Selection Of Treatment Modalities Research Articles

Trends in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Management in the US: A National Cancer Database Analysis.

The Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) trial was published in 2018 and demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) yields inferior survival outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer compared to open surgery. This study investigates how the results of the LACC trial have impacted the selection of the primary treatment modality and adjuvant radiation utilization in early-stage cervical cancer. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we compared patients with stage IA2-IB1 cervical cancer before (1/2016-12/2017) and after (1/2019-12/2020) the LACC trial. A total of 7930 patients were included: 4609 before and 3321 after the LACC trial. There was a decline in MIS usage from 67% pre-LACC to 35% thereafter (p < 0.001). In both the pre- and post-LACC periods, patients undergoing radical MIS more frequently had small volume disease (pre-LACC tumors ≤ 2 cm, 48% MIS vs. 41% open, p = 0.023; post-LACC stage IA2, 22% vs. 15%, p = 0.002). Pre-LACC, MIS radical hysterectomy was associated with White race (82% vs. 77%, p = 0.001) and private insurance (63% vs. 54%, p = 0.004), while there was no difference in socioeconomic factors in the post-LACC period. Although the proportion of patients treated with primary chemoradiation remained stable, the post-LACC cohort had a younger median age (52.47 vs. 56.37, p = 0.005) and more microscopic disease cases (13% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in the rate of radiation after radical hysterectomy before and after the trial (26% vs. 24%, p = 0.3). Conclusions: Post-LACC, patients were less likely to undergo MIS but received adjuvant radiation at similar rates, and primary chemoradiation patients were younger and more likely to have microscopic disease.

Evaluating osteoporosis and bone quality in the aging spine: modern considerations for surgical management in the geriatric population.

Surgical management paradigms of spinal pathologies in the aging population carry inherent substantial risks, with surgical complications being more prevalent among patients with osteoporosis compared to those with normal bone mineral density. In this narrative review, we aim to highlight important clinical understanding and considerations in perioperative evaluation and management of patients elected to undergo spinal surgery. Osteoporosis is a well-defined risk factor for mechanical complications following spinal surgery, and as such, perioperative optimization of bone health in the setting of surgery for geriatric patients remains a critical research area alongside intraoperative surgical augmentation techniques. Surgical techniques to circumvent challenges with instrumentation of poor bone mineral density have included augmentation of pedicle screw fixation, including segmental bicortical screw fixation techniques, cement augmentation with fenestrated screws, or use of expandable pedicle screws to improve bone-implant interface. Judicious selection of treatment modalities and subsequent perioperative optimization is paramount to minimize surgical complications. Contemporary guidelines and evolving paradigms in perioperative evaluation, optimization, and management of the aging spine include the advent of quantitatively evaluating computed tomography (CT) via assessment of the magnitude of Hounsfield units. Prescribing pharmacotherapeutic agents and monitoring bone health requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including endocrinologists and geriatricians to coordinate high-quality care for advanced-age patients who require surgical management of their spinal disorders.

A gated recurrent unit model based on ultrasound images of dynamic tongue movement for determining the severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents as a respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent upper pharyngeal airway collapse during sleep. Dynamic tongue movement (DTM) analysis emerges as a promising avenue for elucidating the pathophysiological underpinnings of OSA, thereby facilitating its diagnosis. Recent endeavors have utilized artificial intelligence techniques to categorize OSA severity leveraging electrocardiography and blood oxygen saturation data. Nonetheless, the integration of ultrasound (US) imaging of the tongue remains largely untapped in the development of machine learning models aimed at determining the severity of OSA. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by capturing US images of DTM dynamics during wakefulness, encompassing transitions from normal breathing (NB) to the performance of the Müller maneuver (MM) in a cohort of 53 patients. Leveraging the modified optical flow method (MOFM), the trajectories of patients’ DTM were tracked, facililtating the extraction of 27 parameters vital for model training. These parameters encompassed nine-point lateral movement, nine-point axial movement, and nine-point total displacement of the tongue, resulting in a dataset of 186,030 samples. The gated recurrent unit (GRU) method, renowned for its efficacy in motion tracking, was employed for model development in this study. Validation of the developed model was conducted via stratified k-fold cross-validation (SCV). The systems’ overall performance in classifying OSA severity, as quantified by mean accuracy (MA), yielded a value of 43.49%. This pilot investigation marks an exploratory endeavor into the utilization of artificial intelligence for the classification of OSA severity based on US images and dynamic movement patterns. This novel model holds potential to assist clinicians in categorizing OSA severity and guiding the selection of pertinent treatment modalities tailored to the individual needs of patients afflicted with OSA.

The Relationship between Personality Profiles and the Esthetic Perception of Orthodontic Appliances.

In orthodontics, patients' esthetic expectations involve the final esthetic result as well as the treatment's appliance choice. Personality traits can influence patients' perception, treatment modality selection, expectations, compliance, and satisfaction with the treatment outcome, although there are very few studies on this interconnection between personality and orthodontic appliances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between personality traits and the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances. The online questionnaire is composed of three parts: (1) sociodemographic variables; (2) questions on the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances; (3) general personality assessment via the NEO-FFI. A total of 461 questionnaires were accepted. There were statistically significant differences between laypeople and professionals related to assessing smiles and the need for orthodontic treatment. Laypeople identified a statistically significant relationship between personality traits and orthodontic appliances, in which esthetic perception is associated with high traits of agreeableness and openness. Neuroticism is most associated with orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, which are the most conventional. Professionals tend to have a more critical judgment than laypeople as far as esthetics is concerned. Personality traits play an important role in esthetic perception and may influence orthodontic treatment.

Impact of Race on Outcomes in the Endovascular and Microsurgical Treatment in Patients With Intracranial Aneurysms.

The impact of race on outcomes in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between race classified into White, Black, Hispanic, and other and treatment outcomes in patients with ruptured and unruptured IAs. The study population consisted of 2836 patients with IA with endovascular treatment or microsurgical treatment (MST) from 16 centers in the United States and Asia, all participating in the observational "STAR" registry. The primary outcome was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhage, perioperative symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in ruptured IA and mortality, and all causes of mortality within 90 days. One thousand fifty-three patients were White (37.1%), 350 were Black (12.3%), 264 were Hispanic (9.3%), and 1169 were other (41.2%). Compared with White patients, Hispanic patients had a significantly lower proportion of primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.36, 95% CI, 0.23-0.56) and higher proportion of the periprocedural cerebral infarction, perioperative mortality, and all causes of mortality (aOR 2.53, 95% CI, 1.40-4.58, aOR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.00-3.38, aOR 1.83, 95% CI, 1.06-3.17, respectively). Outcomes were not significantly different in Black and other patients. The subgroup analysis showed that Hispanic patients with age ≥65 years (aOR 0.19, 95% CI, 0.10-0.38, interaction P = .048), Hunt-Hess grades 0 to 3 (aOR 0.29, 95% CI, 0.19-0.46, interaction P = .03), and MST (aOR 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13-0.44, interaction P = .04) had a significantly low proportion of primary outcome. This study demonstrates that Hispanic patients with IA are more likely to have a poor outcome at 90 days after endovascular treatment or MST than White patients. Physicians have to pay attention to the selection of treatment modalities, especially for Hispanic patients with specific factors to reduce racial discrepancies.

Association of carpal tunnel syndrome risk factors with treatment modality selection focusing on corticosteroid injection and surgery: A nationwide population-based study.

Several studies have revealed the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, no studies have evaluated the influence of these risk factors on the selection of treatment modalities for CTS. This study aimed to determine the influence of CTS risk factors on the selection of CTS treatment modalities with a focus on corticosteroid injection (CI) and surgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥20 years with newly diagnosed CTS in the Korean health insurance review and assessment service between 2010 and 2019. We evaluated the demographic information, the existence of CTS risk factors, and the applied treatment modalities for CTS, including CI and operation. The CTS risk factors include age, sex, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout, chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, antiestrogen or aromatase inhibitor medication, and a history of distal radius fracture (DRF). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Age over 80 years was the most significantly associated factor for the selection of CI in CTS (odd ratio [OR], 2.149; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.092 to 2.209; P < .001). Among underlying diseases or medications, CKD on dialysis (OR, 4.001; 95% CI, 3.819-4.193; P < .001) was the most significant associated factor for the selection of operation for CTS, followed by a history of DRF (OR, 1.803; 95% CI, 1.749-1.860; P < .001). Old age was the most significantly related factor for selecting CI. Among underlying diseases or medications, CKD on dialysis and the history of DRF were the most significantly related factors for selecting operative treatment. For these patients, clinicians should proactively consider an operation to reduce the long-term discomfort and economic burdens.

Epidemiological and clinicopathological features of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF mutations and MSI in Chinese patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer.

The selection of appropriate treatment modalities based on the presence or absence of mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and the microsatellite instability (MSI) status has become a crucial consensus in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. However, the distribution pattern of these genetic mutations and the prevalence of MSI status in Chinese stage I-III CRCs remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological features, mutations in the KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes, as well as MSI status of 411 patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent surgery from June 2020 to December 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The mutation rates of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF were 48.9%, 2.2%, and 3.2%, respectively, and the microsatellite instability-high rate was 9.5%. KRAS mutation was independently associated with mucinous adenocarcinoma. Multivariate analysis suggested that tumor location and mucinous adenocarcinoma were independently associated with BRAF mutation. Only T stage was associated with NRAS mutations in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors such as larger tumor size, tumor location, younger age, and poor differentiation were independently associated with microsatellite instability-high status. The results illustrate the mutation frequencies of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF genes and MSI status in stage I-III CRC from the eastern region of China. These findings further validate the associations between these genes status and various clinicopathological characteristics.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma refractory to transarterial chemoembolization: exploring the influence of prior transarterial chemoembolization and additional transarterial chemoembolization on survival outcomes.

The selection of an efficacious treatment modality for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed as refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) presents numerous challenges. In addition to systemic therapies, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) may serve as an alternative option. However, it is imperative to identify patients who are appropriate candidates for HAIC to confer a survival benefit. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of TACE sessions prior to HAIC treatment and the addition of TACE during HAIC on the survival of HCC patient's refractory to TACE. This retrospective study included 82 patients with HCC refractory to TACE (mean age 60.5 years, 75 males). Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, with comparison between two groups via the log-rank test; the Cox regression model was utilized to identify factors influencing survival. The overall response rate (ORR) was observed to be 29.3%, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 56.1%. Patients receiving more than four TACE sessions prior to HAIC exhibited a significantly poorer survival prognosis compared to those receiving fewer than four TACE sessions, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.151 (P=0.02). The median overall survival (OS) was markedly different, being 3.4 (range, 0.5-13.6) months for the former group and 14 (range, 8.5-19.5) months for the latter (P=0.01). Furthermore, patients undergoing additional TACE while receiving HAIC treatment demonstrated improved survival outcomes compared to those who did not, with an HR of 0.491 (P=0.02); the respective OS for these groups was 14 (range, 3.6-14.4) and 6.7 (range, 2.8-11) months (P=0.02). HAIC can be a suitable alternative treatment for HCC patient's refractory to TACE. For those with a history of more than 4 TACE sessions, other alternative treatments should be considered. The addition of TACE during HAIC treatment may extend patient OS time, provided it is balanced with maintaining safe liver function.

Endoscopic ultrasonography features of benign esophageal stenosis in children

To investigate the endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) features of benign esophageal stenosis in children. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of the children who were diagnosed with benign esophageal stenosis from February 2019 to February 2022. The clinical manifestations, EUS findings, and treatment outcome were analyzed to summarize the EUS features of benign esophageal stenosis in children. A total of 42 children with benign esophageal stenosis were included. Among these children, 19 (45%) had anastomotic stenosis after surgery for esophageal atresia, with unclear echogenic boundary of the esophageal walls and uneven thicknesses of the surrounding wall on EUS, and had 0-12 sessions of endoscopic treatment (average 2.1 sessions); 5 children (12%) had corrosive esophageal stenosis and 1 child (2%) had physical esophageal stenosis, with unclear stratification of the esophageal walls on EUS, and they had 2-9 sessions of endoscopic treatment (average 5.3 sessions); 1 child (2%) had patchy irregular hypoechoic areas of the esophageal walls on EUS and was diagnosed with tracheobronchial remnants with reference to pathology; 16 children (38%) had unexplained esophageal stenosis and unclear stratification of the esophageal walls on EUS, among whom 6 received endoscopic treatment. During follow-up, 95% (40/42) of the children had significant alleviation of the symptoms such as vomiting and dysphagia. For benign esophageal stenosis in children, EUS can help to evaluate the degree of esophageal wall involvement in esophageal stenosis lesions, possible etiologies, and the relationship between the esophagus and the lesion and provide an important basis for selecting treatment modality and avoiding complications, thereby helping to optimize the treatment regimen.

No dye, no glory: FFA and ICGA in uveitis

Uveitis is a potentially sight‐threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the uvea. Accurate diagnosis of uveitis is crucial for appropriate management and preservation of vision. The diagnosis of uveitis can be challenging due to the overlapping clinical features with other ocular diseases. In this context, imaging techniques such as fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) have become indispensable tools in the differential diagnosis of uveitis.FA is a widely used imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of uveitis. It involves the intravenous injection of fluorescein dye, which highlights the blood vessels of the retina and choroid. FA can reveal the presence of leakage, staining, and non‐perfusion areas in the retinal and choroidal vasculature, which are indicative of the inflammatory process in uveitis. Moreover, FA can detect complications such as occlusive vasculitis or choroidal neovascularization. FA can also be used to monitor the response to treatment and detect complications of uveitis such as cystoid macular oedema.ICGA is another imaging modality that complements FA in the diagnosis of uveitis. ICGA involves the intravenous injection of indocyanine green dye, which better highlights the choroidal vasculature. ICGA can identify areas of choroidal hypoperfusion, which are often seen in posterior uveitis such as Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease or Birdshot retinochoroiditis. ICGA can also delineate areas of choroidal neovascularization. Furthermore, ICGA can help differentiate between active and inactive uveitis, which is crucial in determining the appropriate course of treatment.In addition to their diagnostic value, FA and ICGA can provide valuable information on the pathogenesis of uveitis. FA and ICGA can reveal the presence of subclinical inflammation in asymptomatic patients, which can guide the early initiation of treatment and prevent irreversible damage to the retina and choroid. Additionally, FA and ICGA can identify the location and extent of inflammation in uveitis, which can help in the selection of appropriate treatment modalities such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologic agents.In conclusion, FA and ICGA are invaluable tools in the differential diagnosis and management of uveitis. These imaging modalities can provide vital information on the presence, location and extent of inflammation in uveitis, which can guide the selection of appropriate treatment modalities and prevent irreversible visual loss.

State-of-the-art trends in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory kidney diseases: Translation of the fundamental science into clinical practice. A review

Immune-mediated kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis are not the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the population, however the difficulties in their management, as well as a more rapid deterioration of kidney function, compared to diabetes mellitus and hypertension, justify the importance of this problem for internal medicine. Due to the fundamental discoveries in pathology and to the introduction of various methods of laboratory and instrumental investigation in the second half of the XX century substantial progress was made in the diagnostic approaches and treatment of these conditions. State-of-the-art diagnostic approach requires complex evaluation of the clinical, laboratory and morphological data to identify the nosological form of the disease. The accumulation of knowledge in the field of diseases' pathogenesis led to the revision of the current classification of glomerulonephritis that should be based on the immunopathogenesis of these conditions. The following phenotypes were suggested: autoimmunity-related, autoinflammation-related, alloimmunity-related, infections-related, and monoclonal gammopathy-related. The assessment of disease activity and chronicity in the kidney tissue should be mandatory. Personalized selection of the optimal treatment modality on the basis of the diagnosis, severity, and individual features of the patient is currently possible. The leading trends include rational prescription of glucocorticoids (steroid-sparing regimens) and cytotoxic agents, e.g. cyclophosphamide, as well as the introduction of multitarget regimens that include biologic agents or small molecules selectively suppressing B-cells or various complement pathways. Another mandatory component of treatment on par with immune suppression is nephroprotective therapy, which currently comprises not only traditional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone antagonists, but also endothelin receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of the non-pharmacological interventions for the implementation of the nephroprotective strategy. Rational combination of the aforementioned approaches allows for the optimization of the management of patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases, although it requires high competencies and strict adherence to the principles of the evidence-based medicine from the healthcare providers.

Does Anterior Commissure Involvement Change the Selection of Treatment Modality in Early-Stage Glottic Larynx Cancer?

Does Anterior Commissure Involvement Change the Selection of Treatment Modality in Early-Stage Glottic Larynx Cancer?

Clinical decision pathway and management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A multidisciplinary consensus in Asia-Pacific

ObjectivesTo develop consensus on patient characteristics and disease-related factors considered in deciding treatment approaches for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) based on real-world treatment patterns in 4 territories in Asia-Pacific. MethodsA three-round modified Delphi involving a multidisciplinary panel of HN surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists was used. Of 41 panelists recruited, responses of 26 from Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan were analyzed. All panelists had ≥five years’ experience managing LA-HNSCC patients and treated ≥15 patients with LA-HNSCC annually. ResultsAll statements on definitions of LA-HNSCC, treatment intolerance and cisplatin dosing reached consensus. 4 of 7 statements on unresectability, 2 of 4 on adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 7 of 13 on induction chemotherapy, 1 of 8 on absolute contraindications and 7 of 11 on relative contraindications to high-dose cisplatin did not reach consensus. In all territories except Taiwan, high-dose cisplatin was preferred in definitive and adjuvant settings for patients with no contraindications to cisplatin; weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) preferred for patients with relative contraindications to high-dose cisplatin. For Taiwan, the main treatment option was weekly cisplatin. For patients with absolute contraindications to cisplatin, carboplatin ± 5-fluorouracil or radiotherapy alone were preferred alternatives in both definitive and adjuvant settings. ConclusionThis multidisciplinary consensus provides insights into management of LA-HNSCC in Asia-Pacific based on patient- and disease-related factors that guide selection of treatment modality and systemic treatment. Despite strong consensus on use of cisplatin-based regimens, areas of non-consensus showed that variability in practice exists where there is limited evidence.

Evaluation of the reasons for preferring root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth potentially indicated for pulp preservation: a clinical case/photo-based questionnaire study

BackgroundWith advances in pulp preservation procedures (PPP), indications for PPP extend to exposed pulp with symptoms in teeth with carious lesions. Scenario/text-based questionnaire studies report a high preference for PPP for exposed pulp with no pulpal symptoms. However, negative perceptions towards PPP for exposed pulp in carious teeth are prevalent among dentists. Identifying the differences in PPP preference rates in questionnaire studies and actual clinical situations is necessary to determine the current status of PPP. In this study, a clinical case/photo-based design was devised to overcome the limitations of scenario/text-based questionnaires. This study aimed to evaluate the reasons dentists prefer root canal treatment (RCT) in cases where PPP is potentially indicated.MethodsA questionnaire containing three cases of PPP with successful results was administered to dentists. The cases were selected to elicit comprehensive responses from the dentists. Clinical photos of the pulp exposure sites were presented to dentists without describing the tooth conditions, including the extent of pulp exposure and tooth decay, pulpal surface conditions, or restorability. The questions were focused on the reasons for selecting RCT in cases where was practiced. Questionnaire data were collected using Google e-forms. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test (P < 0.05) were used for statistical analyses.ResultsPulpal diagnosis was not a dominant factor in treatment decision-making for pulp exposure during caries removal. Reasons for selecting RCT where PPP was potentially indicated included the event of pulp exposure itself and the dentists’ desire to prevent post-PPP symptoms. Apart from symptomatic pulp, the tooth conditions influenced the establishment of pulpal diagnosis and selection of treatment modality. Moreover, the tooth condition and dentists’ desire for good patient prognosis influenced the negative perceptions towards PPP.ConclusionsUnfavourable tooth conditions, in association with a desire for preventing post-PPP symptoms, prevent dentists from attempting PPP for pulp exposed during caries removal with no/slight symptoms. Improving negative perceptions towards PPP through accumulation of data on the high success rates of PPP is a prerequisite for achieving widespread application of PPP.

Clinical Factors, Treatment Selection, and Outcomes in Postcataract Fungal Endophthalmitis from Contaminated Viscoelastics

To investigate the factors associated with treatment outcomes of postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis outbreaks related to contaminated viscoelastics. Retrospective analysis of clinical data from multiple institutions. This study included 228 eyes of 210 patients who were diagnosed with postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis related to the use of viscoelastic material (Unial, Unimed Pharmaceutical Inc); they were followed up for 6 months after the diagnosis. Clinical features and causative species were identified and treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients who underwent 6 months of follow-up. Propensity score matching was conducted to elucidate the impact of vitrectomy timing and intraocular lens (IOL) removal on treatment outcomes. Clinical factors and selection of treatment modalities associated with treatment outcomes at 6 months. Baseline visual acuity (P < 0.01), age (P= 0.05), and the presence of corneal edema (P < 0.01) were closely associated with poor best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. Patients who underwent immediate vitrectomy after diagnosis showed significantly better BCVA at 6 months (mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 0.26 ± 0.43 vs. 0.52 ± 0.52, P= 0.03) and greater degree of visual improvement (mean-0.17 ± 0.37 improvement vs. 0.10 ± 0.57 deterioration, P= 0.03) than those who underwent deferred vitrectomy. Patients who underwent IOL removal during vitrectomy required a lower number of intravitreal antifungal agent injections (mean 8.9 ± 9.1 vs. 16.7 ± 12.2, P < 0.01) and showed a lower incidence of repeated vitrectomy (20% vs. 82%, P<0.01) than in those without IOL removal. In postcataract fungal endophthalmitis, prompt vitrectomy at the time of diagnosis resulted in better treatment outcomes, and IOL removal reduced the treatment burden. Prompt and aggressive surgicalintervention should be considered for postcataract fungal endophthalmitis. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

The oesophageal adenocarcinoma tumour immune microenvironment dictates outcomes with different modalities of neoadjuvant therapy - results from the AGITG DOCTOR trial and the cancer evolution biobank.

A plateau in treatment effect can be seen for the current 'one-size-fits-all' approach to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) management using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) or chemotherapy (nCT). In OAC, the tumour microenvironment (TME) is largely immunosuppressed, however a subgroup of patients with an immune-inflamed TME exist and show improved outcomes. We aimed to understand the overall immune-based mechanisms underlying treatment responses and patient outcomes in OAC, and in relation to neoadjuvant therapy modality. This study included 107 patients; 68 patients were enrolled in the Australian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group sponsored DOCTOR Trial, and 38 patients were included from the Cancer Evolution Biobank. Matched pre-treatment and post-treatment tumour biopsies were used to perform multi-modality analysis of the OAC TME including NanoString mRNA expression analysis, multiplex and single colour immunohistochemistry (IHC), and peripheral blood mononuclear cell analysis of tumour-antigen specific T cell responses. Patients with the best clinicopathological outcomes and survival had an immune-inflamed TME enriched with anti-tumour immune cells and pathways. Those with the worst survival showed a myeloid T regulatory cell enriched TME, with decreased CD8+ cell infiltration and increased pro-tumour immune cells. Multiplex IHC analysis identified that high intra-tumoural infiltration of CD8+ cells, and low infiltration with CD163+ cells was associated with improved survival. High tumour core CD8+ T cell infiltration, and a low tumour margin infiltration of CD163+ cells was also associated with improved survival. nCRT showed improved survival compared with nCT for patients with low CD8+, or high CD163+ cell infiltration. Poly-functional T cell responses were seen with tumour-antigen specific T cells. Overall, our study supports the development of personalised therapeutic approaches based on the immune microenvironment in OAC. Patients with an immune-inflamed TME show favourable outcomes regardless of treatment modality. However, in those with an immunosuppressed TME with CD163+ cell infiltration, treatment with nCRT can improve outcomes. Our findings support previous studies into the TME of OAC and with more research, immune based biomarker selection of treatment modality may lead in improved outcomes in this deadly disease.

What Is the Comparative Efficacy of Surgical, Endoscopic, Transanal Resection, and Radiotherapy Modalities in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is a significant healthcare burden, and effective treatment is crucial. This research aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical and endoscopic resection, transanal resection, and radiotherapy. A literature analysis was conducted in order to identify relevant studies, by comparing the different surgical approaches and variables affecting treatment decisions. The findings were analyzed and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview. Surgical treatment, particularly TME (total mesorectal excision), proved consistent efficacy in achieving complete tumor resection and improving long-term survival. Endoscopic treatment and transanal resection techniques were promising for early-stage tumors but were associated with higher local recurrence rates. Radiotherapy, especially in combination with chemotherapy, played a crucial role in locally advanced cases, improving local control and reducing recurrence risk. Patient data, tumor characteristics, and healthcare system factors were identified as important factors in treatment modality selection. Surgical treatment, specifically TME, remains the recommended standard approach for rectal cancer, providing excellent oncological outcomes. Endoscopic treatment and transanal resection techniques can be considered for selected early-stage cases, while radiotherapy is beneficial for locally advanced tumors. Treatment decisions should be personalized based on patient and tumor characteristics, considering the available resources and expertise within the healthcare system.

Outcomes after curatively intended treatment of limited peritoneal metastases and thermal ablation for liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Peritoneal metastases (PM) and liver metastases (LM) are present simultaneously in up to 2 % of patients at the time of their colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. Curatively intended treatment includes cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) combined with LM resection. A less invasive treatment for LM is ablation. We aimed to estimate overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and postoperative data in patients managed simultaneously with CRS, HIPEC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as first choice. This was a retrospective national cohort study. All patients were treated at Aarhus University Hospital; the only CRS+HIPEC centre in Denmark. We included CRC patients managed with curative intent for simultaneously diagnosed PM and LM in the period January 2016- December 2021. LM was treated with RFA as first choice, if possible. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 25 patients were included, the median agewas 60 years (range 43-75 years) and 15 (60 %) were females. The median peritoneal cancer index was 7 (range 0-12), the median number of LM was 1 (range 1-3). Ablation was performed as the only treatment for LM in 18 (72 %) patients. After a median follow-up time of 17.1months (range4-36months), the median OS was 28.6months (95 % confidence interval (Cl) 15.8;36.1), 1-year OS was 84.0 % (95 % Cl 62.8;93.7). Median DFS was 6.1months (95 % Cl 4.0;10.3). Median LOS was ten days (range 5-26days). Both 30-day and 90-day mortality were 0 %. The selected treatment modality (RFA) for CRC patients with both LM and PM was safe. However, DFS was low. Further research is warranted to investigate if RFA is as effective as LM resection.

Evaluation and management of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is the most common cause of stent failure. Although the rate of ISR is significantly lower with contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES), it remains a challenging clinical entity to treat. In this review, we focus on a practical approach to management of DES ISR with intravascular imaging at its core, as supported by several recently published articles. This facilitates assessment of the underlying mechanism(s) essential to the successful treatment of ISR allowing for a tailored selection of treatment modalities. The successful treatment of DES ISR requires identification of the causative mechanism(s). Individualized treatment may include high-pressure balloon angioplasty alone, cutting or scoring balloons, intravascular lithotripsy, atheroablative therapies and a selection of either repeat DES implantation or drug-coated balloon treatment.

DIFFICULTY OF DIAGNOSING METASTATIC BREAST CANCER IN A PATIENT AFTER MINIMALLY INVASIVE AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT: A CLINICAL CASE

HighlightsThe article describes a clinical case of a patient with metastatic breast cancer detected after aortic valve replacement. The case was initially treated as sternal osteomyelitis due to ministernotomy performed during aortic valve surgery. However, the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer with sternal and spinal (third thoracic vertebra) metastatses, and ribs lesion was established upon further study. Adjuvant endocrine therapy was prescribed to the patient due to her age and previous surgery. AbstractBreast cancer is an urgent problem in oncology as it remains the most frequent type of cancer in the Russian Federation and world wide. Long-term treatment success and survival of patients depend on selected treatment modality, and long-term postopertive monitoring of patients as the means of the early detection of metastatic recurrence. Furthermore, concominant somatic ilness could change or mask the symptoms of local recurrence or metastasis, resulting in difficulties with establishing the proper diagnosis. We report a clinical case of metastatic breast cancer in a patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement. We have not found analogious cases in domestic and foreign literature.