Homologous Recombination Abnormalities Associated With Mutations as Predicted by Machine Learning of Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Data.

Background: Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is the hallmark of breast cancer gene 1/2 ()-mutated tumors and the unique biomarker for predicting response to double-strand break (DSB)-inducing drugs. The demonstration of HRD in tumors with mutations in genes other than is considered the best biomarker of potential response to these DSB-inducer drugs.

Objectives: We explored the potential of developing a practical approach to predict in any tumor the presence of HRD that is similar to that seen in tumors with mutations using next-generation sequencing (NGS) along with machine learning (ML).

HALT-D: a randomized open-label phase II study of crofelemer for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer receiving trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and a taxane.

Purpose: To assess whether crofelemer would prevent chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive, any-stage breast cancer receiving trastuzumab (H), pertuzumab (P), and a taxane (T; docetaxel or paclitaxel), with/without carboplatin (C; always combined with docetaxel rather than paclitaxel).

Methods: Patients scheduled to receive ≥ 3 consecutive TCHP/THP cycles were randomized to crofelemer 125 mg orally twice daily during chemotherapy cycles 1 and 2 or no scheduled prophylactic medication (control). All received standard breakthrough antidiarrheal medication (BTAD) as needed.

Disability Discrimination, Medical Rationing and COVID-19.

The current public health crisis has exposed deep cracks in social equality and justice for marginalised and vulnerable communities around the world. The reported rise in the number of 'do not resuscitate' orders being imposed on people with disabilities has caused particular concerns from a human rights perspective. While the evidence of this is contested, this article will consider the human rights implications at stake and the dangers associated with using 'quality of life' measures as determinant of care in medical decision-making and triage assessments.

Court innovations and access to justice in times of crisis.

Background: COVID-19 has disrupted not only the health sector but also justice systems. Courts around the world have had to respond quickly to the challenges presented by the pandemic and the associated social distancing restrictions. This has created significant challenges for the justice system and such challenges are likely to be further compounded in the post-pandemic era as there is a 'tsunami' of COVID-19-related disputes predicted.

Differential impact of cognitive computing augmented by real world evidence on novice and expert oncologists.

Introduction: Cognitive computing point-of-care decision support tools which ingest patient attributes from electronic health records and display treatment options based on expert training and medical literature, supplemented by real world evidence (RWE), might prove useful to expert and novice oncologists. The concordance of augmented intelligence systems with best medical practices and potential influences on physician behavior remain unknown.

Methods: Electronic health records from 88 breast cancer patients evaluated at a USA tertiary care center were presented to subspecialist experts and oncologists focusing on other disease states with and without reviewing the IBM Watson for Oncology with Cota RWE platform.

Real-world economic value of a 21-gene assay in early-stage breast cancer.

Objectives: Value-based payment reforms shift cost-containment responsibilities to the physician. Although gene expression profiling (GEP) utilizing a 21-gene panel among patients with early-stage, axillary lymph node-negative, hormone receptor-positive, HER2/neu oncogene-negative breast cancer is able to identify a cohort that may achieve excellent outcomes without adjuvant chemotherapy, high up-front costs (list price, $4175) could dissuade usage.

Study Design: Retrospective review of consecutive patients with breast cancer treated at a single cancer center.

Parenting self-efficacy and empowerment among expectant mothers with substance use disorders.

Objective: to describe parenting self-efficacy and family empowerment among expectant mothers with substance use disorders.

Design: the study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design.

Participants: participants were 71 pregnant women with substance use disorders entering a gender-specific, substance use disorder, residential treatment facility.