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K. Grünberg



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    P1.17 - Poster Session 1 - Bronchoscopy, Endoscopy (ID 182)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Pulmonology + Endoscopy/Pulmonary
    • Presentations: 2
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      P1.17-006 - Early Bronchoscopic Interventional Strategy in Highly at Risk Morbid Ageing Cohort (ID 2322)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      We retrospectively reviewed our longitudinal data (1992 - 2012) with regard to early interventional techniques using advancements of non- and minimally invasive techniques (NiMiT) as alternatives for early intervention in squamous carcinogenesis in highly at risk -including frail elderly individuals. >50% lung cancer develops in >70 years age cohort and cancer and ageing are becoming an important health care issue in our society.

      Methods
      So far, 159 surgically non-resectable candidates with various comorbidities (Previous LC/ENT primaries, COPD, etc.) have been closely monitored using autofluorescence bronchoscopy for suspicious endobronchial lesions (e.g. dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and microinvasive squamous cancer). End points were the development of squamous cancer and its outcome with the use NiMiT (Chest 2001;120:1327; Respiration 2004;71:391

      Results
      Patient characteristics and outcome are shown in the table. Cohort analyses of age ≤70 years versus over, showed a significant longer time of survival in the elderly cohort (35.9 vs 18.5 months; p = 0.01). Lung cancer specific mortality was low ,respectively 15% and 22%. Table: Longitudinal carcinogenesis study in cohorts highly at risk to develop (subsequent) squamous cancer primaries and its outcome.

      Age cohort (years) n patients <70 112 >70 47 p-value
      Gender - Male - Female 93 (83%) 19 (17%) 39 (83%) 8 (17%) NS
      Mean age years (range) 60(42-70) 74(70-83)
      Indication for close surveillance: - Previous LC /ENT cancer - Suspicion occult lung cancer 55 (49%) 57 (51%) 19 (40%) 28 (60%) NS
      Mean pack-years smoked (range) 44(4-120) 49(20-137) NS
      COPD Non-COPD Unknown 72 (64%) 32 (29%) 8 (7%) 29 (62%) 10 (21%) 8 (17%) NS
      Interval to (subsequent) primaries (months) 69(0-198) 54(1-184) NS
      Acquiring (subsequent) squamous ca. Recurrences of previous primaries 41 (37%) 4 (4%) 12 (26%) 2 (4%) NS NS
      Death due to lung cancer Other causes 25 (22%) 31 (28%) 7 (15%) 17 (36%) NS NS
      Survival after curative treatment (months) 19 (0-110) 36 (0-106) 0,01

      Conclusion
      In contrast to the undocumented belief about less aggressive cancer, the need for less aggressive treatment, potential toxicities in the co-morbid elderly and their expected shorter life span, the outcome shows that early interventional strategy is warranted. LC mortality is relatively low despite the highly negative selection bias, especially in the frail – ageing – subcohort. This warrants further studies to increase the cost-effectiveness of NiMiT in our ageing population.

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      P1.17-008 - Results of a close surveillance strategy for subjects with pre-invasive endobronchial squamous lesions (ID 2678)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      The dismal overall 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is mainly due to advanced stage of disease at time of initial diagnosis in most and the inability to cure metastatic disease in all patients. In contrast, the prognoses of in situ mucosal and small parenchymal lesions are excellent. Early detection strategies might result in the identification of early-stage, (pre-)invasive lesions that are still eligible for curative treatment. The present study was set out to characterize the risk of lung cancer development in a cohort of high-risk subjects harboring pre-invasive endobronchial lesions and to assess the results of surveillance using autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) and computed tomography (CT) scan.

      Methods
      Between November 1995 and December 2012, one hundred and sixty-four at risk individuals with pre-invasive endobronchial lesions were monitored by repeated AFB and CT. During the course of surveillance, progression of lesions to cancer (in situ), recurrences and second primary cancers were treated with different modalities (e.g. endobronchial techniques, surgery, radiotherapy), depending on tumor stage and location. Log-rank tests were performed to examine the relation between baseline characteristics and progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively). Cox regression was used for multivariate survival analysis.

      Results
      Demographical and clinical variables of the cohort are shown (Table). At inclusion, 80 individuals were identified with one or more high-grade pre-invasive lesions (severe dysplasia or CIS; HGD), whereas 84 subjects were identified solely with lower grade pre-invasive lesions (LGD). During close surveillance (median follow-up (FU) of 30 months, range 4-152), sixty-one lung cancers were detected (26 CT-detected, 35 AFB-detected cancers) in 55 individuals within a median time to event of 16.5 months. Mean PFS was similar between individuals with radiographically occult lesions vs. FU after surgery for early-stage NSCLC/ENT ca (122.3 vs. 126.9 months, p=0.237) and COPD vs. non-COPD (118.8 vs. 136.8 months, p=0.162). There was a relatively large difference in PFS between LGD and HGD groups (142.6 vs. 93.7 months, p=0.057). Independent risk determinants for OS were indication for surveillance (FU after surgery for early-stage NSCLC/ENT ca vs. radiographically occult lesions, p=0.008) and COPD-status (COPD vs. non-COPD, p<0.001).

      Referral for radiographically occult lesion Follow-up after surgery for early-stage NSCLC / ENT ca
      total
      individuals, n 164 92 72
      Gender
      male 134 72 62
      female 30 20 10
      Age at baseline
      years, mean (range) 64.2 (42-83) 64.8 (42-81) 64.0 (43-82)
      Smoking status
      current smoker 75 44 31
      former smoker 74 36 38
      unknown 15 12 3
      Smoking history
      Pack-years, mean (range) 45 (4-137) 45 (4-120) 40 (15-137)
      COPD-status
      COPD 100 56 44
      non-COPD 45 22 23
      unknown 19 14 5
      AF Bronchoscopies
      Number, mean (range) 7 (1-27) 5 (2-27) 6 (1-18)
      CT-scans
      Number, mean (range) 3 (0-20) 2 (0-20) 3 (0-18)
      No. of detected lung cancers
      During surveillance period 61 29 32
      Parenchymal cancer 21 12 9
      Site-specific lesion progression 24 13 11
      Interval cancer 10 4 6
      Recurrences previous primaries 6 0 6
      Patient outcome
      alive 80 56 24
      died of lung cancer 33 13 20
      died of other/unknown cause 51 23 28

      Conclusion
      Our findings demonstrate that individuals with pre-invasive endobronchial lesions are at high risk of developing (second primary) lung cancers. Combined surveillance using AFB in addition to CT screening facilitated early detection and early (endobronchial) intervention in most patients. Future clinical trials are warranted to determine whether the current approach improves patient outcome.

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    P2.17 - Poster Session 2 - Bronchoscopy, Endoscopy (ID 183)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Pulmonology + Endoscopy/Pulmonary
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.17-006 - Long term outcome of initial bronchoscopic treatment strategy in patients with bronchial carcinoids (ID 2447)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      Bronchial carcinoids are considered low-grade malignancies and, traditionally, are treated surgically. Tumor biology and advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, however, enable a less invasive approach such as surgical bronchoplasty can preserve normal lung parenchyma. We previously reported favourable outcome for initial bronchoscopic treatment (BT) strategy in patients with intraluminally located bronchial carcinoids. We now present our long term results.

      Methods
      In patients presenting with a bronchial carcinoid, an initial diagnostic therapeutic bronchoscopy is attempted for complete tumor eradication for sampling sufficient tissue for the proper differentiation between typical (TC) and atypical (AC) histologic type apart from to optimally improve pre-surgical condition. A high resolution computed tomography is performed six weeks later, to determine intra- versus extraluminal tumor growth. In case of intraluminal growth of TC bronchoscopic removal attempt can be repeated. We perform surgical resection in case of extraluminal disease, or failure to bronchoscopic radical resection (i.e. recurrence or persistent residual tumor). Complete bronchoscopic resection of AC histological type is currently not followed by surgical resection.

      Results
      So far, 133 patients have been treated; 76 females, 67 males, median age 46 (range 16 – 85 years). Median follow up was 87 (range 2 – 264) months. Ninety-nine patients (84%) had TC, and 34 (26%) had AC. Bronchoscopic eradication was successful in 57 (43%) patients (51 TC, 6 AC). Detailed treatment results are shown in table 1. Table 1. Initial bronchoscopic treatment strategy in patients with bronchial carcinoids

      BT Completion Surgery Remark
      Number of patients 62 71
      Histology TC AC 56 (90%) 6 (10%) 43 (61%) 28 (39%)
      Follow up (median) in months 87.5 (2-223) 87 (12-264)
      Completely resected 57 (92%) 64 (90%)
      Residual after CT/recurrences Additional treatment bronchoscopy Additional treatment surgery 3 4 0 0 Interval in months: 10,13,63 47,104,115,192
      Alive with disease 5 0 2 unfit for surgery 3 refused surgery
      Alive with metastatic disease 0 1 40 months
      Carcinoid related mortalities 0 2 Pulmonary metastases
      Treatment related mortalities 0 1
      Non-carcinoid related mortalities 8 3

      Conclusion
      Initial bronchoscopic treatment strategy in patients with bronchial carcinoids is justifiable with excellent long term outcome. It should be implemented in the standard algorithm for patients with bronchial carcinoids.

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    P2.18 - Poster Session 2 - Pathology (ID 176)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Pathology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.18-022 - <strong>Do <i>EGFR</i>- and <i>KRAS</i>-mutations occur in squamous cell lung carcinomas?</strong> (ID 3398)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      Adenocarcinoma (ADC) of the lungs may harbor EGFR- and KRAS-mutations, which are relevant for treatment decisions. Approximately 35% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biopsies are diagnosed as not-otherwise-specified (NOS).To improve segregation between ADC and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), the classification of lung cancer was updated in 2011, adding immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p63 and TTF-1 to the diagnostic algorithm. The aim of our study was to investigate the hypothesis, that additional IHC reliably delineates lung cancer harboring EGFR- and KRAS-mutations.

      Methods
      From an institutional lung cancer database of specimens routinely analyzed for the presence of EGFR- or KRAS-mutations (n=816), cases harboring a mutation were selected (n=343) and corresponding original histological diagnoses and IHC for TTF-1, p63 and PAS-D were collected. Cases with a pattern compatible with SqCC were histologically reassessed.

      Results
      From the 343 cases 25% were resection specimen, 70% biopsy and 5% cytology specimens. 69% of cases had a KRAS-mutation and 31% an EGFR-mutation. IHC-data were conclusive in 89%. The combination of positive TTF-1 and/or mucin stain and a negative p63 stain, favoring ADC, was found in 264 cases (77%). Six (1.7%) specimens were positive for p63 only, favoring SqCC.

      Conclusion
      The current 2011 classification of lung tumors, based on histology and immunohistochemistry for TTF-1, p63 and mucin, segregates specimens of ADC and SqCC sufficiently well. Our study results support the use of IHC in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

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    P2.20 - Poster Session 2 - Early Detection and Screening (ID 173)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Imaging, Staging & Screening
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.20-004 - DNA copy number aberrations in endobronchial lesions: a validated predictor for cancer (ID 1166)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      Individuals who present with squamous metaplastic and dysplastic lesions are considered at high risk of lung cancer. However, these lesions behave erratically and only a minority progresses towards lung cancer. Therefore, biomarkers need to be discovered that can aid in assessing an individual’s risk for subsequent cancer. We recently identified a DNA copy number aberration (CNA)-classifier, including changes at 3p26.3-p11.1, 3q26.2-29, and 6p25.3-24.3, as a risk predictor for cancer in individuals presenting with endobronchial squamous metaplasia (van Boerdonk et al, AJRCCM, 2011). The current study was set out to validate this classifier in an independent series of endobronchial squamous metaplastic and dysplastic lesions.

      Methods
      DNA copy number profiles (i.e., chromosomal gains and losses) were determined in a set of endobronchial lesions (8 squamous metaplasia (SqM), and 28 dysplasias (Dys) of various grades), identified and biopsied during autofluorescence bronchoscopy, of 36 high-risk subjects using a nested case-control design. Of the 36 patients, 12 cases had a carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma at the same site at follow-up (median 11 months, range 4-24), while 24 controls remained cancer-free (median 78 months, range 21-142). DNA copy number profiles were related to lesion outcome. The prediction accuracy of the predefined CNA-based classifier to predict endobronchial carcinoma (in situ) in this series was determined.

      Results
      All SqM and Dys lesions of controls showed no or a relatively low number of CNAs (i.e., quiescent profile with on average 0.2% altered probe features, range 0.0 – 2.4%), while the majority of lesions of cases showed multiple CNAs (i.e. highly aberrant profile with on average 38.8% altered probe features, range 0.0 – 76.7%). The previously defined CNA-classifier demonstrated 92% accuracy for cancer (in situ) prediction in the current series. All nine subjects with CNA-classifier-positive endobronchial lesions at baseline had cancer as final outcome (i.e., a positive predictive value of 100%). The negative predictive value of the classifier was 89%, i.e., all 24 controls and 3 cases were classified as being low-risk.

      Conclusion
      CNAs are a highly accurate biomarker for assessing the progression risk of endobronchial squamous metaplastic and dysplastic lesions. This classifier could assist in selecting subjects with endobronchial lesions who might benefit from more aggressive therapeutic interventions.

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    P3.18 - Poster Session 3 - Pathology (ID 177)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Pathology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P3.18-021 - <strong>Array CGH is useful in the evaluation of patients with synchronic or metachronic tumors</strong> (ID 3380)

      09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K. Grünberg

      • Abstract

      Background
      Synchronic or metachronic tumors may develop in patients with a lung tumor. Determining whether these tumors originate from the same clone or are separate lesions may be challenging. Clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical criteria are often not distinctive. The aim of our study was to investigate comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) analysis for the evaluation of clonality in patients with metachronic or synchronic tumors, having at least one intrathoracic tumor localization.

      Methods
      A database was constructed of consecutive patients (n=77) referred by clinicians or pathologists for assessment of clonality by array CGH from 2007 till 2012. All cases with at least one intrathoracic tumor were selected. The array CGH patterns were analyzed by a visual comparison of CGH patterns performed by two investigators and by two mathematical models on the raw data. One model uses a log likelihood ratio as described previously[1], the other a Pearson correlation between the segmented values. Clonality cut-off and p-values were set according to copy number profiles from individual patients, which are therefore by definition non-clonal. The results of the visual evaluation and the mathematical approach were correlated. A control group was formed by the specimens of one lung tumor from every patient in the database, which were all compared, using the mathematical models. 1. Ostrovnaya I, Seshan VE, Olshen AB, et al. Clonality: an R package for testing clonal relatedness of two tumors from the same patient based on their genomic profiles. Bioinformatics. 2011;27:1698-1699.

      Results
      Specimens of 77 patients were referred for analysis. Samples of 14 cases were not suited to array CGH due to insufficient material or bad quality of DNA. The remaining 63 cases comprised of 142 samples. In 8 patients DNA from more than 2 tumors was compared. In the mathematical model the outcome of 3 cases was missing, 23 cases were determined clonal, 22 non-clonal, 5 with clonal as well as non-clonal tumors and 10 were undetermined. In the negative control group > 96% of cases were scored as non-clonal. The visual analysis determined 40 cases clonal, 14 non-clonal, 1 with clonal as well as non-clonal tumors and 8 were undetermined. 46 cases were available for comparing the outcomes of the mathematical and visual evaluation, as for 3 cases data were missing and in 14 cases the outcome was undetermined. The concordance rate for clonal and non-clonal tumors between visual analysis and the mathematical approach was 35 out of 46 (76%). In 4 cases in which the visual judgment was clonal, the mathematical model determined clonal as well as non-clonal samples. In 7 cases discordance was noted: the visual outcome was clonal and the mathematical non-clonal.

      Conclusion
      Array CGH is a useful approach for evaluating clonality of synchronic or metachronic tumors.