To treat or not to treat: the role of adjuvant radioiodine therapy in thyroid cancer patients.

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is used in treatment of patients with differentiated papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. It is typically used after thyroidectomy, both as a means of imaging to detect residual thyroid tissue or metastatic disease, as well as a means of treatment by ablation if such tissue is found. In this paper, we discuss the indications for and the mechanisms of RAI in the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) as a safe alternative for the resection of pulmonary metastases: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: VATS has become a preferred method for benign surgical conditions, yet still remains controversial for malignancies. The purpose of this study was to review our results of pulmonary metastasectomies using both conventional open thoracotomy and VATS techniques.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of pulmonary metastasectomies performed from 1986 to 2006.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for resection of metastatic adenocarcinoma as an acceptable alternative.

Background: Adenocarcinomas commonly metastasize to the lungs and can be resected using open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study reviews metastatic resections in primary adenocarcinoma patients, using both thoracotomy and VATS. We aim to compare long-term prognoses to test the efficacy and viability of VATS.

Increased levels of catalase and cathepsin V/L2 but decreased TIMP-1 in keratoconus corneas: evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in this disorder.

Purpose: The mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsin V/L2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were determined in keratoconus and normal corneas. Protein levels or enzyme activities were analyzed when RNA levels were different.

Methods: A total of 25 physiologic (normal) and 32 keratoconus corneas were studied.