Is the omission of the external iliac or upper pelvic lymph nodes from elective irradiation safe in selected anal canal squamous cell cancers?

Background: Guidelines recommend elective irradiation of the external iliac and upper pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) regardless of clinical stage, but the supporting evidence for this recommendation is limited.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 68 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal who underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy chemoradiation, excluding external iliac LNs from elective irradiation. In patients with negative bilateral inguinal LNs, both external iliac regions were omitted, while in those with unilateral positive inguinal LNs, only the ipsilateral external iliac region was included and the contralateral side was omitted.

Which tumour factors preclude organ preservation in patients with rectal cancer?

Background: cT3cdT4, cN2, mesorectal nodes > 8 mm, clinically positive lateral nodes, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) and mesorectal fascia threatening (MRF+) have been utilized as exclusion criteria in several studies on the watch-and-wait (w&w) strategy. Here, our aim was to validate these criteria through a post hoc analysis of two pooled prospective studies on w&w following routine radio(chemo)therapy.

Methods: A review of baseline magnetic resonance imaging was performed in a subgroup of 223 patients treated at a single institution.

Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in preventing COVID-19-associated deaths in Poland.

Introduction: Development of vaccines was a turning point of the COVID‑19 pandemic. In this study, we describe the course of the vaccination program in Poland and the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the vaccination rates and effectiveness stratified by age groups in Poland.