Preliminary Treatment Outcomes Research Articles

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of 44 Patients.

To investigate the preliminary treatment outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This retrospective study included patients with refractory CP/CPPS who underwent TAE between April 2022 and February 2023. All patients had persistent pelvic pain for at least 3months, a total score of at least 15 on the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and lacked evidence of infection. All procedures were performed by injecting imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) from bilateral prostatic arteries ± internal pudendal arteries. NIH-CPSI, pain numeric rating scale (NRS), and complications were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6months after the initial TAE and at the final follow-up. Out of 48 patients, 44 were included in this study, with four excluded because of loss of follow-up. No severe procedure-related complications were observed. Pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations at 1, 3, and 6months after the initial TAE and at the final follow-up (mean 16.6months) revealed a decrease in the mean NIH-CPSI scores from 27 ± 6 to 21 ± 8, 20 ± 9, 17 ± 9, and 18 ± 9, respectively (all P < 0.001). Pain NRS scores were also decreased from 7.0 ± 1.6 to 4.8 ± 2.5, 4.1 ± 2.6, 3.7 ± 2.4, and 3.4 ± 2.3, respectively (all P < 0.001). The proportions of clinical success, defined as a reduction of at least 6 points from baseline in the NIH-CPSI, at 6months after TAE and at the final follow-up were 70 and 64%, respectively. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of TAE using IPM/CS for CP/CPPS, suggesting both symptomatic improvement and safety.

Evaluating Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as an Adjunct to Inpatient Physiotherapy in Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury: A Randomized Feasibility Trial

Purpose: Evaluate the feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunct to inpatient physiotherapy for children and youth with acquired brain injury (ABI). Method: This randomized feasibility trial allocated children (5–18 years of age with moderate to severe ABI) to receive either active or sham anodal tDCS immediately prior to 16 of their existing inpatient physiotherapy sessions. Participants, physiotherapists, assessors, and primary investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. Eligibility, recruitment, retention, tolerance, and preliminary treatment outcomes were evaluated against a priori feasibility targets. Results: Of 232 children admitted over 21 months, six were eligible (2.6%) and four were recruited (66.7%). One participant completed the entire study protocol, two were withdrawn for unrelated changes in medical stability, and one could not commence the study due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants completed all tDCS sessions that were started with the primary transient side effect being sub-electrode itchiness. Conclusions: While the study was infeasible from eligibility and retention perspectives, study procedures (e.g., assessment, treatment, side effect tracking, physiotherapy documentation) were viable and should be applied to future paediatric tDCS studies.

Social anxiety and MDMA-assisted therapy investigation: a novel clinical trial protocol.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a serious and prevalent psychiatric condition that heavily impacts social functioning and quality of life. Though efficacious treatments exist for SAD, remission rates remain elevated and a significant portion of those affected do not access effective treatment, suggesting the need for additional evidence-based treatment options. This paper presents a protocol for an open-label pilot study of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for social anxiety disorder. The study aims to assess preliminary treatment outcomes, feasibility and safety, and psychological and physiological processes of change in the treatment of SAD with MDMA-AT. A secondary aim includes the development of a treatment manual for MDMA-AT for SAD. The outlined protocol is a randomized, open-label delayed treatment study. We will recruit 20 participants who meet criteria with moderate-to-severe social anxiety disorder (SAD) of the generalized subtype. Participants will be randomly assigned to an immediate treatment (n = 10) or delayed treatment condition (n = 10). Those in the immediate treatment condition will proceed immediately to active MDMA-AT consisting of three preparation sessions, two medicine sessions in which they receive oral doses of MDMA, and six integration sessions over approximately a 16-week period. The delayed treatment condition will receive the same intervention after a 16-week delay. Our primary outcome is SAD symptom reduction as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale administered by blinded raters at post-treatment and 6 month follow up. Secondary outcomes include changes in functional impairment, feasibility and safety measures, and novel therapeutic processes of change including shame and shame-related coping, belongingness, self-concealment, and self-compassion at post-treatment. Exploratory outcomes are also discussed. The results of this pilot trial advance the field's understanding of the acceptability and potential effectiveness of MDMA-AT for social anxiety disorder and provide an overview of relevant therapeutic mechanisms unique to SAD. We hope findings from this protocol will inform the design of subsequent larger-scale randomized controlled trials (RCT) examining the efficacy of MDMA-AT for SAD. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT05138068.

Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma: A pooled analysis of prospective clinical trials.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) plus radical esophagectomy is currently the standard treatment for resectable esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable esophageal or GEJ carcinoma. Prospective clinical trials investigating efficacy and/or safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) followed by radical esophagectomy in patients with newly diagnosed resectable esophageal or GEJ carcinoma were identified through literature search. Quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Preliminary treatment outcomes of pathologically complete response (pCR, ypT0N0) and grade 3-4 adverse effects (AEs) were pooled together and then compared with standard NCRT of the historical control CROSS study by Chi-square (χ2) test. A two-sided P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 17 eligible non-randomized trials with 455 participants were included into analysis. The most common primary endpoint was pCR (n = 7, 41%), and the median sample size and follow-up period was 23 patients and 7.9 months, respectively. For patients receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy, the overall pCR, R0 resection, and grade 3-4AE rates were 33.2%, 95.5%, and 35.1%, respectively. For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC), neoadjuvant immunochemoradiotherapy showed no significant improvement in pCR rate than NCRT (ESCC, 50% vs 48.7%, P = 0.9; EAC, 32.6% vs 23.1%, P = 0.22). Grade 3-4 AEs were the most common in patients with neoadjuvant immunochemoradiotherapy, significantly higher than immunochemotherapy (46.7% vs 32.8%, P = 0.04) and NCRT (46.7% vs 18.1%, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, for patients with resectable esophageal or GEJ carcinoma, the addition of ICIs to standard NCRT could not improve pCR rate in both ESCC and EAC, but significantly increased the risk of severe AEs. Large-scale phase 3 randomized trials were urgently needed to further confirm the survival benefit and safety profile of neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

A Prospective Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) with Concomitant Whole-Pelvic Radiotherapy (WPRT) for High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer Patients Using 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Guidance: The Preliminary Clinical Outcome.

Simple SummaryMagnetic resonance (MR)-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (MRgSBRT) with concomitant whole-pelvic nodal radiotherapy (WPRT) represents a novel radiotherapy paradigm for high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PC), potentially improving online image guidance and clinical outcomes. This is the first prospective study aims to report the preliminary clinical experiences and treatment outcome of 1.5 Tesla adaptive MRgSBRT with concomitant WPRT in HR-PC patients (72.5 ± 6.8 years). Forty-two consecutive localized HR-PC patients were treated by online adaptive MRgSBRT (8 Gy(prostate)/5 Gy(WPRT) × 5 fractions) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and followed up (median: 251 days, range: 20–609 days). The maximum cumulative acute gastrointestinal (GI)/ genitourinary (GU) grade 1 and 2 toxicity rates were 19.0%/81.0% and 2.4%/7.1%, respectively. The subacute (>30 days) GI/GU grade 1 and 2 toxicity rates were 21.4%/64.3% and 2.4%/2.4%, respectively. No grade 3 toxicities were reported. Patient-reported quality of life (QoL) showed insignificant changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal domain scores during the follow-up period. All patients had early post-MRgSBRT biochemical responses, while biochemical recurrence (prostate-specific antigen nadir + 2 ng/mL) occurred in one patient at month 18. The early results suggested favorable treatment-related toxicities and encouraging patient-reported QoLs, but long-term follow-up is still needed. Background: Conventionally fractionated whole-pelvic nodal radiotherapy (WPRT) improves clinical outcome compared to prostate-only RT in high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PC). MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (MRgSBRT) with concomitant WPRT represents a novel radiotherapy (RT) paradigm for HR-PC, potentially improving online image guidance and clinical outcomes. This study aims to report the preliminary clinical experiences and treatment outcome of 1.5 Tesla adaptive MRgSBRT with concomitant WPRT in HR-PC patients. Materials and methods: Forty-two consecutive HR-PC patients (72.5 ± 6.8 years) were prospectively enrolled, treated by online adaptive MRgSBRT (8 Gy(prostate)/5 Gy(WPRT) × 5 fractions) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and followed up (median: 251 days, range: 20–609 days). Clinical outcomes were measured by gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Scale v. 5.0, patient-reported quality of life (QoL) with EPIC (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) questionnaire, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses. Results: All MRgSBRT fractions achieved planning objectives and dose specifications of the targets and organs at risk, and they were successfully delivered. The maximum cumulative acute GI/GU grade 1 and 2 toxicity rates were 19.0%/81.0% and 2.4%/7.1%, respectively. The subacute (>30 days) GI/GU grade 1 and 2 toxicity rates were 21.4%/64.3% and 2.4%/2.4%, respectively. No grade 3 toxicities were reported. QoL showed insignificant changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal domain scores during the follow-up period. All patients had early post-MRgSBRT biochemical responses, while biochemical recurrence (PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL) occurred in one patient at month 18. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study that showed the clinical outcomes of MRgSBRT with concomitant WPRT in HR-PC patients. The early results suggested favorable treatment-related toxicities and encouraging patient-reported QoLs, but long-term follow-up is needed to confirm our early results.

Telehealth Delivery of the RELAX Intervention for Families of Adolescents Diagnosed with ADHD: Preliminary Treatment Outcomes and Evidence of Acceptability and Feasibility

ABSTRACT Regulating Emotions Like An eXpert (RELAX) is a group-based intervention that targets emotion dysregulation (ED) and interpersonal conflict among adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study is a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of RELAX across in-person and telehealth groups, examining differences in treatment outcomes and feedback based on format. Participants included 32 families (18 in-person, 14 telehealth) with adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, ages 11–16. Caregiver-, clinician- and adolescent-report of adolescent ED, adolescent communication, and caregiver-adolescent/family conflict, as well as caregiver self-report of ED and emotion socialization were collected pre- and post-RELAX; caregivers and adolescents completed a feedback survey post-RELAX. Attendance was higher for telehealth (95% vs. 87%), but homework completion was higher for in-person (85% vs. 70%). Caregiver and adolescent feedback indicated very high rates of satisfaction with RELAX, with no significant differences in caregiver satisfaction and minimal differences in adolescent satisfaction between the in-person and telehealth groups. Large improvements were found for caregiver and clinician ratings of adolescent ED (η2 = .18−.48) and family conflict (η2 = .26 and .43), moderate decreases in non-supportive emotion socialization were found (η2 = .11), and small improvements were found for caregiver ED (η2 = .03). Treatment outcomes were similar for in-person and telehealth groups, with some evidence for larger improvement of adolescent ED for telehealth, whereas larger improvement in family conflict emerged for in-person. RELAX was successfully adapted to be administered via telehealth with similar feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy to the in-person intervention. Efforts to continue disseminating and evaluating ED-focused interventions are warranted and imperative.

THE ROLE OF HYBRID BRACHYTHERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER: DOSIMETRIC STUDY AND INITIAL RESULTS

Purpose:The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical feasibility and to report our preliminary treatment outcomes of combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS BT), using a hybrid applicator and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)based treatment planning in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods and Materials:Between January 2017 and December 2018, eight patients with locally advanced uterine cervical cancer were treated with primary radiation therapy including hybrid BT. Patients with distant metastasis other than para-aortic lymph node spread were excluded from this study. A hybrid applicator for guidance of parametrial needles was used to perform high-dose-rate-brachytherapy (HDR BT) with MRIbased treatment pre-planning. Parametrial extent of the disease or large residual disease in these patients was judged to exceed the coverage limit of intracavitary brachytherapy alone. The number of needles, chosen guiding holes through the ovoids, and insertion depths were based on the extent of residual disease. We investigated the dosimetric gain by comparing the clinical interstitial optimized plan (IC/IS clinical) with an additionally generated optimized plan without needle use (ICstudy). Results: The clinical use of the hybrid applicator system proved to be feasible in all 32 treatment fractions. The applicator Fletcher interstitial 6mm or Utrecht interstitial consists of the IC tandem and two ovoids that serves as a template for needle insertion. MRI preplanning was performed the week before the implant in 5 cases and the day of application with applicator in place in 3 cases. Four to eight needles were placed per fraction, and overall a total of 152 needles were used. Significant differences in IC/IS plan and IC study plan were derived for dose application to the target volume D90 high-riskclinical target volume (D90 CTV HR) was 90.1Gy (IC/ISclinical) vs 85.36 Gy(IC study)with an average gain of 4.74 Gy. Likewise, sparing of organs at risk differed significantly for bladder D2cc: 82,5 Gy(IC/ISclinical) vs 95.7 Gy (IC study) and rectum D2cc: 65,5 Gy (IC/ISclinical) vs 67.8 Gy (IC study).With an average follow-up of 27,25 months (range 18–34): no patient experienced local relapse, three patients experienced distant metastasis two of them died, no acute complications such as bleeding or organ penetration occurred due to needle placement, one patient developed recto-vaginal fistula. Conclusions: Our preliminary clinical experience indicates that combined intracavitary and interstitial MRI- based brachytherapy in patients with significant residual disease extending up to the distal third of parametriaafter external-beam therapy is feasible and allows excellent local control and a low rate of morbidity.

THE ROLE OF HYBRID BRACHYTHERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER: DOSIMETRIC STUDY AND INITIAL RESULTS

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical feasibility and to report our preliminary treatment outcomes of combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS BT), using a hybrid applicator and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)based treatment planning in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 2017 and December 2018, eight patients with locally advanced uterine cervical cancer were treated with primary radiation therapy including hybrid BT. Patients with distant metastasis other than para-aortic lymph node spread were excluded from this study. A hybrid applicator for guidance of parametrial needles was used to perform highdoseratebrachytherapy (HDR BT) with MRIbased treatment pre-planning. Parametrial extent of the disease or large residual disease in these patients was judged to exceed the coverage limit of intracavitary brachytherapy alone. The number of needles, chosen guiding holes through the ovoids, and insertion depths were based on the extent of residual disease. We investigated the dosimetric gain by comparing the clinical IC/IS optimized plan (IC/IS clinical) with an additionally generated optimized plan without needle use (ICstudy). Results: The clinical use of the hybrid applicator system proved to be feasible in all 32 treatment fractions. The applicator Fletcher interstitial 6mm or Utrecht interstitial consists of the IC tandem and two ovoids thatserves as a template for needle insertion. MRI preplanning was performed the week before the implant in 5 cases and the day ofapplication with applicator in place in 3 cases. Four to eight needles were placed per fraction, and overall a total of 152 needles were used. Significant differences in (IC/IS) plan and (IC study) plan were derived for dose application to the target volume D90 high-riskclinical target volume (D90 CTV HR) was 90.1Gy in (IC/ISclinical) plan vs 85.36 Gy in (IC study) plan with an average gain of 4.74 Gy. Likewise, sparing of organs at risk (OAR) differed significantly for bladder D2cc:82,5 Gy(IC/ISclinical) vs95.7 Gy (IC study) and rectum D2cc: 65,5 Gy (IC/ISclinical) vs 67.8 Gy (IC study).With an average follow-up of 27,25 months (range 18–34 months): no patient experienced local relapse, three patients experienced distantmetastasis two of them died, no acute complications such as bleeding or organ penetration occurred due to needle placement, one patient developed recto-vaginal fistula. Conclusions: Our preliminary clinical experience indicates that combined intracavitary and interstitial MRI based brachytherapy in patients with significant residual disease extending up to the distal third of parametriaafter externalbeam therapy is feasible and allows excellent local control and a low rate of morbidity.

Comparing Narrative-Informed Occupational Therapy in Adult Outpatient Mental Health to Treatment as Usual: A Quasi-Experimental Feasibility Study with Preliminary Treatment Outcomes

This paper describes implementation of narrative-informed occupation-based service delivery in outpatient community mental health that addresses (1) the need for outcome data on occupational therapy in this setting, (2) an ongoing mental health provider shortage, and (3) a need for innovative approaches to supporting mental health. We found a significant improvement from baseline to post-intervention in occupational participation. Dose of occupational therapy was significantly related to improvements in roles, habits, values, long-term goals, social environment, and readiness for change. This study supports future, larger effectiveness studies of narrative-informed occupation-based intervention delivered by occupational therapists in outpatient community mental health.

Enhancing Social Connectedness in Anxiety and Depression Through Amplification of Positivity: Preliminary Treatment Outcomes and Process of Change.

Anxiety and depressive disorders are often characterized by perceived social disconnection, yet evidence-based treatments produce only modest improvements in this domain. The well-established link between positive affect (PA) and social connectedness suggests that directly targeting PA in treatment may be valuable. A secondary analysis of a waitlist-controlled trial (N=29) was conducted to evaluate treatment response and process of change in social connectedness within a 10-session positive activity intervention protocol-Amplification of Positivity (AMP)-designed to increase PA in individuals seeking treatment for anxiety or depression (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02330627). Perceived social connectedness and PA/negative affect (NA) were assessed throughout treatment. Time-lagged multilevel mediation models examined the process of change in affect and connectedness throughout treatment. The AMP group displayed significantly larger improvements in social connectedness from pre- to post-treatment compared to waitlist; improvements were maintained through 6-month follow-up. Within the AMP group, increases in PA and decreases in NA both uniquely predicted subsequent increases in connectedness throughout treatment. However, experiencing heightened NA throughout treatment attenuated the effect of changes in PA on connectedness. Improvements in connectedness predicted subsequent increases in PA, but not changes in NA. These preliminary findings suggest that positive activity interventions may be valuable for enhancing social connectedness in individuals with clinically impairing anxiety or depression, possibly through both increasing positive emotions and decreasing negative emotions.

Radiofrequency Coblation-Assisted Resection of Skull Base Neoplasms Using an Endoscopic Endonasal Approach

Objectives: We describe our early experiences with resecting skull base tumors using a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach. Ninety-seven patients with skull base tumors who were admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology department at Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016 were operated on using a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. This paper describes the operative technique and presents the degree of resection, complications, and early clinical outcomes. Methods: We investigated the safety and feasibility of the technique and assessed preliminary treatment outcomes. Results: No patients experienced a new neurological deficit, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or meningitis after surgery. No deaths related to skull base tumors were observed during the follow-up period (14–50 months). The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 100–1,200 mL (median 350 mL), the duration of operation was 40–510 min (median 180 min), and the hospital stay was 6–65 days (median 18). Conclusions: Our limited experience indicates that this technique is feasible and safe for complete resection of some skull base tumors in selected cases and in the future will have an increasing role to play in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base tumor dissection.

Concept and treatment outcomes of dynamic spinal brace for scoliosis in cerebral palsy.

We developed a novel device, dynamic spinal brace (DSB), with the basic concept of automatic correction by maximizing posture control. Herein, we report the structure of the DSB and preliminary treatment outcomes for scoliosis in patients with cerebral palsy. The study cohort comprised 219 patients with cerebral palsy treated for scoliosis with Cobb angle of at least 20° and follow-up of more than 3 years under the DSB. Cobb angle, trunk shift, and pelvic obliquity were assessed by semi-sitting radiography, and a questionnaire on daily lifestyle was collected. The immediate correction of these parameters by wearing DSB was demonstrated. In those who aged older than 15 years, the annual progression was 1.0°, and trunk shift was not deteriorated statistically. The questionnaire survey indicated that the DSB led to improvements in QOL and caregiving, and only 3.5% of the patients discontinued DSB because of intolerance. However, we could not find clear evidence that DSB affects the natural history of scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy.

Development of a School-Based Substance Treatment Model

The objective of this study was to develop a school-based substance treatment model and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of treatment in a school-based setting to improve access to treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders. This study provided care to 41 youths (12 to 18 years old) in three school-based health clinics. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of individual motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, contingency management with urine drug screens, medication-assisted therapy, family sessions, and case management. Feasibility outcomes included the number of sessions attended, the Session Rating Scale, and qualitative feedback from patients (N = 41), therapists (N = 3), and a school principal. Preliminary treatment outcomes included the Timeline Followback Interview, a modified Outcome Rating Scale, and a questionnaire of school engagement. The average number of sessions completed was 7.4 (SD = 3.6), and the average Session Rating Scale score was 38.2 (0 = minimum alliance, 40 = maximum alliance). Qualitative interviews provided feedback to adapt the treatment model further. Youths reported significant pre-post improvements in emotional wellness, school engagement, and substance use. This study produced a school-based substance treatment model that is well-received by patients, demonstrated feasibility, showed positive preliminary outcomes, and is ready for further clinical testing.

A systematic review of the nasal septal turbinate: An overlooked surgical target.

The nasal septal turbinate (NST) is a conspicuous structure located in the anterior nasal cavity that impacts the internal nasal valve. Its structure and function is often thought to be poorly characterized, and it is rarely addressed surgically. The authors perform a systematic review in an attempt to synthesize what has been learned of this structure and to evaluate its potential as a treatment target. A query of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases was undertaken in search of studies evaluating the NST. This qualitative systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed with established criteria. Of the initial 1069 hits from the four databases, 16 articles were ultimately included in the review, which varied in quality and risk of bias. The included articles consisted predominantly of radiographic and histopathologic studies. Four studies evaluated NST treatment outcomes. The NST represents a fusiform-shaped region of erectile tissue, similar in structure and function to that of the inferior turbinates. Preliminary treatment outcomes suggest the NST represents an important surgical target in nasal airway surgery. When evaluating nasal obstruction patients, surgeons should assess the NST and consider addressing it surgically.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal malignancy: preliminary results of a multi-disciplinary teamwork model in Asia

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is an emerging surgical procedure for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). CRS/HIPEC is a complicated treatment that requires multi-disciplinary teamwork (MDT), which may be lacking when establishing a CRS/HIPEC programme. Herein, we report our preliminary treatment outcomes with the early implementation of an MDT model for CRS/HIPEC.Methods: From April 2015 to December 2016, 45 patients with a diagnosis of PC who received CRS/HIPEC were reviewed retrospectively in a single institution in Taiwan.Results: Among the 45 patients, CRS was mainly performed by laparotomy (n = 42), and only three patients with limited PC underwent laparoscopic CRS. The first 13 patients received treatment before the MDT had been established (group 1), and the other 32 patients were treated after the MDT had been established (group 2). The highest peri-HIPEC body temperature in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (36.8 °C vs. 37.5 °C, p < 0.001). Overall, eight patients experienced major complications. The trend of a lower major complication rate was observed after the MDT model had been implemented (30.7% in group 1 vs. 12.4% in group 2, p = 0.202). Pre-CRS/HIPEC abdominal pain significantly increased the risk of post-operative major complications (p = 0.017).Conclusions: Our experience suggests that the early implementation of an MDT model when establishing a CRS/HIPEC programme at a single institution may result in a higher complete cytoreduction rate and lower major complication rate, and also shorten the learning curve of this complicated procedure.

Provision of evidence-based therapies to rural survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault via telehealth: Treatment outcomes and clinical training benefits.

Rural survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence experience considerable difficulties accessing mental health services. Similarly, graduate psychology training programs located in rural locations have historically been limited in their ability to provide trainees with extensive exposure to specific client populations. With the advent of distal technologies–especially secure, encrypted videoconferencing capabilities—it is now possible to connect rural clients with specialized, mental health services provided by university-based training clinics. This article reviews mental health care needs and treatment barriers experienced by rural populations, and describes an innovative solution to begin to address these problems. Specifically, a partnership between a university-based mental health care clinic and 3 rural domestic violence/rape crisis centers is described, and preliminary treatment outcome data are presented. Training benefits reported by graduate student therapists and satisfaction ratings provided by crisis center staff and advocates are also presented and discussed.

Early experience of radiofrequency ablation-assisted resection of skull base tumor through an endoscopic endonasal approach

To describe the early experience of resecting skull base tumor via a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach, investigate the safety and feasibility of the technique, and to assess its preliminary treatment outcomes. Ten patients with skull base tumor who were admitted between September and November 2013 were operated on through a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach in Xuanwu hospital of capital medical university. In this study, the operative technique was described, and the degree of resection, complications and the early clinical outcomes was presented. Complete resection was achieved in all patients using this technique. No patient in the series experienced a new neurological deficit, cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis after surgery. No recurrence and death related to skull base tumor were found in the follow-up period (16-18 months). The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 60 to 1 000 ml (medium 285 ml). The duration of operations was from 42 to 150 min (medium 95 min). The hospital stay was from 14 to 19 d (average 15.7 d). Our limited experience indicates that this technique is feasible and safe for the complete resection of some skull base tumors in selected cases.

Improving transportability of a cognitive-behavioral treatment intervention for anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders: Results from a US–Canada collaboration

Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur in youth with autism spectrum disorders. In addition to developing efficacious treatments for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders, it is important to examine the transportability of these treatments to real-world settings. Study aims were to (a) train clinicians to deliver Facing Your Fears: Group Therapy for Managing Anxiety in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders to fidelity and (b) examine feasibility of the program for novel settings. A secondary aim was to examine preliminary youth treatment outcome. Results indicated that clinicians obtained excellent fidelity following a workshop and ongoing consultation. Acceptability ratings indicated that Facing Your Fears Therapy was viewed favorably, and critiques were incorporated into program revisions. Meaningful reductions in anxiety were reported posttreatment for 53% of children. Results support the initial effectiveness and transportability of Facing Your Fears Therapy in new clinical settings.

Early experience of resection of meningiomas in anterior skull base with intra-extracranial extension via a pure endoscopic endonasal approach

The early experience of treating anterior skull base meningiomas with intra-extracranial extension via pure endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) was presented, the safety, feasibility and preliminary treatment outcomes were investigated. Eight patients with intra-extradural meningiomas who were admitted from October 2006 to October 2010 were operated on via EEA in one stage in Xuanwu hospital. In this study, the operative technique was described, the degree of resection, complications and the early clinical outcomes were discussed. The complete resection of meningiomas with intra-extracranial extension was achieved in all patients using EEA in one stage. Preoperative visual symptoms were improved or resolved in all cases who presented with preoperative visual complaints. No patient in our series experienced a new neurological deficit after surgery or recurrence and death related meningiomas in the follow-up period (33-75 months). One patient experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, delayed meningitis and secondary hydrocephalus which responded to therapy. After treatment, the patient was cure. Our limited experience indicates that EEA is feasible and safe for the complete resection of anterior skull base meningiomas with intra- and extracranial extension in one stage in selected cases.

Referral for chronic hepatitis C treatment from a drug dependency treatment setting

To examine rates and predictors of referral for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment and preliminary treatment outcomes in injecting drug users (IDUs) receiving opioid replacement treatment, a prospective clinical audit was undertaken in an inner city Sydney drug dependency treatment practice between December 2002 and November 2005. The majority of IDUs (178/237; 75%) were HCV antibody positive, of whom 170 were HCV treatment naïve with no absolute treatment contraindications. Among these 170 patients, 121 (71%) had chronic HCV. Based on risk factors for HCV disease progression, 63 of 121 (52%) chronic HCV patients were targeted for referral; these patients were older, had higher alanine aminotransferase levels and longer estimated duration of HCV infection. Of these 63 patients, 43 were referred to a hepatitis treatment clinic, and 27 attended during the audit period. Patients who attended for treatment assessment were more likely to have genotype 2 or 3 ( p < 0.001), but socio-behavioural factors were similar. Liver biopsy was performed in 20 patients, with moderate or greater fibrosis in 18 patients. Of 14 patients commenced on pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy, one ceased treatment due to non-response, 10 have completed treatment, all with an end-of-treatment ( n = 4) or sustained virological response ( n = 6), and treatment is ongoing in three. The development of HCV treatment referral criteria has allowed prioritisation of patients for referral, potentially halving those that require early assessment. Preliminary HCV treatment outcomes are encouraging and highlight the potential for reducing liver disease burden in this patient population.