1.A Hidden Diagnosis: Disseminated Histoplasmosis Mimicking Tuberculosis in the Elderly
Wan Muhamad Amir Wan Md Zin ; Moon Yan Yap ; Meroshini Sundaran ; Siti Nabilah &lsquo ; Atiqah Othman ; Siti Nabihah Mohamed Hatta ; Maz Anirah Abdul Azis
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):28-
Introduction:
Histoplasmosis is a rare opportunistic, inhalation-acquired
systemic mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum,
endemic to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. Although
classically seen in immunocompromised hosts, it is
increasingly reported in immunocompetent individuals.
Infection is associated with environmental exposures such
as bat or bird droppings and soil disruption. Histoplasmosis
is a progressive granulomatous disease that can closely
mimic tuberculosis and malignancy, making diagnosis
challenging.
Case:
An 87-year-old Malay male with a history of treated
pulmonary tuberculosis presented with a 6-month history
of intermittent fever, anorexia, weight loss, and hypotension. Initial computed tomography imaging demonstrated bilateral heterogeneous adrenal masses (right: 2.2
× 3.7 × 5.0 cm; left: 2.0 × 3.7 × 5.2 cm) with indeterminate
washout characteristics. Biochemical adrenal evaluation,
including a short Synacthen test, confirmed primary
adrenal insufficiency. Extensive microbiological and
malignancy workup, including bronchoscopy, cultures,
and tumor markers, was non-diagnostic. In view of clinical
deterioration and epidemiological risk, empirical antituberculous therapy was initiated; however, no clinical
improvement was observed after 2 months. PET-FDG revealed intensely hypermetabolic bilateral adrenal masses
(SUVmax right 16.7, left 13.2) with no other abnormal
foci. Non-invasive fungal investigations were negative.
Definitive diagnosis was established via computed
tomography-guided adrenal biopsy, which demonstrated
necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with intracellular
yeasts, subsequently identified as H. capsulatum. The patient
was treated with oral itraconazole and corticosteroid
replacement, resulting in significant clinical improvement
and planned interval radiological reassessment.
Conclusion
Disseminated histoplasmosis is a diagnostic challenge,
particularly in frail elderly patients, where invasive
procedures may be delayed. It can mimic tuberculosis
and malignancy and may lack an identifiable exposure
history. Non-invasive tests may be inconclusive, making
tissue biopsy essential. Adrenal involvement may result
in primary adrenal insufficiency, further complicating
the clinical picture. Early consideration and timely
confirmation are crucial for appropriate management.
Adrenal incidentaloma
;
Lung Neoplasms
2.Molecular mechanisms of lung cancer induced by the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin.
Yongshun DUAN ; Zifei WANG ; Mengxuan WU ; Shuo WANG ; Xin GUO ; Zhihua NI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3801-3816
The inappropriate utilisation of the agricultural insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) has the potential to result in residues that compromise food safety and human health. Respiratory exposure represents a major route of LCT contact in humans. Nevertheless, its deleterious effects on the respiratory system remain inadequately characterized. It is imperative to elucidate the potential relationship and mechanisms by which lung cancer, a significant malignant neoplasm of the respiratory system, is associated with exposure to LCT. The objective of this study is to utilise bioinformatics methodologies to screen and analyse the key target molecules affected by LCT in the occurrence of lung cancer, and their mechanisms of action. Specifically, network toxicology methods were employed to identify core targets of LCT-induced lung cancer. Subsequently, functional annotation to delineate associated cellular pathways, and finally, molecular docking to simulate binding modes between LCT and shared core targets. Core target screening identified 50 targets for large cell lung cancer, 54 for small cell lung cancer, 29 for lung squamous cell carcinoma, and 28 for lung adenocarcinoma, with EGFR, HSP90AA1, JUN, CCL2, MYC, CXCL8, and HSPA4 shared in all subtypes. Functional annotation revealed that LCT-triggered oncogenic pathways predominantly involved ubiquitination, chemotaxis, and tumor immune signaling. Molecular docking demonstrated spontaneous binding of LCT to core targets mediated by hydrogen bonds and π-cation interactions. These results establish a theoretical framework for evaluating LCT-associated risks of lung cancer and respiratory system damage.
Lung Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Pyrethrins/toxicity*
;
Humans
;
Insecticides/toxicity*
;
Nitriles/toxicity*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
3.Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Nodules by Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Combined With Real-Time CT-Based 3D Fusion Navigation:Report of One Case.
Yuan XU ; Qun LIU ; Chao GUO ; Yi-Bo WANG ; Xiao-Fang WU ; Chen-Xi MA ; Gui-Ge WANG ; Qian-Shu LIU ; Nai-Xin LIANG ; Shan-Qing LI
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):137-141
A nodule in the right middle lobe of the lung was treated by a combination of cone-beam CT,three-dimensional registration for fusion imaging,and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided thermal ablation.The procedure lasted for 90 min,with no significant bleeding observed under the bronchoscope.The total radiation dose during the operation was 384 mGy.The patient recovered well postoperatively,with only a small amount of blood in the sputum and no pneumothorax or other complications.A follow-up chest CT on the first day post operation showed that the ablation area completely covered the lesion,and the patient was discharged successfully.
Humans
;
Bronchoscopy/methods*
;
Catheter Ablation/methods*
;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
;
Electromagnetic Phenomena
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
;
Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
4.Endobronchial Metastasis From Rectal Cancer Treated by High-Frequency Electrocautery Ablation via Bronchoscope and Targeted Drugs:Report of One Case.
Jian-Hua YUAN ; Zong-Zhou XIE ; Y U WEI-LING ; Rong-Hua CUI ; L I JIAN-WANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):142-145
The lungs are the most common sites of metastases from non-pulmonarymalignancies. Endobronchial metastases are rare and have no specificity in clinical manifestations,thus being prone to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.The common tumors associated with endobronchial metastasis are renal,breast,and colorectal cancers.This article reported one case of postoperative rectal cancer with endobronchial and lung metastases,which was relieved by high-frequency electrocautery ablation via bronchoscope,chemotherapy,and targeted drugs,aiming to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans
;
Rectal Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Electrocoagulation/methods*
;
Bronchial Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Bronchoscopy
;
Lung Neoplasms/secondary*
;
Bronchoscopes
5.Interstitial Lung Disease With CA19-9 Elevation After Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine Adjuvant Therapy for Ileocecal Carcinoma:Report of One Case.
Wen-Jing YANG ; Guo-Wang YANG ; Ying LI ; Hao WANG ; Lin YANG ; Wei-Ru XU
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(4):660-665
Both carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 are considered as predictive markers of intestinal cancer recurrence and metastasis.In addition,CA19-9 elevation is considered as a predictive marker of connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease.The incidence of oxaliplatin and capecitabine-associated interstitial lung disease is low,and there is no report about CA19-9 as a predictive marker of oxaliplatin and capecitabine-associated interstitial lung disease.This paper reports a case of interstitial lung disease with CA19-9 elevation caused by oxaliplatin and capecitabine adjuvant therapy for ileocecal carcinoma.The change trend of serum carcinoembryonic antigen in this patient was consistent with tumor recurrence and metastasis,and that of serum CA19-9 was consistent with the severity of interstitial lung disease.Therefore,CA19-9 elevation after intestinal cancer surgery does not necessarily indicate the tumor recurrence and metastasis,and attention should be paid to the possibility of oxaliplatin and capecitabine-associated interstitial lung disease.
Humans
;
CA-19-9 Antigen/blood*
;
Capecitabine
;
Cecal Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
;
Deoxycytidine/administration & dosage*
;
Fluorouracil/administration & dosage*
;
Lung Diseases, Interstitial/blood*
;
Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage*
;
Oxaliplatin
6.Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Brain Metastases from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with Actionable Gene Alterations in China (2025 Edition).
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(1):1-21
Brain metastasis has emerged as a significant challenge in the comprehensive management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in those harboring driver gene mutations. Traditional treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery offer limited clinical benefits and are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and a decline in quality of life. In recent years, novel small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and other pathways have been developed, effectively penetrating the blood-brain barrier while enhancing intracranial drug concentrations and improving patient outcomes. This advancement has transformed the treatment landscape for brain metastases in NSCLC. Consequently, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association and the Brain Metastasis Collaboration Group of the Lung Cancer Youth Expert Committee of the Beijing Medical Reward Foundation have jointly initiated and formulated the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Brain Metastases from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with Actionable Gene Alterations in China (2025 Edition). This guideline integrates the latest research findings with clinical experience, adhering to multidisciplinary treatment principles, and encompasses aspects such as diagnosis, timing of intervention, and systemic and local treatment options for driver gene positive NSCLC brain metastases. Additionally, it proposes individualized treatment strategies tailored to different driver gene types, aiming to provide clinicians with a reference to enhance the overall diagnostic and therapeutic standards for NSCLC brain metastases in China.
.
Humans
;
Brain Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology*
;
China
;
Lung Neoplasms/genetics*
7.Construction and Validation of A Prognostic Model for Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Ferroptosis-related Genes.
Zhanrui ZHANG ; Wenhao ZHAO ; Zixuan HU ; Chen DING ; Hua HUANG ; Guowei LIANG ; Hongyu LIU ; Jun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(1):22-32
BACKGROUND:
Ferroptosis-related genes play a crucial role in regulating intracellular iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation, and they are involved in the regulation of tumor growth and drug resistance. The expression of ferroptosis-related genes in tumor tissues can be used to predict patients' future survival times, aiding doctors and patients in anticipating disease progression. Based on the sequencing data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, this study identified genes involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, constructed a prognostic model, and evaluated the predictive performance of the model.
METHODS:
A total of 1467 ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. Gene expression profiles and clinical data from 541 LUAD patients were collected from the TCGA database. The expression data of all ferroptosis-related genes were extracted, and differentially expressed genes were identified using R software. Survival analysis was performed on these genes to screen for those with prognostic value. Subsequently, a prognostic risk scoring model for ferroptosis-related genes was constructed using LASSO regression model. Each LUAD patient sample was scored, and the patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median score. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to assess model performance, followed by validation in an external dataset. Finally, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the independent prognostic value and clinical relevance of the model.
RESULTS:
Through survival analysis, 121 ferroptosis-related genes associated with prognosis were initially identified. Based on this, a LUAD prognostic risk scoring model was constructed using 12 ferroptosis-related genes (ALG3, C1QTNF6, CCT6A, GLS2, KRT6A, LDHA, NUPR1, OGFRP1, PCSK9, TRIM6, IGF2BP1 and MIR31HG). The results indicated that patients in the high-risk group had significantly shorter survival time than those in the low-risk group (P<0.001), and the model demonstrated good predictive performance in both the training set (1-yr AUC=0.721) and the external validation set (1-yr AUC=0.768). Risk scores were significantly associated with the prognosis of LUAD patients in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses (P<0.001), suggesting that this score is an important prognostic factor for LUAD patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This study successfully established a LUAD risk scoring model composed of 12 ferroptosis-related genes. In the future, this model is expected to be used in conjunction with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system for prognostic predictions in LUAD patients.
Humans
;
Ferroptosis/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Adenocarcinoma of Lung/pathology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Middle Aged
;
ROC Curve
8.Real-world Study of Icotinib in EGFR Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Based on the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.
Sen HAN ; Lan MI ; Jian FANG ; Xu MA
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(1):33-39
BACKGROUND:
In the real world, the plasma drug concentration range of Icotinib treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not yet clear, and there may be a correlation between drug concentration and its efficacy, as well as adverse reactions. This study conducted therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of Icotinib. The aim of this study was to analyze the drug exposure of Icotinib in targeted therapy for NSCLC, and to investigate the relationship between Icotinib drug concentration and its efficacy and safety.
METHODS:
Prospective blood samples were collected from NSCLC patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations who received treatment with Icotinib in Peking University Cancer Hospital from April 2022 to July 2024. The drug trough concentration of Icotinib in plasma was detected, and the correlation between drug concentration and efficacy, as well as the toxic side effects, were further analyzed based on the patient's clinical medical records.
RESULTS:
22 patients who were treated with Icotinib underwent TDM, but one of them did not acquire the data due to prolonged discontinuation. The remaining 21 patients, each with 1-7 blood draws, obtained a total of 32 plasma drug concentration data. The drug concentration of icotinib is a range of 126.9-2317.1 ng/mL. Among the 21 patients, 18 cases were female (85.7%), and 3 cases were male (14.3%), with an age range of 44-85 years old. The pathological types are all lung adenocarcinoma. Except for 5 patients receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy, 16 patients had assessable tumors. The objective response rate was 43.8% (7/16), and the disease control rate reached 100.0% (16/16). The median value of drug concentration is 805.5 ng/mL among those 21 patients. Compared with the patients who achieved stable disease, the median value of drug concentrations of Icotinib in patients who achieved partial response were 497.2 and 1195.5 ng/mL, respectively (P=0.017). The median value of drug concentrations for patients who did not experience adverse reactions during treatment and those who experienced adverse reactions were 997.0 and 828.6 ng/mL, respectively (P=0.538).
CONCLUSIONS
Icotinib demonstrates good therapeutic effect and tolerable toxicity on the EGFR gene mutant NSCLC. There is a certain negative correlation between the plasma drug concentration of Icotinib and its efficacy, while there seems no significant correlation with safety.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics*
;
ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
;
Lung Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Crown Ethers/blood*
;
Middle Aged
;
Drug Monitoring
;
Aged
;
Quinazolines/blood*
;
Mutation
;
Adult
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Antineoplastic Agents/blood*
;
Prospective Studies
9.Application Research of Narrative Care to the Management of Symptom Clusters and Post-traumatic Growth in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery.
Xinxing SUN ; Yalin WANG ; Wang LV ; Linhai ZHU
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(1):40-46
BACKGROUND:
Narrative care is emerging as a new discipline to achieve high-quality nursing. It can be seen in clinical studies on improving the management of schizophrenia, depression and chronic diseases, but its application in surgical patients with lung cancer is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to study the effect on improving symptom cluster management and post-traumatic growth of surgical patients through narrative care model, and to explore its clinical advantages in promoting physical and mental rehabilitation of lung cancer patients.
METHODS:
A total of 82 patients with lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from July 2024 to October 2024 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling, and randomly divided into the control group and observation group according to random number method, with 41 cases in each group. The control group received routine nursing; On this basis, the observation group was integrated into three consecutive narrative nursing sessions on the day of admission, 3 days after surgery and 1 week after surgery. After collecting the general data of the patients before intervention, the Generalized Anxiety Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Chinese Version of the Lung Cancer Patients Quality of Life Assessment Scale and the Chinese Version of the Post-traumatic Growth Assessment Scale were used. After each narrative intervention, the two groups of patients were assessed again, and the scores of the two groups were compared at the three stages.
RESULTS:
The scores of anxiety, sleep, quality of life and post-traumatic growth level of the patients on the 3 days and 1 week postoperatively were better in the observation group than in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, the results within the groups showed that the anxiety scores of the observation group and the control group gradually decreased in the preoperative period, 3 days and 1 week postoperatively; the post-traumatic growth scores gradually increased in the preoperative period, 3 days and 1 week postoperatively; however, due to the stress of the surgery and postoperative discomfort, the sleep scores of the patients of the two groups on 3 days postoperatively were higher than those in the preoperative period and 1 week postoperatively, and the sleep scores of the patients of 1 week postoperatively were significantly lower than those in the preoperative period; and the quality of life of the patients on the 3 days postoperatively scores were lower than preoperative period and 1 week postoperatively, and the quality of survival scores in 1 week postoperatively were higher than the preoperative period, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The application of narrative nursing to lung cancer surgery patients is conducive to alleviating perioperative symptom clusters, helping patients achieve post-traumatic growth, and enhancing their psychosocial adaptability and quality of survival.
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/psychology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Quality of Life
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological
10.Exploration and Challenge of Whole Course Follow-up Management Model for Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Chengming HUANG ; Yongzhao ZHOU ; Jing XU ; Wenting LU ; Li TU ; Yalun LI ; Panwen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(1):47-54
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant disease that has garnered significant attention in terms of treatment modalities and course management. Gaining an understanding of the clinical characteristics of SCLC, acquiring proficiency in screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods for this condition, as well as promptly addressing any adverse reactions to treatment are essential foundations for developing a scientific and rational pathological management plan for SCLC. By utilizing an intelligent whole course follow-up management platform, dynamic follow-up, timely warnings, and early interventions can enable high-quality whole life cycle management. This article aims to review the current treatment landscape of SCLC while exploring the challenges associated with implementing a comprehensive process-oriented management approach. The goal is to provide valuable insights for better managing SCLC patients and ultimately improving their quality of life and prognosis.
.
Humans
;
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/diagnosis*
;
Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Quality of Life
;
Follow-Up Studies


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