Prophylactic cranial irradiation in stage IV small cell lung cancer
Background: Due to conflicting results between major trials the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in stage IV small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is controversial.Methods: We obtained a list of 13 European experts from both the European Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ESTRO) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). The strategies in decision making for PCI in stage IV SCLC were collected. Decision trees were created representing these strategies. Analysis of consensus was performed with the objective consensus methodology.Results: The factors associated with the recommendation for the use of PCI included the fitness of the patient, young age…
Functional FLT1 genetic variation is a prognostic factor for recurrence in stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer
Background: We propose that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway of angiogenesis will associate with survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: Fifty-three SNPs in vascular endothelial growth factor-pathway genes were genotyped in 150 European stage I-III NSCLC patients and tested for associations with patient survival. Replication was performed in an independent cohort of 142 European stage I-III patients. Reporter gene assays were used to assess the effects of SNPs on transcriptional activity. Results: In the initial cohort, five SNPs associated (q < 0.05) with relapse-free survival (RFS). The minor allele…