Real world prognostic utility of platelet lymphocyte ratio and nutritional status in first-line immunotherapy response in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Elevated platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and low body mass index (BMI) are associated with inferior survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immunotherapy (IO). We evaluated real-world prognostic utility of PLR, BMI, and albumin level in stage IV NSCLC patients receiving first line (1L) IO.

Methods: We identified 75 stage IV patients who received 1L IO therapy at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Los Angeles General Medical Center from 2015 to 2022.

Biopsy Method and Needle Size on Success of Next-Generation Sequencing in NSCLC: A Brief Report.

Introduction: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is essential to the care of patients with NSCLC. Nevertheless, NGS is dependent on adequate material from biopsy. We evaluated the impact of biopsy method and needle gauge necessary for optimizing success in tissue NGS.

Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Rare Presentation of Bilateral Pleural Effusions and Trapped Lung.

A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis secondary to a pancreatic pseudocyst or any disruption of the main pancreatic duct. It commonly presents as a recurrent left-sided pleural effusion after multiple thoracentesis. We present a rare case of a 41-year-old woman with numerous flares of chronic pancreatitis presenting with large bilateral serosanguinous pleural effusions and trapped lung secondary to a PPF.

Preventative Cancer Screening Rates Among Uninsured Patients in Free Clinics: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Cancer Survivors and Non-cancer Survivors.

Background: There is limited research on screening rates among uninsured cancer survivors. Uninsured cancer survivors are at higher risk of poorer health outcomes than the insured due to limited access to preventative screening for secondary cancers. This study examines the rates of surveillance and screening of uninsured cancer survivors and compares to uninsured patients without a cancer history seen in free clinics.

Treatment of Pharyngitis in Uninsured Patients: A Multicenter Study of Free Clinics.

Introduction Appropriate antibiotic prescription practices for pharyngitis slow anti-microbial resistance. Unnecessary antibiotic prescribing and non-adherence to practice guidelines remain a clinical problem. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between group A Streptococcus (GAS) throat culture testing and antibiotic prescriptions at 10 free clinics in the Tampa Bay Area serving the uninsured population.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Among the Uninsured of Tampa Bay: A Free Clinic Study.

Introduction: Uninsured patients with low socioeconomic status are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and data on risk factors and prevalence of CRC in this population are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for CRC in uninsured patients from free clinics in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients 50 years or older who were provided service at 9 free clinics in the Tampa Bay area between 2016 and 2018.

Recommendations to Medical Mission Trip Teams: A Retrospective Study of an Annual Medical Student-Run Mission Trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic.

Introduction There are more than 6,000 international medical mission trips that are conducted annually by United States medical teams. Successfully planning a medical mission trip relies on careful preparation. The objective of this study is to elucidate common chief concerns, diagnoses, and prescription patterns so that medical mission trip teams can effectively prepare for future medical mission trips in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, or similar international sites.

Prevalence and management of diabetes among the uninsured: A multicenter study in Tampa Bay, FL.

Aims: This study describes the prevalence and management of uninsured patients with diabetes in free clinics around the Tampa Bay area.

Methods: A retrospective chart review collected data from uninsured patients who visited nine free clinics from January 2016 to December 2017. The data included sociodemographics, chronic disease diagnoses and treatments, and social history.

Secondary prevention among uninsured stroke patients: A free clinic study.

Objectives: Free clinics manage a diversity of diseases among the uninsured. We sought to assess the medical management of stroke in a population of uninsured patients.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect chronic disease statistics from 6558 electronic medical records and paper charts at nine free clinics in Tampa, Florida, from January 2016 to December 2017.

Substance Use in Uninsured Cancer Survivors: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Free Clinics.

Introduction Substance use disorders occur in about 5% of the cancer population and can decrease treatment adherence, impede pain management, and undermine a cancer survivor's network of social support. Although current literature demonstrates substance use is associated with socioeconomic disparity, there is limited research on the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among uninsured cancer survivors in the United States. Our multicenter cross-sectional study describes the prevalence of substance use in uninsured cancer survivors in the Tampa Bay Area.