Outcomes of extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy for induced oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer on novel systemic therapy.

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is often delivered in patients with oligometastatic disease (OMD). However, the specific subset of patients with polymetastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on novel systemic therapies who develop induced oligopersistant disease (OpersisD) or oligoprogressive disease (OprogD), as defined by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) OMD classification, has not been well described. This study explores the outcomes of patients treated with this strategy.

Multimodal Machine Learning for Prediction of 30-Day Readmission Risk in Elderly Population.

Background: Readmission within 30 days is a prevalent issue among elderly patients, linked to unfavorable health outcomes. Our objective was to develop and validate multimodal machine learning models for predicting 30-day readmission risk in elderly patients discharged from internal medicine departments.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study which included elderly patients aged 75 or older, who were hospitalized at the Hadassah Medical Center internal medicine departments between 2014 and 2020.

Effects of aquatic exercise program versus on-land exercise program on cancer-related fatigue, neuropathy, activity and participation, quality of life, and return to work for cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Exercise has shown positive effects on fatigue, exhaustion, neuropathy, and quality of life in cancer patients. While on-land exercises have been studied, the aquatic environment offers unique advantages. Water's density and viscosity provide resistance, enhancing muscle strength, while hydrostatic pressure improves venous return.

A clinical evaluation of an organ culture system to predict patient response to cancer therapy.

Introduction: organ cultures (EVOC) were recently optimized to sustain cancer tissue for 5 days with its complete microenvironment. We examined the ability of an EVOC platform to predict patient response to cancer therapy.

Methods: A multicenter, prospective, single-arm observational trial.

Clinical Characteristics, Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Poly (Adenosine Phosphate-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients Harboring BRCA Mutations.

The oncogenic role and clinical relevance of mutations in NSCLC remain unclear. We aim to evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with NSCLC harboring mutations treated at Hadassah Medical Center (HMC). We retrospectively assessed all patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) and were found to have pathogenic somatic mutations (p-BRCA).

Late life depression and concepts of aging: an emerging paradigm.

Late life depression (LLD) is an emerging challenge, and recognized as a significant barrier to long-term healthy aging. Viewed within the context of the medical/biological model, advances in brain sciences over the last several decades have led to a deeper understanding of the biology of LLD. These advances in current knowledge include the description of aging brain pathophysiology; the biology and biochemistry of neurotransmitters; the correspondence between changes in neurological structure, function, and neural network; the description of neural, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers; and identification of typical phenotypic subtypes of LLD.

Paclitaxel Delivery to the Brain for Glioblastoma Treatment.

The development of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of brain tumors was investigated. Poly(lactide-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing 10% / paclitaxel with a particle size of 216 nm were administered through intranasal and intravenous routes to male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Both routes of administration showed appreciable accumulation of paclitaxel in brain tissue, liver, and kidney without any sign of toxicity.

Comparing end-of-life care of hematologic malignancy versus solid tumor patients in a tertiary care center.

Objectives: To compare end-of-life (EOL) care for solid tumor and hematologic malignancy (HM) patients.

Methods: We collected data on the last 100 consecutive deceased HM and 100 consecutive deceased solid tumor patients who died prior to June 1st 2020, treated at a single center. We compared demographic parameters, cause of death as ascertained by review of medical records by two independent investigators, and EOL quality indicators including: place of death, use of chemotherapy or targeted/biologic treatment, emergency department visits as well as hospital, inpatient hospice and Intensive Care Unit admissions and the time spent as inpatient over the last 30 days of life; mechanical ventilation and use of blood products during the last 14 days of life.

Driver mutation characteristics of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: The identification and targeting of actionable genomic alterations (AGA) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer in general and mostly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated whether in NSCLC patients PIK3CA mutations are actionable.

Materials And Methods: Chart review was performed of advanced NSCLC patients.

Preclinical In-Vivo Safety of a Novel Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone-Loaded Biodegradable Nanoparticles After Intranasal Administration in Rats and Primates.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and TRH-like peptides carry a therapeutic potential for neurological conditions. Nanoparticles (NP) made of the biodegradable polymer, Poly(Sebacic Anhydride) (PSA), have been developed to carry TRH, intended for intranasal administration to patients. There is limited information on the safety of biodegradable polymers when given intranasally, and therefore, we have performed two preclinical safety and toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys and rats using TRH-PSA nanoparticles.

UNcommon EGFR Mutations: International Case Series on Efficacy of Osimertinib in Real-Life Practice in First-LiNe Setting (UNICORN).

Introduction: Approximately 10% of EGFR mutations (EGFRmuts) are uncommon (ucEGFRmuts). We aimed to collect real-world data about osimertinib for patients with ucEGFRmuts.

Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective study of ucEGFRmut (exon 20 insertions excluded) metastatic NSCLC treated with osimertinib as first EGFR inhibitor.

Liquid First Is "Solid" in Naïve Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Faster Turnaround Time With High Concordance to Solid Next-Generation Sequencing.

Purpose: Molecular profiling is crucial in naïve non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While tissue-based analysis is challenged by turnaround time and scarcity of tissue, there is increasing demand for liquid biopsy. We aimed to analyze the use of upfront liquid biopsy as a molecular profiling approach.

Breast Cancer with Low Recurrence Score on Oncotype DX: Interplay Between Early Recurrence, Lobular Histology and BRCA Mutation.

Introduction: The 21-gene recurrence score assay Oncotype DX (ODX) has clear prognostic and predictive value regarding adjuvant chemotherapy. However, recent studies have shown the clinical distinctiveness of both BRCA1/2-driven early breast cancer (EBC) and invasive lobular (ILC) breast cancers. We evaluated the association between BRCA1/2-driven EBC/ILC and Oncotype DX failure despite a recurrence score ≤ 20.

Peptide loaded polymeric nanoparticles by non-aqueous nanoprecipitation.

It is always a challenge to encapsulate water-soluble peptides in polymer nanoparticle (NP) systems. We establish and validate our newly developed non-aqueous nanoprecipitation method to encapsulate neuro-peptides drugs such as oxytocin and Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA) NPs. NPs were prepared by a solvent-antisolvent process under a strict anhydrous environment to obtain high drug loading and to avoid premature PSA degradation and drug release.

dNLR-Based Score Predicting Overall Survival Benefit for The Addition of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy to Pembrolizumab in Advanced NSCLC With PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score ≥50.

Introduction: Both pembrolizumab (P) as a monotherapy or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (PCT) represent standard first-line treatment options for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS)≥50%. No predictive biomarkers exist to guide treatment decisions.

Methods: 423 consecutive patients with EGFR/ALK/ROS1-wild-type PD-L1 TPS≥50% aNSCLC receiving P (n = 302) or PCT (n = 121) as a first-line treatment were identified in the electronic databases of 5 Israeli cancer centers.

Combined intracranial Acriflavine, temozolomide and radiation extends survival in a rat glioma model.

Glioblastomas have been historically difficult to treat with poor long-term survival. With novel strategies focused on targeting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulatory pathways, recent evidence has shown that Acriflavine (ACF) can effectively target glioma invasiveness and recurrence. However, local delivery of ACF and its combinatory effects with Temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (XRT) have not yet been optimized.

Assessment of Response to a Third Dose of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Patients With Solid Tumors Undergoing Active Treatment.

This cohort study evaluates the short-term humoral response to a third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in patients undergoing acute systemic therapy for solid tumors.

Informal caregivers of older Muslims diagnosed with cancer: A portrait of depression, social support, and faith.

Objective: Islamic population constitute more than 20% of the world population and is growing rapidly. Nevertheless, data concerning informal caregiving to older Muslim patients diagnosed with cancer are scarce. Improving the well-being of caregivers is a vital step to optimal care for the patients themselves throughout the Muslim community and the world.

Depression, hope and social support among older people with cancer: a comparison of Muslim Palestinian and Jewish Israeli cancer patients.

Objectives: Studies of depression in older Muslim Palestinians diagnosed with cancer are scarce. To gain insight into the psychological response and coping ability of this very large, globally distributed population, we collected data from older Muslim Palestinian people diagnosed with cancer concerning depression hope and perceived social support. Both hope and social support were selected because they can be manipulated through intervention and education, as shown in the geriatric literature.

Predictors of death at home among cancer patients in Israel: a population-based study.

Background: Most cancer patients prefer to die at home; however, many die in hospital. The aim of the current study is to elucidate the association between dying at home and various personal factors in the Israeli population of cancer patients.

Methods: Data on cancer incidence (2008-2015) and death (2008-2017) was provided by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics and the Israel National Cancer Registry.

Pembrolizumab as a monotherapy or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%: real-world data.

Both pembrolizumab (P) and combination of pembrolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy (PCT) represent standard 1-line options for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%. The two strategies have never been compared in a randomized trial. 256 consecutive patients with -wild-type PD-L1 TPS ≥50% aNSCLC receiving P (group P, n = 203) or PCT (group PCT, n = 53) as a 1-line treatment were identified in the electronic databases of 4 Israeli cancer centers.

[LONELINESS, FUNCTION AND LONGEVITY: THE JERUSALEM LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDY].

Aims: To assess the association between subjective loneliness among the elderly (whether an individual feels lonely) with functional status and longevity after adjustment for potential confounders.

Background: While objective measures of loneliness among older people have been found to be associated with functional decline and increased mortality, little is known concerning the relationship between subjective loneliness, function, morbidity and longevity.

Methods: Subjective loneliness, health variables, functional status and mortality were assessed through the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study (1990-2015), a prospective longitudinal study.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Thyroid Dysfunction Is Associated with Higher Body Mass Index.

Context: Obesity is a proinflammatory metabolic state that may play a role in the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Objective: To characterize the association between body mass index (BMI) and thyroid irAEs.

Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of 185 cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/L1 from January 2014 to December 2018.