Utilization of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Stomach: Analysis of the 2006-2018 National Cancer Database.

Background: Neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy has reduced tumor burden and improved survival in both primary and recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, no clear guidelines exist on optimal patient selection for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Our aim was to analyze factors and outcomes associated with the therapeutic sequence of TKI therapy before and/or after surgery for gastric GISTs.

Management of adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting neuroendocrine tumors and the role of bilateral adrenalectomy in ectopic Cushing syndrome.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors can cause ectopic Cushing syndrome, and most patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. We identified risk factors for outcome, evaluated ectopic Cushing syndrome management, and explored the role of bilateral adrenalectomy in this population.

Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients with diagnosis of ectopic Cushing Syndrome secondary to neuroendocrine tumors with adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion treated at our quaternary referral center over a 40-year period (1980-2020).

Experimental models of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that do not respond well to current treatment modalities. The limited availability of UPS and MPNST cell lines makes it challenging to identify potential therapeutic targets in a laboratory setting. Understanding the urgent need for improved treatments for these tumors and the limited cellular models available, we generated additional cell lines to study these rare cancers.

Evaluation of risk factors, long-term outcomes, and immediate and delayed autotransplantation to minimize postsurgical hypoparathyroidism in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1): A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism from inadequate parathyroid hormone is of concern after multigland resections in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related primary hyperparathyroidism. We evaluated risk factors, long-term outcomes, and roles of autotransplantation and cryopreservation in postoperative hypoparathyroidism in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and parathyroidectomy who were evaluated at MD Anderson from 1990 to 2020.

Enhancer reprogramming in PRC2-deficient malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors induces a targetable de-differentiated state.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are soft tissue sarcomas that frequently harbor genetic alterations in polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) components-SUZ12 and EED. Here, we show that PRC2 loss confers a dedifferentiated early neural-crest phenotype which is exclusive to PRC2-mutant MPNSTs and not a feature of neurofibromas. Neural crest phenotype in PRC2 mutant MPNSTs was validated via cross-species comparative analysis using spontaneous and transgenic MPNST models.

Comparison of Cancer Prevalence in Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 at an Academic Cancer Center vs in the General Population From 1985 to 2020.

Importance: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a complex genetic disorder that is associated with not only neurofibromas, but also an increased susceptibility to other neoplasms.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of neoplasia and outcomes among patients with NF1.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cohort study was conducted among patients with NF1 at a single academic cancer center from 1985 to 2020 with median (range) follow-up of 2.

Understanding the clinical course of genotype-negative MEN1 patients can inform management strategies.

Background: It is unclear whether genotype-negative clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patients derive equal benefit from prospective surveillance as genotype-positive patients.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with genotype-positive index cases. Primary outcome was age-related penetrance of manifestations; secondary outcomes were disease-specific survival and clinical course of endocrine tumors.

Management of Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Metastatic Potential of Small Tumors.

Background: Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (ANETs) are rare neoplasms usually discovered incidentally during appendectomy. ANETs < 2 cm were thought to have no metastatic potential, and this dogma has driven management. Our aim is to evaluate the metastatic potential of ANETs < 2 cm.

Certain risk factors for patients with desmoid tumors warrant reconsideration of local therapy strategies.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes for patients with desmoid tumors (DTs) receiving local therapy with surgery alone, radiation therapy (RT) alone, or combined modality therapy (RT and surgery).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study of 412 patients with nonmesenteric DTs who received local therapy at the authors' institution between 1965 and 2018.

Results: The median follow-up time was 95 months (range, 1-509 months).

Can a novel silver nano coating reduce infections and maintain cell viability in vitro?

Herein we report a facile layer-by-layer method for creating an antimicrobial coating composed of silver nanoparticles on medical grade titanium test discs. Nanoscale silver nanoparticle layers are attached to the titanium orthopedic implant material via aminopropyltriethoxy silane crosslinker that reacts with neighboring silane moieties to create an interconnected network. A monolayer of silane, followed by a monolayer of silver nanoparticles would form one self-assembled layer and this process can be repeated serially, resulting in increased silver nanoparticles deposition.