microRNA-431 as a Chemosensitizer and Potentiator of Drug Activity in Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer with treatments limited in efficacy for metastatic disease. New molecular targeted therapies have yet to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, established treatment regimens of adrenolytics and chemotherapy have demonstrated treatment benefit, although admittedly in a minority of patients.

Treatment and management of adrenal cancer in a specialized Australian endocrine surgical unit: approaches, outcomes and lessons learnt.

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and heterogeneous malignancy with poor outcomes. Recent research has suggested that outcomes may be improved by centralization of care in specialist centres. We review our evolving 21-year experience in managing adrenocortical carcinoma with a view towards outcomes and lessons learnt.

Improving Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Administration in an Acute Surgical Unit.

Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis regimes frequently have a wide variation in application. Nepean acute surgical unit was established in 2006 as a novel model for emergency surgical care. As part of the model's rollout, there were several areas of clinical management targeted for improvement, one being VTE prophylaxis compliance.

The Established Acute Surgical Unit: A reduction in nighttime appendicectomy without increased morbidity.

Introduction: Nighttime surgery for non-life threatening disease has been associated with poorer outcomes, but delaying surgery for acute appendicitis may also be detrimental. The aim was to assess the effect of the Acute Surgical Unit [ASU] model on nighttime surgery rates and outcomes for patients undergoing appendicectomy.

Method: A retrospective review of medical records of patients having an appendicectomy.