Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care in Africa and Quality of Life, Symptoms, Patient Experience, and Caregiver Distress Among Patients With Cancer.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care (ECHO-PC; ECHO Model-Based comprehensive educational and telementoring intervention) for health care professionals (HCPs) and change in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]) among patients with advanced cancer. We also examined the association between ECHO-PC and changes in symptom distress (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), patient experience and satisfaction, and caregiver distress scores.

Methods: ECHO-PC Clinic sessions were conducted twice a month for 1 year by an interdisciplinary team of PC clinicians at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with participation of experts in PC in sub-Saharan Africa, using standardized curriculum on the basis of PC needs in the region.

Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) in the treatment of rectal cancer: current practice and evolving approaches in India.

Background: The introduction of total mesorectal excision improved locoregional control for rectal adenocarcinoma significantly. Standardisation of the technique of LPLND is lacking in literature.

Methods: We describe the current practices of case selection and technical details of lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer.

Urethra-sparing prostate cancer radiotherapy: Current practices and future insights from an international survey.

Purpose: In prostate cancer patients, high radiation doses to the urethra have been associated with an increased risk of severe genitourinary toxicity following dose-escalated radiotherapy. Urethra-sparing techniques have emerged as a promising approach to reduce urinary toxicity. This international survey aims to evaluate current global practices in urethra-sparing and explore future directions for the implementation of this technique in external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer.

Palliative Care Needs in Adult Patients with Acute Leukemia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Acute leukemia (AL) affects patients' well-being and inflicts substantial symptom burden. We evaluated palliative care needs and symptom burden in adult patients with AL from diagnosis through fourth week of induction chemotherapy. Newly diagnosed adult patients with AL scheduled for curative-intent treatments, prospectively completed Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia questionnaire at diagnosis and postinduction therapy.

« Augmented radiotherapy » in the management of high-risk prostate cancer (PCa): A systematic review.

Background: In patients with high-risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), intensification with androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) improves overall survival (OS), at the cost of significant side-effects. We hypothesized that "augmented RT" schedules (defined as either dose-escalation on the prostate gland over 78 Gy and/or addition of whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT)), combined with long-term ADT can reach excellent prostate cancer specific survival (PCSS) in this population with little detrimental impact on quality of life.

Methods: We searched Pubmed database until February 8, 2024.

Aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (ASCOLT): an international, multicentre, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Aspirin is a simple, globally available medication that has been shown to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aspirin in the secondary prevention of colorectal cancer.

Methods: This phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 66 centres across 11 countries and territories (ten in Asia-Pacific; one in the Middle East).

Learning curve and proficiency assessment for gynecological brachytherapy amongst radiation oncology trainees in India: Results from a prospective study.

Purpose: The quality of cervical cancer intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) depends on the training and experience of the radiation oncologist (RO). The present study was performed to establish primary learning curve for ICBT.

Materials And Methods: Forty-three skill parameters were identified for performing ICBT and were included for Brachytherapy Proficiency Assessment and Scoring System (Brachy-PASS) questionnaire.

Intrathecal pemetrexed in NSCLC patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.

Spread of lung cancer to the leptomeninges is rare and difficult to treat. Standard therapy comprises CNS-penetrant targeted agents with or without intrathecal chemotherapy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 16 patients with advanced NSCLC and leptomeningeal disease treated with intrathecal pemetrexed 50 mg.

Impact of Local Extent of Tumor on the Survival Outcomes for Surgically Treated Tongue Cancers.

Background: The current classification of tongue cancers does not discriminate stages based on factors of local spread.

Aim: Integrating factors of local spread that impact disease-specific survival (DSS) in a modified classification to improve prognostication compared with the current staging.

Method: This was a retrospective analysis of 399 previously untreated oral tongue squamous carcinomas operated between 2016 and 2018.

Evidence-Based De-Escalation of Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Advancements in cancer care have significantly extended the life expectancy of rectal cancer patients and the impact of treatment-related toxicity on long-term quality of life has become a crucial factor in determining the most suitable type of neoadjuvant therapy, particularly for patients who are likely to undergo surgery. While radiotherapy has traditionally been regarded as the cornerstone for achieving improved local control in rectal cancer, it is accompanied by a range of associated complications, including bowel and bladder dysfunction, gonadal ablation, and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. De-escalation of treatment is undoubtedly beneficial for many patients, and this approach should be tailored to consider their expectations while prioritizing patient care in decision-making.

INDEPSO-ISPSM consensus on peritoneal malignancies - Enhanced recovery after surgery in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with/without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Background: The role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in cytoreductive surgery and/or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy HIPEC) is evolving, with promising results that improve patient outcomes. This consensus exercise was carried out to address and standardize components of the ERAS protocol pertinent to the Indian context.

Method: The modified Delphi method was employed with two rounds of voting.

Usefulness of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Clinical Decision-Making in Oncology: A Systematic Review.

Biologic factors limiting responsiveness to matched targeted therapies include genomic heterogeneity and complexity. Advanced tumors with unique molecular profiles can be studied by comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and enhance patient outcomes using principles of precision medicine. The clinical utility of CGP across all cancer types and different therapeutic interventions using overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) data was studied in this systematic literature review.

Comprehensive Guide to Randomized Controlled Trials in Radiology: Everything You Need to Know.

Evidence-based medicine integrates clinical research, personal expertise, and patient values. The most robust forms of clinical evidence, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies, provide the strongest support for medical decision-making. RCTs are vital in radiology for evaluating new imaging technologies, contrast agents, and therapeutic procedures, despite challenges in translating preclinical findings to clinical practice.

Primary Liver Rhabdomyosarcoma with Burnt-out Paravertebral Disease.

Less than 20 cases of primary hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma have been reported in literature. The authors present this occurrence in a neonate with paravertebral and peritoneal disease. Histopathology was the solution to authors' diagnostic dilemma.

Radiation Safety Assessment of 177Lu-DOTATATE Intra-arterial Peptide Receptor Therapy (PRRT).

Objective: Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor therapy (PRRT) is an established treatment for patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumors. In the last few years, intra-arterial PRRT is being considered for patients having liver metastatic disease predominantly. The aim of our study is to measure the radiation doses received by the treating intervention radiologists involved in intra-arterial PRRT treatment using Lu-DOTATATE.

Classification of schwannomas and the new naming convention for "neurofibromatosis-2": Genetic updates and international consensus recommendation.

Despite their similar nomenclature, Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and "Neurofibromatosis type 2" are discrete and clinically distinguishable entities. The name of "neurofibromatosis type 2" has been changed to NF2-related schwannomatosis, to reflect the fact that neurofibromas do not occur in this syndrome and therefore the name "Neurofibromatosis" is factually incorrect. Furthermore, multiple schwannomas, a hallmark feature of NF2, can also occur in patients with mutations in genes including SMARCB1 and LZTR1, all exhibiting overlapping clinical features.

Comparative analysis of EGFR mutations in circulating tumor DNA and primary tumor tissues from lung cancer patients using BEAMing PCR.

In this study, we measured human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in both tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by using beads, emulsions, amplifications and magnetic polymerase chain reaction (BEAMing PCR). Noninvasive mutation detection by assessing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers many advantages over tumor biopsy. One hundred non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were enrolled, and both preoperative plasma samples and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were collected for the study.

Cost effectiveness of obstructive sleep apnea therapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cost utility studies.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of nocturnal breathing cessation resulting from upper airway collapse. Given the absence of a comprehensive review of the cost-effectiveness of OSA treatments, we undertook an extensive systematic review and meta-analysis to calculate the pooled incremental net benefit (INBp).

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Tufts cost-effectiveness analysis registry was conducted.

Prevalence of Mutations in Patients With Resected Stage I to III Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results of India Cohort.

Purpose: The spectrum of is inadequately researched in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in India. EARLY-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) India (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04742192), as part of a noninterventional, real-world global study, evaluated the prevalence of mutations in early-stage NSCLC in India.

A Core Outcome Set for Adult General ICU Patients.

Objectives: Randomized clinical trials informing clinical practice (e.g., like large, pragmatic, and late-phase trials) should ideally mostly use harmonized outcomes that are important to patients, family members, clinicians, and researchers.