Nemvaleukin alfa, a modified interleukin-2 cytokine, as monotherapy and with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors (ARTISTRY-1).

Background: Nemvaleukin alfa (nemvaleukin, ALKS 4230) is a novel, engineered cytokine that selectively binds to the intermediate-affinity interleukin-2 receptor, preferentially activating CD8 T cells and natural killer cells, with minimal expansion of regulatory T cells, thereby mitigating the risk of toxicities associated with high-affinity interleukin-2 receptor activation. Clinical outcomes with nemvaleukin are unknown. ARTISTRY-1 investigated the safety, recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), and antitumor activity of nemvaleukin in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Objective performance indicators differ in obese and nonobese patients during robotic proctectomy.

Background: Robotic surgery is perceived to be more complex in obese patients. Objective performance indicators, machine learning-enabled metrics, can provide objective data regarding surgeon movements and robotic arm kinematics. In this feasibility study, we identified differences in objective performance indicators during robotic proctectomy in obese and nonobese patients.

Objective Performance Indicators During Robotic Right Colectomy Differ According to Surgeon Skill.

Introduction: Surgeon assessment tools are subjective and nonscalable. Objective performance indicators (OPIs), machine learning-enabled metrics recorded during robotic surgery, offer objective insights into surgeon movements and robotic arm kinematics. In this study, we identified OPIs that significantly differed across expert (EX), intermediate (IM), and novice (NV) surgeons during robotic right colectomy.

Objective performance indicators during specific steps of robotic right colectomy can differentiate surgeon expertise.

Background: Current surgical assessment tools are subjective and nonscalable. Objective performance indicators, calculated from robotic systems data, provide automated data regarding surgeon movements and robotic arm kinematics. We identified objective performance indicators that significantly differed among expert and trainee surgeons during specific steps of robotic right colectomy.

Management of a Complex Fistula Involving Abdominal Wall, Small Bowel, Colon, and Bladder.

Successful surgical management of a chronic complex abdominal fistula requires thoughtful pre-operative evaluation and planning and often benefits from a multi-disciplinary approach. Initially, attention is focused on controlling sepsis and ensuring adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement. Next, efforts to optimize nutrition and engage the patient in prehabilitation are prioritized.

Quantification of surgical workflow during robotic proctectomy.

Background: Surgical workflow assessments offer insight regarding procedure variability. We utilised an objective method to evaluate workflow during robotic proctectomy (RP).

Methods: We annotated 31 RPs and used Spearman's correlation to measure the correlation of step time and step visit frequency with console time (CT) and total operative time (TOT).

Quantification of Surgical Workflow during Robotic Proctectomy.

Aim: Assessments of surgical workflow offer insight regarding procedure variability, case complexity and surgeon proficiency. We utilize an objective method to evaluate step-by-step workflow and step transitions during robotic proctectomy (RP).

Methods: We annotated 31 RPs using a procedure-specific annotation card.

Ratio of Economy of Motion: A New Objective Performance Indicator to Assign Consoles During Dual-Console Robotic Proctectomy.

Background: Our group investigates objective performance indicators (OPIs) to analyze robotic colorectal surgery. Analyses of OPI data are difficult in dual-console procedures (DCPs) as there is currently no reliable, efficient, or scalable technique to assign console-specific OPIs during a DCP. We developed and validated a novel metric to assign tasks to appropriate surgeons during DCPs.

Robotic Proctectomy: Beyond the Initial Learning Curve.

Background: Multiple authors have described an initial learning curve (LC) for robotic proctectomy (RP), but there is scant literature regarding continued technical progression beyond this stage. Total operating time is the most commonly used metric to measure proficiency. Our goal was to examine RP experience after the initial LC looking for evidence of further technical progression.

Phase 1/2 study of epacadostat in combination with durvalumab in patients with metastatic solid tumors.

Background: Targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) pathways is an appealing option for cancer treatment.

Methods: The open-label, phase 1/2 ECHO-203 study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat in combination with durvalumab, a human anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody in adult patients with advanced solid tumors.

Results: The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (30.

Case report of surgical management of a locally invasive colostomy adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: This case report involves the presentation and management of a locally invasive adenocarcinoma at the site of a colostomy in a patient with multiple comorbidities and anatomic constraints.

Presentation Of Case: 63 year-old woman with a complicated medical and surgical history, including imperforate anus and permanent colostomy, who presented with a fungating mass at the site of her colostomy. Evaluation revealed a locally invasive adenocarcinoma requiring surgical management for symptom control and oncologic treatment.

Are current credentialing requirements for robotic surgery adequate to ensure surgeon proficiency?

Background: Robotic surgery has seen unprecedented growth, requiring hospitals to establish or update credentialing policies regarding this technology. Concerns about verification of robotic surgeon proficiency and the adequacy of current credentialing criteria to maintain patient safety have arisen. The aim of this project was to examine existing institutional credentialing requirements for robotic surgery and evaluate their adequacy in ensuring surgeon proficiency.

How robotics is changing and will change the field of colorectal surgery.

During the last decade there has been a significant upward trend in colon and rectal minimally invasive surgery which can be attributed largely to the acceptance of robotic surgery platforms such as the da Vinci robotic system. The fourth generation da Vinci system, introduced in 2014, includes integrated table motion, intelligent laser targeted docking and more sophisticated instrumentation and imaging. These developments have enabled more surgeons to efficiently and safely perform multi-quadrant operations.

Development of 2 Bromodomain and Extraterminal Inhibitors With Distinct Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profiles for the Treatment of Advanced Malignancies.

Purpose: Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are key epigenetic transcriptional regulators, inhibition of which may suppress oncogene expression. We report results from 2 independent first-in-human phase 1/2 dose-escalation and expansion, safety and tolerability studies of BET inhibitors INCB054329 (study INCB 54329-101; NCT02431260) and INCB057643 (study INCB 57643-101; NCT02711137).

Patients And Methods: Patients (≥18 years) with advanced malignancies, ≥1 prior therapy, and adequate organ functions received oral INCB054329 (monotherapy) or INCB057643 (monotherapy or in combination with standard-of-care) in 21-day cycles (or 28-day cycles depending on standard-of-care combination).

A Curious Case of Autoimmune Pancreatitis with IgG4-related Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is a novel entity that belongs to the immune-mediated fibroinflammatory class of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). IgG4-SC is noted to be one of the most frequent manifestations of extra-pancreatic disease among IgG4-RD, which is significantly different from primary SC (PSC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) as is evident in the varied approaches to treatment. IgG4-RD includes IgG4-SC and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

Robotic-assisted surgery for complicated and non-complicated diverticulitis: a single-surgeon case series.

Laparoscopic colectomy is the preferred approach for surgical management of non-complicated diverticulitis, with lower complication rates, shorter length of stay, and decreased narcotic use compared with open surgery. Complicated diverticulitis, characterized by abscess, fistula or stricture, is more difficult to manage with minimally invasive surgery, with reports of higher conversion rates, prolonged operative time, longer length of stay, and increased complication rates. The robotic platform may provide an alternative safe and feasible option for managing complicated diverticulitis with minimally invasive surgery.

A single surgeon's experience transitioning to robotic-assisted right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis.

Background: Despite substantial evidence demonstrating benefits of minimally invasive surgery, a large percentage of right colectomies are still performed via an open technique. Most laparoscopic right colectomies are completed as a hybrid procedure with extracorporeal anastomosis. As part of a pure minimally invasive procedure, intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) may confer additional benefits for patients.

Horseshoe abscesses and fistulas: how are we doing?

Background: Various surgical treatments exist for horseshoe abscesses and fistulae, including posterior midline sphincterotomy, catheter drainage, cutting and draining setons, and advancement flaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of patients treated for these complex anorectal problems.

Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with a diagnosis of horseshoe abscess, horseshoe fistula, postanal space abscess, or postanal space fistula from 1990 to 2001.

Do patients followed in anticoagulation clinics for antiphospholipid syndrome meet criteria for the disorder?

Although specific criteria for diagnosing the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) exist (the Sapporo Criteria), most physicians are not aware these include repeat testing and documentation of either a lupus anticoagulant or medium to high levels of anti-cardiolipin antibody. Incorrect diagnosis of APS may result in unnecessary long-term anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and serological characteristics of patients being treated for APS and concordance with published criteria.

Not all inflammation in the right lower quadrant is appendicitis: a case report of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with a review of the literature.

Although significant work has been presented on this subject in pediatric, infectious disease, and epidemiologic literature, there is a noteworthy lack of information on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in any surgical journals. As this disease can present with signs and symptoms often ascribed to the acute abdomen, it is imperative that the general surgeon, pediatric surgeon, and colorectal surgeon are all familiar with this infection and its clinical ramifications. A case report followed by a review of the literature is presented.

Pelvic outlet obstruction.

Despite the wide variety of definitions and descriptions of constipation, ideally, the diagnostic approach should be uniform. The evaluation process should begin with a careful and thorough patient history and physical exam; appropriate efforts should be made to exclude organic causes of constipation. Patients suffering from pelvic outlet obstruction often respond poorly to conservative treatment.

Isolated pulmonary recurrence after resection of colorectal hepatic metastases--is resection indicated?

Background: Resection of colorectal hepatic metastases is an accepted treatment modality for stage IV colorectal cancer. Concurrent or sequential pulmonary metastasectomy continues to be a controversial strategy. We analyzed factors that predicted pulmonary recurrence in patients with resected hepatic metastases and examined the efficacy of these combined interventions in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.