown promise in the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Combining checkpoint inhibition with cytotoxic chemotherapy may have a synergistic effect and improve efficacy.

Methods: We conducted this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial to evaluate atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer who had not previously received treatment.

Correction to: Medical Treatment Options for Patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Suffering from Brain Metastases and/or Leptomeningeal Disease.

Enhanced digital features were retrospectively added to this article.

Valve therapy in patients with emphysematous type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): from randomized trials to patient selection in clinical practice.

In recent years a number of endoscopic methods have emerged to treat patients with severe emphysematous type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who are primarily symptomatic due to hyperinflation despite optimal medical management. Of these techniques, implantation of endobronchial one-way valves into targeted airways of isolated emphysematous lobes appears to be one of the most promising innovations. Results from randomized controlled trials of valve therapy for emphysema show consistent benefits in terms of lung function, exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life.

Long-term outcomes after acute hypercapnic COPD exacerbation : First-ever episode of non-invasive ventilation.

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is used to treat acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, long-term outcomes following discharge are largely unknown. This study aimed to characterize long-term outcomes and identify associated markers in patients with COPD after surviving the first episode of HRF requiring NIV.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 122 patients, mean age 62 ± 8 years, 52% female and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) predicted 30 ± 13%, admitted with an acute hypercapnic exacerbation of COPD and receiving a first-ever NIV treatment between 2000 and 2012.

Long-term safety of bilateral targeted lung denervation in patients with COPD.

Background: Targeted lung denervation (TLD) is a novel bronchoscopic therapy for COPD which ablates parasympathetic pulmonary nerves running along the outside of the two main bronchi with the intent of inducing permanent bronchodilation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and long-term safety of bilateral TLD during a single procedure.

Patients And Methods: This prospective, multicenter study evaluated 15 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV] 30%-60%) who underwent bilateral TLD treatment following baseline assessment without bronchodilators.

Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation: Best Practice Recommendations from an Expert Panel on Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction.

Bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation (BTVA) represents one of the endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) techniques that aims at hyperinflation reduction in patients with advanced emphysema to improve respiratory mechanics. By targeted segmental vapor ablation, an inflammatory response leads to tissue and volume reduction of the most diseased emphysematous segments. So far, BTVA has been demonstrated in several single-arm trials and 1 multinational randomized controlled trial to improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with upper lobe-predominant emphysema irrespective of the collateral ventilation.

Phenotypes of COPD in an Austrian population : National data from the POPE study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a major global health problem; however, there are no data regarding clinical phenotypes of these patients in Austria.

Methods: This was an analysis from the Austrian cohort of the cross-sectional Phenotypes of COPD in Central and Eastern Europe (POPE) study, which was offered to patients with stable COPD in a real-life setting. Patients were recruited at 5 different outpatient facilities in 3 different provinces in Austria.