Development and Application of Procedures for the Management of Skin Toxicity Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Lung Cancer

Objective: To establish the procedures for the management of skin toxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with lung cancer and explore the effect of application. Methods: A total of 24 evidence-based evidences were collected from 7 aspects, including risk factors, baseline screening, ICIs monitoring, daily skin care, multidisciplinary management, symptom management and health education. A total of 157 lung cancer patients and 94 nurses from 8 wards of the Oncology department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. A total of 77 patients and 46 nurses from ward 1 - 4 were divided into the baseline group. There were 80 patients and 48 nurses in Ward 5 - 8 as the evidence-based practice group. In the baseline group, patients were treated with routine methods such as assessing skin symptoms, taking medication according to symptoms, guiding to keep skin clean and moist, eating a light diet, and avoiding scratching. The evidence-based practice group adopts an evidence-based continuous improvement model for nursing. The differences in the severity of symptoms of skin toxicity in the second cycle of medication and the knowledge and practice of self-care of skin toxicity were compared between the two groups before and after the use of the syndrome, as well as the differences in the implementation rate of review indicators, evidence-based ability and knowledge and practice of skin toxicity care before and after the use of the syndrome. Results: The incidence and severity of cutaneous toxicity were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related skin toxicity management procedures can effectively reduce the incidence and severity of skin toxicity symptoms, optimize the clinical pathway, and improve the quality of care.

Mechanisms of the alternative activation of macrophages and non-coding RNAs in the development of radiation-induced lung fibrosis

Radiation-induced lung fibrosis(RILF) is a common side effect of thoracic irradiation therapy and leads to high mortality rates after cancer treatment. Radiation injury induces inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization leading to radiation pneumonitis, the first stage of RILF progression. Fibrosis occurs due to the transition of M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory pro-fibrotic M2 phenotype, and the resulting imbalance of macrophage regulated inflammatory signaling. Non-coding RNA signaling has been shown to play a large role in the regulation of the M2 mediated signaling pathways that are associated with the development and progression of fibrosis. While many studies show the link between M2 macrophages and fibrosis, there are only a few that explore their distinct role and the regulation of their signaling by non-coding RNA in RILF. In this review we summarize the current body of knowledge describing the roles of M2 macrophages in RILF, with an emphasis on the expression and functions of non-coding RNAs.

Correlation between miR-564, TGF-β1, and radiation-induced lung injury

Objective Our study aimed to analyze the expression of miR-564 and TGF-β1 in cancer tissues and the serum of patients with radiation-induced lung injury,and to investigate the relationship between them and radiation-induced lung injury.Methods In situ hybridization and real-time fluorescence quantitative method were used to detect the expression of miR-564.Additionally,immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1.Results The overall incidence of acute radiation pneumonia was 55.9%(100/179).The incidence of≥grade 2 radioactive pneumonia was 24.0%(43/179)and that of grade 1 was 31.8%(57/179).The expression of miR-564 in grade≥2 was slightly higher than that in patients without or with grade 1,but there was no statistical difference(P=0.86).The serum level and ratio of miR-564 in patients with grade≥2 were significantly higher than those without or with grade 1(P=0.005,P=0.025,respectively).The expression of TGF-β1 in grade≥2 was significantly higher than that of patients without or with grade 1(P=0.017).The serum levels of TGF-β1 in grade≥2 were significantly higher than those in patients without or with grade 1(P=0.038).Although the ratio of TGF-β1 in radiation pneumonia of grade≥2 was significantly higher than that of without or with grade 1,there was no significant difference(P=0.24).Moreover,patients with higher expression of miR-564 and lower expression of TGF-β1 had better prognosis.Conclusion MiR-564 and TGF-β1 are predictors of radiation-induced lung injury.Monitoring its changing trend can improve the accuracy of predicting radiation-induced lung injury.The levels and ratio of serum miR-564 and TGF-β1 in patients with radiation-induced lung injury are related to the severity of radiationinduced lung injury.

Association between DNA mismatch repair gene polymorphisms and platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background:Chemotherapy toxicity is a serious problem from which non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients suffer.The mismatch repair(MMR) system is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.In this study,we aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in the MMR pathway and platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.Methods:A total of 220 Chinese lung cancer patients who received at least two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy were recruited for this study.Toxicity was evaluated in each patient after two cycles of chemotherapy.A total of 44 single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected to investigate their associations with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity.Results:MutS homolog 2[MSH2) rs6544991[odds ratio(OR) 2.98,95%confidence interval(CI) 1.20-7.40,P = 0.019]was associated with gastrointestinal toxicity in the dominant model;MSH3 rs6151627(OR 2.38,95%CI 1.23-4.60,P = 0.010),rs6151670(OR 2.05,95%CI 1.07-3.93,P = 0.031),and rs7709909(OR 2.38,95%CI 1.23-4.64,P = 0.010)were associated with hematologic toxicity in the dominant model.Additionally,MSH5 rs805304 was significantly associated with overall toxicity(OR 2.21,95%CI 1.19-4.09,P = 0.012),and M5H5 rs707939 was significantly associated with both overall toxicity(OR 0.42,95%CI 0.23-0.76,P = 0.004) and gastrointestinal toxicity(OR 0.44,95%CI 0.20-0.96,P = 0.038) in the dominant model.Conclusion:Genetic polymorphisms in the MMR pathway are potential clinical markers for predicting chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.

Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Delivery Techniques for Early-Stage Lung Cancer Using Lung Toxicity Modeling

Purpose: Lung toxicity is a primary side effect in stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to use a set of radiobiological models to evaluate and compare modern IMRT delivery techniques with three-dimensional conformal techniques for SBRT treatment of NSCLC in terms of lung toxicity, and aimed to compare the results from different radiobiologcal models. Methods: Ten early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT were retrospectively selected. Five treatment plans were generated to deliver 50 Gy in five fractions to the planning target volume for each case: a helical tomotherapy (HT) plan, two three-dimensional cofnromal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) plans using 6-MV and 10-MV photon beams respectively, and two volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using one and two arc fields respectively. The lung RDV was calculated with three parallel functional sub-unit (FSU) models and two normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models. Results: Both the HT and VMAT plans showed significantly higher contralateral mean lung dose and lower ipsilateral mean lung dose compared to the 3D-CRT plans. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of lung toxicities between the IMRT and 3D-CRT techniques using either the FSU models or the NTCP models. Based on both the FSU and the NTCP models, there was strong correlation between lung toxicity and the mean lung dose in SBRT treatment plans. Conclusions: Based on both the NTCP and parallel FSU models, both IMRT and traditional 3D-CRT delivery techniques could achieve comparable lung sparing inn SBRT treatment of early-stage lung cancer. However, the validity of the radiobiological model results should be checked by clinical data.

Prevention and treatment of radiation-induced lung injury by hydroxypiperquin phosphate: a clinical and experimental study

Objective: To evaluate the hydroxypiperquin phosphate (HPQP) as a modifier of radiation-induced injury in human and rat lungs. Methods: Sixty-five patients with lung cancer treated with conventional radiotherapy were divided into 2 groups randomly: Thirty cases were treated with HPQP and the others were in a control group. The changes of X - ray manifestation before, after and during taking drug were compared. An animal model of radiation-induced fibrosis of lungs was also established. Hydroxyproling (HP) content in lung tissue and the pathological changes in rat lungs were checked with microscope and electron microscope after 4 months and 6 months respectively. Results: The changes of lung X-ray manifestation in treatment group were much lighter than that in control group. The HP content and the change of pathology in the lungs of those rats with HPQP treatment were obviously less than that in control group. Conclusion: HPQP plays an important role in prevention and treatment of radiation-induced injury in lungs.

Association between Subjective Evaluation of Skin Toxicities and Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment: A Pilot Study for Developing Skin Toxicity Assessment

Purposes: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) exert satisfactory therapeutic effects in lung cancer patients. However, the resultant skin toxicity can deteriorate patients’ quality of life (QoL). Differences exist in skin toxicity evaluation between patients and clinicians. We aimed to clarify the association between the subjective evaluation of skin toxicities and QoL in lung cancer patients and to establish a document of scale development in the subjective evaluation of skin toxicity. Methods: We used self-administered questionnaires to evaluate 12 lung cancer patients receiving EGFR-TKI treatment. Indices of QoL were generated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a subjective evaluation questionnaire concerning skin toxicity was completed. The data were collected immediately before treatment initiation and at 4 weeks post treatment. Results: In the subjective evaluation of skin toxicity, four patients (33.3%) were classified as ≥Grade 2 (painful group), experiencing painful pruritus at the emergence site of the skin rash or xerosis. In this group, the QoL scores of physical and emotional aspects declined after treatment. Conversely, patients in the painless group (Grade 0 - 1) demonstrated an improved emotional QoL following treatment (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Lung cancer patients suffering from painful skin toxicity tended to show a decline in the physical and emotional aspects of QoL following EGFR-TKI treatment. The skin toxicity questionnaire was useful from the point of view of a subjective evaluation and could be a powerful assessment tool in future clinical settings with further modification.

Sesamol Alleviates the Cytotoxic Effect of Cyclophosphamide on Normal Human Lung WI-38 Cells via Suppressing RAGE/NF-κB/Autophagy Signaling

Cyclophosphamide(CYL)is a chemotherapeutic medication commonly used in managing various malignancies like breast cancer or leukemia.Though,CYL has been documented to induce lung toxicity.Mechanism of CYL toxicity is through oxidative stress and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns(DAMPs).Sesamol(SES)is a natural antioxidant isolated from Sesamum indicum and its effect against CYL-induced lung toxicity is not studied yet.This study aims to inves-tigate whether SES could prevent any deleterious effects induced by CYL on lung using normal human lung cells,WI-38 cell line,without suppressing its efficacy.Cells were pretreated with SES and/or CYL for 24 h,then cell viability was estimated by MTS and trypan blue assays.The mode of cell death was determined by AO/EB staining.Additionally,caspase-3 level,oxidative stress,and inflammatory markers were evaluated by colorimetric and ELISA techniques.qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate RAGE,NF-κB,and Beclin-1 mRNA-expression.CYL-treated WI-38 cells developed a significantly increased cell death with enhanced oxidative and RAGE/NF-κb/Autophagy signaling,which were all attenuated after pretreatment with SES.Thus,we concluded that SES offered a protective role against CYL-induced lung injury via suppressing oxidative stress and RAGE/NF-κB/Autophagy signaling,which is a natural safe therapeutic option against CYL toxicities.

Successful treatment after toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by AZD-9291 in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are acute lifethreatening skin reactions.AZD9291 has been developed as a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI)with activity against T790M mutation.CASE SUMMARY Herein we report a 68-year-old woman who developed a large area of skin necrosis and was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis after AZD-9291 ingestion.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first case reported in patients with EGFR T790M mutation in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Cabozantinib combined with erlotinib had clinically meaningful effectiveness,with additional toxicity that was generally manageable.CONCLUSION Treatment with AZD-9261 is effective in regressing the growth of the NSCLC and can bring some hope to despairing patients.We hope that more research will be carried out on the association between severe rashes and EGFR-TKIs,and more safe and effective drugs can be developed.

Sirolimus-related pulmonary toxicity mimicking 'asthma like' symptoms

Sirolimus is an immunosuppressant with expanding use in pediatric organ transplantation, dermatology and rheumatology. We report two cases of children who developed asthma like symptoms and were diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, which responded to discontinuation of sirolimus. Pediatricians should be aware about the pulmonary side effects of sirolimus.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis related to AP(pemetrexed plus cisplatin)and gefitinib combination therapy in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN) is a rare acute life-threatening mucocutaneous disorder that is mostly drug-related(80%-95%). It is clinically characterized as a widespread sloughing of the skin and mucosa. AP regimen(pemetrexed plus cisplatin) has been the preferred first-line chemotherapy for metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Gefitinib, a small-molecule epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI), has already been recommended as a first-line treatment in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC. We report rare presentation of TEN involving adverse effects of AP and gefitinib combination treatment in a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC harboring an EGFR mutation. On the 21 st day after administration of the first cycle of AP regimen and the 8th day after the initiation of gefitinib treatment, she developed an acne-like rash, oral ulcer, and conjunctivitis, which later became blisters and ultimately denuded. The characteristic clinical courses were decisive for the diagnosis of TEN. Treatment with systemic steroids and immunoglobulin as well as supportive treatment led to an improvement of her general condition and a remarkable recovery.

Intratracheally Administered Liposomal α-Tocopherol Protects the Lung against Long-Term Toxic Effects of Paraquat

Paraquat is a broad-spectrum herbicide known to produce lung injury via oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms. Different pharmacological strategies have been explored to reduce the formation of these reactive oxygen species and/or prevent their toxic effects in the treatment of paraquat poisoning. The present study was carried out to investigate whether the antioxidant (L-tocopherol, incorporated into liposomes and delivered directly to the lungs of rats, could protect the organ against the long-term toxic effects of paraquat.Plain liposomes (composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC) or α-tocopherol liposomes (8 mg α-tocopherol/kg body weight) were administered intratracheally to animals 24 h prior to an intraperitoneal injection of paraquat dichloride (20 mg/kg) and rats wefe killed 0, 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 19 or 24 days after paraquat treatment. Results of this study showed that lungs of animals treated with paraquat were extensively damaged,as evidenced by significant increases in lung weight and decreases in lung angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and alkaline phosphatase enzyme (AKP) activities. Moreover,paraquat treatme; resulted in a significant reduction in the number of neutrophils in the blood of rats with a concurrent increase in the pulmonary myeloperoxidase activity,suggestive of neutrophil infiltration in the lungs of treated animals. Pretreatment of rats with liposomes alone did not significantly alter the paraquat-induced changes of all parameters examined. On the other hand, pretreatment of rats with (t-tocopherol liposomes,24 h prior to paraquat challenge, attenuated paraquat-induced changes in ACE, AKP and myeloperoxidase activities but failed to prevent increases in lung weight. Thus, pretreatment of rats with liposome-associated α-tocopherol appears to protect the lung against some of the toxic effects of paraquat

Predictive Factors of Severe Toxicities of Pemetrexed-Containing Chemotherapy in Patients with Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Pemetrexed (PEM) is an efficacious multi-targeted antifolate with acceptable toxicities for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (non-Sq NSCLC). However, in the clinical setting, PEM has more severe adverse effects than those reported. The aim of this study was to identify the factors for the toxicities of PEM-containing chemotherapy in non-Sq NSCLC patients in the clinical setting. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the factors related to PEM toxicities in chemotherapy-naive patients with non-Sq NSCLC from September 2009 to July 2013 at our hospital. Logistic regression model was used in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 104 patients were analyzed. Grades 3 to 5 hematologic toxicities were frequent and included neutropenia (42%), febrile neutropenia (7%), anemia (18%), thrombocytopenia (17%), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (2%). On multivariate analyses, the predictors were poor performance status (PS) [odds ratio (OR): 4.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22 - 19.4] and low body mass index (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.98) for febrile neutropenia;concomitant chronic infectious disease (OR: 6.63, 95% CI: 1.59 - 27.5) and bevacizumab use (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.36 - 9.32) for neutropenia;poor PS (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.33 - 6.85) for thrombocytopenia;and low serum albumin level (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.63) for non-hematologic toxicities. Conclusions: In addition to the previously reported predictors of PEM toxicities, the presence of concomitant chronic infectious disease was associated with hematologic toxicities. Patient groups who are not sufficiently evaluated in clinical trials should be carefully monitored for the development of more toxicities than expected.

Mechanisms of Lung Cancer Caused By Cooking Fumes Exposure： A Minor Review

Cooking fumes （CFs） are mixtures of many toxic components, such as aldehydes, heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fat aerosols and particulate matters. CFs exposure has been proven to be associated with many diseases. Lung cancer takes the leading place among the diseases being reported caused by CFs exposure. Molecular and biochemical studies have found that CFs exposure may lead to lung cancer by gene damage, formation of reactive oxygen species, blockage of related proteins’ function, and even cell death. However, reviews about the mechanisms of how CFs exposure leads to lung cancer are still lacking. Elucidation of the mechanisms of lung cancer caused by CFs exposure may provide a new insight into the prevention of lung cancer caused by CFs exposure, as well as laying the foundation for the toxicity study of CFs. In this minor review, the mechanisms of how CFs exposure leads to lung cancer were summarized and discussed.

Advancements in radiotherapy for lung cancer in China

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in China. In recent years, great progress has been made in radiotherapy for lung cancer patients in China. The main advance- ments include the following aspects： （1） stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for early stage non- small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, （2） post-operative radiotherapy for NSCLC, （3） combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced NSCLC, （4） improved radiotherapy for advancedNSCLC, and 5） orediction of radiation-induced luna toxicitv.

Lung Single-Cell Transcriptomics Offers Insights into the Pulmonary Interstitial Toxicity Caused by Silica Nanoparticles

The adverse respiratory outcomes motivated by silica nanoparticles(SiNPs)exposure have received increasing attention.Herein,we aim to elucidate the interplay of diverse cell populations in the lungs and key contributors in triggering lung injuries caused by SiNPs.We conducted a subchronic respiratory exposure model of SiNPs via intratracheal instillation in Wistar rats,where rats were administered with 1.5,3.0,or 6.0 mg/kg body weight SiNPs once a week for 12 times in total.We revealed that SiNPs caused pulmonary interstitial injury in rats by histopatho-logical examination and pulmonary hydroxyproline determination.Further,a single-cell RNA-Seq via screening 10457 cells in the rat lungs disclosed cell-specific responses to SiNPs and cell-to-cell interactions within the alveolar macrophages,epithelial cells,and fibroblasts from rat lungs.These disturbed responses were principally related to the dysregulation of protein homeostasis(proteostasis),accompanied by an inflammatory response in macrophages,cell death in epithelial,proliferation,and extracellular matrix deposition in fibroblast.These cell-specific responses may serve a synergistic role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary interstitial disease triggered by SiNPs.In particular,the analyses of gene interaction networks and gene−disease associations filtered out heat shock proteins(Hsps)family genes crucial to the observed pulmonary lesions caused by SiNPs.Of note,both GEO database analysis and our experiments’validation indicated that Hsps,especially Hspd1,may be a key contributor to pulmonary interstitial injury,possibly through triggering oxidative stress,immune response,and disrupting protein homeostasis.Taken together,our study provides insights into pulmonary toxic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of SiNPs from a single-cell perspective.

Effects of Formaldehyde Inhalation on Lung of Rats

Objective To analyze protein changes in the lung of Wistar rats exposed to gaseous formaldehyde (FA) at 32-37 mg/m3 for 4 h/day for 15 days using proteomics technique. Methods Lung samples were solubilized and separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and gel patterns were scanned and analyzed for detection of differently expressed protein spots. These protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and NCBInr protein database searching. Results Four proteins were altered significantly in 32-37 mg/m3 FA group, with 3 proteins up-regulated, 1 protein down-regulated. The 4 proteins were identified as aldose reductase, LIM protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and chloride intracellular channel 3. Conclusion The four proteins are related to cell proliferation induced by FA and defense reaction of anti-oxidation. Proteomics is a powerful tool in research of environmental health, and has prospects in search for protein markers for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Phase I Study to Determine MTD of Docetaxel and Cisplatin with Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Stage Ⅲ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective： To evaluate the maximum tolerated dose （MTD） of docetaxel （DCT） and cisplatin （DDP） concurrently with three dimensional （3D） conformal radiotherapy or IMRT for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer （stage IIIa and IIIb） after 2–4 cycles of induction chemotherapy. Methods： Fourteen patients with histological/cytological proven stage III non–small-cell lung cancer were eligible. 3D or IMRT radiotherapy （60-70Gy in 30-35 fractions, 6-7weeks, 2 Gy/fraction） was delivered concurrently with cisplatin and docetaxel, 2 cycles during concurrent chemoradiotherapy （CCRT）. The level I dosage was composed of 56 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 28mg/m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level II was composed of 60 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 30 mg/ m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level III was composed of 64 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 32 mg/ m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. Results： Fourteen patients were allocated and finished concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The dose-limiting neutropenia was at the dose Level III （64 mg/m2） and occurred in 2 of 5 patients. No dose limiting non-hematologic or hematologic toxicity occurred in the other patients. Conclusions： Patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer may tolerate 60mg/m2 docetaxel and 60mg/m2 cisplatin for 2 cycles during concurrent radiotherapy after 2-3 cycles of induction chemotherapy.

Noninfectious interstitial lung disease during infliximab therapy:Case report and literature review

Pulmonary abnormalities are not frequently encountered in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.However,lung toxicity can be induced by conventional medications used to maintain remission,and similar evidence is also emerging for biologics.We present the case of a young woman affected by colonic Crohn’s disease who was treated with oral mesalamine and became steroid-dependent and refractory to azathioprine and adalimumab.She was referred to our clinic with a severe relapse and was treated with infliximab,an antitumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)antibody,to induce remission.After an initial benefit,with decreases in bowel movements,rectal bleeding and C-reactive protein levels,she experienced shortness of breath after the 5thinfusion.Noninfectious interstitial lung disease was diagnosed.Both mesalamine and infliximab were discontinued,and steroids were introduced with slow but progressive improvement of symptoms,radiology and functional tests.This represents a rare case of interstitial lung disease associated with infliximab therapy and the effect of drug withdrawal on these lung alterations.Given the increasing use of anti-TNF-α therapies and the increasing reports of pulmonary abnormalities in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases,this case underlines the importance of a careful evaluation of respiratory symptoms in patients undergoing infliximab therapy.

Phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ study of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy in combination with concurrent 3-D conformal radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background and objective Recent studies have showed that combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy might result in better outcome for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to determine the maximal tolerance dose (MTD) and efficacy of full-dose gemcitabine and oxaliplatin when given concurrently with 3-dimentional radiation therapy (3D-RT) for locally advanced NSCLC. Methods Oxaliplatin was administered at a fixed dose of 130mg/m^2, and gemcitabine was administered at a starting dose of 800mg/m^2 with an incremental dose gradient of 200mg/m^2 for 3 dose levels. MTD was defined as the immediate dose level lower than the dose at which dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred in more than one-third of the patients. The chemotherapy was administered at 3-week cycle. The RT was given as 3-D conformal manner at a single daily dose of 2Gy for 5 days per week. Results Twenty-two patients were evaluable and distributed to three different dose levels: 6 at level 1, 8 at level 2 and 8 at level 3. Pulmonary toxicity, esophageal and hematologic toxicity were the main DLT. Grade Ⅲ acute pulmonary toxicity occurred in one patient each at level 2 and level 3, both with V20>20%, and grade Ⅲ esophagitis in two patients at level 3. The MTD of gemcitabine in this study was 1000mg/m^2. The overall response rate was 75.0% (9/12). The 1- and 2-year survival rate was 70.0% and 30.5% respectively. The median time to progression was 8.7 months (range 5--11.8 months). Conclusion With reduced radiation volume, gemcitabine of 1000mg/m^2 in combination with oxaliplatin of 130mg/m^2 was effective and could be safely administered for NSCLC.