Angel Artal

Introduction The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) is a biomarker that combines the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) value and the derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR). Its prognostic ability has been reported in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with immunotherapy. In the context of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) with chemoimmunotherapy, its role remains to be determined. Methods A retrospective, multicenter study of patients with ES-SCLC who received atezolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment was conducted. 101 patients were divided into three groups: LIPI good (n = 33), LIPI intermediate (n = 41), and LIPI poor (n = 27). The Kaplan–Meier method was used for analysis of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using the log-rank test for comparisons. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were developed to assess the LIPI as an independent predictor of survival. Results The good LIPI group had a significantly longer median PFS than the intermediate and poor LIPI groups: 9.6 vs 5.4 vs 5.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant differences in OS between good, intermediate, and poor LIPI were also observed, with median OS of 23.4 vs 9.8 vs 6.0 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for PFS identified liver metastases and intermediate and poor LIPI as worse prognostic factors (p < 0.050). For OS, a worse prognosis was confirmed in both the intermediate LIPI group (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.07–4.41, p = 0.031) and the poor LIPI group (HR: 5.40, 95% CI: 2.64–11.07, p < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with ES-SCLC treated with chemoimmunotherapy, an intermediate and poor pretreatment LIPI score was associated with worse PFS and OS prognosis.

Providing epidemiological data and treatment of anemia in lung cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Epidemiological, observational, retrospective and multicenter study carried out at 30 sites throughout Spain. The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] level <12 g/dl) was 18.3% and the incidence 80.7%. Mean Hb levels were 13.4 g/dl (95% Cl: 13.2-13.6) and 11.5 g/dl (95% Cl: 11.3-11.7) at starting and at the end of chemotherapy, respectively. Of the 294 patients with anemia, 174 (59.2%) were treated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were given to 90.2% patients, alone in 31.6% and combined iron in 39.7%, transfusion in 9.2% and iron and transfusion in 9.8%. These results suggest an appropriate and rational use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy-associated anemia in lung cancer patients. [corrected].

Adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: state-of-the-art

Afatinib is an irreversible ErbB family blocker tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which has recently been approved for the treatment of patients with EGFR M+ non-small cell lung cancer. As observed with reversible EGFR TKIs, it can induce class-effect adverse events. Appropriate management of afatinib-related adverse events improves quality of life and clinical outcomes in these patients. Here we provide practical recommendations for the prophylaxis and treatment of the most common of these (e.g., diarrhea, rash, mucositis and others).