Clinical results of sublobar resection versus lobectomy or more extensive resection for lung cancer patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Identifying a survival-associated cell type based on multi-level transcriptome analysis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 40%. There is significant variability in survival time among IPF patients, but the underlying mechanisms for this are not clear yet.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected single-cell RNA sequence data of 13,223 epithelial cells taken from 32 IPF patients and bulk RNA sequence data from 456 IPF patients in GEO. Based on unsupervised clustering analysis at the single-cell level and deconvolution algorithm at bulk RNA sequence data, we discovered a special alveolar type 2 cell subtype characterized by high expression of CCL20 (referred to as ATII-CCL20), and found that IPF patients with a higher proportion of ATII-CCL20 had worse prognoses. Furthermore, we uncovered the upregulation of immune cell infiltration and metabolic functions in IPF patients with a higher proportion of ATII-CCL20. Finally, the comprehensive decision tree and nomogram were constructed to optimize the risk stratification of IPF patients and provide a reference for accurate prognosis evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study by integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequence data from IPF patients identified a special subtype of ATII cells, ATII-CCL20, which was found to be a risk cell subtype associated with poor prognosis in IPF patients. More importantly, the ATII-CCL20 cell subtype was linked with metabolic functions and immune infiltration.

Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive pulmonary fibrosis: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand 2023 revision

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease leading to significant morbidity and mortality. In 2017 the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and Lung Foundation Australia (LFA) published a position statement on the treatment of IPF. Since that time, subsidized anti-fibrotic therapy in the form of pirfenidone and nintedanib is now available in both Australia and New Zealand. More recently, evidence has been published in support of nintedanib for non-IPF progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Additionally, there have been numerous publications relating to the non-pharmacologic management of IPF and PPF. This 2023 update to the position statement for treatment of IPF summarizes developments since 2017 and reaffirms the importance of a multi-faceted approach to the management of IPF and progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Lung cancer resection in patients with underlying usual interstitial pneumonia: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with lung cancer with underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on CT represent a very high-risk group in terms of postoperative UIP acute exacerbations (AEs) and in-hospital mortality. We sought to investigate the outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

We carried out a meta-analysis, searching four international databases from 1 January 1947 to 27 April 2022, for studies in any language reporting on the acute postoperative outcomes of patients with lung cancer undergoing surgical resection with underlying UIP (the primary outcome). Random effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were conducted. We analysed the difference in incidence of postoperative AE as well as the difference in long-term overall survival among subpopulations. These were stratified by the extent of surgical resection, with meta-regression testing (uniivariate and multivariate) according to the stage of disease, operative decision making and country of origin. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022319245).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of AE of UIP postoperatively from 10 studies (2202 patients) was 14.6% (random effects model, 95% CI 9.8 to 20.1, I²=74%). Sublobar resection was significantly associated with a reduced odds of postoperative AE (OR 0.521 (fixed effects model), 95% CI 0.339 to 0.803, p=0.0031, I²=0%). The extent of resection was not significantly associated with overall survival following lung cancer resection in UIP patients (HR for sublobar resection 0.978 (random effects model), 95% CI 0.521 to 1.833, p=0.9351, I²=71%).

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate implementation of perioperative measures such as screening for high-risk cases, appropriate use of steroids, antifibrotics and employing sublobar resection in select cases, the risk of local recurrence versus in-hospital mortality from AEUIP can be balanced and long-term survival can be achieved in a super-selected group of patients. Further investigation in the form of a randomised study is warranted.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer in the Setting of Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Diagnosing and staging lung cancer in patients with ILD is challenging and requires careful interpretation of computed tomography (CT) and fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT to distinguish nodules from areas of fibrosis. Minimally invasive tissue sampling is preferred but may be technically challenging given tumor location, coexistent fibrosis, and pneumothorax risk. Current treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, percutaneous thermal ablation, and systemic therapy; however, ILD increases the risks associated with each treatment option, especially acute ILD exacerbation.

Can acute exacerbations occurring late after surgery with interstitial lung diseases be predicted?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of acute exacerbation (AE) 31 days after surgery in lung cancer (LC) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to identify the AE incidence rate, mortality rate, and risk factors in patients with late-stage LC with ILD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on 410 patients with ILD on preoperative computed tomography among 3939 patients with LC who underwent their first surgery between August 2008 and July 2019. We divided the patients into Group A (early AE; 18cases), Group B (late AE; 40 cases), and Group C (no AE; 352 cases).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the clinical background between Groups A and B. The AE incidence rates were 0.56 case per person-years at ≤ 30 days, 0.24 at 90 days, 0.14 at 180 days, 0.10 at 1 year, 0.078 at 2 years, 0.086 at 3 years, 0.064 at 4 years, and 0.059 at 5 years after surgery. The mortality rates of the first AE were 10/18 (56%), 3/5 (60%), 7/13 (54%), and 7/22 (32%) at onset ≤ 30 days, 31-90 days, 91-365 days, and 366-1825 days after surgery, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional analysis showed that adjuvant chemotherapy and a usual IP (UIP) pattern on CT + KL-6 ≥ 1000 (hazard ratio 3.647, 2.631) were predictors of late AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with adjuvant chemotherapy and a usual IP (UIP) pattern on CT + KL-6 ≥ 1000 are likely to develop later AEs. Therefore, early intervention with antifibrotic therapy is recommended.

Metabolic Dysregulation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibroproliferative disorder limited to the lung. New findings, starting from our proteomics studies on IPF, suggest that systemic involvement with altered molecular mechanisms and metabolic disorder is an underlying cause of fibrosis. The role of metabolic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of IPF has not been extensively studied, despite a recent surge of interest. In particular, our studies on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have shown that the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), the hypoxia/oxidative stress response, and changes in iron and lipid metabolism are involved in onset of IPF. These processes appear to interact in an intricate manner and to be related to different fibrosing pathologies not directly linked to the lung environment. The disordered metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and hormones has been documented in lung, liver, and kidney fibrosis. Correcting these metabolic alterations may offer a new strategy for treating fibrosis. This paper focuses on the role of metabolic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of IPF and is a continuation of our previous studies, investigating metabolic dysregulation as a new target for fibrosis therapy.

[Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Pathogenic Bacteria in Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Combined with Nosocomial Pulmonary Infection]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to explore the pathogenic bacteria type, distribution, drug resistance and influencing factors of nosocomial pulmonary infection in patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 411 patients with lung cancer who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College from January 2017 to December 2018, and counted the incidence of nosocomial lung infection, pathogens, drug resistance and influencing factors.

RESULTS

There were 184 cases of nosocomial pulmonary infection in 411 lung cancer patients during chemotherapy, the infection rate was 44.77%. The isolated pathogens included Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, fungi and tuberculosis, among which Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 37.25%, followed by virus infection, accounting for 15.69%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the main Gram-negative bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the common gram-positive bacteria, influenza B virus is the main virus, Candida and Aspergillus are the most common fungi. The resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to imipenem was 26.67%, while that of Klebsiella pneumoniae to imipenem was 12.50%, and that of the main Gram-positive bacteria to vancomycin was 0.00%. Hypoproteinemia, long chemotherapy cycle, high-intensity chemotherapy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and basic bronchiectasis were the high risk factors of lung cancer patients with nosocomial pulmonary infection during chemotherapy (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During the chemotherapy of lung cancer patients with nosocomial pulmonary infection, the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria have certain characteristics. Clinicians should strengthen the detection of pathogenic bacteria and their drug resistance. On the basis of symptomatic treatment, to achieve the purpose of ensuring the treatment effect and prolonging the survival period of patients, preventive measures should be taken for high-risk patients to reduce the chemotherapy cycle and intensity as much as possible to reduce the incidence of infection life.

Developmental Stage-Specific Distribution of Macrophages in Mouse Mammary Gland

Mammary gland development begins in the embryo and continues throughout the reproductive life of female mammals. Tissue macrophages (Mϕs), dependent on signals from the Mϕ colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), have been shown to regulate the generation, regression and regeneration of this organ, which is central for mammalian offspring survival. However, the distribution of Mϕs in the pre- and post-natal mammary gland, as it undergoes distinct phases of development and regression, is unknown or has been inferred from immunostaining of thin tissue sections. Here, we used optical tissue clearing and 3-dimensional imaging of mammary tissue obtained from Csf1r-EGFP mice. Whilst tissue Mϕs were observed at all developmental phases, their abundance, morphology, localization and association with luminal and basal epithelial cells exhibited stage-specific differences. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism was observed at E14.5, when the male mammary bud is severed from the overlying epidermis. These findings provide new insights into the localization and possible functions of heterogeneous tissue Mϕ populations in mammogenesis.

High preoperative C-reactive protein level is a risk factor for acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease after non-pulmonary surgery

Several studies have investigated the incidence of and risk factors for acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) after lung resection surgery. However, the incidence and risk factors for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery.Eighty patients who were diagnosed with ILD on preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) imaging and underwent non-pulmonary surgery under general anesthesia at Hiroshima University Hospital between September 2011 and September 2017 were enrolled. We retrospectively compared the preoperative patient characteristics, laboratory findings, and factors associated with anesthetic management between the patients who developed AE-ILD and those who did not.The incidence of AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery was 6.3% and the mortality rate was 80%. Univariate logistic analysis showed that a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on computed tomography, a high C-reactive protein (CRP) level, a long operating time, high blood loss, and blood transfusion during surgery were significant risk factors for AE-ILD. In multivariate analysis, only a high CRP level (odds ratio 2.556, 95% confidence interval 1.110-5.889, P = .028) was identified as an independent risk factor for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery.The risk of AE-ILD should be kept in mind in patients with ILD and a high CRP level before non-pulmonary surgery. These patients should also be monitored carefully for development of AE-ILD after surgery.

Ethnic differences in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: The Japanese perspective

Epidemiologic data suggest that there are ethnic differences between Japanese and other populations with regard to the important clinical aspects of interstitial lung disease (ILD), such as the cause of death and prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF may be more common in Japan than in the rest of the world, although this suggestion remains controversial. Moreover, AE of ILD induced by gefitinib may also be more common in Japan, indicating that Japanese patients have a genetic vulnerability or susceptibility to AE. Recent large-scale studies are starting to reveal ethnic differences in the genetics of ILD, including the prevalence of the genetic polymorphisms associated with the clinical course of ILD. We anticipate that ongoing and upcoming research regarding ethnic differences will continue to provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis and management of ILD.

Measuring Surgery Outcomes of Lung Cancer Patients with Concomitant Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Review of the Literature

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, often progresses to restrictive respiratory disturbance and mortality, typically within 10 years. IPF frequently coexists with lung cancer, and the combination of these two disease entities is far more difficult to treat than either lung cancer or IPF alone. In particular, surgery for lung cancer with IPF in the background increases postoperative morbidity and mortality by exacerbating pre-existing IPF, i.e., acute exacerbation of IPF (AEIPF). Furthermore, the long-term outcome after lung cancer surgery is considerably worsened by the presence of IPF. We present here a comprehensive review of AEIPF and the long-term outcomes after surgery.

Identification of the lipid biomarkers from plasma in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by Lipidomics

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible interstitial pulmonary disease featured by high mortality, chronic and progressive course, and poor prognosis with unclear etiology. Currently, more studies have been focusing on identifying biomarkers to predict the progression of IPF, such as genes, proteins, and lipids. Lipids comprise diverse classes of molecules and play a critical role in cellular energy storage, structure, and signaling. The role of lipids in respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been investigated intensely in the recent years. The human serum lipid profiles in IPF patients however, have not been thoroughly understood and it will be very helpful if there are available molecular biomarkers, which can be used to monitor the disease progression or provide prognostic information for IPF disease.

Methods

In this study, we performed the ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) to detect the lipid variation and identify biomarker in plasma of IPF patients. The plasma were from 22 IPF patients before received treatment and 18 controls.

Results

A total of 507 individual blood lipid species were determined with lipidomics from the 40 plasma samples including 20 types of fatty acid, 159 types of glycerolipids, 221 types of glycerophospholipids, 47 types of sphingolipids, 46 types of sterol lipids, 7 types of prenol lipids, 3 types of saccharolipids, and 4 types of polyketides. By comparing the variations in the lipid metabolite levels in IPF patients, a total of 62 unique lipids were identified by statistical analysis including 24 kinds of glycerophoslipids, 30 kinds of glycerolipids, 3 kinds of sterol lipids, 4 kinds of sphingolipids and 1 kind of fatty acids. Finally, 6 out of 62 discriminating lipids were selected as the potential biomarkers, which are able to differentiate between IPF disease and controls with ROC analysis.

Conclusions

Our results provided vital information regarding lipid metabolism in IPF patients and more importantly, a few potentially promising biomarkers were firstly identified which may have a predictive role in monitoring and diagnosing IPF disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-017-0513-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lung Cancer in Patients With Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. A Descriptive Study in a Spanish Series

INTRODUCTION

Information on the association of lung cancer (LC) and combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is limited and derived almost exclusively from series in Asian populations. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of LC on survival in CPFE patients and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed with data from patients with CFPE and IPF diagnosed in our hospital over a period of 5 years.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included, 29 with CPFE and 37 with IPF. Nine had a diagnosis of LC (6 with CPFE and 3 with IPF). Six patients (67%) received palliative treatment even though 3 of them were diagnosed atstage i-ii. Overall mortality did not differ significantly between groups; however, in patients with LC, survival was significantly lower compared to those without LC (P=.044). The most frequent cause of death was respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary fibrosis exacerbation (44%). In a multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of death among patients with LC compared to patients without LC was 6.20 (P=.037, 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 34.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer reduces survival in both entities. The diagnostic and therapeutic management of LC is hampered by the increased risk of complications after any treatment modality, even after palliative treatment.