Sample collection and study design
Patients with lung cancer who visited the authors’ institute’s lung cancer clinic (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, PGIMER) were included in the current study. The study enrolled newly diagnosed individuals with histologically or cytologically proven NSCLC and SCLC for three years. The institute’s ethical committee approved the study. The inclusion criteria of the lung cancer patients meeting all the following requirements were eligible for enrollment: (i) Diagnosis of lung cancer confirmed by cytology or histology (ii) Stage IIIB - IV or IIIA (not scheduled for surgery). (iii) Untreated and intent to treat with definitive platinum-based chemotherapy [platinum agent (Cisplatin or Carboplatin) in combination with either docetaxel, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, pemetrexed, or irinotecan]. (iv) An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0-2. (v) At least one bi-dimensionally measurable lesion, according to the RECIST criteria. (vi) Adequate organ function, defined as absolute neutrophil count > 1500/µl, platelet count>100,000/µl, and levels of creatinine, liver enzyme, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) less than two times the upper limits of normal (ULN).(vii) Written informed consent was obtained. The exclusion criteria included (i) Non-Bronchogenic tumors. (ii) Primary pleural tumors – mesothelioma (iii) Sarcomas (iv) Metastatic tumors to lungs or pleural (v) Early-stage (resectable) lung cancer.
All of the participants signed an informed consent form. At the beginning of this study, the patients had renal function tests, a complete blood count (CBC), a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax (which also encompassed the upper abdomen), liver function tests, and a chest radiograph. The demographic characteristics of the participants (gender, age, and performance status), disease stage, tumor histology, and smoking status were all recorded. CBC was done tendays after the first chemotherapy session, and any additional cycles if needed. CBC, renal function, and liver tests were performed before each treatment cycle and 3-4 weeks following the last chemotherapy round. The paper was reported using the STROBE checklist.