De-Escalating Surgery in Merkel Cell Carcinoma With Clinical Nodal Disease.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a radiosensitive aggressive skin cancer that spreads via the lymphatics. There is uncertainty regarding the optimal management of the nodal basin for patients with MCC with clinically positive nodes. We study the efficacy of single node excision (SNE) as an alternative to a therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) in patients with limited nodal disease.

Contemporary trends in utilization of metastasectomy in the era of targeted and immunotherapies.

Background: Metastasectomy is a useful adjunct in the management of metastatic cancer. Widespread adoption of novel targeted and immunotherapies has improved the survival profiles of multiple malignancies, which has potentially altered the role of metastasectomy. This study aimed to characterize trends in metastasectomy across five primary cancers eligible for these therapies.

Trends in Management of Malignant Bowel Obstructions: A Longitudinal Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Introduction: Malignant bowel obstructions (MBO) are complex, heterogeneous disease processes which can be managed with surgical or endoscopic interventions. Patients with MBO often have advanced metastatic disease and poor functional status, which makes it difficult for providers to determine the best treatment strategy.

Methods: Patients with urgent or emergent admissions and a primary or secondary ICD-9/ICD-10 diagnosis of bowel obstruction with an additional diagnosis of disseminated cancer were identified from the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017).