Appendicitis while on alectinib for non-small cell lung cancer: a tale of two case reports.

Introduction: Aberrant expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is found in 3%-7% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Alectinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used as first-line treatment targeting ALK-positive tumors. We herein report two cases of appendicitis highlighting it as a rare, possible adverse event of treatment with alectinib.

Can routinely collected administrative data effectively be used to evaluate and validate endpoints used in breast cancer clinical trials? Protocol for a scoping review of the literature.

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a critical component of evidence-based medicine and the evolution of patient care. However, the costs of conducting a RCT can be prohibitive. A promising approach toward reduction of costs and lessening of the burden of intensive and lengthy patient follow-up is the use of routinely collected healthcare data (RCHD), commonly called real-world data.

A narrative review from gut to lungs: non-small cell lung cancer and the gastrointestinal microbiome.

Background And Objective: The gut microbiome has emerged as an important gateway to improving therapeutic outcomes in lung cancer, especially for immunotherapy. Our objective is to review the impact of the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome, lung cancer, and the immune system, and to identify areas of future research.

Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.

The Evolution of the Sentinel Node Biopsy in Melanoma.

The growing repertoire of approved immune-checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy has revolutionized the adjuvant treatment of melanoma. While the treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma remains wide local excision (WLE), the management of regional lymph nodes continues to evolve in light of practice-changing clinical trials and dramatically improved adjuvant therapy. With large multicenter studies reporting no benefit in overall survival for completion lymph node dissection (CLND) after a positive sentinel node biopsy (SLNB), controversy remains regarding patient selection and clinical decision-making.

Use of a Second-Generation Irrigation Device May Shorten Time to Successful Inpatient Colonoscopy: A Case Series.

Inpatient bowel preparations are often inadequate, lengthening hospital stay and increasing costs. In this case series, we assessed whether a new irrigation device could shorten times to successful colonoscopy and hospital discharge. The device includes a disposable sleeve fitted over the colonoscope, delivering 4 streams of a pulsed air-water mixture to liquify stool, and contains 2 large-bore suction channels to evacuate fecal material.

Delivery of cancer care via an outpatient telephone support line: a cross-sectional study of oncology nursing perspectives on quality and challenges.

Rationale: Patient support lines (PSLs) assist in triaging clinical problems, addressing patient queries, and navigating a complex multi-disciplinary oncology team. While providing support and training to the nursing staff who operate these lines is key, there is limited data on their experience and feedback.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of oncology nurses' (ONs') perspectives on the provision of care via PSLs at a tertiary referral cancer center via an anonymous, descriptive survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic: An opportunity to rethink and harmonise the frequency of follow-up visits for patients with early stage breast cancer.

Purpose: While routine, in-person follow-up of early-stage breast cancer patients (EBC) after completion of initial treatment is common, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes in clinical practice. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the evidence supporting different frequencies of routine follow-up.

Methods: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were searched from database inception to July 16, 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies (PCS) evaluating different frequencies of routine follow-up.

A scoping review characterizing "Choosing Wisely®" recommendations for breast cancer management.

Purpose: Choosing Wisely (CW)® was created by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to promote patient-physician conversations about unnecessary medical interventions. Similarly, other countries created their own panels of experts called "CW® campaigns" which review recommendations submitted by that country's oncology societies. We performed a scoping review to consolidate CW® recommendations from different groups with respect to breast cancer care.

A Novel Tool for Problem-Based Learning Case Review.

The success of problem-based learning (PBL) depends on case quality and facilitator preparation. We developed a literature-based tool, the RICE form, to improve faculty case review. Its implementation and survey of end users showed the tool was expedient and advantageous.

Stroke in Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis: Population-Based Epidemiology.

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection of the nervous system with a high complication rate including stroke. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence, risk factors, patterns, and outcomes in pediatric meningitis complicated by stroke.

Methods: The study design was a population-based, 10-year retrospective (2002 to 2012) cohort study set in Southern Alberta, Canada.

Association of Cognitive Impairment in Patients on 3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. A reduction in cholesterol with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statin) significantly reduces mortality and morbidity. Statins may be associated with cognitive impairment or dementia.

Reliability and validity of the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Assessment of depression in individuals who are considered to be at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis is important as high rates of depression have been reported in CHR individuals. The Calgary Depression Scale (CDSS) is the most widely used scale for assessing depression in schizophrenia. It has excellent psychometric properties, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and discriminant and convergent validity.