Tobacco smoking after diagnosis of cancer: clinical aspects

Tobacco smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and nearly 90% of lung cancer deaths. Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of developing tobacco-related malignancies. Smoking after cancer diagnosis is also associated with multiple risks, including worse tolerance of treatment, higher risk of a failure and second primary tumors, and poorer quality of life. Apart from disease site and stage, continued smoking is considered the strongest adverse predictor of survival in cancer patients. However, the benefits of smoking cessation are undervalued: many patients are not aware of harms related to continued tobacco use after cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, health care professionals often do not encourage their patients to quit, and do not provide tobacco cessation assistance for continuing tobacco users. Despite the apparent impact of tobacco use on treatment outcomes, data on current smoking status is only rarely captured in clinical trials This article reviews the most important clinical aspects of smoking after the diagnosis of cancer.

The Association between Fever and Prognosis in Lung Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases Receiving Zoledronic Acid

Zoledronic acid is an established agent used in the management of metastatic bone disease. The administration of zoledronic acid improves overall survival (OS) of lung cancer patients with bone metastases receiving chemotherapy. However, it is currently unknown whether zoledronic acid-induced fever is associated with OS. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between zoledronic acid-induced fever and prognosis in lung cancer patients with bone metastases. We retrospectively analyzed 98 lung cancer patients with bone metastases who had received zoledronic acid. The end point outcome measure was OS. Multivariate analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for OS due to fever after adjusting for covariates. In multivariate analysis, white blood cell (WBC) count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, fever, chemotherapy, and hypercalcemia were independent prognostic factors, with HRs of 2.834 for WBC count (<10 × 103/μL vs. ≥10 × 103/μL, p < 0.001), 3.044 for LDH level (<250 vs. ≥250 IU/L, p < 0.001), 0.603 for fever (<37.0 vs. ≥37.0°C, p = 0.039), 0.481 for chemotherapy (chemotherapy not administered vs. administered, p = 0.006), and 2.453 for hypercalcemia (<11.0 vs. ≥11.0 mg/dL, p = 0.001). Zoledronic acid-induced fever was the most important prognostic factor in this cohort of lung cancer patients with bone metastases.

The Efficacy of Single-Agent Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy in Biologically Selected Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 19 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: To determine the efficacy of first-generation single-agent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients with known EGFR mutation status, we undertook this pooled analysis. Method: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, the Science Citation Index, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings. Results: Out of 2,129 retrieved articles, 19 RCTs enrolling 2,016 patients with wild-type EGFR tumors and 1,034 patients with mutant EGFR tumors were identified. For these EGFR mutant patients, single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy improved progression-free survival (PFS) over chemotherapy: the summary hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.41 (p < 0.001) for the first-line setting and 0.46 (p = 0.02) for the second-/third-line setting. For those EGFR wild-type patients, single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy did not do as well as chemotherapy in the first-line setting (HR = 1.65, p = 0.03) and in the second-/third-line setting (HR = 1.27, p = 0.006). No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of overall survival (OS). Using platinum-based doublet chemotherapy as a common comparator, indirect comparison showed the superior efficacy of single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy over EGFR-TKIs added to chemotherapy in PFS [HR = 1.35 (1.03, 1.77), p = 0.03]. Additionally, a marginal trend towards the same direction was found in the OS analysis [HR = 1.16 (0.99, 1.35), p = 0.06]. Interestingly, for those EGFR wild-type tumors, single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy was inferior to EGFR-TKIs added to chemotherapy in PFS [HR = 0.38 (0.33, 0.44), p < 0.001] and OS [HR = 0.83 (0.71, 0.97), p = 0.02]. Conclusions: For these EGFR mutant patients, single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy prolonged PFS over chemotherapy. However, single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy was inferior to chemotherapy in PFS for those EGFR wild-type patients. Single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy could improve PFS over the combination of EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy in these EGFR mutant patients. However, EGFR-TKIs combined with chemotherapy could provide additive PFS and OS benefit over single-agent EGFR-TKI therapy in those EGFR wild-type patients.

Overall response to first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor and second-line chemotherapy is predictive of survival outcome in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

First-line epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma with an EGFR-sensitizing mutation, but resistance is inevitable. Chemotherapy is widely used in the second-line setting. The outcome following this treatment scheme has not been thoroughly evaluated.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2011, consecutive patients with mutated EGFR receiving first-line TKI and second-line chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. The overall response was categorized into double responder, single responder and double nonresponder.

RESULTS

Following this treatment scheme, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-1 (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.98; p = 0.041) and double responder (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.07-0.78; p = 0.018) were independent predictors of overall survival. Absence of pleural metastasis independently predicted the response to first-line TKI (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.13-5.99; p = 0.025). In TKI responders, ECOG performance status 0-1 before chemotherapy (OR 4.95; 95% CI 1.15-21.28; p = 0.006), an exon 19 deletion (OR 4.74; 95% CI 1.30-17.21; p = 0.018) and progression-free survival (PFS) on first-line TKI (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.09; p = 0.049) independently predicted the response to second-line chemotherapy. A moderate linear relationship (Pearson's r = 0.441; p = 0.001) existed between the PFS of this treatment scheme in TKI responders.

CONCLUSION

The status of double responder to first-line TKI and second-line chemotherapy was predictive of improved survival in EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma.

KRAS mutation as the biomarker of response to chemotherapy and EGFR-TKIs in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: clues for its potential use in second-line therapy decision making

OBJETIVE

In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), knowledge of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status is fundamental for selecting the treatment involving EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Little information is available regarding the response and progression-free survival (PFS) in platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) versus EGFR-TKIs in the presence or absence of KRAS mutation, particularly in patients without EGFR mutation.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2010, 353 patients with NSCLC were treated with first-line CT, EGFR-TKIs were used in the second or third line of treatment. Tests were performed for EGFR and KRAS mutation and the results of the mutations were obtained 3 to 4 months after the start of the treatment. We analyzed clinical characteristics, mutation profile, response and PFS to CT and EGFR-TKIs, and overall survival. The protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01023828.

RESULTS

Presence of the wild-type (WT) KRAS was independently associated with increased response rate to first-line CT when compared with KRAS mutation (41.4% vs. 14.7%; P=0.001). The EGFR mutation (57.8% vs. 11.7%; P<0.001) and WT-KRAS (39.6% vs. 3.3%; P=0.001) were associated with the EGFR-TKIs response. PFS of patients with WT-EGFR and KRAS mutation treated with EGFR-TKIs was shorter when compared with patients with WT-EGFR and WT-KRAS (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

KRAS mutation status is a good biomarker for response to EGFR-TKIs in patients with NSCLC. KRAS mutational status could impact the decision to give CT or EGFR-TKIs as a second line of treatment to patients with NSCLC, particularly in patients with WT-EGFR.

Effects of cigarette smoking on metabolism and effectiveness of systemic therapy for lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can induce key drug-metabolizing enzymes of cytochrome P450 and isoforms of the glucuronyl transferases families. These enzymes metabolize several systemic therapies for lung cancer. Induction of these enzymes may lead to accelerated clearance with resultant impact on systemic therapy efficacy and toxicity in smokers compared with nonsmokers. This article reviews published literature regarding the influence of smoking as it relates to alteration of metabolism of systemic therapy in lung cancer.

METHODS

A structured search of the National Library of Medicine's PubMed/MEDLINE identified relevant articles. Data were abstracted and analyzed to summarize the findings.

RESULTS

Studies that analyzed pharmacokinetic data were prospective. Smokers receiving erlotinib exhibited rapid clearance, requiring a higher dose to reach equivalent systemic exposure compared with nonsmokers. Smokers receiving irinotecan also demonstrated increased clearance and lower systemic exposure. There was no difference in clearance of paclitaxel or docetaxel in smokers. Chemotherapy-associated neutropenia was worse in nonsmokers compared with smokers in patients treated with paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan, and gemcitabine.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic therapy for lung cancer has a narrow therapeutic index such that small changes in plasma concentrations or exposure in smokers may result in suboptimal therapy and poor outcomes. Smoking cessation must be emphasized at each clinical visit. However, prospective trials should take into consideration the effects of smoking history on drug pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The metabolizing enzyme phenotype in smokers may require individualized dose algorithms for specific agents.

The prognostic role of the class III β-tubulin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

Background

A number of studies have examined the relationship between the expression of the class III β-tubulin (TUBB3) and the treatment responses to the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the results of these studies were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of TUBB3 in the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy.

Methods

A literature search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and CNKI. The inclusion criteria were the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC and the evaluation of the clinical outcomes in relation to the expression of TUBB3. The clinical outcomes analyzed in this study included the overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and event-free survival (EFS). Odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the risk associated with the TUBB3 expression in the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 28 studies with 2401 NSCLC patients were qualified for this meta-analysis. We found that the positive or high level of TUBB3 expression was associated with a poorer ORR (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.16–0.36, p<0.001), an unfavorable OS (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.27–1.82, p<0.001), and a worse EFS (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.24–1.74, p<0.001) compared to the negative or low level of TUBB3 expression. The statistically significant associations between TUBB3 and chemotherapy responses were also observed in the stratified subgroup analysis, which included the analysis by ethnic subgroup (Asian and Caucasian), chemotherapy regimen (taxane-based and vinorebine-based), TUBB3 detection method (IHC and PCR), and treatment strategy (surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy and palliative chemotherapy).

Conclusions

The expression level of TUBB3 may be a useful biomarker to predict the clinical outcomes of the taxane/vinorebine-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC.

Efficacy and safety of platinum combination chemotherapy re-challenge for relapsed patients with non-small-cell lung cancer after postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy of cisplatin plus vinorelbine

BACKGROUND

There is no standard therapy for relapsed patients who have received postoperative platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the efficacy and safety of platinum combination chemotherapy re-challenge for such patients.

METHODS

Medical records from 3 institutes from April 2005 to July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent complete surgical resection were eligible if they received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin plus vinorelbine once and then re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were enrolled in this study. After re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy, we observed an overall response rate of 31.2% (5/16) and a disease control rate of 81.2% (13/16). Median progression-free survival and overall survival from the start of the re-administration of platinum combination chemotherapy were 6.5 and 28.0 months, respectively. Frequently observed severe adverse events (≥grade 3) included neutropenia (31.2%), thrombocytopenia (31.2%), leukopenia (12.5%) and hyponatremia (12.5%). Frequently observed non-hematological toxicities (≥grade 2) were anorexia (37.5%) and nausea (37.5%).

CONCLUSION

Re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy was effective and safe; therefore, this therapy should be considered as a treatment option for relapsed patients after postoperative cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected NSCLC.

Molecular Targeted Drugs and Biomarkers in NSCLC, the Evolving Role of Individualized Therapy

Lung cancer first line treatment has been directed from the non-specific cytotoxic doublet chemotherapy to the molecular targeted. The major limitation of the targeted therapies still remains the small number of patients positive to gene mutations. Furthermore, the differentiation between second line and maintenance therapy has not been fully clarified and differs in the clinical practice between cancer centers. The authors present a segregation between maintenance treatment and second line and present a possible definition for the term “maintenance” treatment. In addition, cancer cell evolution induces mutations and therefore either targeted therapies or non-specific chemotherapy drugs in many patients become ineffective. In the present work pathways such as epidermal growth factor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, met proto-oncogene and PI3K are extensively presented and correlated with current chemotherapy treatment. Future, perspectives for targeted treatment are presented based on the current publications and ongoing clinical trials.