Publications by authors named "N Halpern"

Objectives: Medical cannabis is increasingly used by young patients with cancer. We aimed to describe the patterns and perceptions of medical cannabis use among young adults with cancer.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2021 and included patients aged 18-45 from the Department of Oncology at Sheba Medical Center, as well as participants from the Stop-Cancer social platform.

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Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) pose an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer with especially worse prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) improves outcomes in selected patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases. Little published data describes the outcomes of CRS/HIPEC in IBD patients.

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Background: Colorectal peritoneal metastases are a devastating consequence of colorectal cancer (CRC) with extremely poor prognosis. Patients that can undergo complete cytoreduction by cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) have a markedly improved overall survival. Traditionally, patients with extremely high peritoneal cancer index (PCI), PCI >20, are not offered CRS/HIPEC.

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Context: Efforts to reduce the psychological distress of surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients have had limited success, and some have even exacerbated distress.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of EMPOWER (Enhancing and Mobilizing the POtential for Wellness and Resilience), an ultra-brief (∼2-hour), 6-module manualized psychological intervention for surrogates.

Methods: Surrogates who reported significant anxiety and/or an emotionally close relationship with the patient (n=60) were randomized to receive EMPOWER or enhanced usual care (EUC) at one of three metropolitan hospitals.

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Background: This case series explores the management of respiratory failure in patients with large anterior tracheal thyroid tumors where tracheostomy is not an option. To our knowledge, this study is the first to address the challenges associated with caring for such patients.

Case Summary: We present the clinical courses of four intubated adults with advanced thyroid cancer and complex airway issues that preclude surgical tracheostomy.

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