Sarcopenia supersedes subjective global assessment as a predictor of survival in colorectal cancer.

Background: Sarcopenia, the presence of skeletal muscle mass depletion, can be objectively quantified, whereas subjective global assessment (SGA) is a widely utilized subjective instrument to assess nutritional status. Both the presence of sarcopenia and SGA-assessed malnutrition, in isolation, have been shown to be associated with worse overall survival in a wide range of cancers. However, there is no research evaluating the independent prognostic significance of both the presence of sarcopenia and malnutrition as part of the same analysis.

Incidence of and factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients with advanced solid tumors on home parenteral nutrition managed using a standardized catheter care protocol.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as increased medical costs. Cancer patients, who are often immunocompromised, are susceptible to CRBSI while receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We evaluated the incidence of and factors associated with CRBSIs in cancer patients undergoing HPN managed using a standardized catheter care protocol.

Large Bowel Obstruction following Endoscopic Spray Cryotherapy for Palliation of Rectal Cancer Bleeding.

We report a unique case of a 79-year-old woman with metastatic rectal cancer who developed bowel obstruction following endoscopic cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen for palliation of bleeding in the rectum. She developed abdominal distention and pain following the procedure. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a paraumbilical hernia containing a segment of transverse colon resulting in partial bowel obstruction.

#PlasticSurgery.

Background: Social media use is growing inexorably, and there is public appetite for evidence-based information. Little is known about engagement by plastic surgeons with social media. The aim of this study was to examine posting about plastic surgery on Twitter, to best inform how board-certified plastic surgeons could use the hashtag #PlasticSurgery as a tool to educate patients and the public.

Adult-onset Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the tongue: case report and review of the literature.

We present here a very rare clinical case of a 38-year-old man with Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (khe) of the tongue who presented to our institution with a growth under the left side of the tongue with no pain or discomfort. There were no enlarged lymph nodes and no significant neurologic findings. Diagnostic histopathology confirmed the lesion to be khe.

Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine as Indicators of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency in Cancer.

Background/aims: Normal or high serum vitamin B-12 levels can sometimes be seen in a B-12 deficient state, and can therefore be misleading. High levels of Methymalonic Acid (MMA) and Homocysteine (HC) have been identified as better indicators of B-12 deficiency than the actual serum B-12 level itself. We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency using appropriate cut-off levels of vitamin B-12, MMA and HC, and determined the relationship between serum levels of vitamin B-12, MMA and HC in cancer.

The relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and survival in newly diagnosed advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Background: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the major circulating form of vitamin D used for evaluating the vitamin D status of patients, has been associated with survival in a variety of cancers with conflicting evidence. We aimed to investigate this association in newly diagnosed advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods: This was a consecutive cohort of 359 newly diagnosed stages III-IV NSCLC patients who underwent a baseline serum 25(OH)D evaluation prior to receiving any treatment at our institution between January 2008 and December 2010.

Defining the survival benchmark for breast cancer patients with systemic relapse.

Background: Our original paper, published in 1992, reported a median overall survival after first relapse in breast cancer of 26 months. The current retrospective review concentrates more specifically on patients with first systemic relapse, recognizing that subsets of patients with local recurrence are potentially curable.

Methods: Records of 5,168 patients from a largely breast-cancer-specific oncology practice were reviewed to identify breast cancer patients with their first relapse between 1996 and 2006 after primary treatment.

Outcomes of systematic nutritional assessment and medical nutrition therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Objectives: We investigated the nutritional and survival outcomes of medical nutrition therapy by a registered dietitian, along with support from a dedicated nutrition and metabolic support team in pancreatic cancer patients requiring enteral or parenteral nutrition.

Methods: Subjective global assessment (SGA) was used to assess nutritional status in 304 pancreatic cancer patients. Using baseline and last SGA, patients were categorized into 3 groups: improved SGA, deteriorated SGA, and unchanged SGA.

The association between pre-treatment serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and survival in newly diagnosed stage IV prostate cancer.

Background/aims: Emerging evidence in the literature suggests a positive association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], a standard indicator of vitamin D status, and survival in certain types of cancer. We investigated this relationship in newly diagnosed stage IV prostate cancer patients.

Methods: A consecutive cohort of 125 newly diagnosed stage IV prostate cancer patients underwent a baseline serum 25(OH)D evaluation prior to receiving any treatment at our institution between January 2008 and December 2011.

A longitudinal study investigating quality of life and nutritional outcomes in advanced cancer patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Background: In cancer patients where gastrointestinal function is marginal and malnutrition significant enough to result in the requirement for intensive nutrition support, parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated. This longitudinal study examined the quality of life (QoL) and nutritional outcomes in advanced cancer patients receiving home PN (HPN).

Methods: Fifty-two adult cancer patients (21 males, 31 females, average age 53 years) treated at a specialized cancer facility between April 2009 and November 2011 met criteria.

Can quality of life assessments differentiate heterogeneous cancer patients?

Purpose: This research conducted a face validation study of patient responses to the application of an HRQOL assessment research tool in a comprehensive community cancer program setting across a heterogeneous cohort of cancer patients throughout the natural history of diagnosed malignant disease, many of whom would not be considered candidates for clinical research trial participation.

Methods: Cancer registries at two regional cancer treatment centers identified 11072 cancer patients over a period of nine years. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was administered to patients at the time of their initial clinical presentation to these centers.

Value of an intraoperative real time tissue perfusion assessment system following a nipple-sparing radical mastectomy for advanced breast cancer.

Introduction: Standard surgical approach for advanced breast cancer is a modified radical mastectomy with a periareolar elliptical incision. Here a unique surgical approach is presented utilizing intraoperative real time tissue perfusion technology.

Presentation Of Case: A 65-year old African American female was diagnosed with grade 3 papillary carcinoma on biopsy of a palpable 3.

The relationship between baseline nutritional status with subsequent parenteral nutrition and clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Background: The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a promising treatment option for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This retrospective study investigated the relationship between baseline nutritional assessment with subsequent parenteral nutritional (PN) and clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC.

Methods: A consecutive series of 60 patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at our institution between January 2009 and May 2011.

Effect of naturopathic and nutritional supplement treatment on tumor response, control, and recurrence in patients with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy.

Objectives: Use of naturopathic and nutritional supplements (NNS) with antioxidant activity is controversial in patients receiving radiation therapy. The effects of concomitant use of NNS with antioxidant activity during radiation therapy for prostate cancer were investigated in terms of clinical tumor responsiveness, kinetics, and durability.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective investigation was done of 134 patients treated with curative intent for limited-stage prostate cancer by radiation therapy.

Colon carcinoma with unusual metastasis to the esophagus manifesting as multiple nodules and Dysphagia: management with systemic chemotherapy.

We present here the rare clinical case of a 44-year-old gentleman with metastasis from colon carcinoma to the esophagus presenting with multiple nodules and dysphagia, which was successfully managed with systemic chemotherapy. The patient presented at our institution with 3-month history of dysphagia almost 4 years after being operated for stage III carcinoma in the sigmoid colon. Endoscopic findings showed multiple nodules at the gastroesophageal junction and mid esophagus.

Beliefs and perceptions of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who refused conventional treatment in favor of alternative therapies.

Purpose: Although breast cancer is a highly treatable disease, some women reject conventional treatment opting for unproven "alternative therapy" that may contribute to poor health outcomes. This study sought to understand why some women make this decision and to identify messages that might lead to greater acceptance of evidence-based treatment.

Patients And Methods: This study explored treatment decision making through in-depth interviews with 60 breast cancer patients identified by their treating oncologists.

Association between changes in quality of life scores and survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

In patients with advanced cancer, quality of life is as meaningful to patients as the actual length of life. We investigated whether changes in quality of life could predict survival in non-small cell lung cancer. Quality of life was evaluated using EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire).

Role of nutritional status in predicting the length of stay in cancer: a systematic review of the epidemiological literature.

Background: Length of stay (LOS) has been used as a surrogate marker for patients' well-being during hospital treatment. We systematically reviewed all pertinent literature on the role of nutritional status in predicting LOS in cancer.

Methods: A systematic search of human studies published in English was conducted using the MEDLINE data base (all articles published as of December 2010).

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube occlusion in malignant peritoneal carcinomatosis-induced bowel obstruction.

Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement for decompression in advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis with bowel obstruction is a safe and feasible palliative procedure. We describe a rare, previously unreported phenomenon of PEG tube occlusion by gastric mucosal herniation.

Methods: A consecutive case series of 73 patients with advanced abdominal carcinomatosis-induced bowel obstruction from January 2007 to June 2010.

Renal cell carcinoma with unusual metastasis to the small intestine manifesting as extensive polyposis: successful management with intraoperative therapeutic endoscopy.

We present here a rare clinical case of a 53-year-old gentleman with metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the small intestine presenting with extensive polyposis and massive gastrointestinal bleeding which was successfully managed with intraoperative endoscopic polypectomy and segmental small bowel resection. The patient presented with melena 2 weeks after right nephrectomy for RCC. Capsule endoscopy found extensive polyposis throughout the small bowel, and the histological features confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic RCC.

The prognostic role of quality of life assessment in breast cancer.

While the use of quality of life (QoL) assessments has been increasing in oncology, few studies have examined the prognostic significance of QoL in breast cancer. We investigated the association between QoL at presentation and survival in breast cancer. We examined 1,511 breast cancer patients treated at two single-system cancer centers between January 2001 and December 2008.

Quality of life assessment as a predictor of survival in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: There are conflicting and inconsistent results in the literature on the prognostic role of quality of life (QoL) in cancer. We investigated whether QoL at admission could predict survival in lung cancer patients.

Methods: The study population consisted of 1194 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated at our institution between Jan 2001 and Dec 2008.