SMAD4 loss predicts worse overall and distant metastasis-free survival in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: In select patients, pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a local disease, yet there are no validated biomarkers to predict this behavior and who may benefit from aggressive local treatments. This study sought to determine if SMAD4 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4) messenger RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) expression is a robust method for predicting overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods: Utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), 322 patients with resected stage I-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified.

Updated Review: The Steroid Controversy for Management of Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a devastating event that can have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. While no definitive medical treatment exists, the role of methylprednisolone (MP) in the management of ASCI and other spinal cord pathologies has been investigated in depth; however, its use remains contentious. While MP initially showed promise in the efficacy of ASCI treatment, more recent studies have questioned its use citing numerous systemic adverse effects.