Comparison of Thiotepa-based Conditioning Regimens for Older Adults with Primary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

In this study, we compare outcomes of older patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT) with either thiotepa/carmustine (BCNU/Thio) or thiotepa/busulfan/cyclophosphamide (TBC) conditioning. We used a postpublication dataset made available by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research including patients who were ≥65 years in age with PCNSL and underwent autoHCT as consolidation with TBC or BCNU/Thio conditioning. Out of 147 patients; n = 84 received BCNU/Thio and n = 63 received TBC.

Prognostic Factors of Peritonitis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: a Retrospective Observational Study.

Peritoneal dialysis stands as an established form of renal replacement therapy; yet peritonitis remains a major complication associated with it. This study, analyzing two decades of data from the Nephrology, Dialysis, and Hypertension Division of the University-Hospital IRCCS in Bologna, aimed to identify prognostic factors linked to peritonitis events. It also sought to evaluate the suitability of different peritoneal dialysis techniques, with a focus on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).

Outpatient administration of CAR T-cell therapies using a strategy of no remote monitoring and early CRS intervention.

Recent studies demonstrating the feasibility of outpatient chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cell therapy administration are either restricted to CARs with 41BB costimulatory domains or use intensive at-home monitoring. We report outcomes of outpatient administration of all commercially available CD19- and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR T-cell therapy using a strategy of no remote at-home monitoring and an early cytokine release syndrome (CRS) intervention strategy. Patients with hematologic malignancies who received CAR T-cell therapy in the outpatient setting during 2022 to 2023 were included.

Severity and organ distribution of chronic graft-versus-host disease with posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based versus methotrexate/calcineurin inhibitor-based allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

The reduced risk of chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (ptCy) in the setting of haploidentical related donor and more recently, with HLA-matched related and matched and mismatched unrelated donor allogeneic transplantation has been established. There is, however, paucity of data to show if ptCy impacts chronic GVHD pathogenesis, its phenotype and evolution after HCT regardless of the donor status. We examined the differences in chronic GVHD incidence and presentation in 314 consecutive patients after receiving their first allogeneic transplantation (HCT) using ptCy-based GVHD prophylaxis (ptCy-HCT; n = 120; including 95 with haploidentical related donor) versus conventional calcineurin inhibitor-based prophylaxis (CNI-MUD; n = 194) between 2012 and 2019.

Efficacy of Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Doses in Patients with B Cell Hematologic Malignancies Receiving Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy: A Contemporary Cohort Analysis.

The mortality due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) approaches 40% in recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy (CAR-T). The efficacy of repeated vaccine doses, including bivalent boosters, remains unknown. We examined the efficacy of repeated vaccine doses among CAR-T recipients who received at least 2 or more vaccine doses after T cell infusion.

Sexual Harassment in Surgery-Is Operating Room Culture the Culprit?

Background: Sexual harassment is a known problem in surgical training and a focus of growing attention in recent years. However, the environments where sexual harassment in surgical training most commonly takes place are not yet described.

Methods: An anonymous, voluntary, electronic survey was distributed to surgical trainees, and all programs nationally were invited to participate.

So You Want to be a Program Director? Career Paths of Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program Directors.

Background: The trajectory of colon and rectal surgery residency program director (PD) career paths has not been well described, leaving those who aspire for the position with minimal guidance. The goal of this study is to characterize their career paths in the United States. By understanding their experiences, the path to train and educate the next generation of colon and rectal surgeons as a PD will be better illuminated.

Update on the Financial Well-Being of Surgical Residents in New England.

Background: Poor personal financial health has been linked to key components of health including burnout, substance abuse, and worsening personal relationships. Understanding the state of resident financial health is key to improving their overall well-being.

Study Design: A secondary analysis of a survey of New England general surgery residents was performed to understand their financial well-being.

How Far Is Too Far? Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Regionalized Rectal Cancer Surgery.

Background: Regionalized rectal cancer surgery may decrease postoperative and long-term cancer-related mortality. However, the regionalization of care may be an undue burden on patients.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of regionalized rectal cancer surgery.

Do Cultures From Percutaneously Drained Intra-abdominal Abscesses Change Treatment? A Retrospective Review.

Background: Routinely obtaining intraoperative cultures for abdominal infections is not a currently recommended evidence-based practice. Yet, cultures are frequently sent from these infections when they are managed by image-guided percutaneous drains.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the utility of cultures from percutaneously drained intra-abdominal abscesses.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome in a Cohort Diagnosed with Celiac Artery Compression.

Background: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a frequent differential diagnosis in patients with postprandial abdominal symptoms, but diagnosis remains challenging. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of patients who had MALS compared with non-MALS patients among a cohort of patients diagnosed with celiac artery compression (CAC).

Study Design: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review (2000 to 2021) of patients at our institution with a discharge diagnosis of CAC was performed.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Acute Kidney Injury on Safety and Outcomes of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Lymphoma Patients.

Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is standard-of-care in relapse/refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are limited data regarding the impact of pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) post CAR-T and we sought to evaluate these in our patients.

Method: In this single center retrospective analysis CKD cohort was defined KDIGO staging with eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.

Do You Get What You Pay For? The Relationship of Price and Quality in Hospital Provided Procedures.

Introduction: Starting in 2021, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services required hospitals to provide pricing information to allow consumers to compare prices. Patients perceived that the quality of these services also impacts decision-making. This study examines the relationship between procedure price and quality from the patients' perspective.

Update on the Personal and Professional Well-Being of Surgical Residents in New England.

Background: Surgical culture has shifted to recognize the importance of resident well-being. This is the first study to longitudinally track regional surgical resident well-being over 5 years.

Study Design: An anonymous cross-sectional, multi-institutional survey of New England general surgery residents using novel and published instruments to create three domains: health maintenance, burnout, and work environment.

Budesonide Prophylaxis Reduces the Risk of Engraftment Syndrome After Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Engraftment syndrome (ES) after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) encompasses a continuum of periengraftment complications characterized by noninfectious fever, rash, diarrhea, and capillary leak features.

Patients And Methods: We analyzed the ES outcomes in 257 consecutive patients MM patients who underwent AHCT at our institution from 12/2017 to 11/2019 with budesonide prophylaxis (3 mg PO daily at day +5 post-AHCT till the time of discharge) (N = 109) and no prophylaxis (N = 148).

Results: The rates of ES were significantly higher in the no prophylaxis group versus prophylaxis group [69 (46%) vs.

Where Are They Now? Charting Careers for 32 Years of New England Surgical Society Podium Presentation Winners.

Background: The New England Surgical Society (NESS) has been a pillar of the regional medical community since 1916, founded to promote surgical knowledge sharing across a small but diverse geographical region. Annual podium awards recognize high-quality research by surgical trainees.

Design: We described trends among 81 research abstracts and career trajectories for their trainee authors (1987-present).