Outcomes of a novel double-stapled anastomotic technique in esophagectomy.

The double-stapled () anastomotic technique associates with lower odds of anastomotic leak and stricture. , Single posterior stapled.

Food Deserts Increase Readmission After Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Multi-institutional Study.

Background: Food deserts are low-income census tracts with poor access to supermarkets and are associated with worse outcomes in breast, colon, and a small number of esophageal cancer patients. This study investigated residency in food deserts on readmission rates in a multi-institutional cohort of esophageal cancer patients undergoing trimodality therapy.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent trimodality therapy at 6 high-volume institutions from January 2015 to July 2019 was performed.

Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Screening: a Narrative Review.

Although when used as a lung cancer screening tool low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has demonstrated a significant reduction in lung cancer related mortality, it is not without pitfalls. The associated high false positive rate, inability to distinguish between benign and malignant nodules, cumulative radiation exposure, and resulting patient anxiety have all demonstrated the need for adjunctive testing in lung cancer screening. Current research focuses on developing liquid biomarkers to complement imaging as non-invasive lung cancer diagnostics.

Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 related mortality and hospitalization before vaccination: A meta-analysis.

The literature remains scarce regarding the varying point estimates of risk factors for COVID-19 associated mortality and hospitalization. This meta-analysis investigates risk factors for mortality and hospitalization, estimates individual risk factor contribution, and determines drivers of published estimate variances. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 related mortality and hospitalization risk factors using PRISMA guidelines.

Improving lung cancer diagnosis with cancer, fungal, and imaging biomarkers.

Objective: Indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) represent a significant diagnostic burden in health care. We aimed to compare a combination clinical prediction model (Mayo Clinic model), fungal (histoplasmosis serology), imaging (computed tomography [CT] radiomics), and cancer (high-sensitivity cytokeratin fraction 21; hsCYFRA 21-1) biomarker approach to a validated prediction model in diagnosing lung cancer.

Methods: A prospective specimen collection, retrospective blinded evaluation study was performed in 3 independent cohorts with 6- to 30-mm IPNs (n = 281).

Improving Lung Cancer Diagnosis with CT Radiomics and Serum Histoplasmosis Testing.

Background: Indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) are a diagnostic challenge in regions where pulmonary fungal disease and smoking prevalence are high. We aimed to determine the impact of a combined fungal and imaging biomarker approach compared with a validated prediction model (Mayo) to rule out benign disease and diagnose lung cancer.

Methods: Adults ages 40 to 90 years with 6-30 mm IPNs were included from four sites.

Improving malignancy risk prediction of indeterminate pulmonary nodules with imaging features and biomarkers.

Background: Non-invasive biomarkers are needed to improve management of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) suspicious for lung cancer.

Methods: Protein biomarkers were quantified in serum samples from patients with 6-30 mm IPNs (n = 338). A previously derived and validated radiomic score based upon nodule shape, size, and texture was calculated from features derived from CT scans.

Minimally Invasive and Sublobar Resections for Lung Cancer.

Current guidelines for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recommend segmentectomy over lobectomy for patients with poor pulmonary reserve or for peripheral nodules less than or equal to 2 cm with adenocarcinoma in situ histology, greater than 50% ground-glass opacity on computed tomography, or radiologic doubling time greater than or equal to 400 days. However, emerging data suggest oncologic equivalence of segmentectomy to lobectomy for less than or equal to 2 cm, peripheral stage IA NSCLC regardless of histologic type or radiographic findings.

Preoperative coronary artery calcifications in veterans predict higher all-cause mortality in early-stage lung cancer: a cohort study.

Background: Lung cancer patients often have comorbidities that may impact survival. This observational cohort study examines whether coronary artery calcifications (CAC) impact all-cause mortality in patients with resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Veterans with stage I NSCLC who underwent resection at a single institution between 2005 and 2018 were selected from a prospectively collected database.