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Background: Various types of needles are available to perform endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). A relatively new needle for EBUS-TBNA, the Acquire Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB) device, has recently become available. Methods: Consecutive subjects with lymphadenopathy >1 cm undergoing EBUS-TBNA were randomized to the Acquire 22-G EBUS-FNB needle and the standard 22-G EBUS-TBNA needle groups. Results: A total of 86 subjects were randomized (43 in each group). The diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was similar between the two groups: (36/43) 83.7% in the 22-G EBUS-FNB group and (34/43) 79.1% in the standard 22-G EBUS group (p = 0.58). The sampling adequacy, stations sampled, number of stations sampled, number of needle passes, and mean duration of the procedure between the two groups were also similar. Visible tissue clot core was obtained in a significantly greater proportion of subjects in the 22-G EBUS-FNB group (93.0% vs 46.5%, p < 0.001). Visibly bloody samples were more frequent in the 22-G EBUS-FNB group (74.4% vs 51.2%, p = 0.03). There was no difference in the complication rates between the two groups (p = 0.15). Conclusion: We did not observe a difference in the diagnostic yield of the Acquire 22-G EBUS-FNB needle compared with the standard 22-G EBUS needle. Clinical trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) (CTRI/2021/08/035589). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modalities to improve tissue acquisition during endobronchial ultrasound‑guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‑TBNA) have been investigated. Endobronchial ultrasound‑guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS‑TMC) is a modality to obtain larger histological samples by inserting a cryoprobe into the mediastinal lesion. We aimed to study the diagnostic yield and safety of EBUS‑TMC. Methods: We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases to extract the relevant studies. We then performed a meta‑analysis to calculate the diagnostic yield of EBUS‑TMC and compare it with EBUS‑TBNA. Results: Following a systematic search, we identified 14 relevant studies (869 patients undergoing EBUS‑TMC and EBUS‑TBNA). We then performed a meta‑analysis of the diagnostic yield of EBUS‑TMC and EBUS‑TBNA from studies wherein both procedures were performed. The pooled diagnostic yield of EBUS‑TMC was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89%–95%). The pooled diagnostic yield of EBUS‑TBNA was 81% (95% CI, 77%–85%). The risk difference in yield was 11% (95% CI, 6%–15%, I 2 = 0%) when EBUS‑TMC and EBUS‑TBNA were compared. The only complication reported commonly with EBUS‑TMC was minor bleeding. The complication rate was comparable with EBUS‑TBNA. Conclusion: EBUS‑TMC provides a greater diagnostic yield with a similar risk of adverse events compared to EBUS‑TBNA. Future studies are required to clearly establish which patients are most likely to benefit from this modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Globally, the incidence of lung cancer amongst women appears to be increasing. We aimed to compare the socio-epidemiological and clinical characteristics of lung cancer amongst men and women from a large cohort at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. Methods: Records of patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 2008 and March 2020 were reviewed. Baseline epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, histologic profiles, treatment administered, and survival were compared between males and females. Results: A total of 2054 male and 438 female patients were included in analysis. Compared to males, female patients were younger [median age, 56 vs. 60 years, P < 0.001)], less likely to be working, less educated beyond secondary level and less likely to be smokers (29.1% vs. 84.9%, P < 0.0001). No difference in baseline performance status was observed. Females were more frequently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (54.2% vs. 30.2%, P = <0.0001), stage IV disease (70.8% vs. 63%, P = 0.001), and had higher rate of EGFR mutation (37.2% vs. 21.5%, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the proportion of females receiving cancer-specific therapy. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed higher progression-free survival [median 9.17 vs. 7.23 months; P = 0.007] and overall survival [median 13.80 vs. 9.10 months respectively, P = 0.001] amongst females compared to males. Conclusion: Amongst a large cohort of lung cancer, females demonstrated several distinct and characteristic demographics as well as disease-related features, especially better survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The small cell variant is a relatively uncommon but aggressive form of lung cancer. The present study aims to analyse the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of an ambispectively enrolled large cohort of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the Indian population over a decade-long period. Materials and Methods: All patients diagnosed with SCLC between 2008 and 2020 at a tertiary care lung cancer clinic were included. The clinical details, demographics, details of investigations, treatment and survival outcomes were recorded and analysed. Results: A total of 361 patients were included. The majority were males (86.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 57.3 (12.3) years. Further, 34.9% were current smokers, with the median smoking index being 520 (interquartile range [IQR]: 260–1000). The majority had good performance status, that is, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale (ECOG) 0 or 1 (65%), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≥70 (85.9%). Also, 73.3% had extensive stage disease. The median time from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis was 91 days. Treatment details were available for 179 patients: chemotherapy only (n = 128), combined chemo-radiotherapy (n = 41) and radiotherapy only (n = 10). The median (IQR) progression-free survival (PFS) was 182 (94 to 306) days and the median (IQR) overall survival (OS) was 205 (94 to 429) days. On univariate analysis, factors that significantly affected survival included smoking index and performance status. However, on multivariate analysis, only the performance status significantly affected PFS, whereas none of these factors were significant for OS. Conclusions: SCLC predominantly affects males with a heavy smoking index. The diagnosis is usually made late; survival remains poor and is predominantly affected by the performance status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The majority of lung cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage; the reasons for which are variable and unclear. Methods: Lung cancer patients were evaluated prospectively to quantify various timelines and establish reasons for delays. Timelines were defined as time intervals between symptom onset, first physician visit, first specialist visit, date of diagnosis and treatment. Results: A total 410 patients were included, majority having advanced disease. The median period for a first visit to a physician was 30 days (interquartile range [IQR] 20–90), 50 days (IQR 20–110) for referral to our centre, 23 days (IQR 14–33) to reach diagnosis, and 24 days (IQR 14.5–34) to initiate treatment. Administration ofanti‐tuberculosis treatment further delayed referral to specialist centre. Treatment delays were related to performance status, disease stage and treatment type. On multivariate analysis, education and histology affected diagnosis delay and treatment delay. Treatment delay was less in those who received targeted therapy compared to chemotherapy. Various time delays did not affect the overall survival. Conclusion: Poor education status and inappropriate anti‐tubercular treatment were primary factors associated with longer diagnostic delays. Creating disease awareness and high clinical suspicion are essential to overcome these lacunae in lung cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indian data on treatment outcomes and survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain scarce. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 537 advanced NSCLC patients treated at a tertiary care facility in North India from January 2008 to March 2018 was done to assess treatment response and survival in terms of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: Median age of enrolled patients was 60 years (range: 26–89 years). The majority were males (78.2%) and smokers (66.5%). Adenocarcinoma (51.2%) was the most common pathological type. Most patients had good performance status (PS) (the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] 0 or 1 in 55.7%) and received conventional chemotherapy (86.6%). ORR and DCR after 3–4 months of first-line treatment were 55.2% and 71.75%, respectively (n = 223). Never smokers had better ORR as well as DCR compared to chronic smokers whereas treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors achieved significantly better ORR, and patients with good PS had better DCR compared to those with poor PS. Median PFS (n = 455) was 7.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7–14.0) and median OS was 11.7 months (95% CI: 5.5–29.9 months). Good PS and nonsmoking status were independent predictors of better PFS on multivariate analysis. For OS, good PS, nonsmoking behavior, and treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors were independent predictors. Conclusion: In advanced NSCLC, never-smokers, and patients with good baseline ECOG have favorable treatment and survival outcomes. Treatment with targeted therapy results in better ORR and OS but did not affect PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for a variety of pleural conditions. There is a lack of literature on prevalent practices of MT in India. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the prevalent practices of MT in India. Materials and Methods: A structured online survey on various aspects of thoracoscopy was designed on the "Google Forms" web software. Results: One hundred and eight responses were received, of which 100 respondents performed MT. The majority were pulmonologists, and most had started performing thoracoscopy within the last 5 years. Rigid thoracoscope was the most commonly used instrument. The common indications of procedure included undiagnosed pleural effusion, talc pleurodesis, and adhesiolysis. Local anesthesia with conscious sedation was the preferred anesthetic modality. Midazolam, along with fentanyl, was the most widely used sedation combination. 2% lignocaine was the most commonly used concentration for local infiltrative anesthesia. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents reported having encountered any complication of thoracoscopy. Significant reported complications included empyema, incision/port-site infection, re-expansion pulmonary edema, and procedure-related mortality. Conclusion: MT is a rapidly evolving interventional pulmonology procedure in India. There is, however, a significant variation in practice and variable adherence to available international guidelines on thoracoscopy. Formal training programs within India and national guidelines for pleuroscopy considering the local resources are required to improve the safety and yield of this useful modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the past few years, the demographic profile of lung cancer has changed. However, most reports are limited by small numbers, short follow up period, and show an inconsistent pattern. A comprehensive evaluation of changing trends over a long period has not been done. Materials and Methods: Consecutive lung cancer patients were studied over a 10 year period from January 2008 to March 2018 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and relevant clinical information, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 1862 patients were evaluated, with mean (SD) age of 59 (11.1) years, and comprising 82.9% males. Majority were smokers (76.2%) with median smoking index of 500 (interquartile range [IQR]: 300-800). Adenocarcinoma (ADC) was the most common type (34%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC -- 28.6%) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (16.1%). Over the 10 year period, ADC increased from 9.5% to 35.9%, SCC from 25.4% to 30.6%, and non small cell lung cancer not otherwise specified (NSCLC NOS) decreased from 49.2% to 21.4%. The proportion of females with lung cancer increased although smoking rates remained similar. Majority of NSCLC (95%) continued to be diagnosed at an advanced stage (3 or 4). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements were present in 25.3% and 11.5% ADC patients, respectively. The median overall survival was 8.8 months (IQR 3.7-19) for all patients and 12.57 (IQR 6.2-28.7) months among the 1013 patients who were initiated on specific treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). Never smokers were younger, more likely to be female and educated, had a higher prevalence of ADC and EGFR/ALK mutations, and had better survival. Conclusion: Among this large cohort, our center seems to follow the global trend with increasing incidence of ADC. EGFR mutation positivity was similar to existing reports, while higher ALK positivity was detected. A characteristic phenotype of never smokers with lung cancer was elucidated which demonstrated better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. However, bronchoscopy practices vary widely across India and worldwide. The three major respiratory organizations of the country supported a national-level expert group that formulated a comprehensive guideline document for FB based on a detailed appraisal of available evidence. These guidelines are an attempt to provide the bronchoscopist with the most scientifically sound as well as practical approach of bronchoscopy. It involved framing appropriate questions, review and critical appraisal of the relevant literature and reaching a recommendation by the expert groups. The guidelines cover major areas in basic bronchoscopy including (but not limited to), indications for procedure, patient preparation, various sampling procedures, bronchoscopy in the ICU setting, equipment care, and training issues. The target audience is respiratory physicians working in India and well as other parts of the world. It is hoped that this document would serve as a complete reference guide for all pulmonary physicians performing or desiring to learn the technique of flexible bronchoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]