Robotic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians: a comparative propensity score analysis of perioperative outcomes.

Background: Compared to open pancreaticoduodenectomies (OPD), the robotic (RPD) approach decreases the rate of complication and the length of stay (LOS). However, it remains unknown if these benefits persist in octogenarians, who are at higher risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database was performed to identify patients aged 80 years or older who underwent PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2015-2021.

Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells.

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. These cells are activated by recognition of ligands and antigens on tumor cells. Cytokine therapies, such as IL-15, are also broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in patients with cancer.

Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells.

Background: NK cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. Their effector functions are induced by the recognition of ligands on tumor cells and by various cytokines. IL-15 is broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients.

Enhancing Readability of Online Patient-Facing Content: The Role of AI Chatbots in Improving Cancer Information Accessibility.

Background: Internet-based health education is increasingly vital in patient care. However, the readability of online information often exceeds the average reading level of the US population, limiting accessibility and comprehension. This study investigates the use of chatbot artificial intelligence to improve the readability of cancer-related patient-facing content.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy: A favorable approach for frail patients with pancreatic cancer.

Background: Within the past decade, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy has been increasingly adopted in high-volume cancer centers. Amid broader trends of a growing older population, the numbers of frail patients with cancer are expected to increase. In this study, we compared the postoperative outcomes of open pancreaticoduodenectomy and minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy in frail patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Patient outcomes associated with subcutaneous C1INH prophylaxis for hereditary angioedema: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Real-world data on subcutaneous C1INH (C1INH[SC]) usage and patient-level impacts on hereditary angioedema (HAE)-related outcomes and quality of life (QoL) are both lacking and challenging to generate using conventional study methodologies. Using a hybrid study design involving patient interviews supplemented by retrospective medical chart data review, we conducted a real-world assessment of the impact of C1INH(SC) prophylaxis on HAE attack patterns, QoL, and on-demand medication use.

Methods: The study was conducted at seven US sites and included 36 adults with HAE who had been treated with C1INH(SC) long-term prophylaxis following ≥ 12 months of on-demand management only.

Intensifying supportive care is associated with improved survival in gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites.

Background: Gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites often have poor functional status and malnutrition that preclude receipt of systemic therapies. Thus, these patients have a very poor prognosis. Beginning in 2019, our multidisciplinary gastric cancer disease-oriented team implemented a more aggressive supportive care plan for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Treatment and Minimally Invasive Surgery on Perioperative Outcomes of Pancreatoduodenectomy: an ACS NSQIP Analysis.

Background: There is an increasing use of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for pancreatic cancer (PC) followed by minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD). We evaluate the impact of the surgical approach on 30-day outcomes in PC patients who underwent NAT.

Methods: Patients with PC who had NAT followed by MIPD or open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) were identified from a pancreatectomy-targeted dataset (2014-2020) of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Cost Analysis and Financial Implications of a Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program in the USA.

Background: We aimed to describe the financial implications of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in the USA.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective cost analysis of 100 CRS/HIPEC procedures to examine the impact of patient and procedural factors on hospital costs and reimbursement. A comparison of surgeons' work relative value units (wRVUs) between CRS/HIPEC and a representative sample of complex surgical oncology procedures was made to assess the physicians' compensation rate.

Presence of underlying cirrhosis is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and length of stay following pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background: Patient- and hospital-level factors associated with outcomes following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are well established. However, despite theoretical disruption in hepatopetal flow, the impact of cirrhosis on in-hospital mortality following PD is not well-studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and post-discharge disposition in patients with cirrhosis undergoing PD.

Association of race, demographic and socioeconomic factors with failure to rescue after hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery in the United States.

Background: We aimed to describe the association of patient-related factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and insurance on failure to rescue (FTR) after hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeries.

Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed 98,788 elective HPB surgeries between 2004 and 2017. Major and minor complications were identified using ICD9/10 codes.

Defining Volume Targets for Regionalization of Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Esophagectomy, and Major Lung Resection Centers to Improve Oncologic and Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Performance of complex cancer surgeries at high-volume (HV) centers has been shown to reduce operative mortality. However, the case volume threshold that should be used to define HV centers is unknown. In this study, we determined thresholds to define HV pancreaticoduodenectomy, esophagectomy, and major lung resection centers based on clinical parameters.

Serum Interleukin 6 Level is Associated With Overall Survival and Treatment Response in Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer.

Objective: To identify novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers for gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G+GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

Background: There are few biomarkers to guide treatment for G+GEJ. The systemic inflammatory response of G+GEJ patients is associated with survival.

Factors associated with failure to operate and its impact on survival in early-stage pancreatic cancer.

Introduction: Curative intent for localized pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDAC]) requires surgery, but despite improved perioperative outcomes, surgery remains underutilized. This study analyzed the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) to identify resectable PDAC patients who underwent curative-intent surgery in Texas between 2004 and 2018. We then evaluated demographic and clinical factors associated with failure to operate and survival (OS).

Defining the Price Tag of Complications Following Pancreatic Surgery: A US National Perspective.

Introduction: Pancreatic surgery tends to have a high rate of postoperative complications due to its complex nature, significantly increasing hospital costs. Our aim was to describe the true association between complications and hospital costs in a national cohort of US patients.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was used to conduct a retrospective analysis of elective pancreatic resections performed between 2004 and 2017, categorizing them based on whether patients experienced major complications (MaC), minor complications (MiC), or no complications (NC).

A Study Design to Harmonize Patient-Reported Outcomes Across Data Sets.

Purpose: Using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provides important insights from the patient's perspective and can be valuable to monitor and manage treatment-related adverse events during cancer treatment. Additionally, the digital administration of PROs (electronic PROs [ePROs]) provides real-time updates to clinical care teams on treatment-related symptoms in-between clinic visits. However, given the variability in the methodology and timing of the data collection, using and harmonizing these data across different systems remains challenging.

ACTA2 Expression Predicts Survival and Is Associated with Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Gastric Cancer.

Purpose: We sought to identify biomarkers that predict overall survival (OS) and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for patients with gastric cancer.

Experimental Design: This was a retrospective study of multiple independent cohorts of patients with gastric cancer. The association between tumor ACTA2 expression and OS and ICI response were determined in patients whose tumors were analyzed with bulk mRNA sequencing.

Arid1a loss potentiates pancreatic β-cell regeneration through activation of EGF signaling.

The dynamic regulation of β-cell abundance is poorly understood. Since chromatin remodeling plays critical roles in liver regeneration, these mechanisms could be generally important for regeneration in other tissues. Here, we show that the ARID1A mammalian SWI/SNF complex subunit is a critical regulator of β-cell regeneration.

Variation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Patterns and Survival Across Geographic Regions in a Veteran Population.

Background: Veteran populations have five times the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with the general population. The incidence of HCC has increased in the Veteran's Affairs Health System (VAHS), primarily due to the increased prevalence of cirrhosis. This study aimed to characterize differences in treatment patterns and overall survival rates across the five VAHS geographic regions.