Efficacy of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Adjuvant Treatment for Operable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by a Meta-Analysis

Precision Oncology in Lung Cancer Surgery

Precision in lung cancer surgery is our ability to use the most cutting edge and up to date information to provide personalized and targeted surgical care to our patients. It aims to tailor patient care to patient and tumor characteristics and susceptibilities as well as to optimize the ways treatments are administered. This may include specific perioperative medical treatment, changing operative techniques to more minimally invasive ones if the situation permits, performing sub-anatomical surgeries when possible, and using innovative tumor visualization methods to enhance detection of previously occult disease to ultimately decrease the extent of the planned resection.

The impact of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs and 14-gene molecular assay on stage I non-small cell lung cancer with sensitive EGFR mutations

Background

Currently, the role of EGFR-TKIs as adjuvant therapy for stage I, especially IA NSCLC, after surgical resection remains unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs with observation in such patients by incorporating an established 14-gene molecular assay for risk stratification.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Study ID: ChNCRCRD-2022-GZ01). From March 2013 to February 2019, completely resected stage I NSCLC (8th TNM staging) patients with sensitive EGFR mutation were included. Patients with eligible samples for molecular risk stratification were subjected to the 14-gene prognostic assay. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed to minimize imbalances in baseline characteristics.

Findings

A total of 227 stage I NSCLC patients were enrolled, with 55 in EGFR-TKI group and 172 in the observation group. The median duration of follow-up was 78.4 months. After IPTW, the 5-year DFS (HR = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.14-0.67; P = 0.003) and OS (HR = 0.26, 95% CI, 0.07-0.96; P = 0.044) of the EGFR-TKI group were significantly better than the observation group. For subgroup analyses, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs were associated with favorable 5-year DFS rates in both IA (100.0% vs. 84.5%; P = 0.007), and IB group (98.8% vs. 75.3%; P = 0.008). The 14-gene assay was performed in 180 patients. Among intermediate-high-risk patients, EGFR-TKIs were associated with a significant improvement in 5-year DFS rates compared to observation (96.0% vs. 70.5%; P = 0.012), while no difference was found in low-risk patients (100.0% vs. 94.9%; P = 0.360).

Interpretation

Our study suggested that adjuvant EGFR-TKI might improve DFS and OS of stage IA and IB EGFR-mutated NSCLC, and the 14-gene molecular assay could help patients that would benefit the most from treatment.

Funding

This work was supported by China National Science Foundation (82022048, 82373121).

Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor following complete surgical resection in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are one of the most common targetable oncogenic drivers of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Osimertinib is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that selectively inhibits EGFR-TKI sensitizing (ex19del or L858R) and T790M mutations and has superior CNS penetration. Osimertinib is approved in EGFR mutant stage IB-IIIA NSCLC following complete tumor resection.

AREAS COVERED

This review opinion article summarizes the pivotal studies that led to the approval of current adjuvant therapies in NSCLC with the primary focus on EGFR-TKI osimertinib and outlines the future strategies in the era of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and emerging novel roles of EGFR targeting therapies. The literature search has been performed using PubMed, Food and Drug Administration website, and Google search.

EXPERT OPINION

Osimertinib showed significant and clinically meaningful disease-free survival benefit compared to placebo in EGFR mutant stage IB-IIIA NSCLC following complete tumor resection. Whether this will lead to improvement in overall survival and the optimal length of treatment remain open questions and are much-debated topic in the lung cancer field.

Prognostic impact of pretreatment T790M mutation on outcomes for patients with resected, EGFR-mutated, non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Many previous studies have demonstrated that minor-frequency pretreatment T790M mutation (preT790M) could be detected by ultrasensitive methods in a considerable number of treatment-naïve, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. However, the impact of preT790M in resected cases on prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

We previously reported that preT790M could be detected in 298 (79.9%) of 373 surgically resected, EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. Therefore, we investigated the impact of preT790M on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in this cohort by multivariate analysis. All patients were enrolled from July 2012 to December 2013, with follow-up until November 30, 2017.

Results

The median follow-up time was 48.6 months. Using a cutoff value of the median preT790M allele frequency, the high-preT790M group (n = 151) had significantly shorter RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.25, P = 0.045) and a tendency for a shorter OS (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.99–3.55, P = 0.055) than the low-preT790M group (n = 222). On multivariate analysis, higher preT790M was independently associated with shorter RFS (high vs low, HR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03–2.36, P = 0.035), irrespective of advanced stage, older age, and male sex, and was also associated with shorter OS (high vs low, HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.11–4.20, P = 0.024) irrespective of advanced stage, older age, EGFR mutation subtype, and history of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Minor-frequency, especially high-abundance of, preT790M was an independent factor associated with a poor prognosis in patients with surgically resected, EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09869-7.

Adjuvant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for patients with resected EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for resected EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. Materials & methods: Eligible phase II/III randomized controlled trials were included for the network meta-analyses (PROSPERO CRD42021275150). Results: Nine records and 831 patients were involved. Adjuvant chemotherapy followed with osimertinib significantly prolonged disease-free survival compared with chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.14-0.29), chemotherapy followed with erlotinib (HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18-0.6), chemotherapy followed with gefitinib (HR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16-0.82), gefitinib (HR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.17-0.41) and icotinib (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.3-0.98). Icotinib was the least likely to cause grade ≥3 adverse events. Conclusion: Chemotherapy followed with osimertinib brings about the best disease-free survival. Icotinib monotherapy shows the best safety.

Cost-effectiveness of osimertinib versus placebo in resected EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer in China

PURPOSE

We aim to assess whether osimertinib postoperative adjuvant therapy, compared with placebo, is cost-effective in China.

METHODS

We set up the Markov model that contains three health states over a 20-year period. Data were collected from the ADAURA trial that included transition probabilities and safety data. Through the analysis of literature and local charges, we explore both the cost and utility values. Sensitivity analyses were employed using TreeAge Pro software to access model stability.

FINDINGS

Patients in the osimertinib group had 1.46 more Quality-adjusted Life Years (8.45 QALYs vs 6.99 QALYs) than the placebo group at an incremental cost of $14098.51($39962.99 vs $25864.48). Compared with the placebo group, the treatment strategy with osimertinib postoperative adjuvant therapy had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $9661.97/QALY. The probability of the osimertinib-assisted therapy strategy being cost-effective will reach 100% if the threshold of willingness to pay is above $15,000/QALY.

IMPLICATIONS

From the perspective of the Chinese Healthcare System, the treatment strategy with osimertinib postoperative adjuvant therapy is more cost-effective than the placebo strategy.

EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer at Surgical Stages: What Is the Place for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors?

Simple Summary

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. In lung cancer, they are used to treat advanced EGFR-mutant diseases, and more recently, one has been approved for adjuvant therapy. Even though publications on the topic are numerous, conclusions are difficult to interpret and are sometimes contradictory. We therefore reviewed the literature in order to present an overview of up-to-date data regarding the adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with particular attention given to their benefits, proven or expected, as well as what challenges could be faced when entering them as protocols in standard care.

Abstract

The ADAURA trial has been significant for the perception of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as a tool for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It produced such great insight that the main TKI, Osimertinib, was rapidly integrated into international guidelines for adjuvant use. However, EGFR-mutant NSCLC is a complex entity and has various targeting drugs, and the benefits for patients might not be as clear as they seem. We reviewed trials and meta-analyses considering TKI adjuvant and neoadjuvant use. We also explored the influence of mutation variability and financial evaluations. We found that TKIs often show disease-free survival (DFS) benefits, yet studies have struggled to improve the overall survival (OS); however, the results from the literature might be confusing because of variability in the stages and mutations. The safety profiles and adverse events are acceptable, but costs remain high and accessibility might not be optimal. TKIs are promising drugs that could allow for tailored treatment designs.

Efficacy and safety of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs for resected non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized control trials

Background

Postoperative adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy had been the standard care in patients with completely resected high-risk stage IB to IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for decades. However, the survival benefits were far from satisfactory in clinical practice. Thus, this meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with resected NSCLC based on updated literature and research.

Methods

A systematic literature search based on random control trials (RCTs) was conducted with keywords on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases. All articles compared EGFR-TKIs to placebo or chemotherapy as adjuvant therapies for early-stage resected NSCLC. A meta-analysis was performed to generate combined hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI for disease recurrence and adverse events (AEs). The Stata statistical software (version 14.0) was used to synthesis the data.

Results

A total of 9 RCTs comprising 3098 patients were included. Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs could significantly prolong DFS in patient with resected NSCLC harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.72), but had no impact on OS (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69–1.11). The subgroup analyses indicated that adjuvant EGFR-TKIs were superior in regard to DFS in most subgroups, including varied smoking status, EGFR mutations type, gender, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and adenocarcinoma. Osimertinib resulted in decreased brain recurrence than first generation of EGFR-TKIs (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04–0.34 vs. RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.64–1.78, respectively). The AEs were generally manageable and tolerable. The incidence of high-grade (≥ 3) AEs including diarrhea (RR 5.68, 95% CI 2.94–10.98) and rash (RR 27.74, 95% CI 11.43–67.30) increased after adjuvant EGFR-TKIs treatment.

Conclusions

Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs therapy could significantly prolong DFS in patients with completely resected early-stage EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, but had no impact on OS. Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs could be an important treatment option in patients with resected early-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

ADAURA: The Splash of Osimertinib in Adjuvant EGFR-Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations revolutionized the diagnostic and treatment algorithm of this subset of patients almost two decades ago. Since then, a number of trials have evaluated the role of TKI therapy in early-stage disease, with encouraging disease-free survival (DFS) results but lack of a survival advantage. ADAURA, a phase III trial evaluating 3 years of adjuvant osimertinib versus placebo in patients harbouring EGFR mutations with completely resected stage IB–IIIA NSCLC, recently reported a profound DFS benefit (hazard ratio 0.21), favourable quality of life and reduction in the risk of brain metastases. These results led to osimertinib’s fast track approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, with this drug thus becoming the first EGFR-TKI approved for the treatment of early-stage disease. However, the key endpoint of overall survival remains immature and questions around indication (i.e. stage, need for adjuvant chemotherapy), optimal treatment duration, biomarkers of response and cost-effectiveness remain to be answered. In this article, we critically appraise the findings of ADAURA and discuss future challenges.

Treatment Effectiveness and Tolerability of Long-term Adjuvant First- and Second-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor at Different Doses in Patients With Stage IIA–IIIB Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

For patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancer who undergo surgery, adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy other than osimertinib is an alternative option. We aimed to discuss the long-term safety and efficacy of TKI treatment in real-world data.

Methods

From January 2011 to May 2020, patients with stage II–III EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma who underwent cancer resection surgery at a single center were enrolled. The primary endpoint was disease relapse, and the secondary endpoint was overall survival. In total, 30 patients were included in the study. In our study, all patients underwent complete resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patients were divided into a dose interruption (prolonged interval use) group and non-dose adjustment group.

Results

The patients' pathological stages were II–III. The initial EGFR TKIs were mostly gefitinib (n = 25, 83%), and others were erlotinib (n = 3, 10%) and afatinib (n = 2, 6%). The mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 53.3 months. The 2- and 5-year DFS rate was 90.0 and 73.3%, respectively. The median TKI treatment duration in this study was 44.5 months (range, 6–133 months), which was the longest in the literature review. Of these patients, nine had dose interruption. We compared the two groups and found no treatment differences between them. There were no significant side effect potentials between both groups.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this study provides the longest experience of TKI in patients with resected EGFR mutations and also provided a dose reduction strategy (prolonged medication interval) for patients who had intolerable side effects.

Real-World Survival Outcomes Based on EGFR Mutation Status in Chinese Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma After Complete Resection: Results From the ICAN Study

Introduction

The adjuvant treatment of patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unstandardized. We analyzed the survival outcomes of these patients based on EGFR mutation status and adjuvant chemotherapy treatment.

Methods

This noninterventional real-world study (ICAN) enrolled Chinese patients with resected stages I to III LUAD from April 8, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Tumor EGFR mutation status and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were determined. The extension phase provided long-term follow-up with overall survival (OS) as the primary end point. Secondary end points included DFS and prognostic factors of survival. Survival outcomes based on adjuvant chemotherapy treatment, EGFR mutation status, and postoperative stage were analyzed post hoc.

Results

Among 568 patients in the ICAN cohort, 472 continued to the extension phase and remained eligible. The 3-year DFS rate was 58.8%. In the extension cohort, 260 patients (55.1%) had EGFR-mutant disease and 207 (43.9%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 109.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 106.6–111.4) months, median OS and DFS were 103.3 (95% CI: 101.7–104.9) and 67.4 (95% CI: 49.7–85.2) months, respectively. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 68.9% (95% CI: 64.3–73.6) and 52.9% (95% CI: 48.2–57.7), respectively. EGFR wild-type disease was a significant independent predictor of worse OS (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07–1.44, p= 0.004) based on the Cox regression analysis of common factors. Post hoc subgroup analysis revealed that survival outcomes were not significantly different with adjuvant chemotherapy regardless of EGFR mutation status across all postoperative stages.

Conclusions

EGFR mutations are common in operable LUAD, and recurrence and mortality after resection were considerable. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve survival outcomes, regardless of EGFR mutation status and postoperative stage.

Postoperative Chemotherapy Use and Outcomes From ADAURA: Osimertinib as Adjuvant Therapy for Resected EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

INTRODUCTION

Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended in patients with resected stage IIꟷIIIA (and select IB) NSCLC; however, recurrence rates are high. In the phase III, ADAURA study (NCT02511106), osimertinib demonstrated a highly statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with resected stage IBꟷIIIA EGFRm NSCLC. Here, we report prespecified and exploratory analyses of adjuvant chemotherapy use and outcomes from ADAURA.

METHODS

Patients with resected stage IBꟷIIIA EGFRm NSCLC were randomized 1:1 to receive osimertinib or placebo for 3 years. Adjuvant chemotherapy before randomization was not mandatory, per physician and patient choice. DFS in the overall population (IBꟷIIIA), with/without adjuvant chemotherapy, was a prespecified analysis. Exploratory analyses included: adjuvant chemotherapy use by patient age, disease stage and geographical location; DFS by adjuvant chemotherapy use and disease stage.

RESULTS

Overall, 410/682 patients (60%) received adjuvant chemotherapy (osimertinib, n = 203; placebo, n = 207) for a median duration of 4.0 cycles. Adjuvant chemotherapy use was more frequent in patients: aged <70 years (338/509; 66%) versus ≥70 years (72/173; 42%); with stage II-IIIA disease (352/466; 76%) versus stage IB (57/216; 26%); enrolled in Asia (268/414; 65%) versus outside of Asia (142/268; 53%). A DFS benefit favoring osimertinib versus placebo was observed in patients with (DFS HR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.10ꟷ0.26) and without adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13ꟷ0.40), regardless of disease stage.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support adjuvant osimertinib as an effective treatment for patients with stage IB-IIIA EGFRm NSCLC after resection, with or without prior adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs for Patients With Resected EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 1,283 Patients

Background

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was previously considered as the standard adjuvant therapy for improved overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgery. However, the benefit was limited due to high risks of recurrence and adverse events. In the present study, the efficacy of adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for EGFR-mutant patients after surgery was investigated using the latest updated data.

Methods

This meta-analysis included a comprehensive range of relevant studies identified from database searches. Disease-free survival (DFS) and OS with hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using random-effect or fixed-effect models. Subgroup analysis was also performed.

Results

A total of seven randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis and involved 1,283 NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations. In resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs were significantly better than chemotherapy in terms of DFS (HR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.24-0.70, P = 0.001), without showing any benefit in OS (HR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.37-1.41, P = 0.336). No significant difference in DFS was observed between patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion and those with L858R mutation. Resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients treated with osimertinib experienced improved DFS and a lower risk of brain recurrence than those treated with gefitinib or erlotinib. Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs reduced the risk of bone and lung relapse, without decreasing the risk of local recurrence and liver relapse.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis shows that adjuvant EGFR-TKI therapy could significantly prolong DFS in patients with resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Treatment with osimertinib showed improved DFS with a lower risk of brain recurrence than treatment with gefitinib or erlotinib for resected disease.

The role of EGFR-TKIs as adjuvant therapy in EGFR mutation-positive early-stage NSCLC: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is not clear in early-stage nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKIs as adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy or placebo in NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. The hazard ratio (HR) of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as the risk ratio (RR) of severe adverse events were merged.

RESULTS

Seven articles from five studies from 1843 records, a total of 1227 patients, were included in the analysis. The HR for DFS was 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.63), in favor of EGFR-TKIs. However, no significant benefit of OS was seen (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.31-1.22). Treatment benefit was more pronounced in patients with advanced disease stage and longer duration of medication, EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation, and treatment with third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Adjuvant targeted therapy may cause few adverse events compared with chemotherapy (RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.94). The possibility of severe adverse events for the first-generation drugs was significantly lower than for third-generation drugs.

CONCLUSION

In EGFR mutation-positive patients with stage IB-IIIA NSCLC, compared with adjuvant chemotherapy or placebo, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs should effectively improve the patient's DFS, but not effectively improve OS. Disease stage, treatment duration, mutation types, and therapeutic drugs could affect the degree of benefit. Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs had more favorable tolerability than chemotherapy, especially with the usage of first-generation drugs.

Integrating immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies in the treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review

Prognosis of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) is poor even when treated radically with surgery and (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy (Cht). The discovery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for oncogene addicted NSCLC and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised the therapeutic paradigm and improved survival of advanced NSCLC. The unprecedented impact of these drugs has shifted the focus of investigation to early stage disease aiming at improving cure. In this context, several single arm phase II studies evaluating neoadjuvant ICI alone or in combination with platinum-based Cht have shown encouraging rates of pathological response which have spurred several ongoing randomized trials with (neo)adjuvant ICI. More recently, ADAURA study evaluating adjuvant osimertinib demonstrated a profound reduction of the risk of recurrence in patients with stage I (>4 cm)-IIIA eNSCLC harbouring EGFR sensitizing mutations. ICIs and TKIs represent a true revolution in the treatment of eNSCLC call to challenge the current standard of care. However, questions regarding drug resistance, recurrence patterns, biomarker identification, optimal treatment duration and sequencing need be answered to effectively integrate new drugs in the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape of NSCLC. In this review we critically review new developments and future perspectives of TKIs and ICI as (neo)adjuvant strategies for eNSCLC.

Osimertinib in Resected EGFR-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Osimertinib is standard-of-care therapy for previously untreated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The efficacy and safety of osimertinib as adjuvant therapy are unknown.

METHODS

In this double-blind, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned patients with completely resected EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC in a 1:1 ratio to receive either osimertinib (80 mg once daily) or placebo for 3 years. The primary end point was disease-free survival among patients with stage II to IIIA disease (according to investigator assessment). The secondary end points included disease-free survival in the overall population of patients with stage IB to IIIA disease, overall survival, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 682 patients underwent randomization (339 to the osimertinib group and 343 to the placebo group). At 24 months, 90% of the patients with stage II to IIIA disease in the osimertinib group (95% confidence interval [CI], 84 to 93) and 44% of those in the placebo group (95% CI, 37 to 51) were alive and disease-free (overall hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.17; 99.06% CI, 0.11 to 0.26; P<0.001). In the overall population, 89% of the patients in the osimertinib group (95% CI, 85 to 92) and 52% of those in the placebo group (95% CI, 46 to 58) were alive and disease-free at 24 months (overall hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.20; 99.12% CI, 0.14 to 0.30; P<0.001). At 24 months, 98% of the patients in the osimertinib group (95% CI, 95 to 99) and 85% of those in the placebo group (95% CI, 80 to 89) were alive and did not have central nervous system disease (overall hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.33). Overall survival data were immature; 29 patients died (9 in the osimertinib group and 20 in the placebo group). No new safety concerns were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stage IB to IIIA EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, disease-free survival was significantly longer among those who received osimertinib than among those who received placebo. (Funded by AstraZeneca; ADAURA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02511106.).

Novel treatment strategies for early-stage lung cancer: the oncologist's perspective

Management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) consists in multimodal treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The mainstay of treatment is radical surgery. Definitive radiotherapy using stereotactic techniques can provide adequate local disease control, and is the treatment of choice in medically inoperable patients. Most early-stage patients are at significant risk of disease relapse after local treatment. Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy has demonstrated to provide an absolute survival benefit of 5% compared to observation. However, unlike advanced/metastatic disease, little progress has been made in the treatment of early-stage NSCLC over the past decade. In recent years, plenty of research has focused on the optimization of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment. Several trials with novel drugs, such as targeted agents and immune-checkpoint inhibitors are currently underway, with preliminary positive results. Customization of treatment on patients’ characteristics before, and major pathological response after therapy, will further improve survival outcomes in this subset of patients.

Adjuvant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The role of adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well defined. Recent randomized controlled trials showed a disease-free survival (DFS) benefit in patients harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Yet, older trials on patients with any EGFR status did not demonstrate the same benefit. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of adjuvant TKIs in NSCLC patients. The electronic databases Medline (PubMed) and EMBASE were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials. Random effect models were used. The primary outcome was DFS measured as hazard ratio (HR). The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) measured as HR, 2-year DFS and toxicity expressed as risk ratio and odds ratio (OR), respectively. Subgroup analyses assessed DFS by trial design. Six trials incorporating 1860 patients were included. In patients harboring an EGFR mutation, adjuvant TKIs decreased the risk of disease recurrence by 48% (HR: 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.78), improved 2-year DFS (HR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.66) but did not improve OS (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.22-1.89). The risk of developing ≥grade 3 skin toxicity (OR: 6.07, 95% CI: 4.34-8.51) and diarrhea (OR: 4.05; 95% CI: 2.44-6.74) was increased. In subgroup analyses, the DFS benefit was more pronounced in trials using TKIs over chemotherapy compared with trials using TKIs postchemotherapy. In conclusion, adjuvant TKIs decrease the risk of recurrence in NSCLC patients harboring an EGFR mutation but do not improve OS. Longer follow-up is needed for a definitive assessment of OS and to define the role of adjuvant TKI for NSCLC in the clinical practice.

Differential effects of adjuvant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with different stages of non-small-cell lung cancer after radical resection: an updated meta-analysis

Purpose

A survival improvement was achieved with adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but its differential effects among patients with different stages remained controversial. This study aimed to compare the beneficial effects of adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy with those of traditional therapy on NSCLC patients, specifically on EGFR-mutant and stage II-IIIA patients, who might benefit most from such treatment.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched, and the results were screened independently according to certain criteria by two authors. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) with HRs were used as the summary statistics.

Results

A total of 2,915 publications were identified and screened. Six randomized control trials and three retrospective cohort studies of 2,467 patients with acceptable quality were included. The overall EGFR mutation rate was 48.62%. DFS was significantly improved in all the patients (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.88) and in the subgroup of EGFR-mutant patients (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.40-0.61). The difference of 5-year OS in the subgroup of EGFR-mutant patients (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.72) was statistically significant, while in all the patients (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.85-1.19), the difference was not significant. In the subgroups of studies in which <50% of patients were in stage I (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35-0.60) and >30% of patients were in stage IIIA (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35-0.60), DFS was significantly improved, while in the subgroups of studies in which <30% of patients were in stage IIIA (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77-1.04) and >50% of patients were in stage I (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77-1.04), DFS was not significantly improved.

Conclusion

Stage IIIA NSCLC patients might benefit more from adjuvant TKIs than stage I NSCLC patients after radical resection.

SELECT: A Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Erlotinib in Patients With Resected Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Given the pivotal role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in advanced EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we tested adjuvant erlotinib in patients with EGFR-mutant early-stage NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this open-label phase II trial, patients with resected stage IA to IIIA (7^th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system) EGFR-mutant NSCLC were treated with erlotinib 150 mg per day for 2 years after standard adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. The study was designed for 100 patients and powered to demonstrate a primary end point of 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) greater than 85%, improving on historic data of 76%.

RESULTS

Patients (N = 100) were enrolled at seven sites from January 2008 to May 2012; 13% had stage IA disease, 32% had stage IB disease, 11% had stage IIA disease, 16% had stage IIB disease, and 28% had stage IIIA disease. Toxicities were typical of erlotinib; there were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. Forty percent of patients required erlotinib dose reduction to 100 mg per day and 16% to 50 mg per day. The intended 2-year course was achieved in 69% of patients. The median follow-up was 5.2 years, and 2-year DFS was 88% (96% stage I, 78% stage II, 91% stage III). Median DFS and overall survival have not been reached; 5-year DFS was 56% (95% CI, 45% to 66%), 5-year overall survival was 86% (95% CI, 77% to 92%). Disease recurred in 40 patients, with only four recurrences during erlotinib treatment. The median time to recurrence was 25 months after stopping erlotinib. Of patients with recurrence who underwent rebiopsy (n = 24; 60%), only one had T790M mutation detected. The majority of patients with recurrence were retreated with erlotinib (n = 26; 65%) for a median duration of 13 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with adjuvant erlotinib had an improved 2-year DFS compared with historic genotype-matched controls. Recurrences were rare for patients receiving adjuvant erlotinib, and patients rechallenged with erlotinib after recurrence experienced durable benefit.

EGFR-TKI-based vs non-EGFR-TKI-based adjuvant therapy in resected non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The great efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) has been identified in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who harbor EGFR mutations. However, it has not yet been established in postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Patients and methods

To compare the prognosis and toxicity of EGFR-TKI-based adjuvant therapy and non-EGFR-TKI-based adjuvant therapy in resected NSCLC with sensitive EGFR mutations, we performed this meta-analysis of all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases (from inception to December 31, 2017) was performed. Additionally, abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conferences and World Conference on Lung Cancer held between January 2000 and November 2017 were searched to identify relevant trials. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and grade 3 or 4 toxicities were analyzed. Five RCTs were selected, and 560 participants were included. This meta-analysis demonstrated that EGFR-TKI-based adjuvant therapy was associated with better DFS compared with non-EGFR-TKI-based therapy (HR =0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.78, P=0.002). Pooled estimate has showed the trend of superiority of EGFR-TKI-based therapy in the aspect of OS (HR =0.65, 95% CI 0.22–1.91, P=0.43); however, the difference was not significant. The incidence rate of grade 3–4 toxicities of EGFR-TKI-based regimens was significantly higher for rash (OR =10.17, 95% CI 2.37–43.63, P=0.002) but lower for vomiting (OR =0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.61, P=0.02).

Conclusion

EGFR-TKI-based therapy was associated with better DFS compared with non-EGFR-TKI-based adjuvant therapy in patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. A trend was found that EGFR-TKI-based regimen improved the OS, though the difference was not significant. Although more OS data are needed, EGFR-TKI-based treatment has the potential to be an alternative of adjuvant therapy for NSCLC with a sensitive EGFR mutation.

A consensus on the role of osimertinib in non-small cell lung cancer from the AME Lung Cancer Collaborative Group

The first- and second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have brought substantial clinical benefit to patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and sensitizing EGFR mutation. However, acquired resistance is inevitable since the vast majority of patients experience disease relapse within ~1-2 years. Osimertinib is a novel irreversible, covalent third-generation EGFR-TKI and potent inhibitor of EGFR T790M mutation, the most common mechanism of acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR-TKIs. Several trials have consistently demonstrated the superior clinical activity and safety of osimertinib in patients with advanced NSCLC and acquired EGFR T790M mutation after treatment with a first-generation EGFR-TKI. Recently, the efficacy of osimertinib in a first-line setting was demonstrated to be clearly superior to standard-first line treatment in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC regardless of T790M mutation status. Nevertheless, this advance, several unresolved issues of osimertinib should be emphasized including the molecular mechanisms of acquired resistance to osimertinib, the feasibility of testing EGFR T790M mutation from plasma circulating tumor DNA, its efficacy to patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases or exon 20 mutations, its combination with other therapeutic strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and its role in adjuvant therapy.

Systemic Therapy of Lung Cancer CNS Metastases Using Molecularly Targeted Agents and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Central nervous system (CNS) metastases most commonly arise from lung cancer, with the majority of patients affected during their disease course. The prognosis for patients with untreated brain metastases is poor, with surgical resection and/or radiotherapy as classic therapeutic options. However, the value of systemic therapy in the management of CNS metastases from lung cancer is growing. Novel targeted agents for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have demonstrated activity in treating patients with CNS involvement, and are potential alternatives to radiation and surgery. These agents include anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors such as alectinib, crizotinib, ceritinib, lorlatinib, and others; epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including the recently developed third-generation inhibitor osimertinib, and even immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab. This review summarizes current activity of systemic agents in the management of CNS metastases from NSCLC, as well as potential mechanisms of action of these small and large molecules.

Prognostic value of EGFR and KRAS in circulating tumor DNA in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

EGFR (exon 19 and exon 21) mutations in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by EGFR-TKIs are associated with a better survival; while KRAS mutations predict a worse prognosis. However, there are divergent findings regarding the prognostic value of EGFR and KRAS mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). We aimed to summarize the evidence for the use of circulating EGFR and KRAS mutations as prognostic factors in advanced NSCLC patients.We searched the network databases for studies reporting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) stratified by EGFR or KRAS mutations in ctDNA in advanced NSCLC patients. Thirteen studies enrolling 2,293 patients were reviewed. Correlation of circulating EGFR or KRAS mutations with patients' prognosis was assessed by meta-analysis.The pooled analyses showed that EGFR mutations in ctDNA significantly prolong PFS (HR=0.64,95% CI 0.51-0.81, I2=0%, p=0.0002), namely, in patients treated by EGFR-TKIs. There is a trend to have a prolonged OS for advanced NSCLC patients with circulating EGFR mutations who were treated by EGFR-TKIs (HR=0.79, 95% CI 0.52-1.21, I2=0, p=0.28). KRAS mutations detected in ctDNA predict a worse PFS (HR=1.83, 95% CI 1.40-2.40, p<0.0001) and OS (HR=2.07, 95% CI 1.54-2.78, p<0.00001) in advanced NSCLC patients treated by chemotherapy. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses demonstrated the stability of our conclusion.Our analysis showed that EGFR mutations in ctDNA predicted a better PFS, in particular in advanced NSCLC patients treated by EGFR-TKIs. KRAS mutations in ctDNA indicated a worse PFS and OS in patients treated by chemotherapy.

The impact of EGFR mutations on the incidence and survival of stages I to III NSCLC patients with subsequent brain metastasis

Previous studies have demonstrated the association between EGFR mutations and distant metastasis. However, the association for subsequent brain metastasis (BM) in stages I-III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains inconclusive. We conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the impact of EGFR mutations on the incidence of BM and associated survival in patients with stage I-III NSCLC. A total of 491 patients screened for EGFR mutations were retrospectively enrolled. Brain MRI or CT was used to detect the BM. Cumulative incidence of subsequent BM and overall survival (OS) after diagnosis of BM were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. We performed Cox proportional hazard regression for predictors of subsequent BM and determinants of OS after BM. The cumulative incidence of BM seemed higher in patients harboring EGFR mutations than those without EGFR mutations although it did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73~1.81). After adjusting possible confounders, including age, smoking, stage, and tumor size, EGFR mutation became one of the predictors for subsequent BM (HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.12~3.17, p = 0.017). Though there was no statistical difference in survival after BM between patients with EGFR mutations and wild-type EGFR (median survival: 17.8 vs. 12.2 months, HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.45–1.40), patients with EGFR 19 deletion (Del) tended to have a longer survival after BM than the non-EGFR 19 Del group (median survival: 29.4 vs. 14.3 months, HR 0.58, 95% CI = 0.32–1.09, p = 0.089). In conclusion, our data suggested EGFR mutation to be one of the predictors for subsequent BM in stage I-III patients. Given the small sample size, more studies are warranted to corroborate our results.

Disease-free survival improved by use of adjuvant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: an updated meta-analysis

Background

A previous meta-analysis of our research team suggested survival advantage from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) after surgery in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to follow up on the findings of the previous one and presents our latest updates through the past few years.

Methods

The study advanced the previous meta-analysis and included a comprehensive range of relevant studies in PubMed. Disease-free survival (DFS) with hazard ratios (HRs) was calculated using random and/or fixed-effects models. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were also performed.

Results

A total of 2,223 patients in seven studies were eligible for the analysis. Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs administration was significantly associated with superior DFS [HR, 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42-0.87], corresponding to an absolute benefit of 3.4% at 3 years, yet with significant heterogeneity (I²=80.0%, P <0.001). EGFR mutation rate of included patients was found to be a source of heterogeneity by meta-regression analysis (P=0.005). In the EGFR-mutant sub-population, HR for DFS was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.39-0.65), corresponding to an absolute benefit of 7.1% at 3 years. The rate of overall grade 3 or greater adverse events (AEs) was 38.9% (95% CI, 35.9-41.9%).

Conclusions

The updated meta-analysis provided strengthened evidence of significant DFS advantage of adjuvant EGFR-TKI treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC after complete resection.

Adjuvant treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: focus on targeted therapy

In patients with completely resected stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with a modest, albeit significant, improvement in survival of approximately 5% at 5 years. However, regardless of whether adjuvant chemotherapy has been administered or not, the 5-year survival of these patients remains poor. In recent years, the discovery of targetable gene alterations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to advanced NSCLC, owing to the introduction for clinical use of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The outstanding activity shown by EGFR- and ALK-TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, respectively, leads to the logical question of what role these agents may have if used in the adjuvant setting. In the present review we will discuss the emerging data that support the potential benefit of targeted therapy as adjuvant treatment of patients with completely resected NSCLC, and summarize the ongoing clinical trials which will eventually address this issue.

Outcomes of adjuvant epithelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) treatment for EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer: a propensity-score analysis

Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed the management of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, while the efficacy of TKIs in the adjuvant setting remains unclear. We collected the data of 209 EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients receiving complete resection from 2010 to 2013. Study end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Among the eligible patients, 41 (19.6%) received EGFR TKIs in the adjuvant treatment. The 3-year DFS of adjuvant EGFR TKIs treatment group (70.5%, 95% CI, 54.6–86.4%) was significantly superior that control group (50.2%, 95% CI, 40–60.4%; log-rank P = 0.014). TKIs treatment (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29–0.97; P = 0.04) was significantly associated with improved DFS in multivariate Cox analysis. No significant difference was observed in 3-year OS between two groups (73.1% [58.0–88.2%] vs 61.8% [52.2–71.4%], log-rank P = 0.21). Propensity-score matching further confirmed that adjuvant TKIs treatment extended the DFS (log-rank P = 0.024), but did not improve OS (log-rank P = 0.40). Our analysis revealed that adjuvant EGFR TKIs treatment was beneficial for early-stage NSCLC patients harboring activating EGFR mutations after complete resection.

[Current knowledge on perioperative treatments of non-small cell lung carcinomas]

Surgery is still the main treatment in early-stage of non-small cell lung cancer with 5-year survival of stage IA patients exceeding 80%, but 5-year survival of stage II patients rapidly decreasing with tumor size, N status, and visceral pleura invasion. The major metastatic risk in such patients has supported clinical research assessing systemic or loco-regional perioperative treatments. Modern phase 3 trials clearly validated adjuvant or neo-adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in resected stage I-III patients as a standard treatment of which value has been reassessed several independent meta-analyses, showing a 5% benefit in 5y-survival, and a decrease of the relative risk for death around from 12 to 25%. Conversely perioperative treatments were not validated for stage IA and IB patients. In more advanced stage patients, neo-adjuvant radio-chemotherapy has not been validated either. Adjuvant radiotherapy for N2 patients is currently tested in the large international phase 3 trial Lung-ART/IFCT-0503. The development of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has helped adjuvant chemotherapies for elderly patients. Perioperative targeted treatments in NSCLC with EGFR or ALK molecular alterations is currently assessed in the U.S. ALCHEMIST prospective trial. Finally, the role of immune check-points inhibitors is currently evaluated in a large international phase 3 trial testing adjuvant anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, the BR31/IFCT-1401 trial, while a proof-of principle neo-adjuvant trial IONESCO/IFCT-1601, has just begun by the end of the 2016 year, with survival results of both trials expected in 5 to 7 years.

Adjuvant Systemic Therapy and Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Stage I to IIIA Completely Resected Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology/Cancer Care Ontario Clinical Practice Guideline Update

Purpose The panel updated the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) adjuvant therapy guideline for resected non-small-cell lung cancers. Methods ASCO convened an update panel and conducted a systematic review of the literature, investigating adjuvant therapy in resected non-small-cell lung cancers. Results The updated evidence base covered questions related to adjuvant systemic therapy and included a systematic review conducted by Cancer Care Ontario current to January 2016. A recent American Society for Radiation Oncology guideline and systematic review, previously endorsed by ASCO, was used as the basis for recommendations for adjuvant radiation therapy. An update of these systematic reviews and a search for studies related to radiation therapy found no additional randomized controlled trials. Recommendations Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is recommended for routine use in patients with stage IIA, IIB, or IIIA disease who have undergone complete surgical resections. For individuals with stage IB, adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is not recommended for routine use. However, a postoperative multimodality evaluation, including a consultation with a medical oncologist, is recommended to assess benefits and risks of adjuvant chemotherapy for each patient. The guideline provides information on factors other than stage to consider when making a recommendation for adjuvant chemotherapy, including tumor size, histopathologic features, and genetic alterations. Adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended for patients with stage IA disease. Adjuvant radiation therapy is not recommended for patients with resected stage I or II disease. In patients with stage IIIA N2 disease, adjuvant radiation therapy is not recommended for routine use. However, a postoperative multimodality evaluation, including a consultation with a radiation oncologist, is recommended to assess benefits and risks of adjuvant radiation therapy for each patient with N2 disease. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/lung-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .

Major air pollutants and risk of COPD exacerbations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Short-term exposure to major air pollutants (O₃, CO, NO₂, SO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) has been associated with respiratory risk. However, evidence on the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations is still limited. The present study aimed at evaluating the associations between short-term exposure to major air pollutants and the risk of COPD exacerbations.

Methods

After a systematic search up until March 30, 2016, in both English and Chinese electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI, the pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using the random-effects model. In addition, the population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were also calculated, and a subgroup analysis was conducted. Heterogeneity was assessed by I².

Results

In total, 59 studies were included. In the single-pollutant model, the risks of COPD were calculated by each 10 μg/m³ increase in pollutant concentrations, with the exception of CO (100 μg/m³). There was a significant association between short-term exposure and COPD exacerbation risk for all the gaseous and particulate pollutants. The associations were strongest at lag0 and lag3 for gaseous and particulate air pollutants, respectively. The subgroup analysis not only further confirmed the overall adverse effects but also reduced the heterogeneities obviously. When 100% exposure was assumed, PAFs ranged from 0.60% to 4.31%, depending on the pollutants. The adverse health effects of SO₂ and NO₂ exposure were more significant in low-/middle-income countries than in high-income countries: SO₂, relative risk: 1.012 (95% confidence interval: 1.001, 1.023); and NO₂, relative risk: 1.019 (95% confidence interval: 1.014, 1.024).

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to air pollutants increases the burden of risk of COPD acute exacerbations significantly. Controlling ambient air pollution would provide benefits to COPD patients.

[Perioperative therapies in surgical non N2 non-small cell lung cancer]

Platinum-based perioperative chemotherapy is actually the standard of care in stage II-IIIa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A benefit may also be seen in stage IB NSCLC with tumors of more than 4cm of diameter. Perioperative chemotherapy improves 5-year survival of 4 to 15%. This benefit is mainly proved by postoperative chemotherapy trials. Nevertheless, preoperative chemotherapy has advantages: a better tolerance, an estimation of tumor chemosensibility, without an increased postoperative morbimortality. However, pTNM and pathological tumor analyses are modified. Indications of postoperative radiotherapy are limited. In early stage NSCLC (stage I-II), radiotherapy worsens survival. Radiotherapy is routinely achieved in NSCLC with parietal tumor invasion and incomplete tumor resection. Indications of immunotherapy and targeted therapies in case of oncogenic addiction remain to be established in resected NSCLC. Several biomarkers are studied to better describe the indications of perioperative chemotherapy: recognize groups of patients with a worse prognosis and distinguish chemosensibility of the tumor.