Phase III randomized study of radiation and temozolomide versus radiation and nitrosourea therapy for anaplastic astrocytoma: results of NRG Oncology RTOG 9813.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to compare the overall survival (OS) of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) treated with radiotherapy (RT) and either temozolomide (TMZ) or a nitrosourea (NU). Secondary endpoints were time to tumor progression (TTP), toxicity, and the effect of IDH1 mutation status on clinical outcome.

Methods: Eligible patients with centrally reviewed, histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed AA were randomized to receive either RT+TMZ (n = 97) or RT+NU (n = 99).

Glenohumeral articular cartilage lesions: prospective comparison of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging and findings at arthroscopy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and test-retest reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting cartilage abnormalities of the glenohumeral joint in comparison with the gold standard of diagnostic arthroscopy.

Methods: Forty-four patients with a preoperative non-contrast MRI study of their affected shoulder underwent arthroscopy by one surgeon for rotator cuff tendinopathy from 2009 to 2010. Articular cartilage defects were prospectively recorded and graded according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification system at the time of arthroscopy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to an osteophyte of the trapezium.

We report a 42-year-old man with a rare carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) secondary to an osteophyte of the trapezium. The patient presented with a 3-year history of CTS, consisting of progressive pain and paresthesias in his right hand, positive Tinel and Phalen signs, and an electrodiagnostic study demonstrating median nerve compression at the wrist. The procedure was an open carpal tunnel release.

In vivo quantification of human lumbar disc degeneration using T(1rho)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Diagnostic methods and biomarkers of early disc degeneration are needed as emerging treatment technologies develop (e.g., nucleus replacement, total disc arthroplasty, cell therapy, growth factor therapy) to serve as an alternative to lumbar spine fusion in treatment of low back pain.