Neuropathic pain prevalence and risk factors in head and neck cancer survivors.

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating symptom among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors although few large studies report its prevalence and associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessing demographic, behavioral, and clinical risk factors for NP. NP was assessed using the Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (S-LANSS).

Variations in pain prevalence, severity, and analgesic use by duration of survivorship: a cross-sectional study of 505 post-treatment head and neck cancer survivors.

Background: Studies suggest a high prevalence of pain in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients at diagnosis, during and after treatment; however, these studies had small sample sizes and did not comprehensively assess factors known to influence pain. We surveyed a large cohort of HNC survivors to determine variations in the prevalence of pain, its treatment and management by duration of survivorship, and assessed a comprehensive list of risk factors.

Methods: A cross sectional survey of post-treatment survivors of HNC during routine follow-up clinic visits.

Role of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Lung Disease and Senescence: Potential Role Across the Lifespan.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) is a divergent member of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily and is ubiquitously expressed, under normal physiological conditions. GDF15 expression increases during many pathological states and serves a marker of cellular stress. GDF15 has multiple and even paradoxical roles within a pathological condition, as its effects can be dose- and time-dependent and vary based on the targeted tissues and downstream pathways.

Characteristics of cancer patients with COVID-19 in a cancer hospital.

Background: Cancer patients are vulnerable to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) given their compromised immune system. The purpose of this study was to describe the presenting symptoms, inpatient stay trajectory, and survival outcomes, for cancer patients infected with COVID-19; who presented to the emergency department (ED) of a single center during the early months of the pandemic.

Methods: We reviewed the electronic medical records of all cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at our institution for demographic information, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment intervention and outcomes.