Systematic Review of the Comparative Studies of Image-guided Thermal Ablation, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Sublobar Resection for Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The Clinical Practice Standards Committee of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery assembled an expert panel and conducted a systematic review of the literature detailing studies directly comparing treatment options for high-risk patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A systematic search was performed to identify publications comparing outcomes following image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and sublobar resection-the main treatment options applicable to high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC. There were no publications detailing completed randomized controlled trials comparing these treatment options.

Systematic Review of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR)/ Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has emerged as an alternative, non-surgical treatment for high-risk patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with increased use over time. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Clinical Practice Standards Committee (CPSC) assembled an expert panel and conducted a systematic review of the literature evaluating the results of SABR, which is also referred to as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), prior to developing treatment recommendations for high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC based on expert consensus. Publications detailing the findings of 16 prospective studies of SABR and 14 retrospective studies of SABR for the management of early-stage lung cancer in 54 697 patients were identified by systematic review of the literature with further review by members of our expert panel.

Systematic Review of Sublobar Resection for Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Sublobar resection offers a parenchymal-sparing surgical alternative to lobectomy and includes wedge resection and segmentectomy. Sublobar resection has been historically utilized in high-risk patients with compromised lung function; however, the technique is becoming more prevalent for normal-risk patients with peripheral lung tumors < 2 cm. In this article, we summarize the technique of sublobar resection, the importance of surgical margins and lymph node sampling, patient selection, perioperative complications, outcomes, and the impact of sublobar resection on the quality of life.

Treatment Selection for the High-risk Patient with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Sublobar Resection, Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy or Image-guided Thermal Ablation?

Objective: A significant proportion of patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are considered at high risk for complications or mortality after lobectomy. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) previously published an expert consensus document detailing important considerations in determining who is at high risk. The current objective was to evaluate treatment options and important factors to consider during treatment selection for these high-risk patients.

Systematic Review of Image-guided Thermal Ablation for Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) applied to pulmonary pathology is an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its application to lung neoplasm was first introduced in 2001 and has been implemented to treat metastatic disease to the lung or in select medically inoperable patients with peripheral stage I NSCLC. IGTA may also be an alternative to treat stage I NSCLC in non-operable patients with interstitial lung disease in whom a radiation modality is deemed too high risk.

The Importance of Pulmonary Nodule Features in the Selection of Treatment for the High-risk Patient with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Objective: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Clinical Practice Standards Committee (CPSC) previously published important considerations in determining who is at high risk for complications or mortality after lobectomy. Sublobar resection, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, or image-guided thermal ablation is typically considered when the risks associated with lobectomy are high. The current objective was to evaluate important lung-nodule-related factors to consider during treatment selection for high-risk patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Navigating the "First Gastroenterology Job" Search for American and International Medical Graduates.

GI fellowships do not mandate curricula in career development. Often, fellows resort to peer mentorship for guidance. Fellows should recognize that the path to a successful career varies greatly based on how one defines and measures success.

Part II: Contract Negotiation and Job Preparation-The Gastroenterology Perspective.

GI fellowships do not mandate curricula in career development. Often, fellows resort to peer mentorship for guidance. Fellows should recognize that the path to a successful career varies greatly based on how one defines and measures success.

Indications for Intestinal Transplantation.

Outcomes for patients with chronic intestinal failure have improved with organization of experts into multidisciplinary teams delivering care in intestinal rehabilitation programs. There have been improvements in understanding of intestinal failure complications as well as development of newer therapies that have amplified the improvements in survival. In spite of this encouraging trend, patients who fail PN are often referred too late for intestinal transplantation.

Definition and assessment of high risk in patients considered for lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery expert panel consensus document.

Objective: Lobectomy is a standard treatment for stage I non-small cell lung cancer, but a significant proportion of patients are considered at high risk for complications, including mortality, after lobectomy and might not be candidates. Identifying who is at risk is important and in evolution. The objective of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Practice Standards Committee expert panel was to review important considerations and factors in assessing who is at high risk among patients considered for lobectomy.

Mobile Mammography Participation Among Medically Underserved Women: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Although breast cancer deaths have declined, the mortality rate among women from medically underserved communities is disproportionally high. Screening mammography is the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer in its early stages, yet many women from medically underserved communities do not have adequate access to screening mammograms. Mobile mammography may be able to bridge this gap by providing screening mammograms at no cost or low cost and delivering services to women in their own neighborhoods, thus eliminating cost and transportation barriers.

Leukocyte Anti-Trafficking Strategies: Current Status and Future Directions.

Background: In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a pivotal step in the initiation and perpetuation of mucosal inflammation entails the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes to the gut. Understanding the carefully coordinated series of molecular events that culminate in the recruitment of leukocytes to the gut has resulted in novel interventions with new capabilities in treating both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Key Messages: Natalizumab, an anti-α4 integrin antibody, was the first agent to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach for the induction and maintenance of response and remission in Crohn's disease.