MedGen

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a type of highly malignant lung cancer that is composed of small ovoid cells. In the past, SCLC was called oat cell carcinoma because the microscopic appearance of the cells was felt to resemble oats. SLCLC usually originates near the bronchi and in many cases may grow and metastasize quickly. [from HPO]

A group of at least three distinct histological types of lung cancer, including non-small cell squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Non-small cell lung carcinomas have a poor response to conventional chemotherapy. [from NCI]

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises a heterogeneous group of rare diseases affecting the distal part of the lung and characterized by a progressive remodeling of the alveolar interstitium. The manifestations form a spectrum ranging from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) or pneumonitis to the more severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, which occurs in a subset of patients with ILD. Clinical features of ILD include dyspnea, clubbing of the fingers, and restrictive lung capacity. Imaging typically shows ground glass opacities and inter- and intraseptal thickening, while histologic studies usually show a pattern consistent with 'usual interstitial pneumonia' (UIP) (review by Gross and Hunninghake, 2001; summary by Legendre et al., 2020). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of a family of idiopathic pneumonias sharing clinical features of shortness of breath, radiographically evident diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and varying degrees in inflammation, fibrosis, or both on lung biopsy. In some cases, the disorder can be rapidly progressive and characterized by sequential acute lung injury with subsequent scarring and end-stage lung disease. Although older studies included several forms of interstitial pneumonia under the term 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,' the clinical label of 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis' should be reserved for patients with a specific form of fibrosing interstitial pneumonia referred to as usual interstitial pneumonia (Gross and Hunninghake, 2001). It is estimated that 0.5 to 2.2% of cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are familial (Marshall et al., 2000). Gross and Hunninghake (2001) reviewed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, emphasizing definition, pathogenesis, diagnosis, natural history, and therapy. Antoniou et al. (2004) provided a 'top ten list' of references pertaining to etiopathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, therapy, and other aspects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of ILD, see ILD1 (619611). Pulmonary fibrosis can also be a feature in patients with mutations in the TERT (187270) or the TERC (602322) gene; see PFBMFT1 (614742) and PFBMFT2 (614743). Some patients with surfactant protein C deficiency (610913) who survive to adulthood manifest features of pulmonary fibrosis. [from OMIM]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and worldwide. The 2 major forms of lung cancer are nonsmall cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer (see 182280), which account for 85% and 15% of all lung cancers, respectively. Nonsmall cell lung cancer can be divided into 3 major histologic subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell lung cancer. Cigarette smoking causes all types of lung cancer, but it is most strongly linked with small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type in patients who have never smoked. Nonsmall cell lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis (summary by Herbst et al., 2008). [from OMIM]

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and cancer of the head and neck. Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist, which works by blocking the growth of cancer cells. It is administered as a weekly intravenous (IV) infusion, but in practice, is often given every other week to coincide with chemotherapy (for example, FOLFIRI or FOLFOX). Cetuximab has several off-label uses as well, which include non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and Menetrier’s disease. Interestingly, for colorectal cancer, the location of the primary tumor influences whether an individual with mCRC will respond to anti-EGFR therapy, and influences prognosis. Individuals with left-sided tumors are more likely to respond well to anti-EGFR therapy and have a better prognosis. Individuals with right-sided tumors have a worse prognosis and respond poorly to anti-EGFR therapy. However, currently only the mutation status of the tumor, and not the location of the tumor, is discussed in the drug label’s dosing recommendations. Resistance to cetuximab is associated with specific RAS mutations. The RAS family of oncogenes includes the KRAS and NRAS genes. When mutated, these genes have the ability to transform normal cells into cancerous cells. The KRAS mutations are particularly common, being detectable in 40% of metastatic colorectal tumors. The KRAS mutations often lead to constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and are associated with resistance to anti-EGFR drugs such as cetuximab. In addition, mutations in NRAS and another gene, BRAF, have been associated with poor response to anti-EGFR therapy; however, BRAF mutation does not explicitly preclude anti-EGFR therapy. Combination therapies targeting both BRAF and EGFR have shown to improve survival for individuals with wild-type RAS and mutant BRAF. The 2018 FDA-approved drug label for cetuximab states that for mCRC, cetuximab is indicated for K- and N-RAS wild-type (no mutation), EGFR-expressing tumors. The label states that an FDA-approved test must be used to confirm the absence of a RAS mutation (in either KRAS or NRAS) prior to starting cetuximab. While the FDA label also states that EGFR expression should also be confirmed by an approved test prior to starting therapy for mCRC, this is largely not implemented in practice, nor is it recommended by professional oncology society guidelines. Similarly, the 2015 Update from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that anti-EGFR therapy should only be considered for the treatment of individuals whose tumor is determined to not have mutations detected after extended RAS testing. The 2020 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline also strongly recommends KRAS/NRAS genotyping of tumor tissue in all individuals with mCRC. In addition, the guideline states the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene makes a response to cetuximab (and panitumumab) highly unlikely unless given a BRAF inhibitor. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

Dabrafenib is a kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of individuals with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG), and other unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with specific BRAF variants. Dabrafenib can be used as a single agent to treat melanoma with the BRAF valine 600 to glutamic acid (V600E) variant or in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib to treat multiple tumor types with BRAF V600E or V600K variants.The BRAF protein is an intracellular kinase in the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. Functionally, BRAF regulates essential cell processes such as cell growth, division, differentiation, and apoptosis. The gene BRAF is also a proto-oncogene—when mutated, it transforms normal cells into cancerous cells. Variation in the kinase domain of BRAF is associated with various cancers. The most common BRAF variant, V600E, constitutively activates the kinase and causes cell proliferation in the absence of growth factors that would usually be needed. The V600E variant is detected in approximately 50% of melanomas, 25% of ATC, 2% of NSCLC, and 20% of pediatric LGGs. The FDA-approved label for dabrafenib states that the presence of BRAF mutation in tumor specimens (V600E for dabrafenib monotherapy; V600E or V600K for dabrafenib plus trametinib) should be confirmed using an FDA-approved test before starting treatment with dabrafenib. Dabrafenib is not indicated for the treatment of individuals with wild-type BRAF tumors, or the treatment of colorectal cancer due to intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. The label also states that individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should be monitored for signs of hemolytic anemia while taking dabrafenib (1). However, it is important to note that an independent literature review by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium found no publications to support or refute this risk and thus issued no guidance for G6PD deficiency and dabrafenib therapy. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

A type of non-small cell lung carcinoma that is derived from stratified squamous epithelial cells. [from HPO]

Stage IV includes: (Any T, Any N, M1a); (Any T, Any N, M1b). M1a: Lung cancer with separate tumor nodule(s) in a contralateral lobe; tumor with pleural nodules or malignant pleural (or pericardial) effusion. M1b: Distant metastasis. (AJCC 7th ed.) [from NCI]