Impact of Antibiotics and Chronic Medications on Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background And Aims: The interaction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and concomitant medications such as antibiotics, metformin, statins, beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and low-dose aspirin has been studied in other malignancies. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between these medications and ICI efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC).

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who received at least one dose of ICIs between May 2015 and November 2019 was performed.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Does the sequence matter?

Introduction: Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is currently the first line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). However, there are many patients who may not be able to receive combination therapy due to underlying comorbidities or resource limitations. For these patients, systemic treatment options include single agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or ICI monotherapy.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on choice of central venous access device for delivery of chemotherapy.

Objective: Ensuring reliable central venous access with the fewest complications is vital for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of different types of central venous access devices (CVADs) for patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to August 20, 2021 for randomized controlled trials comparing the various CVADs (ie, nontunneled central venous catheters [CVCs], peripherally inserted CVCs [PICCs], totally implantable venous access ports [TIVAPs], and tunneled CVCs).

Impact of Immune-Related Adverse Events on Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Introduction: Development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) has been associated with enhanced efficacy with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It remains unknown whether such an association exists in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). This study aims to evaluate the association between irAEs and ICI efficacy in patients with aHCC.

Learning during the pandemic: Perspectives of medical students in Singapore.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted medical education, particularly affecting clinical-year students. Educational institutions often had to halt, shorten or impose significant restrictions on their hospital rotations due to strict infection control and social-distancing guidelines implemented in tertiary healthcare institutions, as well as manpower and logistical constraints amid the pandemic. Thus, distance-based learning platforms such as online lectures and case-based teaching were increasingly adopted in place of bedside and face-to-face tutorials.