shotaro okachi

BACKGROUND: Patients with thoracic malignancy and interstitial pneumonia (IP) are often excluded from clinical trials, consequently lacking quantitative evidence of poorer prognosis and lower programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) testing rates. METHODS: We evaluated the real-world impact of comorbid IP on biomarker adoption and survival in thoracic malignancy patients receiving first-line systemic therapy at a tertiary teaching hospital between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: Among 1247 patients, 98 (7.5%) had comorbid IP. Multigene testing rates in IP patients were similar to those in non-IP patients. Only three actionable genomic alterations were found in the IP group, highlighting PD-L1 testing as the key element. PD-L1 testing was underutilized in the IP group (63.3%) compared with the non-IP group (75.1%). Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy was utilized in 12.2% of IP versus 29.3% in non-IP, despite comparable clinical situations. Comorbid IP predicted worse survival (hazard ratio: 1.789; 95% confidence interval: 1.373-2.331; p < 0.001). Although survival significantly improved in non-IP after 2020, no benefit was observed in IP. A multivariable model incorporating an IP × Period interaction confirmed comorbid IP remained a negative prognostic factor, highlighting recent advances have not bridged the survival disparity for this high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent progress, patients with comorbid IP experience limited clinical benefit, characterized by lower rates of PD-L1 testing, restricted use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and absence of post-2020 survival gains. This large-scale and quantitative evidence demonstrates persistent disparities and their prognostic significance, reflecting the limited applicability of current immunotherapy-based strategies in this high-risk population.

Introduction: Accurate diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions is crucial in respiratory medicine. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS), navigation technologies, and ultrathin bronchoscopes have progressively enhanced distal airway access. Mixed reality (MR) offers a hands-free method for visualizing and manipulating CT-derived three-dimensional (3D) anatomy within the operator’s field of view. This retrospective study aimed to describe the technical feasibility and safety of intraprocedural MR-based holographic virtual bronchoscopy (VB) use. Methods: This study included patients who underwent bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions using an MR-based 3D holographic VB system. CT datasets were converted into 3D polygon models and displayed on a HoloLens 2 headset. Operators/assistants intraprocedurally referenced and manipulated the hologram while advancing the bronchoscope. Procedural variables, R-EBUS findings, biopsy techniques, diagnostic yield, and complications were evaluated. Results: Eighteen patients were included. A direct bronchus sign was present in 12 lesions. The median bronchial generation that could be visualized on CT and 3D-VB was six, whereas bronchoscopy enabled advancement to a median of five generations. Radial EBUS demonstrated a within-lesion position in 13 cases. Biopsy techniques included forceps biopsy, cryobiopsy, and TBNA. The overall diagnostic yield was 72.2% (13/18), with malignant disease accounting for the majority of diagnoses. One patient developed mild pneumothorax, which resolved without drainage. Conclusion: MR-based holographic VB enabled real-time, hands-free 3D anatomical referencing without interrupting the procedure. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess procedural benefits and potential integration with other bronchoscopic modalities and devices.