Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a very aggressive tumor. The prognostic value of PD-L1 and BAP1 expression has been investigated in many studies. A retrospective study was conducted that analyzed PD-L1 and BAP1 expression as prognostic biomarkers in patients with MPM. The study included 53 patients with MPM. PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% was found in 39.6%, and BAP1 loss was found in 81.1% of patients. The median overall survival (mOS) was 11 months. Subtype of MPM (p = 0.045), early tumor stage (p = 0.049), therapy (p = 0.002), and good PS (0–1) (p = 0.012) were associated with better survival. Expression of PD-L1 and BAP1 did not show statistical significance regarding OS, but OS was numerically shorter in patients with PD-L1 ≥ 10% (5 vs. 12 months) and longer in patients with BAP1 loss (12 vs. 4 months). In patients with PD-L1 ≥ 1% and BAP1 loss, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was numerically longer (10 vs. 7 months) but in patients with PD-L1 ≥ 1% and BAP1 positivity, PFS was statistically significantly shorter (1 vs. 7 months, p = 0.048). Our results did not show that PD-L1 and BAP1 are prognostic biomarkers for MPM, but positive PD-L1 expression and BAP1 loss were associated with worse survival in patients with MPM.

Glucose is the main source of energy in human cells. Elevated levels of glucose are one of the most common metabolic disorders, and it has been shown to have a significant, mostly negative, effect on multiple chronic and acute diseases. Lung cancer remains one of the biggest challenges for treatment in modern medicine, with a high prevalence, incidence and mortality. Hyperglycemia is not uncommon in patients with lung cancer; however, it is usually overlooked. Patients with unregulated glycemia and lung cancer have been shown to have worse outcomes, reduced therapeutic effect and more complications during treatment. Studies have identified multiple molecular pathways common in both hyperglycemia and lung cancer; however, no clear correlation has been identified. By understanding these signaling pathways, we can influence the outcome therapeutically and thereby improve the survival of patients with lung cancer.

Introduction: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among all cancers. The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations led to an increased survival rate in patients with locally advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results of the ALTA 1L study showed superior outcomes for patients treated with brigatinib compared to patients treated with crizotinib. Background: We conducted research including 23 patients with ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma who were treated with brigatinib in first or further lines of therapy. The median follow-up was 22 months (4–66 months). Results: There were no significant differences in patient population between the first and further lines of treatment regarding sex distribution (p = 0.692), smoking status (p = 0.554), ECOG performance status (p = 1.000), and baseline presence of brain metastases (p = 0.862). The response rate was 47.8%, and disease control was 95.6%. The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.3% and 86.5%, respectively, while the 60-month PFS rate was not reached, and the 60-month OS rate was 27.1%. The mPFS and mOS were 32 months. Conclusions: The results of this analysis are promising, as our patients experienced better outcomes compared to those in the ALTA 1L study, which may be attributed to the small sample size. However, the effectiveness of brigatinib has been confirmed in our clinical practice.

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening (LCS) frequently identifies emphysema in high-risk smokers. However, the extent to which CT-detected emphysema reflects underlying physiological impairment remains uncertain. We evaluated whether spirometry can detect functional abnormalities in this population beyond structural imaging findings. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 323 individuals with LDCT- detected emphysema and no lung cancer or prior chronic respiratory diseases within a screening cohort (n = 3076). Participants underwent pre-bronchodilator spirometry and symptom assessments (COPD Assessment test (CAT) and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale). Pre-bronchodilator airflow limitation was defined as forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV₁/FVC) < 0.70. Small airways dysfunction was defined by ≥2 reduced mid-expiratory flow parameters (<60% predicted). Flow–volume curve morphology was assessed qualitatively. Results: Pre-bronchodilator airflow limitation was observed in 45.2% of participants, predominantly mild. Small-airway dysfunction was present in 52%, and an abnormal flow–volume curve morphology in 67.5%. Notably, functional abnormalities were frequently observed despite preserved FEV₁. Symptom burden was low, with only 7.7% of participants reporting clinically significant symptoms. Functional impairments often overlapped and were common in minimally symptomatic individuals. Conclusions: In a lung cancer screening (LCS) cohort with CT-detected emphysema, functional abnormalities are frequently observed, including in individuals with preserved FEV₁ and minimal symptoms. Spirometry provides additional physiological insight beyond structural imaging; however, these findings are descriptive and should not be interpreted as diagnostic of COPD. Further studies are needed to determine their clinical relevance.

This paper examines the relationship between air pollution (SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10) and hospitalization of patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. Our research was conducted in the area of Belgrade during 2019. It was found that SO2, NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the worsening of COPD and asthma. Our results indicate that the highest monthly and daily values for NO2, SO2 and PM2.5 were recorded mainly throughout autumn and winter months. During these two seasons, the number of hospitalizations of COPD patients with acute exacerbations, as well as patients with non-allergic asthma, significantly increased. Higher concentrations of suspended PM10 particles were also recorded in the winter months. Targeted intervention measures-including expansion of the air quality monitoring network, increased urban green areas, reduction of sulfur concentrations in fuels, and the adoption of cleaner energy technologies- should be implemented in Belgrade to mitigate air pollution and reduce the associated healthcare burden among patients with COPD and asthma. Our future work will examine the role of specific meteorological conditions on air pollution and asthma/COPD hospitalization.

Hemoptysis is a potentially life-threatening phenomenon with a wide range of underlying causes. While most episodes are linked to common conditions such as infections, malignancy, or pulmonary embolism, a proportion of cases are due to unusual and often unexpected etiologies. This narrative review summarizes published case reports, series, and observational studies describing rare causes of hemoptysis, including vascular malformations, congenital anomalies, benign tumors, systemic diseases, and unusual infections. These conditions are frequently overlooked, which may delay recognition and appropriate management. The reviewed examples highlight the variety of diagnostic challenges and the broad spectrum of therapeutic strategies that may be required, ranging from endovascular procedures and surgery to targeted medical therapy. Despite advances in diagnostic methods, a subset of patients remain classified as having idiopathic or cryptogenic hemoptysis. For this reason, clinicians should keep a broad differential diagnosis in mind and remain aware of rare but clinically important entities. Awareness of these uncommon presentations and individualized patient management are essential for improving outcomes and avoiding missed critical diagnoses.