Universal Germline-Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: Implementation in a Rural Practice and Impact on Shared Decision-Making.

Background: Whereas the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria restrict germline-genetic testing (GGT) to a subset of breast cancer (BC) patients, the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends universal GGT. Although the yield of pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in unselected BC patients has been studied, the practicality and utility of incorporating universal GGT into routine cancer care in community and rural settings is understudied. This study reports real-world implementation of universal GGT for patients with breast cancer and genetics-informed, treatment decision-making in a rural, community practice with limited resources.

Ataxin-7 and Non-stop coordinate SCAR protein levels, subcellular localization, and actin cytoskeleton organization.

Atxn7, a subunit of SAGA chromatin remodeling complex, is subject to polyglutamine expansion at the amino terminus, causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a progressive retinal and neurodegenerative disease. Within SAGA, the Atxn7 amino terminus anchors Non-stop, a deubiquitinase, to the complex. To understand the scope of Atxn7-dependent regulation of Non-stop, substrates of the deubiquitinase were sought.

Outcomes in surgically resectable oropharynx cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery versus definitive chemoradiation.

Purpose: Optimal treatment strategies for the management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remain unclear. The objective of this study is to examine the role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) on functional and treatment outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of patients with OPSCC (tonsil/base of tongue) who underwent TORS with neck dissection± adjuvant therapy between January 2011 to December 2016 were compared to a stage matched cohort of patients treated with primary chemoradiation.

Frameless image-guided radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: Frameless image-guided radiosurgery (IGRS) is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This study evaluates the use of frameless IGRS to treat patients with refractory TN.

Methods: We reviewed the records of 20 patients diagnosed with TN who underwent frameless IGRS treatments between March 2012 and December 2013.