Comparative Study between Nude Mice and Immunosuppressed Hamsters as Recipients of Human Tumor Xenografts

We comparatively examined nude mice and hamsters as to their suitability as recipients of human cancers. CD-1 nude mice and golden hamsters immunosuppressed with anti-hamster thymocyte serum were used. Nude mice were superior in the areas of primary transplantation and subsequent transfer and maintenance. However, growth of tumors transplantable to both animals (a lung cancer line LC-1, a colon cancer line RPMI4788) tends to be better in hamsters than in nude mice. The better development of LC-1 and RPMI4 788 cells in hamsters than in nude mice appears to be related to the superior gain in body weight shown by hamsters

GPS and chemotherapy for elderly NSCLC

Background : Although platinum-combination chemotherapy is widely used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), not all elderly patients benefit from this regimen. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate whether the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), an indicator of systemic inflammation and malnutrition, could predict the tolerability and efficacy of platinum-combination chemotherapy among elderly patients with NSCLC. Methods : The eligibility criteria included patients aged ≥ 70 years with NSCLC treated with first-line platinum-combination chemotherapy at Shimane University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2018. Results : Thirty-two patients with NSCLC (median age, 74 years) were included. The GPS scores were 0–1 for 19 patients and 2 for 13 patients. Four chemotherapy cycles were completed by 57.9% and 30.8% of patients in the GPS 0–1 and GPS 2 groups, respectively. The GPS 0–1 group experienced better outcomes than the GPS 2 group (response rate : 26% vs. 15%, P = 0.67 ; median progression-free survival : 4.1 vs. 2.1 months, P = 0.0026 ; median overall survival : 22.8 vs. 9.6 months, P = 0.0092). Conclusions : Platinum-combination chemotherapy demonstrated promising efficacy among elderly NSCLC patients with a GPS 0–1. Therefore, GPS may be crucial in determining whether treatments recommended for younger patients are suitable for older patients with NSCLC

Frail patients with respiratory failure

Background : Older patients with severe respiratory failure have higher mortality rates and are more likely to experience impairments in activities of daily living (ADL). Methods : We retrospectively reviewed patients (≥ 75 years) who received intubation and artificial ventilation for respiratory failure at Shimane University Hospital between November 2014 and December 2020. We compared the outcomes of frail patients with those of self-sufficient patients. Results : Thirty-two patients were included. ADL ability before respiratory failure was rated self-sufficient in 18 patients (self-sufficient group) and not self-sufficient in 14 patients (frail group). None of the patients in either group underwent advanced care planning prior to the onset of respiratory failure. In the self-sufficient and frail groups, the in-hospital mortality rates were 33% and 50%, and the incidence of bedridden patients at discharge was 6% and 43%, respectively. Most patients in the frail group (93%) died or were bedridden. The median hospitalization cost was JPY 2,984,000 for the self-sufficient group and JPY 3,008,000 for the frail group. Conclusion : The overall prognosis of frail older patients who underwent intubation and artificial ventilation was poor. When providing intensive care to such patients, it is important to carefully consider their suitability for the treatment

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS TBNA) is fundamental to the diagnosis of lung cancer, as many patients present with more advanced stages of lung cancer, with enlarged hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. It also represents a way to sample pulmonary masses directly to make the diagnosis, whereby no other accessible tissue is present and the mass sits adjacent to a large central airway. Very importantly also, EBUS TBNA is the widely accepted first procedure in lung cancer staging. A combined procedure of EUS TBNA can be performed to improve diagnostic accuracy

Endobronchial Ultrasonography

Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) is an exciting new diagnostic tool that has added significantly to the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and other thoracic diseases. This book is co-authored by one of the technology's pioneers and will help the reader to use EBUS to diagnose and stage lung cancer and a variety of different tumours of the chest region. Endobronchial Ultrasonography covers all of the standard techniques and the new developments involved in EBUS as it combines two common procedures, bronchoscopy and real-time ultrasonography. This allows physicians to obtain precise biopsies of lymph nodes and masses within the chest cavity. Over 250 high quality colour digital images are featured throughout the book to illustrate the different applications of EBUS, complemented by specific case studies. This book is accompanied by a companion website featuring over 30 video clips cited in the text