• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.117-123
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• 2021

Gefitinib, a first generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI), provides obvious clinical benefit in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients ultimately develop gefitinib resistance which mainly caused by EGFR T790M secondary mutation. In the current study, we investigated whether the root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) overcomes gefitinib resistance. Gefitinib-resistant H1975 human NSCLC cells (EGFR L858R/T790M double mutant) were treated with gefitinib and/or ethanol extract of SB (ESB) to evaluate the effect of ESB on the gefitinib sensitivity. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion assay. The colony-forming ability was evaluated by anchorage-dependent colony formation assay. Combined treatment with gefitinib and ESB markedly decreased the cell viability and colony formation than single treatment with gefitinib or ESB in H1975 cells. In addition, cells treated with both gefitinib and ESB exhibited a significant increase of sub-G1 DNA content which indicates apoptotic cells compared with those treated with gefitinib or ESB alone. As a molecular mechanism, combined treatment with gefitinib and ESB strongly downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK than single treatment with gefitinib or ESB. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ESB sensitizes H1975 cells to gefitinib treatment. We cautiously propose that ESB can be used in combination with gefitinib for the advanced NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.72-77
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• 2000

A proper pathologic diagnosis of small cell lung cancer(SCLC) is essential for the application of aggressive treatment modalities. However, various authors have suggested several subtypes of SCLC based on morphological features. Among them, the incidence of small cell lung cancer(SCLC) combined with squamous cell and/or adenocarcinoma, represents less than 1% to 3% of all SCLC tumors. Because of the rarity of SCLC combined with squamous cell and/or adenocarcinoma, very little is known about its clinical characteristics and response to therapy. We report a case of SCLC combined with squamous cell and adenocarcinoma in a 68 year old male who experienced pneumonectomy of the left lung.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2007

Background: Mutated or deregulated expression of C-erbB-2 causes this gene to function as a potent oncogene. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial angiogenic molecule in lung cancer. Both C-erbB-2 and VEGF can promote growth, proliferation and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to investigate evaluate the relationship between the expressions of the C-erbB-2 and VEGF genes using immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: Ninety-five patients with NSCLC were involved (60 squamous cell carcinoma and 35 adenocarcinoma). The formalin-fixed paraffin embedded specimens were immunohistochemically stained for C-erbB-2 and VEGF using the avidin-biotin complex method. Results: Positive C-erbB-2 expression was observed more often in adenocarcinomas than squamous cell carcinomas (p<0.05). Although the immunohistochemical expressions of C-erbB-2 and VEGF in non-small-cell lung cancer showed increased tendencies at an advanced stage, the correlation between early and advanced cancers was insignificant. In adenocarcinomas, the expressions of VEGF and C-erbB-2 were significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: The overexpression fo C-erbB-2 was significantly higher in adenocarcinomas than squamous cell carcinomas, and correlated with the expression of VEGF in adenocarcinomas of the lungs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3705-3709
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• 2013

Background: To investigate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to analyze any relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Materials and Methods: EGFR gene exons 18-21 in 48 specimens of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from NSCLC patients were amplified by PCR, followed by direct sequencing and analysis of links to clinicopathological features and prognosis. Results: EGFR mutations were detected in 18 of 48 (42.6%) patients with NSCLC. There were 9 cases of mutations in exon 20, 7 in exon 19 and 2 in exon 21. Mutations were more frequently observed in women (5/7 pts, 71.4%) than in men (13/41 pts, 31.7%) (p=0.086) and in non-smokers (5/5 pts, 100%) than smokers (13/43 pts, 30.2%). There was negative correlation of EGFR mutations with smoking status (p=0.005). EGFR mutations were more frequently observed with adenocarcinoma histology (13/32 pts, 40.6%) than in other types (5/16 pts, 31.3%) (p=0.527). The patients with EGFR mutations had better survival than those with wild-type EGFR (p=0.08). There was no association of EGFR mutations with metastatic spread. Conclusions: EGFR mutations in NSCLC were here demonstrated more frequently in females, non-smokers and adenocarcinoma histology in the western region of Turkey. Patients with EGFR mutations have a better prognosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4205-4208
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• 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore change and significance of serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) before and after gefitinib therapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Forty patients with advanced NSCLCs in III~IV stages were selected as study objects given gefitinib therapy combined with routine local radiotherapy until tumor progression or intolerable toxicity. After treatment, all patients were divided into control and non-control groups according to the results of evaluation based on RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors in 2009). Peripheral fasting blood from all patients was collected in the early morning and serum CEA was assessed by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) before and after treatment. Before treatment, patients were divided into high CEA group (CEA level > 50 ng/mL) and low CEA group (CEA level ${\leq}$ 50 ng/mL). Adverse reactions were noted and progression-free survival (PFS) in both groups was recorded after long-term follow-up that ended in December, 2012. Results: There was no difference between control and non-control groups in CEA level before treatment (P>0.05), whereas serum CEA decreased more markedly lower in the control group after treatment (P<0.01). All patients were divided into high CEA group (26) and low CEA group (14) according to serum CEA level. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in adverse reactions (P>0.05) but the rate in former group was lower. Additionally, survival rates at 9 and 12 months in high CEA group were clearly higher than in the low CEA group (P<0.01). Conclusions: Serum CEA level can serve as a biochemical index to evaluate the prognosis with gefitinib treatment for NSCLC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.557-567
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• 2001

Background : Tumor angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the intensity of angiogenesis and stage, nodal status, histologic type, metastasis and survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer. Method : Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded surgical specimens of 45 patients who had surgically resected primary non-small cell lung cancers without pre or post operative adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy were examined. The microvessel count(MVC) was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining for CD31(platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, PECAM). Results : Microvessel counts(MVCs) in stage IIIA and IIIB were higher than in stage I and II(p<0.05). The MVC in patients with lymph node metastasis was higher than that in patients without lymph node metastasis, although the difference was not statistically significant(p>0.05). However, in adenocarcinoma, the MVC in patients with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that seen in patients without lymph node metastasis(p<0.05). The MVC in adenocarcinoma was higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma(p<0.05). The difference between the MVCs of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma was not statistically significant in stage I and II or N0 stage(p>0.05). However, in stage IIIA and IIIB or N1~3 stage, the MVC in adenocarcinoma was higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma(p<0.05). MVC was more increased when metastasis developed within 12 months. In the same histologic type and stage, the duration of survival time in patients with high MVC was shorter than in patients with low MVC, however the difference was not statistically significant(p>0.05). The survival rate in patients with high MVCs was lower than that in patients with low MVCs(P<0.05). Conclusion : In non-small cell lung cancer, MVC correlated relatively well with pathologic stage, nodal status(limited in patients with adenocarcinoma), histologic type, postoperative metastasis and survival rate. However, in the same histologic type and stage, MVC was not significantly related to the duration of survival. Therefore the assessment of the intensity of angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer may be helpful in predicting prognosis and in selecting patients for systemic adjuvant therapy of potential metastasis according to the results.

• Journal of international Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.200-206
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• 2014

This paper describes magnetically levitated vehicle with hybrid magnets, which have been studied by the authors in place of streetcars or conveyance system. An experimental vehicle of 20kg was magnetically levitated by using a small number of dry-cell batteries, which consisted of 10 Ni-MH cells of 1900mAh in series. The magnets were activated sequentially, because the internal resistance of the batteries suppressed the maximum current. The vehicle was kept levitating for about 2 hours and was stable against disturbance due to instantaneous external force. In this paper, dynamic characteristics of the magnetically levitated vehicle using a small number of dry cell batteries are presented.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.878-881
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• 1994

Primary malignant lymphomas of the lung are rare and known often to be localized, solitary pulmonary lesions, in chest radiograph. Because they are highly treatable contrast to the other primary lung cancer, the distinction is important. A 35-year old man who was admitted for a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right middle lobe. Percutaneous needle aspiration disclosed diffuse, small cell lymphoma. Bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of neoplastic lymphoid cell infiltration. There were a walnut sized mass involving right middle lobe with a small satellite nodule at 2cm distal to the right upper lobe bronchial orifice. The histopathology of the bilobectomized specimen showed diffuse, small cell, malignant, non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma. Immunologic subtype was defined as B-cell type.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.339-346
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• 1999

Background : Non-small cell lung carcinoma is a common tumor with a poor prognosis. Of all malignancies, it is the main cause of death for male and female patients in the Western world. Resection remains the most effective treatment when feasible. Accurate description and classification of the extent of cancer growth are important in planning treatment, estimating prognosis, evaluating end results of therapy, and exchanging information on human cancer research. Until effective systemic therapy is available for non-small cell lung cancer, development of new treatment strategies depends on knowledge of the end results achieved for carefully staged groups of patients in the lung cancer populations. For these reasons, we investigated the survival rate in radically resected non-small cell lung cancer patients by newly revised staging system adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer. Methods: Clinical, surgical-pathologic and follow-up informations on 84 consecutive, previously untreated, patients who received their primary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer were investigated. Staging definitions for the T(primary tumor), N(reginal lymph node), and M(distant metastasis) components were according to the International Staging System for Lung Cancer. Death from any causes was the primary target of the evaluation. Results: The median survival rates were as follows; stage I ;79.1 months, stage II ;47.3 months, stage IIIa; 22.7 months, stage IIIb; 16.1 months, and stage IV;15.2 months versus newly revised stage Ia;58.5 months, stage I b;76.0 months, stage IIa; not available, stage IIb;43.0 months, stage IIIa;22.5 months, stage IIIb; 16.1 months, and stage IV;15.2 months. The survival rates were not significantly different between old and newly revised staging system. Cumulative percent survival at 36months after treatment was 100% in stage Ia, 80% in stage Ib, not available in stage IIa, 26 % in stage IIb, and 21 % in stage m a respectively. Conclusions: Although these data were not significantly different statistically, the newly revised lung cancer staging system might be more promising for the accurate evaluation of the prognosis in the non-small cell lung caner patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.367-377
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• 1993

Background: The benefits of combination chemotherapy in unresectable non-small cell lung cancer remain uncertain. But, according to the recent reports, the response rates of cisplatin-based polychemotherapy regimens are higher than those of single agent. Also, the response rates of high-dose cisplatin group are higher than those of low-dose cisplatin group. In attemp to answer the question whether treatments, combination chemotherapy (high VPP) and combination chemotherapy with radiation therapy, improve survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, we begin to study. Method: Thirty-five patients above stage III, diagnosed histologically as non-small cell lung cancer, were enrolled. Among them, nineteen received a combination chemotherapy consisting of VP-16 & high-dose cisplatin (100 $mg/m^2$) and/or radiation therapy. The other group (16 subjects) received no therapy. To investigate the differences of survival and response rates between two groups and the side effects related to therapy, we reviewed patients' records. Results: 1) The overall objective response rate was 47%(9/19) with one complete remission. 2) In patients who received polychemotherapy and radiation therapy, the response rate was 60%(6/10) with one complete remission and survival rates of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 100%, 70% and 40%. 3) In patients who received polychemotherapy, the response rate was 33% (3/9) with no complete remission and survival rates of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 78%, 67% and 33%. 4) Overall, treated patients survived significantly longer (p<0.05) than non-treated patients (median survival 307 days versus 95 days). 5) Analysis of the various prognostic factors disclosed that good performance status, stage III and squamous cell type showed the good response rates. 6) The toxicities were nausea and/or vomiting (100%), alopecia (90%), anemia (79%), leukopenia (69%), thrombocytopenia (2%), increased creatinine (16%) and neurotoxicity (5%). Conclusion: According to above results, there are relatively good results that high VPP combination chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer improves survival in the treated group than in the non-treated group. Thus, it is considerd that we select the patients with proper indications and treat them with effective chemotherpy and radiation therapy. But, because improvement related to high VPP ploychemotherapy is not marked in this study, it is necessary that we should investigate follow-up studies in many cases.