ABSTRACT
Comprehensive genomic profiling is a next-generation sequencing approach used to detect several known and emerging genomic alterations. Many genomic variants detected by comprehensive genomic profiling have become recognized as significant cancer biomarkers, leading to the development of major clinical trials. Lung adenocarcinoma has become one of the most targeted cancers for genomic profiling with a series of actionable mutations such as EGFR, KRAS, HER2, BRAF, FGFR, MET, ALK, and many others. The importance of these mutations lies in establishing targeted therapies that significantly change the outcome in lung adenocarcinoma besides the prognostic value of some mutations. This review sheds light on the development of the comprehensive genomic profiling field, mainly lung adenocarcinoma, and discusses the role of a group of mutations in this disease.
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Circulating tumor DNA, cell-free DNA, and circulating tumor cells have been at the epitome of recent research in breast cancer. These forms of liquid biopsies have been used in monitoring disease progression, estimating the risk of relapse, and response to treatment. Much has been done in relation to serial monitoring of circulating tumor DNA in patients with primary breast cancer for detection of occult metastatic disease. Some studies have also explored their use in monitoring treatment response. As the field of liquid biopsies expands, more prospective studies are needed to tailor management in an individualistic approach. In this literature review, the authors explore the multiple uses of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer.
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INTRODUCTION: Decisions regarding whether advanced cancer patients should be admitted to the ICU are based on a complex suite of considerations, including short- and long-term prognosis, quality of life, and therapeutic options to treat cancer. We aimed to describe demographic, clinical, and survival data and to identify factors associated with mortality in critically ill advanced cancer patients with nonelective admissions to general ICUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Critically ill adult (≥18 years old) cancer patients nonelectively admitted to the intensive care units at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between August 1st 2015 and March 1st 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were prospectively collected from the first day of ICU admission up to 30 days after discharge. This study was strictly observational, and clinical decisions were left to the discretion of the ICU team and attending physician. RESULTS: 272 patients were enrolled in the study between August 1st 2015 and March 1st 2019, with an ICU mortality rate of 43.4%, with the number rising to 59% within 30 days of ICU discharge. The mean length of stay in our ICU was 14 days (IQR: 1-120) with a median overall survival of 22 days since the date of ICU admission. The major reasons for unplanned ICU admission were sepsis/septic shock (54%) and respiratory failure (33.1%). Cox regression analysis revealed 7 major predictors of poor prognosis. Direct admission from the ED was associated with a higher risk of mortality (48.9%) than being transferred from the floor (32.6%) (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that being directly admitted to the ICU from the ED rather than being transferred from regular wards, developing AKI, sepsis, MOF, and ARDS, or having an uncontrolled malignancy are all predictive factors for short-term mortality in critically ill cancer patients nonelectively admitted to the ICU. Vasopressor use and mechanical ventilation were also predictors of mortality.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.609100.].
