Phosphorylated transducer and activator of transcription-3 (pSTAT3) immunohistochemical expression in paired primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) mediates cellular functions. We assessed the IHC expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in paired primary tumors and liver metastases in patients with advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: We included patients with tissue blocks available from both the primary CRC and a surgically resected liver metastasis.

Downstream consequences of abnormal cognitive screening in older adults seen pretreatment in a geriatric oncology clinic.

Introduction: Although screening for cognitive impairment (CI) is an important part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), little is known about the downstream work-up of abnormal screening or its impact on cancer treatment. We characterized the downstream workup in diagnosing CI and its impact on cancer treatment decision-making.

Methods: Patients who underwent a pre-treatment CGA at an academic Geriatric Oncology (GO) clinic between July 2015 and June 2018 and had a positive Mini-Cog (≤ 3 out of 5) screen were included.

Exploring the geriatric needs of oncology inpatients at an academic cancer centre.

Purpose: Geriatric Assessments (GAs) in older adults with cancer have informed treatment decision-making and refined survival prediction. However, little is known about the needs of older inpatients with cancer. Our objectives were to test the feasibility of a bedside GA, assess the prevalence of impairments in geriatric domains, determine how many were unknown to the medical team, and assess the impact of GA on patient care.

Performance of the Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 screening tool in identifying cancer treatment modification after geriatric assessment in pre-treatment patients: A retrospective analysis.

Purpose: Geriatric assessment (GA) is recommended for older adults ≥ 70 years with cancer to guide treatment selection. Screening tools such as the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and G6 have been used to identify patients at highest need of GA. Whether either tool predicts a change in oncologic treatment following GA is unclear.

Beyond the black box of geriatric assessment: Understanding enhancements to care by the geriatric oncology clinic.

Objective: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of older adults with cancer aids treatment decision-making and prognostication. Much less is known about the supportive care elements or enhancements to care afforded by the CGA. We characterized the enhancements to care provided by a geriatric oncology clinic and determined how these vary by indication for referral.

Prognostic and predictive clinical factors in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with cabazitaxel.

Introduction: Cabazitaxel is one of several treatment options available for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have progressed on docetaxel. Little is known about clinical factors that influence prognosis or treatment response for patients receiving cabazitaxel. Identifying prognostic and predictive factors could contribute to the optimal selection of patients for treatment after docetaxel.

Geriatric oncology screening tools for CGA-based interventions: results from a phase II study of geriatric assessment and management for older adults with cancer.

Introduction: Screening tools in geriatric oncology have traditionally been studied for their ability to identify patients who have abnormal domains on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). However, an alternative outcome of identifying patients who would receive CGA-based interventions could improve selection of patients whose management will be altered by a CGA. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of three geriatric oncology screening tools for their ability to predict for CGA-based interventions.

Radical Treatment of Stage II Non-small-cell Lung Cancer With Nonsurgical Approaches: A Multi-institution Report of Outcomes.

Introduction: Standard management of stage II non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgery, often followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, some patients do not undergo surgery for various reasons. We examined outcomes in this defined patient group.

Disruption of the Y-box binding protein-1 results in suppression of the epidermal growth factor receptor and HER-2.

The overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER-2 underpin the growth of aggressive breast cancer; still, it is unclear what governs the regulation of these receptors. Our laboratories recently determined that the Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1), an oncogenic transcription/translation factor, induced breast tumor cell growth in monolayer and in soft agar. Importantly, mutating YB-1 at Ser(102), which resides in the DNA-binding domain, prevented growth induction.